Mabel Katz's Blog, page 3

A more loving Valentine’s Day

“Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.”
Khalil Gibran

In the United States alone, this year, an estimated 20 billion dollars will be spent on Valentine’s Day, along with 145 million cards that will also be given away. That is a lot of hard-earned money spent on saying I love you.  

But there is another side of the coin. The world needs love. As much love as possible. And, quite frankly, I’m for any day that wants to celebrate love.

However, this does not mean we can’t bring more meaning into the day. We can and we should. It is my hope that this year we will all look for new ways to transform Valentine’s Day into a celebration that becomes an expression of what love really is.

The truth is, we can make Valentine’s Day anything we want. We can continue to make the day about what we buy from a store (and there’s nothing wrong with that by itself) or we can make it about what we choose to give from our heart. It’s our choice. But, before we decide, we should remind ourselves that while flowers may wilt and candy may be eaten, the love that comes from our heart—from the deepest part of who we are—will last forever. And it will also spread beyond our small corner of the earth and then boomerang back to where it belongs—into our own hearts. As Paul McCartney once sang, “The love we take is equal to the love we make.” We will never know love until we give it away.

Let’s challenge ourselves to make this Valentine’s Day a golden opportunity to open our hearts and spread love wherever it needs to go. We must trust that love will find its home. And, yes, this might be romantic love for a mate, but it’s also love for a child, our family, and friends. It’s love for the work we do, the passions we follow, the joys we discover. It’s love for the earth and the sky and the ocean. It’s love for our planet, our consciousness, and our divinity. It’s love for each other.

And above all, it’s love for ourselves. As you celebrate Valentine’s Day, remember that you can never love someone else more than you love yourself.  

So, if you want to send flowers, start by sending them to yourself. Treat yourself to a massage. A warm bath. A trip away for the weekend. And while you’re at it, write yourself your own Valentine’s Day card—tell yourself how grateful you are to be alive, to breathe, to enjoy, to love. Remind yourself that the more you love yourself, the more love you will have to give the world.

The Beatles were right, “All You Need Is Love.”

Real love! Unconditional Love. Love given freely and without expectation, from one beautiful soul to another. That’s what I call a more loving Valentine’s Day.

– CDMX, Mexico – March 21st & 22nd, 2020 | Seminars in Spanish

– Miami, USA – May 2nd & 3rd, 2020 | Seminars in Spanish

The post A more loving Valentine’s Day appeared first on HooponoponoWay.net.

See you in Los Angeles? ✈

As I fondly look back on 2019, I am full of gratitude for the stories of transformation that I have witnessed throughout the year. More and more people are stepping forward and sharing their special gifts—what they see and experience during the seminars. They are an inspiration for us all, and confirmation of the miracles that happen when you bring an open heart and commitment to the cleanings.



As I always say, I am clear on my responsibility. I come to clean, not to teach. I just show up. And I do so with the awareness that more happens at a subconscious level than the intellect will ever know.



There are things cleaning can do that often create new realities. And, of course, there are things cleaning can do that keep other realities from happening.



This message was shared with me in Madrid. On the surface, it was like any other seminar. We cleaned as usual. But, something strange started to happen. Glasses were shattering. We tried to figure out why. And the message that came was simple: with every glass exploded, one less bomb in the world would explode.



Of course, we didn’t need confirmation. We trusted. Just the same, a couple of weeks later, we read in the news that an Italian city had just evacuated 54,000 people to defuse a WWII bomb, and not long after, a city in Germany evacuated 14,000 residents to disarm four of its own WWII bombs.



The power of Ho’oponopono cleaning is clear and powerful: We will never know all the things we avoid for ourselves and the world.

I am blessed to share this journey with you all.

Oh, one more thing. As if this year wasn’t special enough. The cherry on the cake of 2019 was the message we received from Morrnah at the training in Miami.

Ho’oponopono cleaning is profound, a testament to the simple idea that everything you put out comes back—multiplied many times over. I promise.

