Hug Like That

The human condition is filled with suffering.  Most of our suffering is due to us not accepting what is.  We try to hold on, to deny, to control and to resist.  We often don't know how to begin to accept that we are all of a nature to grow old, have ill health, suffer and die.  It takes so much bravery and presence of mind to accept our “temporariness”.  How many of us are willing to hug our loved ones as Thich Nhat Hanh teaches?  As you hug someone, think like this; First, I am here and you are not.  Second, you are here and I am not.  Third, we are both here right now.  What a powerful realization that can be the first time you try it.  Does the sadness and pain outweigh the real point of the process?  I certainly did for me.  Try hugging your child that way and not feeling intense emotion.  That emotion is exactly what we need to bring up and deal with.  Let it come.  Let the tears, the fear, the anger come.  Accept what is.  Let it come up, look at it, welcome it and then let it go gently.  Then, go back to the most important part of the process – we are both here right now.  Know that right now is everything. Cherish this moment and hug like that - every time.

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