Skip to main content

Healing Power of Hugs

Jan 31, 2025 09:27AM ● By Marlaina Donato
Men sharing a hug

Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels/CanvaPro

“I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words,” wrote American novelist Ann Hood, and her words ring true for many of us. When in the arms of a loved one, we share the heartbeat of the present moment. Spiritual traditions provide manifold forms of meditative practices, but embracing another human being might be the most enjoyable way to achieve a deep state of calm and mindfulness.

Hugs can mark beginnings, tethering two lives in committed union, or they can punctuate endings when we say goodbye. Whether we receive solace when we are sick or grieving, allowing someone to gather us in their safe embrace is strong medicine.

Science tells us that hugging tames our stress response, bolsters the immune system and helps children to better cope with life later in adulthood. Our arms are energetic extensions of the heart, and welcoming someone into a circle of security is the body’s act of prayer, engaging the emotions and soothing the soul. 

Despite all the good a hug might offer, past trauma or inhibition can prevent us from benefiting from this human need for touch. Asking someone, “May I give you a hug?” is a good place to begin, and so, too, making the decision to receive someone else’s affectionate gesture. For those without loved ones nearby, therapeutic massage, playing with a pet or clutching a favorite stuffed animal can kick off a similar cascade of feel-good chemicals when we are overwhelmed.

Hugging can be part of our daily spiritual wellness, an investment that goes beyond ourselves and into the world, one embrace at a time. Here are a few ideas to get the ripple effect going: 

  • Hug your partner without sexual agenda and connect heart-to-heart.
  • Hug your child during happy times, not only on challenging days.
  • Ask for a hug; initiation is a sign of strength, not neediness.
  • Hold a hug for at least 20 seconds.
 

Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodsmoke.com.


Related Articles:

pAugust de Richelieu from PexelsCanvaProbrp

The Magic of Hugs

Through the ages, various substances and lifestyle changes have been touted as panaceas, but even in our modern world there is one unexpected soul-elixir that might rival the others—the h... Read More » 

 

plissa93Shutterstockcombrp

Love in the Present Moment: Mindfulness for Couples

Consider the gift of mindfulness this Valentine’s Day and every day to expand and strengthen your intimate relationships. Read More » 

 

prostock-studioAdobeStockcom

Mothering the World

Tending to what we love can yield great things, but we must not forget our own needs. Read More » 

 

prostock-studioAdobeStockcom

Mothering the World

Tending to what we love can yield great things, but we must not forget our own needs. Read More » 

 

In-Print, Inspiration National Content February 2025

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook