Of all of life’s simple pleasures, I can’t think of anything that beats a hug.  A hug is free, contains no calories or added sweeteners, is allergen and GMO free, does not deplete the planet’s resources, allows for creativity (to a degree, … ok, maybe not too much), and promotes well-being.  Whether you have allergies, are vegan, vegetarian, or not, and/or live on lower funds accumulation, a Hugfest is all-inclusive.  Our thanks go out to Sayer, who has organized Hugfests in Spokane, Washington for the last couple of years, and sent us a packet of Hugfest buttons to promote “… the value of spontaneous hugs in everyone’s life.”.  Sayer also sent us an instruction sheet for how to give a great hug.  We are very happy to share the information with you as everyone loves a great hug.

How To Give a Great Hug

It starts with asking for a great hug, and practicing meeting the other’s level of commitment in the hug.  Then be sure to:

1.     Make eye contact

2.     Smile

3.     Square shoulders & open arms

·       Right arm up

·       Left arm low

4.     Come together with equal speed & energy.  Mirror the level of the other hugger in:

·       Excitement

·       Grief/Celebration

·       Love/Friendliness

·       Peace

·       Gentleness/Aggressiveness

·       Softness/Strength

5.     Embrace & release evenly   (giving the other their personal space and their power back, as appropriate)

6.     Laugh, smile, shout, sigh, make more eye contact, and say something nice

7.     Repeat with all that are willing  (1,2,3,4,5 … ∞).

We would love to hear about Hugfests around the country.  Please write in and let us know if you have been inspired by Sayer’s example.   And thank you all for spreading the bliss.