I was just sent an email from my favorite cousin, actually one of my favorite people in the world, and now I need to share it with the world.  Its about hugs--via Italy and You Tube--and it is very special.
What is even more special to me is that my cousin is the one that taught me how to hug--by doing.  I was not raised with a lot of outward affection and was always shy about that.  Growing up though I didn't have anything positive or negative attached to hugging as far as I can remember--just wasn't used to it. 
I do remember visiting him in his state of Oregon where he lives-- with a view of the sea meeting the mountains--right outside his windows--poor baby huh??? But no matter where one lives life is still life.  I wrote that sentence with the idea "LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!" ringing in my head--as if there are no problems if one can see the ocean from their windows-- which has been my idea for years.  But being wiser or maybe just older I realize that again--life is still life.
 He lives his life and sharing is a big part of it, but in a way that does not invade ones privacy or compromise any values.  HE HUGS! I watched him during my visit, which now to date, was one of several.  I watched him hug friends and I watched their reactions. I felt him hug me just to say good morning and I remember how it made me feel.  So I asked him how that all began and how does one go about hugging another person.  Sounds like a silly question but if your not used to that behavior --which I doubt many in the western world are--it comes on a need to know basis and I needed to know.  I was profoundly aware that I was missing out on something that was priceless yet has no price.
He told me that he could not remember when he started hugging but simply put--it is free like a smile and also like a smile, allows one to be a part of anothers life if only for an instant.  I love that idea for thats what life is--instants--seconds built into minutes; built into hours; built into days--you get the idea.  Anyway I also asked how can I start hugging.  He said, "just do it and it will become second nature."  He was right and 25 years later I am still doing it.  Talk about an ice breaker...  Of course if you go in for the hug and the other person does a back flip then perhaps they are not ready for such closeness--so go accordingly.  But in all these years I have never had that happen.  Hugging is how I say hello and good bye whether I know you for now or forever. 
So when I received this email and connected to You Tube, I watched; I smiled; I cried.  Once we all realize that nothing is expected--no strings are attached, no monetary value connected we become free to share a little part of ouselves with another human being.  The feelings it brings are instantly gratifying and forever uplifting.  Please watch this segment from Italy and follow the experiment as people begin to leave their insecurities and uncertainties behind.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN8CKwdosjE