The mutual yearning and receptivity for an embrace of one human truly connecting with another human through the act of hugging is one of the most intimate moments two people can share.  We seek it, whether for connection on a physical level or connection on an emotional level and yet often it cannot be found or it is not safe or consensual.  We yearn for it and are afraid of it.  This fear creates walls of shame preventing us from the touch we need to survive and thrive.  Where does this shame come from?  I explore that question in this episode.

Credit and Sources
Lemn Sissay, When All You Need is a Hug: personal experiences of the UK care system, TEDxLiverpool, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B88dCHJ9Rvg

Miroslav Volf, Professor of Systematic Theology at Yale Divinity School

Charlie McDonald, Fun Science channel, YouTube

Janet Treviño, Touch Therapist, TEDxSanAntonio, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7m_qOn6QqM

Jane Anderson, Massage Therapist, TEDxUofM, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tafP2OgttCI&t=507s

Tiffany Field Ph.D., “Preschoolers in America are Touched Less and are More Aggressive Than Preschoolers in France,” Early Child Development and Care Volume 151, 1999 - Issue 1

Elizabeth Day, On the trail of the Free Hugs founder, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/sep/02/free-hug-movement-founder

Dr. Rhoda Lipscomb, https://drrhoda.com

Music
Kevin MacLeod