This year, we are starting in Los Angeles with 3 transformational days. This is your opportunity to start the journey towards your personal growth this 2020. New paradigms in spirituality, science, the cosmos, longevity, relationships, healing, and well-being. Register today and participate in the conscious co-creation of our future!

I will be there on Saturday, February 8th at 12:00 PM PST with my conference Healing the World Through Ho’oponopono at The Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel featuring Workshop Presentations with notable luminaries and best selling authors, 10 Inspirational Panel Discussions, 125 Free Lectures, 5 Exhibit Halls, Post Conference Intensives, Special Events, Speaker Reception, and a Gourmet Organic Food Court.

You can also enjoy it from the comfort of your home, Register for Live Stream.

Hope to see you soon.

With love,

– Los Angeles, USA – February 8th, 2020 | Workshop in English

– Los Angeles, USA – February 7th & 9th, 2020 | Conference in Spanish

– CDMX, Mexico – March 21st & 22nd, 2020 | Seminars in Spanish

– Miami, USA – May 2nd & 3rd, 2020 | Seminars in Spanish

The post See you in Los Angeles? ✈ appeared first on HooponoponoWay.net.

See you in Los Angeles? ✈

As I fondly look back on 2019, I am full of gratitude for the stories of transformation that I have witnessed throughout the year. More and more people are stepping forward and sharing their special gifts—what they see and experience during the seminars. They are an inspiration for us all, and confirmation of the miracles that happen when you bring an open heart and commitment to the cleanings.



As I always say, I am clear on my responsibility. I come to clean, not to teach. I just show up. And I do so with the awareness that more happens at a subconscious level than the intellect will ever know.



There are things cleaning can do that often create new realities. And, of course, there are things cleaning can do that keep other realities from happening.



This message was shared with me in Madrid. On the surface, it was like any other seminar. We cleaned as usual. But, something strange started to happen. Glasses were shattering. We tried to figure out why. And the message that came was simple: with every glass exploded, one less bomb in the world would explode.



Of course, we didn’t need confirmation. We trusted. Just the same, a couple of weeks later, we read in the news that an Italian city had just evacuated 54,000 people to defuse a WWII bomb, and not long after, a city in Germany evacuated 14,000 residents to disarm four of its own WWII bombs.



The power of Ho’oponopono cleaning is clear and powerful: We will never know all the things we avoid for ourselves and the world.

I am blessed to share this journey with you all.

Oh, one more thing. As if this year wasn’t special enough. The cherry on the cake of 2019 was the message we received from Morrnah at the training in Miami.

Ho’oponopono cleaning is profound, a testament to the simple idea that everything you put out comes back—multiplied many times over. I promise.

This year, we are starting in Los Angeles with 3 transformational days. This is your opportunity to start the journey towards your personal growth this 2020. New paradigms in spirituality, science, the cosmos, longevity, relationships, healing, and well-being. Register today and participate in the conscious co-creation of our future!

I will be there on Saturday, February 8th at 12:00 PM PST with my conference Healing the World Through Ho’oponopono at The Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel featuring Workshop Presentations with notable luminaries and best selling authors, 10 Inspirational Panel Discussions, 125 Free Lectures, 5 Exhibit Halls, Post Conference Intensives, Special Events, Speaker Reception, and a Gourmet Organic Food Court.

You can also enjoy it from the comfort of your home, Register for Live Stream.

Hope to see you soon.

With love,

– Los Angeles, USA – February 8th, 2020 | Workshop in English

– Los Angeles, USA – February 7th & 9th, 2020 | Conference in Spanish

– CDMX, Mexico – March 21st & 22nd, 2020 | Seminars in Spanish

– Miami, USA – May 2nd & 3rd, 2020 | Seminars in Spanish

The post See you in Los Angeles? ✈ appeared first on HooponoponoWay.net.

Bring peace to our schools

“If you want to create peace in our world, we must begin with our children.” —

Mahatma Gandhi

There is a time in life between crayons and mortgages, make-believe and responsibility, childhood, and adulthood. It’s called adolescence, and it’s one of the most challenging periods of life a human will ever face. Even more so today. In fact, being a young person has never been harder.

