Warmth

Warmth. Oil. 16x20

Continuing the theme of grace for this month, I felt inspired to share this image with you. Warmth. What does it mean to embody warmth?  

My husband and I have a huge height difference. I’m miniature, and he’s a giant (or rather on the tall side of average, whereas I, at 4’11”, am actually fun-sized). This makes hugging a little awkward most of the time - go ahead and imagine what this looks like. I happen to know, because I like to know these sorts of things, that hugs release the most dopamine and oxytocin when our hearts are closest, torsos fully touching, and the hug lasting at least 20 full seconds. 

And so I was very excited the other day when I realized that when I’m sitting on the counter in our kitchen (which I love to do) and he is busy cooking, we are in the perfect position to have a warm, loving, stress-reducing, scrumptious hug. 

I’m bringing this up because I firmly believe that warmth, like grace, is a beautiful gift we can give to other human beings. 

To me, warmth looks like a long comforting hug, flashing a smile at someone as you walk past, asking “How is your day going?” when you’re checking in with a receptionist, speaking playfully with a young child, placing your hand over another’s as if to say “I’m here. I’m listening”.  Warmth means thinking carefully about the words you’re using before you speak so as to impart a sense of love and caring and comfort. 

Warmth feels like wrapping your arms around someone and holding them in a safe space. 

Don’t we all need a safe space to feel loved and comforted?

Warmth, like so many things, is not something that comes easily when we are stressed and tired and busy as we so often are. Therefore, it’s a practice. Something to remind yourself of as you go about your day. And when you’re craving a little warmth in your own life, be the source. Lavish yourself with a big ol’ dose of cozy warmth, and when you’ve got that feeling deep down in your core, look up and share that feeling with someone else. 

Sending you a scrummy warm loving hug today my friend.

Xoxo

Becca