Not only do we miss hugs, we need them.
Physical affection reduces stress by calming our sympathetic nervous system, which during times of worry releases damaging stress hormones into our bodies. In one series of studies, just holding hands with a loved one reduced the distress of an electric shock.
“Humans have brain pathways that are specifically dedicated to detecting affectionate touch,” says Johannes Eichstaedt, a computational social scientist and psychology professor at Stanford University. “Affectionate touch is how our biological systems communicate to one another that we are safe, that we are loved, and that we are not alone.”
So as I was reading through the news I found this in the New York Times. These two paragraphs affirmed what I have been thinking as I think of those who are isolated from their loved ones. And a hug is a two way conversation.
When I was little I got plenty of hugs. At night I hugged one of many stuffed animals who were my snuggle buddies. I would, each night, assign my dolls and animals in order to how much I wanted to hug them at positions on my left or right. It was a complicated process.
Right now my most favorite, Flossie, is in a box in the storage unit. That freaks me out a bit.
So perhaps what we all need is somebody or something to hug. Pressed right there…over your heart…we all need somebody to hug…
God abides with you
bobbie giltz mcgarey
7.5.2020
The Spirit Will Tell You 