Astounding Love

Do wild animals feel love? That’s the question posed in this brief article from National Geographic. Love may be nearly impossible to prove, but I feel that our reality is created by what we believe. It’s true that we may be lacking in certain empirical evidence of love existing in creatures on earth, but if we see it, feel it, and believe it, then love is more real than any experiment could ever conclude.

In addition to making emotional and loving gestures, animals often form unlikely and touching companionships. Take a look at this video of a dog and monkey who became friends in the woods of Mozambique after a flood forced them from their homes. Adorable!

On a side note, here’s a dog that really wears its heart on its sleeve.

=o)

Brandt

Often we go through our days, from one perfunctory activity to the next, feeling detached from the people around us. It becomes commonplace to envelop ourselves in a bubble, to cloak ourselves in a shroud of indifference.

The feeling of being touched, of sharing affection with another human being, is one of the most rewarding experiences we know — and one that is too frequently taken for granted. Sometimes a hug is just what we need.

Our ventures into Free Hugging have been immensely gratifying. Watching as people’s faces light up at just the possibility of getting a hug. Seeing their spirits lift as they open up to being twined in the arms of a complete stranger. Feeling that energy flow between us and spiral uncontrollably toward others.

The oneness of people from different upbringings all around the world becomes apparent. We all share in the same basic needs and desires, feel the same emotions flitting through our bodies. And as we go on our daily paths, it’s good to remember that we’re all in this together.

And if you haven’t seen our first Free Hugs video, check it out here.

- Brandt

Welcome to Astounding Love!