Our world is facing some of the most frightening problems it has ever faced — global warming, violence, terrorism, poverty, and social unrest that is fueled by hatred and intolerance. On top of all this global stress, young people must then go to school and face the everyday challenge of fitting in with those around them or face being bullied or ostracized.

To be an adolescent is to live in what is often a divisive and unwelcoming world.

It is no wonder that our schools are facing an epidemic of students with so much anger and emotional distress — doubt, worry, fear, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

But I believe there is hope. And much to be excited about.

When I speak to adolescents in schools around the world, I can see their searching, hopeful eyes. These young people know that peace is possible. They already feel it in their hearts. They also come ready for the challenge to make it happen. They come without judgment, with open minds and an eagerness to accept the deeper truths the universe is offering.

Of course, as ready as they may be, they still need role models and conversation that will show them that what they feel in their hearts is also a real way to live. More than that, they are looking for a path to peace. Real. Practical. Transformative.

I am grateful to God that I have the opportunity to share my message of peace and happiness, based on personal responsibility with these students. I love to tell them about Zero Frequency®, the possibility of no mind, no thoughts, no judgements, that would allow them to experience the fullness of the Present Moment.

I call this a return to our natural state of Zero — the limitless state that comes when we live in the Now — present, conscious, free of judgment — allowing our hearts to open to the wisdom, love, and peace that already lives within each of us. It is the core of my Zero Frequency® Program, which is dedicated to helping others wake up and realize their potential and who they are — happy, peaceful, abundant, and fully conscious.

These students get it, too. Invariably, someone in the audience will raise their hands and shout out, “How long does it take to get to Zero.”

My heart melts when I hear this. What they really want to know is: How can I be happy and at peace now?

Like their older counterparts, they are ready for change and don’t want to wait another minute to get started. They are wise beyond their years.

I tell them the truth. They don’t have to wait for another second to be happy. They can decide at that moment how to live. Happiness and peace are one thought away. I also tell them that their path to Zero begins with personal responsibility — they have it in their power to change the world. I remind them that if they don’t believe this, they will go no deeper. But I can see they do believe. And they do want to go deeper.

At this point in my talks, I teach them skillful ways to act from the depths of their being — a combination of gratitude, letting go, and practicing peace. I say it’s like returning to their childhood, and the joy and innocence they have lost as time and age have buried who they really are. They nod at these words. The childhood I speak of is close to who they are now. They remember and believe.

From here, I tell the students something they already know (deep in their hearts). It’s okay to be different, to be happy, to follow your heart more than your mind. I challenge them to let go of the programming that allows others to determine who they are. I want them to trust in their heart and intuition, to be inspired by their passions, and to find the courage to follow those passions wherever they lead.

My message is simple and always the same: Be Yourself. Love Yourself. Trust Yourself.

Most of all, I want our youth to believe in the goodness of the universe — to know that they can change the world if they begin focusing on what unites us instead of what divides us.

And when I’m done speaking, something interesting often happens. Nobody wants to leave. The young students linger. They inch closer to the stage. They want to share something on their minds, ask a question, maybe share a hug. They have seen more. And now they want more.

And the best part is, so do I.

The fact is, these students always end up teaching me. And I am always left so grateful for their enthusiasm and light, and for assuring me that the possibility of a better world is possible.

There is hope.

The post Bring peace to our schools appeared first on HooponoponoWay.net.

The power of a hug

I don’t know about you, but I think the planet could use a little more love.

It is not a surprise that we have become a divided and cynical world, separated by our differences, our fears, and our ignorance. Sometimes it feels like we are almost looking for excuses not to come together. It’s no wonder that loneliness, depression, and unhappiness have become like epidemics. We are alone.

Alone in a world with over 7 billion people.

Fortunately, we don’t have to be alone. We can do something about it. We can start by looking up from our cellphones once in a while, and seeing one another for who we are, instead of who we are not. We can look for the good in one another—seeing those around us as the same spark of divinity from which we come.

And, most importantly, we can reach out and open our arms to the world—not just to those who look and act like us, but to everyone. And I can’t think of a better way to start than with the small but powerful embrace of the heart.

Also known as a hug.

The hug is magical—a ripple that sends waves of energy and love to not only the recipient, but to the friends and family of the recipient, and then back to our selves.

To give love to one is to give love to all.

The hug is also scientific. The fact is, science has been looking into the positive effects of hugging for a long time, and numerous studies have reached the same conclusion—hugging is a crucial part of human development. And it’s not just babies that need to be held and hugged. We all do. The need for touch never ends.

The facts are simple: The physical pressure of a hug stimulates touch receptors, tiny nerves embedded in our skin all over our body. A biological chain reaction is triggered when these touch receptors are activated, sending signals from the skin to the brain’s reward center. As these signals are interpreted, the brain releases oxytocin, producing a feel-good flow of chemicals. The process happens almost instantly, thus the immediate boost in happiness and feeling of connection. It’s the power of touch.

I would argue that hugging is also a part of our spiritual development, teaching us to be vulnerable, to trust, and love. It’s a way to give back, become compassionate and kind. The simple action of embracing creates positive energy for both the giver and recipient. It bears repeating—what is good for one is good for all.

Of course, the list of positive effects of hugging is a long one. Hugging is not only a way to show your support, or friendship, or love, but it can make you happier, reduce your fears, ease your pain, raise your self-esteem, help you communicate with others, and even lower your blood pressure. As I said, it’s magic.

Best of all, hugging will connect you with the world around you—and bring the world closer together. One hug at a time.

And there’s no better day to get started than today.

January 21st just so happens to be National Hugging Day, which started 34 years ago today and has now spread to many countries around the world. I hope that in 34 more years it will be a worldwide event. Eventually, I hope there will come a day when we will no longer need to have a day to remind us what we already know—that we need to come together and hold each other as close as we can. 

Let’s all do our part to bring the world a little closer. Let’s reach out and find someone who could use the warm and loving hug we have to offer. And while you’re at it, you might start by hugging yourself!

Let’s hug our way “every day” to a better and more peaceful world.

The post The power of a hug

The power of a hug

I don’t know about you, but I think the planet could use a little more love.

It is not a surprise that we have become a divided and cynical world, separated by our differences, our fears, and our ignorance. Sometimes it feels like we are almost looking for excuses not to come together. It’s no wonder that loneliness, depression, and unhappiness have become like epidemics. We are alone.

Alone in a world with over 7 billion people.

Fortunately, we don’t have to be alone. We can do something about it. We can start by looking up from our cellphones once in a while, and seeing one another for who we are, instead of who we are not. We can look for the good in one another—seeing those around us as the same spark of divinity from which we come.

And, most importantly, we can reach out and open our arms to the world—not just to those who look and act like us, but to everyone. And I can’t think of a better way to start than with the small but powerful embrace of the heart.

Also known as a hug.

The hug is magical—a ripple that sends waves of energy and love to not only the recipient, but to the friends and family of the recipient, and then back to our selves.

To give love to one is to give love to all.

The hug is also scientific. The fact is, science has been looking into the positive effects of hugging for a long time, and numerous studies have reached the same conclusion—hugging is a crucial part of human development. And it’s not just babies that need to be held and hugged. We all do. The need for touch never ends.

The facts are simple: The physical pressure of a hug stimulates touch receptors, tiny nerves embedded in our skin all over our body. A biological chain reaction is triggered when these touch receptors are activated, sending signals from the skin to the brain’s reward center. As these signals are interpreted, the brain releases oxytocin, producing a feel-good flow of chemicals. The process happens almost instantly, thus the immediate boost in happiness and feeling of connection. It’s the power of touch.

I would argue that hugging is also a part of our spiritual development, teaching us to be vulnerable, to trust, and love. It’s a way to give back, become compassionate and kind. The simple action of embracing creates positive energy for both the giver and recipient. It bears repeating—what is good for one is good for all.

Of course, the list of positive effects of hugging is a long one. Hugging is not only a way to show your support, or friendship, or love, but it can make you happier, reduce your fears, ease your pain, raise your self-esteem, help you communicate with others, and even lower your blood pressure. As I said, it’s magic.

Best of all, hugging will connect you with the world around you—and bring the world closer together. One hug at a time.

And there’s no better day to get started than today.

January 21st just so happens to be National Hugging Day, which started 34 years ago today and has now spread to many countries around the world. I hope that in 34 more years it will be a worldwide event. Eventually, I hope there will come a day when we will no longer need to have a day to remind us what we already know—that we need to come together and hold each other as close as we can. 

Let’s all do our part to bring the world a little closer. Let’s reach out and find someone who could use the warm and loving hug we have to offer. And while you’re at it, you might start by hugging yourself!

Let’s hug our way “every day” to a better and more peaceful world.

The post The power of a hug

The power of a hug

I don’t know about you, but I think the planet could use a little more love.

It is not a surprise that we have become a divided and cynical world, separated by our differences, our fears, and our ignorance. Sometimes it feels like we are almost looking for excuses not to come together. It’s no wonder that loneliness, depression, and unhappiness have become like epidemics. We are alone.

Alone in a world with over 7 billion people.

Fortunately, we don’t have to be alone. We can do something about it. We can start by looking up from our cellphones once in a while, and seeing one another for who we are, instead of who we are not. We can look for the good in one another—seeing those around us as the same spark of divinity from which we come.

And, most importantly, we can reach out and open our arms to the world—not just to those who look and act like us, but to everyone. And I can’t think of a better way to start than with the small but powerful embrace of the heart.

Also known as a hug.

The hug is magical—a ripple that sends waves of energy and love to not only the recipient, but to the friends and family of the recipient, and then back to our selves.

To give love to one is to give love to all.

The hug is also scientific. The fact is, science has been looking into the positive effects of hugging for a long time, and numerous studies have reached the same conclusion—hugging is a crucial part of human development. And it’s not just babies that need to be held and hugged. We all do. The need for touch never ends.

The facts are simple: The physical pressure of a hug stimulates touch receptors, tiny nerves embedded in our skin all over our body. A biological chain reaction is triggered when these touch receptors are activated, sending signals from the skin to the brain’s reward center. As these signals are interpreted, the brain releases oxytocin, producing a feel-good flow of chemicals. The process happens almost instantly, thus the immediate boost in happiness and feeling of connection. It’s the power of touch.

I would argue that hugging is also a part of our spiritual development, teaching us to be vulnerable, to trust, and love. It’s a way to give back, become compassionate and kind. The simple action of embracing creates positive energy for both the giver and recipient. It bears repeating—what is good for one is good for all.

Of course, the list of positive effects of hugging is a long one. Hugging is not only a way to show your support, or friendship, or love, but it can make you happier, reduce your fears, ease your pain, raise your self-esteem, help you communicate with others, and even lower your blood pressure. As I said, it’s magic.

Best of all, hugging will connect you with the world around you—and bring the world closer together. One hug at a time.

And there’s no better day to get started than today.

January 21st just so happens to be National Hugging Day, which started 34 years ago today and has now spread to many countries around the world. I hope that in 34 more years it will be a worldwide event. Eventually, I hope there will come a day when we will no longer need to have a day to remind us what we already know—that we need to come together and hold each other as close as we can. 

Let’s all do our part to bring the world a little closer. Let’s reach out and find someone who could use the warm and loving hug we have to offer. And while you’re at it, you might start by hugging yourself!

Let’s hug our way “every day” to a better and more peaceful world.

The post The power of a hug

The power of a hug

I don’t know about you, but I think the planet could use a little more love.

It is not a surprise that we have become a divided and cynical world, separated by our differences, our fears, and our ignorance. Sometimes it feels like we are almost looking for excuses not to come together. It’s no wonder that loneliness, depression, and unhappiness have become like epidemics. We are alone.

