fbpx

Practice The Hugging Meditation To Express Love

hugging meditation

I came across The Hugging Meditation by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh recently and was blown away by its simplicity, beauty and grace. I believe that anyone can practice it. It does not require one to sit in an attempt to still the mind, an activity which can be frustrating for someone new to meditation. The Hugging Meditation is found in the his Plum Village Chanting and Recitation Book.

Hugging Meditation
(My kids experienced great joy from Hugging Meditation.)

Thich Nhah Hanh is a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who now lives in France. His graceful and simple way of conveying his teachings has helped made Buddhism and meditation appealing throughout the world. I had the privilege of attending his talk when he came to Singapore.

The Hugging Meditation by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh

“You can practice hugging meditation with a friend, a child, your parents, or even a tree. To practice, first bow to each other and recognize each other’s presence. Then, enjoy three deep, conscious breaths to bring yourself fully into the present moment. Next, open your arms and begin hugging, holding each other for three in-and out-breaths.

With the first breath, become aware that you are present in this very moment and feel happy. With the second breath, become aware that the other person is present in this moment and feel happy as well. With the third breath, become aware that you are here together, right now, on this Earth. We can feel deep gratitude and happiness for our togetherness. Finally, release the other person and bow to each other to show your thanks.”

Great Benefits About The Hugging Meditation

I can see great benefits with practicing hugging meditation, if you ask me. Here are some of them:

– With the First Breath It involves present moment awareness. The Hugging Meditation encourages you to be fully present. Your mind is not somewhere else – whether in the past or future. You become centered in the now.

“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”
— Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

– With the Second Breath The Hugging Meditation helps you acknowledge the presence of the other person fully.

It is like the Na’vi greeting of “I see you” or “oél ngáti kámeie” in the movie “Avatar”. Na’vi is a constructed language spoken by the fictional Na’vi people on Pandora in the movie. The phrase is more than a simple “hello” greeting. It is said with mindfulness, consideration and connectedness.

Another greeting that comes to mind is Namaste. It is a common greeting or salutation originating from the Indian subcontinent. It simply means that you acknowledge the spark of divine that is present in both of you.

“The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person’s suffering and bring that person joy.”
— Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

– With the Third Breath Your hearts unite in the moment of togetherness. You acknowledge that both of you are part of a greater whole, and that you are not separate from each other. Both of you unite in the one breath – a sign of aliveness.

“Through my love for you, I want to express my love for the whole cosmos, the whole of humanity, and all beings. By living with you, I want to learn to love everyone and all species. If I succeed in loving you, I will be able to love everyone and all species on Earth… This is the real message of love.”
— Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

The Hugging Meditation is a mindfulness practice because it encourages you to bring more presence into what you are doing. Not just for duty, obligation or show, it inspires you to hug with unconditional love, whole-hearted acceptance, compassion, and genuineness. You can literally feel your heart melting away the pain from any previous feeling of disconnection. The Hugging Meditation is your divine spark recognizing yourself in another.

I introduced it to my children and they rather enjoyed the bowing and hugging 🙂 I am hoping to do it more often with them.

I also recall the times when I have hugged a tree, thanking it for its support and Mother Earth, while taking walks in the park. It will be great to incorporate more presence using The Hugging Meditation with a tree the next time an opportunity arises.

May this practice bring you closeness with all your loved ones,

evelyn lim signature
Abundance Alchemy Coach

Enjoyed reading this article? 
Do share it with your friends on social media. Thank you in advance 🙂

Share Your Practice of Love
How have you been practicing and expressing unconditional love, acceptance and forgiveness for others? Do share what has worked for you.

 

Facebook Comments

Did you enjoy this post? Please share it with your friends. Thank you!

Evelyn

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below
rob white - August 2, 2011 Reply

That’s a good one, Evelyn. What a powerful way to touch deeply the feeling of being whole and complete in the universe. Breaking down barriers of separation is the only way to liberate our own unlimited entirety. When we experience the truth of love and oneness with the whole cosomos we can infinitely expand.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Rob,

You wrote so poetically and powerfully that it left me speechless LOL! I have got nothing further to add.

To your awesomeness,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Allison Crow - August 2, 2011 Reply

Love this…thank you for sharing…. I’m inspired to teach this at workshops..I can almost see the dissonance now…and then how the hugging meditation will melt people. Thank you, Evelyn…for the joy you bring us all.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Allison,

I was thinking the same too. It will be great to include The Hugging Meditation as part of a workshop. I’m happy to know that you feel inspired to teach this. Thank you too for spreading light and joy.

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Kate I - August 3, 2011 Reply

This is lovely Evelyn, thanks for sharing. I’ve been following your site for a few months now and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy it. You combine the right amount of positive, helpful information with enough personal, to make it relate-able!

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Kate,

Thank you for your kind feedback. I’m happy to know that you’ve been enjoying the articles here. I certainly enjoy publishing a mix of content in my blog posts. I hope to make my site an authentic expression of who I am.

