I like hugging, it's a great feeling and I'm quite good at it, but I don't get to do it very often, only in Biodanza once a week. I realize that, even in a tropical nation like Venezuela, most people shy away from physical contact, especially men; I'm glad that I don't have such limitations. Being hugged and hugging are just awesome, especially those long, gentle hugs involving caresses and kisses. I'm really good at it and I wish to do it more. Even my sisters aren't that keen on hugging, both cause and consequence of their emotional disgregation.
Personally, I think that even the most simple forms of physical contact like handshakes and holding hands are essential for human connection. The human body is an electrical and magnetic machine and, while our energy constantly interacts regardless of distance, touch is the most effective means of establishing a circuit, among other things, for the purposes of improving empathy. The thing is that it demands a capacity for vulnerability to be open enough for effective, loving physical contact, so shame is a huge deterrent; ironically, if unassuming, kind physicality was more common, a lot of our worst issues like traumas and resentments would be way easier to deal with.
We don't just process our own inner worlds, we process everything around us. Even the best boundaries can't hold back the emotions and vibrations of our environment, only the capacity to let go liberates us from the burden of ambient anger, sorrow and spite. It's futile to try and be unfeeling, unperceiving rocks laid in the middle of the river, we still get wet to the core and the river still sweeps us downstream. We can, however, surrender to the current and accept the water's caress. This is what I feel when I hug others, especially in the context of ceremonies, rituals or dances, where open contact is encouraged and enjoyed; I may weep on someone's shoulder or feel their tears on mine, I may laugh or sigh and likewise experience their breath on my cheek and neck. I can sense their troubles and and their excitement for life, and they mine. I can let go in their embrace and so can they in mine.
This ease of openness has allowed me great effectiveness when navigating the world. I don't get attached to any feeling anymore, the strongest sensations, be them desirable or not, are passing, ephemeral, though I can choose to solidify them if I want to. This week, for instance, after reading a few chapters of a novel I finished last night, I felt the strong desire to renew my vows of service as I've done so many times before. I decreed my surrender to the Universe and to the Supreme Consciousness, my full acceptance of Divine Will. I asked once again for understanding of all languages and sciences, overt or covert, so that I can fulfill my Dharma better and better, so that everyone and everything around me is improved by my mere presence. Yesterday, part of this prayer manifested in a Biodanza about sublimity where I got to hug people that I've come to respect and care for very much. I'm certain the experience of proximity and intimacy will only increase as the days go by.
Hugs, kisses, caresses, handshakes, looks, they're expressions of love, they all heal our humanity and preserve our sense of self, as well as revealing the ties that keep our collective consciousness fresh and flowing, especially if we combine them with joint movement. My heart calls me to offer them to everyone I meet now, to take full advantage of the honesty that I've developed over the years. My arms are willing and able to support others, to bring comfort and consolation, to spread joy. I've prepared my hands to weave wonderful realities and my voice is ready to tell stories of beauty.
Warmth, my friends! Our bodies demand greater warmth. We crave union and companionship, we're built and wired to be conscious constellations, we do much better together than on our own.
