I have something to share with you. Yes it has been quite some time since I went into Melbourne CBD to offer some Free Hugs inspired by Juan Mann who founded this campaign on the simple principle of giving a stranger a hug… and I have to tell you that I have had some real fun and challenges editing the footage, however… it is here!

If you are thinking of joining the Free Hugs worldwide campaign, I have recently learned that there is an illustrated Free Hugs guide available and it is filled with descriptions, anecdotes and iconic illustrations of over 30 different styles of hugs that leave the reader with a lasting impression.

So firstly, let me introduce you to State of Man (SOM). They are an awesome band based in Atlanta who totally RAWK and have a reputation for being “One of the East coasts premier acts” (XM Satellite Radio). They kindly agreed and gave me permission to use their inspiring song Swallow Your Fears to accompany the footage. Yay!! Thank you SOM.

This song was chosen by me because it was written to inspire you to move beyond fears caused by past disappointments in life. A song about living, trusting and loving again. A song that made me feel like I was alive and free. It made me want to hug the closest person to me when I first heard it so I thought it apt for adding to this footage.

If you like the music, please consider becoming a fan of State of Man in Facebook or click the banner to join the club and support them.

Feel free to share this post with your friends and family and get SOM love for this wonderful band State of Man. I have also given you the download link for the movie and it does require a Flash Embed plugin for Wordpress blogs.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the hugs that brought smiles to the faces of many people including my own

Free Hugs

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

“Hugging is healthy. It helps the immune system, cures depression,
reduces stress and induces sleep. It’s invigorating, rejuvenating and
has no unpleasant side effects. Hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

Hugging is all natural. It is organic, naturally sweet, no artificial
ingredients, nonpolluting, environmentally friendly and 100 percent wholesome.

Hugging is the ideal gift. Great for any occasion, fun to give and receive,
shows you care, comes with its own wrapping and, of course, is fully returnable.”
Author Unknown

The Free Hugs Campaign in Melbourne on Monday was a blast. I headed into the Docklands with my fellow Thirty Day Challenger Brendan McNally and we almost got blown away by the wind so we decided to go into the Bourke St Mall where it would be a little more protected and I’m glad we did.

It’s funny how people react and for the most part and we gave and received some very big hugs. There were also those who took a wide berth, mainly the corporate types but I did manage to get some of the suits hugging me

There were all sorts of people in need of the human touch and one little boy especially who was nudged towards me by his mother. He would have been maybe 2 years old and his mother told him to get a hug from me because she never hugs him… ever. Having two little girls myself, my heart just broke so I spoke with him for a few minutes as he hesitantly came my way. Eventually he got close enough and accepted my hug. He was really sweet.

I feel for those people in the world who just don’t have that capability of being able to express themselves in this way. It is a form of love and healing when you touch another person and the warmth and energy that you get from a hug is just incredible. There is always room for more hugs in this world.

I think that my energy was zapped by the end of the day as I would have passed it on to those in need. I was truly exhausted and wouldn’t change a thing about the day (except my cameramen, perhaps). Moving right along.

There were also many highschool students around doing various projects around the CBD and this group in the photo here came up and mobbed me in a group hug. They actually couldn’t help themselves and kept coming back again and again. It was really great.

All in all, I wanted to get out there and Make A Difference to the lives of those who wanted me too. The Free Hugs Campaign which started with Juan Mann in Sydney, is all around the world now and speaking of which, I must thank Sam who is a seasoned hugger and goes to many of these events in his travels all around the world. He showed up after I posted in the forum at the main site and I was glad to meet him. He has also attended these events with Juan Mann himself.

I overcame many barriers on that day. Going out into a public place and hugging total strangers was a real buzz. I hope that the hugged people also felt blessed and that their barriers were broken down a little too. I did ask them all to pay it forward to others.

Making a contribution to a society that is filled with bad news 99% of the time, or so it seems, and the fact that it was the day before the anniversary 9/11 made it all the more special.

With a little social transformation going on right now, I would urge all of you who can to take part in this event. You can do it any day you want to in your local area. Or even better, check out the forum to see when one is coming up in your area and join in. I will be doing it again, that’s for sure.

As my friend Yogi says, if you want to be noticed, try being human. Afterall, we are spiritual beings having a human experience so let’s use it to our advantage.

Oh, I almost forgot, the footage of this day is being edited so I will let you know when it comes available. This is something new for me so be patient please. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

May You Be Blessed and virtual HUGS to all of you.

Ange