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Justin | Mazzastick - August 3, 2011 Reply

Hi Evelyn.
I had also read that hugging a tree is a great way to ground your energy because the roots of the tree goes down deep into the earth.

I love hugging people because it causes the heart to open when we connect with another.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Justin,

It is definitely very grounding to hug a tree. The only thing is that I avoid letting others see me do it. I don’t want people to think I am crazy LOL!

I like how you’ve put it: that the heart opens when we connect with a hug.

Love and hugs,
Evelyn

[Reply]

marc van der Linden - August 3, 2011 Reply

Hi Evelyne,

This is so easy and mindful hugging technique. It also found myself that hugging has the power to make me more present for the other person.

Thanks for sharing!

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Marc,

Glad that you like the idea of bringing in more presence with The Hugging Meditation.

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Gerhard - August 3, 2011 Reply

Great things are simple. I am convinced that these three steps in hugging meditation could it make easier for meditation beginners to enjoy the benefits of mediation at once. I also like the idea that this method involves the whole body and therefore our physical senses. Watching the football worldcup some weeks ago I even noticed that the Japanese squad was the most hugging-each-other-team and at last they won the worldcup so there could be another benefit too 😉

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Gerhard,

I have the same thoughts that it is possible for anyone to enjoy the benefits of experiencing love and compassion without sitting still for contemplation. I am surprised at your mention of the Japanese squad being the most huggy ones. I would have thought Asians are less inclined to hug. Looks like I am mistaken!

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

farouk - August 3, 2011 Reply

that’s quite Interesting Evelyn
its the first time for me to hear about hugging meditation but certainly it sounds like its worth a try!

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Farouk,

Glad to know that you like the sound of it. Yes please do give it a try 🙂

All the best,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Cathy | Treatment Talk - August 4, 2011 Reply

I love the hugging meditation. What a wonderful concept and that is great that you are introducing it to your children. It sounds like it helps you connect with others in a very special way.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Cathy,

I certainly think that it will help me with bringing more presence into whatever I do 🙂 It’s great that you like the hugging meditation too.

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Jenn Brigole - August 5, 2011 Reply

This is great! It never fails to lighten my mood no matter how bad it may be. There are times that I would initially hesitate accepting one from someone I feel slighted by but I will have to keep this post in mind next time. I love hugging. Hugging a tree though, maybe I’ll try that too next time I take a little jog around the park. I should just make sure that I am not catching my breath when I do it. I need to “feel” nature’s presence. 🙂 Thanks for this, Evelyn.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hello Jenn,

Hmm…I am inspired by how you’ve put it….that you’d remember to practice this meditation even with people with whom you have an issue with. Oh yes, do try hugging the tree….it feels a little odd at first but it is a great way to feel the connection with nature.

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Barbara - August 5, 2011 Reply

I cannot live without my hugs 🙂 I hug nature… every day… not individual trees, though!

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Barbara,

It’s great that you hug nature every day….I certainly need to do this more often 🙂

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

Angela Artemis/Poweredbyintuition - August 7, 2011 Reply

Hi Evelyn,
I’ve been meaning to read your lovely post for a while. I’ve just been so busy with the book project. I loved this introduction to hugging meditation. What’s so interesting to me about is it that it makes it very obvious how little time we spend hugging other people. It’s usually so quick – seconds actually.

We don’t stay with it long enough to benefit from being present, acknowledging the other person and then acknowledging our oneness that Thich Naht Hanh talks about.

Is this the same Vietnamese Monk that I see on television? His name is familiar. There is a famous Eastern Indian Guru that was known for her hugs. I can’t remember her name but, if she hugged you the feeling of unconditional love that flowed from her was supposed to be palpable and incredible.

I’d like to try this. Thanks for introducing me to this Evelyn.

[Reply]

Evelyn Reply:

Hi Angela,

Hope your book project is going well!

Yes, I would think that this must be the same Vietnamese monk that you see. There are not many Vietnamese Zen masters and he’s quite famous in the States.

I know which lady that you are talking about. She’s called the Hugging Saint. I missed her when she came to Singapore, though. It’ll be nice to experience her hugs.

With love,
Evelyn

[Reply]

J.D. Meier - August 9, 2011 Reply

Hugging is a great way to connect, especially when you’re in the moment, and not just going through the motions.

[Reply]

TiempoVertical - March 14, 2012 Reply

What a great post!!! We love this hugging meditation! We will share it in our blog! Thanx!!!

[Reply]

Hugging for Healing and Happiness - January 31, 2014 Reply

[…] Source: [AbundanceTapestry] […]

Did You Know You Can Heal People By Hugging? See For Yourself - February 8, 2014 Reply

[…] Source: [AbundanceTapestry] […]

Did You Know You Can Heal People By Hugging? | Vegetarian Girl - July 7, 2014 Reply

[…] Source: [AbundanceTapestry] […]

Leave a Comment: