the art of a hug

have you ever just needed a hug. not even a want, it was a need. you needed it so bad that you prayed God came down from heaven just to wrap his arms around you? i know exactly how that feels. i was writing today and i said to myself “i wish i could split in half and give myself a hug.” just replaying that back in my brain feels so deep and twisted. split in half? i wouldn’t even be whole, i would be two halfs hugging eachother. i think i meant duplicate but i did say split. i think that said a lot about how i was feeling. wanting comfort but at the same time being that comfort for myself. i knew i couldn’t be there as one whole for myself but i still wanted to show up. i never realized how much hugs can help until i craved a hug at my lowest moment. it could’ve been from a complete stranger. science says that hugs release dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. these chemicals can give you a sense of connection, relaxation and pleasure. hugs scientifically ground you. isn’t that so beautiful? i remember one time i saw this girl at the store, she was probably in her teens. im in my adult teens so it wasn’t weird in anyway. she was crying and just standing at the front of the store. obviously very distressed and upset; i felt for her. at the time i was going through my last hip surgery and i was literally walking around on crutches. i was not physically fit to approach someone but i ended up doing it. i couldn’t be like the last ten people who just walked by her and ignored her. anyway, i approached her and talked to her for a bit and she assured me that she was okay. she wasn’t okay but isnt that what every stranger says to each other? you walk up to the cashier and they say “how are you” you say “im good how are you?” that is strangers explained in one interaction. anyway back to my story. i then say to her “are you sure?” she says yes. i then say “do you need a hug?” and she said “yes,” mind you, im literally standing there leaning on my crutches. even though she agreed to needing a hug, i needed it as well. that memory will always stick with me. hug people, its good for you. no matter what you are going through or even if you aren’t going through anything, a hug will scientifically be rewarding for you.