Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world took part in a Global Free Hugs Day yesterday. Many Vancouverites took to the streets with signs reading “Free Hugs” to spread the message of human affection and connection. This is all in response to a global call that originated on facebook.com from a high school student in Connecticut. They were inspired by the Youtube video of Juan Mann, an Australian who first brought Free Hugs to the streets.

Worldwide Free Hugs Day is in response to the anniversary of September
11th, which is a date remembered for terror, tragedy, and human
suffering. A global Free Hugs campaign brings the focus back to
community, connection and caring – which are forces more likely to
counteract terror than any solution that relies on force.

I started the day out alone at English Bay, and was joined by a dozen people of at various times to give out Free Hugs to anyone who would take them. (Some came back more than once!)

If you would like to be involved in the future, just look for groups on tribe.net, myspace.com, and facebook.com to organize a time and a place to meet with others to give Free Hugs. This very simple action can leave people feeling empowered, cared for, and hopeful. (And, by the end of the day, you feel awesome and blessed for having shared so much care with so many people.)

For further inspiration, look to the fellow who started up the Free Hugs movement: Juan Mann.

JUAN MANN'S OFFICIAL FREE HUGS HOME: www.freehugscampaign.org

JUAN MANN: "The campaign is an example of a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by someone for the sole reason of making others feel better. The purpose is not to get names, phone numbers, or dates." – www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_hugs