Chaturanga Hugasana

I’m a hugger. I love hugs, always have. But I’ve recently discovered a new kind of hug that has every other kind of hug beat. If I were to give it a Sanskrit name, like a yoga pose, I suppose it would be called the Chaturanga Hugasana (“four limbed hug pose”). Do not confuse this with the very different Chaturanga Dandasana.

Chaturanga Hugasana is most often practiced by the very young, though if the hug-ee is of strong body, it certainly will go a long way to keep the hug-or young at heart.  For this pose, the hug-or pluses the traditional hug by also encircling their legs around the hug-ee.

My daughter, AE, is the wise yogi who taught me this wonderful delight. Each and every time I receive a Chaturanga Hugasana from her, three delightful things happen.

First, my heart literally smiles. I can feel it, in my chest. Like it’s saying, “Yup, doesn’t get any better than this!”

Then, I think “I hope she never stops doing this. When I’m old and in a wheel chair in the old folks home, I hope she climbs on into my chair and wraps her arms and legs around me and squeezes!” Whatever negative effect this act may have on my physical body will be far surpassed by the way it lifts my spirits.

Finally, I think, maybe my mom could use a Chaturanga Hugasana. Look out mom, one is coming your way!

Have you received a Chaturanga Hugasana lately? Better yet – have you given one? Let’s hear all about it!