Alone in a world with over 7 billion people.

Fortunately, we don’t have to be alone. We can do something about it. We can start by looking up from our cellphones once in a while, and seeing one another for who we are, instead of who we are not. We can look for the good in one another—seeing those around us as the same spark of divinity from which we come.

And, most importantly, we can reach out and open our arms to the world—not just to those who look and act like us, but to everyone. And I can’t think of a better way to start than with the small but powerful embrace of the heart.

Also known as a hug.

The hug is magical—a ripple that sends waves of energy and love to not only the recipient, but to the friends and family of the recipient, and then back to our selves.

To give love to one is to give love to all.

The hug is also scientific. The fact is, science has been looking into the positive effects of hugging for a long time, and numerous studies have reached the same conclusion—hugging is a crucial part of human development. And it’s not just babies that need to be held and hugged. We all do. The need for touch never ends.

The facts are simple: The physical pressure of a hug stimulates touch receptors, tiny nerves embedded in our skin all over our body. A biological chain reaction is triggered when these touch receptors are activated, sending signals from the skin to the brain’s reward center. As these signals are interpreted, the brain releases oxytocin, producing a feel-good flow of chemicals. The process happens almost instantly, thus the immediate boost in happiness and feeling of connection. It’s the power of touch.

I would argue that hugging is also a part of our spiritual development, teaching us to be vulnerable, to trust, and love. It’s a way to give back, become compassionate and kind. The simple action of embracing creates positive energy for both the giver and recipient. It bears repeating—what is good for one is good for all.

Of course, the list of positive effects of hugging is a long one. Hugging is not only a way to show your support, or friendship, or love, but it can make you happier, reduce your fears, ease your pain, raise your self-esteem, help you communicate with others, and even lower your blood pressure. As I said, it’s magic.

Best of all, hugging will connect you with the world around you—and bring the world closer together. One hug at a time.

And there’s no better day to get started than today.

January 21st just so happens to be National Hugging Day, which started 34 years ago today and has now spread to many countries around the world. I hope that in 34 more years it will be a worldwide event. Eventually, I hope there will come a day when we will no longer need to have a day to remind us what we already know—that we need to come together and hold each other as close as we can. 

Let’s all do our part to bring the world a little closer. Let’s reach out and find someone who could use the warm and loving hug we have to offer. And while you’re at it, you might start by hugging yourself!

Let’s hug our way “every day” to a better and more peaceful world.

The post The power of a hug

The power of a hug

I don’t know about you, but I think the planet could use a little more love.

It is not a surprise that we have become a divided and cynical world, separated by our differences, our fears, and our ignorance. Sometimes it feels like we are almost looking for excuses not to come together. It’s no wonder that loneliness, depression, and unhappiness have become like epidemics. We are alone.

Alone in a world with over 7 billion people.

Fortunately, we don’t have to be alone. We can do something about it. We can start by looking up from our cellphones once in a while, and seeing one another for who we are, instead of who we are not. We can look for the good in one another—seeing those around us as the same spark of divinity from which we come.

And, most importantly, we can reach out and open our arms to the world—not just to those who look and act like us, but to everyone. And I can’t think of a better way to start than with the small but powerful embrace of the heart.

Also known as a hug.

The hug is magical—a ripple that sends waves of energy and love to not only the recipient, but to the friends and family of the recipient, and then back to our selves.

To give love to one is to give love to all.

The hug is also scientific. The fact is, science has been looking into the positive effects of hugging for a long time, and numerous studies have reached the same conclusion—hugging is a crucial part of human development. And it’s not just babies that need to be held and hugged. We all do. The need for touch never ends.

The facts are simple: The physical pressure of a hug stimulates touch receptors, tiny nerves embedded in our skin all over our body. A biological chain reaction is triggered when these touch receptors are activated, sending signals from the skin to the brain’s reward center. As these signals are interpreted, the brain releases oxytocin, producing a feel-good flow of chemicals. The process happens almost instantly, thus the immediate boost in happiness and feeling of connection. It’s the power of touch.

