Today, as my friend and I were finishing our conversation via Skype, we shared “hugs”. Initially, we quickly said “Sending a hug” and “Sending it right back”.
Then we stopped. I asked if I could simply receive her hug first, without imagining that I was also hugging her. I landed in tears as I fully received her gift. Then it was my turn to hug her and allow her to simply receive. She, too, was touched.
Consider trying this for yourself. They say we humans really don’t multi-task. We can only do one thing at a time. The next time you embrace a friend, stop. Ask to receive separately from your giving.
What do you notice when you single-task your hugs?