Energetic Hugs

I've started giving people energetic hugs. This didn't come about from an overwhelming feeling of love taking over me or really wanting to give someone a real hug. I started doing this because I've grown tired of the negative thoughts I have about people I "don't like," or who "annoy me," and I wanted to do something to ease those thoughts into a feeling of comfort and just feeling okay.

The first person I gave an energetic hug to was a friend of mine for a few of years and then we had a rather nasty falling out about 2 years ago. I've thought a lot about this person over this period of time and yes, I've healed from it and changed for the better from it in many ways; but I also think about her more than occasionally and see what she's up to on Facebook, etc due to our many mutual friends. Anyways, to make a long story short, I gave her an energetic hug the other day. I closed my eyes and took a few breaths to relax, and then I tuned in to what it was I loved about her and how I felt when we were really enjoying each others' company. Then I gave her a nice big hug, and interestingly enough, she hugged me back with just as much love and with the same energy she had when we were friends. It was nice :) And after that, all the negativity was gone (for about a day, haha. I will keep giving her more hugs).

I think I will try this often, but I suggest energy hugging only if you're comfortable doing so. The initial thought of giving a hug to someone you're mad at or don't like or haven't talked to in a while may be awkward and not be that pleasant, but if you can get yourself to relax and if your intent is there, it should be effective. Also - you can't get it wrong! It's just an energy hug, they probably won't even know you secretly hugged them, although they will probably feel it (and not even be aware of what it was or where it came from). I do not suggest giving energy hugs to your worst enemies, unless you do a lot of meditation/tuning in on it first. Maybe just give them a handshake or smile or something less intense until you're at that closeness with them that you feel you can hug them :) You'll know if it feels right or not.