H.U.G.S. = Helping us Grow Spiritually

According to the Spiritual Science Research Foundation, the use of touch enhances the transfer of spiritual or subtle-energies up to 100%, when compared to a greeting that does not involve touch. Though the study includes research on the transference of  negative energy, I feel that we all possess some amount of positive energy located in our chakras. It is a constant struggle to bring these energy centers into balance, however, it can be achieved with awareness and focus.

Since yoga means to yoke, yoke with the divine, i.e., the divinity within each one of us, we can use this practice along with meditation to bring spiritual balance, enlightenment, nirvana, etc. Hugging someone you care about or even as a gesture to someone you just met can quite admittedly serve as a spiritual gift. 

Why not hug someone now? By doing so we release our oxytocin, which helps us navigate our world of complex social relationships by rewarding positive social behavior with feelings of contentment and relaxation. Physical touch stimulates the most potent release of oxytocin.

A study by Grewin, Girdler, Amico and Light at the University of North Carolina's department of psychiatry reported  that oxytocin is one factor which gives marriage its beneficial effects by calming distress. Perhaps the increased level of oxytocin explains why married couples live longer.

Married or not, we can all benefit from this release and create an even spiritual experience. So, don't forget to hug someone today and tomorrow and the next day... you'll be glad you did.

Hugs!
MJ