The Power of a Cuddle
Close your eyes right now and feel the relaxation in the best cuddle you've had. Perhaps it was when you were cuddling someone or when they were cuddling you. Either way, do you remember the feelings it brought up?
Maybe you felt tired, relaxed, safe, secure, protected/protective, grounded, quiet, peaceful, loved/loving, etc.
Today is International Kangaroo Care Day. I get emails, notices, posts and all sorts of reminders that we have a day to celebrate this important type of cuddling. Sometimes the reminders are fun, some are triggering. I have to be mindful for my own health so I don't fall down a rabbit hole that hasn't yet been completely healed.
The piece I'm always grateful for with these reminders is having the capacity to learn from what has happened and what I can do about it.
I had a video come through where Julie and John Gottman were on a talkshow sharing their knowledge about hugs. They said that with either a 6 second kiss or a 20 second hug, we secrete oxytocin and increase our feelings of connection, security, Love and bonding - the feel good feelings.
It doesn't matter if you're hugging or cuddling your partner, child or parent, it's all part of maintaining that bond and helping each other in this crazy world find a touch of peace.
With Kangaroo Care, wearing our babies and children is an important responsibility that much of society has forgotten. Those of us who has spent hours and hours, day in and day out of the NICU or at home, wearing our babies, know the importance to our healing and our baby's healing journeys!
So who can you get a cuddle from today?
Reach out with the Love that's in your heart and ask for a hug or a moment to hold each other.
Love has many forms and is present in different ways within our existence. Use consent and be sure to keep your eyes and heart open to seeing and feeling Love. It's a powerful gift that we are all given, even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes.
Happy Kangaroo Care Day my friend!
Love, Light and Peace to you,
Leanne Rose
