28 Mar Zen Hug: The Healing Power of Mindful Embraces
When we embrace one another, our hearts naturally open, and we feel the deep connection between ourselves and everyone around us. In that moment, we realize that we are not separate beings, but an integral part of the endless flow of life. Hugging with mindfulness and concentration brings us reconciliation, healing, deep understanding, and genuine happiness. Through the practice of the Zen hug, many relationships have been healed and reconnected, like that between father and child, mother and child, friends, and countless others.
Practice
We can practice the Zen hug with our loved ones—friends, children, parents, spouses—or even with a tree. First, we bow to each other and acknowledge the presence of the other. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine that you and your loved one will be together for the next 300 years. Then, practice three mindful breaths to bring yourself back to the present moment, fully present in the here and now. Practicing mindful breathing is not only a return to ourselves but also a way to deeply understand the impermanence of life. “Breathing in, I know this life is precious. Breathing out, I cherish each moment of life.”
Smile at the person before you, letting them know that you wish to embrace them in your arms. This is not just an action; it is a ceremony of sincerity, of uniting body and mind to be fully present in each moment of life. When we hug each other, it is the moment we truly live.