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A HUGGER’S JOURNEY
EXCERPT

Losing My Courage, Finding My Hugs
       A week later I was confiding my frustration to my sister, Annik, and telling her about my lack of courage. As if it was the most obvious thing, she said, “Why don’t you write a sign that says ‘I have lost my courage!’ and sit on your suitcase and wait for something to happen? If you are patient something will happen.” It was a stroke of inspired genius. Excited, I hugged her in thanks and dashed out. That afternoon I returned to the square armed with vigour, inspiration and a small chalkboard. For the rest of the day I sat on my suitcase in total stillness, like a living statue, next to a sign that proclaimed my loss of courage.

       People were enthralled at the boldness of my action, or rather inaction. I, in turn, was amazed by their reactions. They stopped; they stared; they came to talk to me to encourage me,to offer advice or concern. Some even left money in my tin and when they did I silently thanked them and shifted into an-other suitable pose.  

I realized that just being present in stillness was entertaining, and that the context of my living tableau touched people. Many seemed to recognize themselves in my state of lonely solitude.

      Every day I returned with a new comment for my chalkboard and a little more courage in my heart. Slowly I worked my way from immobility to active performance, doing situational improvisations with whoever walked by.

       Every once in a while I’d attempt a short skit. I was beginning to have a lot of fun, as more and more people would stick around to enjoy my playful madness. That’s what it was—silly, uninhibited madness. And it seemed to amuse and fascinate people. At times when shyness or insecurity overcame me, I simply retreated back into another pose of silent stillness.

       As each day passed my confidence grew, and I found myself more and more receptive to inspiration. I was becoming a welcome divertissement as people came by day after day to read what I had written on my board and see what quirky amusement I had to offer. Then one sunny morning as I strolled up to the square, I noticed a restaurant chalkboard advertising the establishment’s special of the day. I thought nothing of it until I was getting ready to write something inspirational or witty on my board. Then it struck me: I could offer my own special of the day! But what? On a whim, I thought about hugs. I love hugging my friends, hugs make people feel good, and they are free. So “Free Hugs”—that would be my special treat today.

       I hadn’t thought about the consequences of my proposition, or considered whether I was even capable of hugging any and every person who wanted me to. It just seemed like the perfect thing for me to do at the time, and looking back today I know it was.
The response was instantaneous. People just stopped in their tracks! They seemed dumbfounded, surprised, amused, even amazed by the sight of an elegantly dressed man standing in absolute stillness, with arms open wide, offering free hugs. Some would approach slowly to peer at me and see if I was for real.

       Others would stay back, hoping for someone else to venture forth. The more courageous—or were they foolhardy?—took a trusting leap into my waiting arms. Those who indulged were gratified and pleasantly surprised by the genuineness of my embrace. Almost everyone who walked by, whether they came for a hug or just watched from a distance, left with a cheerful smile on their face and a bit of lightness in their heart.

       Over the next few weeks it became clear to me that giving hugs was bringing the public much more than light entertainment; my actions were affecting their inner state in very positive ways. Witnessing the appreciative smiles, the hearty laughter, the expres-sions of joyful wonder and the sparkle of delight that shone in people’s eyes brought me a happiness I had rarely experienced as a performer. Until then I hadn’t realized that bringing pleasure to others would bring me such pleasure in return. From then onwards, “Free Hugs” became the heart of my performance.

       Within a month I was hugging several hundred people a day, all day, every day. So many people wanted to know my name, who I was and why I was hugging strangers, that I decided to create a web presence that would satisfy people’s growing curiosity. My partner, Jade, in all her intuitive wisdom, suggested a great name for my character and website. It was simple, she said: I was someone who hugs, so a hugger, and I was someone who performs on the street, so a busker. Thus the Hugger Busker was born! His mission was to be a charming and cheerful provider of heartfelt hugs. The name and the site turned out to be an excellent decision because they gave me a verifiable identity that legitimized what I did. I was constantly dealing with the mistrust people feel towards friendly strangers, especially if they are offering something as intimate as a hug, so a touch of legitimacy helped. It was also an apt way for me to document my adventures as a public hugger by creating a journal and posting photos and testimonials.

       "You are such a true inspiration, and made a huge impact on our group, which was in Montreal this week on a mission trip. As great as it feels to serve, you were definitely the highlight of my trip, and I know you made a huge impact on one of my youths. The rest of the trip, she had a huge glow about her, and couldn’t stop talking about your hug. We hadn’t really realized until then how emotional a person she was. You not only changed her, but you changed the rest of our group through her, as well as through your wonderful, real hugs.”   - Krystal S., Kansas, USA