I would argue that hugging is also a part of our spiritual development, teaching us to be vulnerable, to trust, and love. It’s a way to give back, become compassionate and kind. The simple action of embracing creates positive energy for both the giver and recipient. It bears repeating—what is good for one is good for all.

Of course, the list of positive effects of hugging is a long one. Hugging is not only a way to show your support, or friendship, or love, but it can make you happier, reduce your fears, ease your pain, raise your self-esteem, help you communicate with others, and even lower your blood pressure. As I said, it’s magic.

Best of all, hugging will connect you with the world around you—and bring the world closer together. One hug at a time.

And there’s no better day to get started than today.

January 21st just so happens to be National Hugging Day, which started 34 years ago today and has now spread to many countries around the world. I hope that in 34 more years it will be a worldwide event. Eventually, I hope there will come a day when we will no longer need to have a day to remind us what we already know—that we need to come together and hold each other as close as we can. 

Let’s all do our part to bring the world a little closer. Let’s reach out and find someone who could use the warm and loving hug we have to offer. And while you’re at it, you might start by hugging yourself!

Let’s hug our way “every day” to a better and more peaceful world.

The post The power of a hug

The power of a hug

I don’t know about you, but I think the planet could use a little more love.

It is not a surprise that we have become a divided and cynical world, separated by our differences, our fears, and our ignorance. Sometimes it feels like we are almost looking for excuses not to come together. It’s no wonder that loneliness, depression, and unhappiness have become like epidemics. We are alone.

Alone in a world with over 7 billion people.

Fortunately, we don’t have to be alone. We can do something about it. We can start by looking up from our cellphones once in a while, and seeing one another for who we are, instead of who we are not. We can look for the good in one another—seeing those around us as the same spark of divinity from which we come.

And, most importantly, we can reach out and open our arms to the world—not just to those who look and act like us, but to everyone. And I can’t think of a better way to start than with the small but powerful embrace of the heart.

Also known as a hug.

The hug is magical—a ripple that sends waves of energy and love to not only the recipient, but to the friends and family of the recipient, and then back to our selves.

To give love to one is to give love to all.

The hug is also scientific. The fact is, science has been looking into the positive effects of hugging for a long time, and numerous studies have reached the same conclusion—hugging is a crucial part of human development. And it’s not just babies that need to be held and hugged. We all do. The need for touch never ends.

The facts are simple: The physical pressure of a hug stimulates touch receptors, tiny nerves embedded in our skin all over our body. A biological chain reaction is triggered when these touch receptors are activated, sending signals from the skin to the brain’s reward center. As these signals are interpreted, the brain releases oxytocin, producing a feel-good flow of chemicals. The process happens almost instantly, thus the immediate boost in happiness and feeling of connection. It’s the power of touch.

I would argue that hugging is also a part of our spiritual development, teaching us to be vulnerable, to trust, and love. It’s a way to give back, become compassionate and kind. The simple action of embracing creates positive energy for both the giver and recipient. It bears repeating—what is good for one is good for all.

Of course, the list of positive effects of hugging is a long one. Hugging is not only a way to show your support, or friendship, or love, but it can make you happier, reduce your fears, ease your pain, raise your self-esteem, help you communicate with others, and even lower your blood pressure. As I said, it’s magic.

Best of all, hugging will connect you with the world around you—and bring the world closer together. One hug at a time.

And there’s no better day to get started than today.

January 21st just so happens to be National Hugging Day, which started 34 years ago today and has now spread to many countries around the world. I hope that in 34 more years it will be a worldwide event. Eventually, I hope there will come a day when we will no longer need to have a day to remind us what we already know—that we need to come together and hold each other as close as we can. 

Let’s all do our part to bring the world a little closer. Let’s reach out and find someone who could use the warm and loving hug we have to offer. And while you’re at it, you might start by hugging yourself!

Let’s hug our way “every day” to a better and more peaceful world.

The post The power of a hug