30^th September 2024 Mr Mani & Beena

 Hello, everyone. I love this abstract crab drawn by Mr Mani Menon in ink. Despite the abstract appearance, I feel there is a message from how those huge claws are depicted. I felt a “hug.” It was a nice big hug that I wanted when I was down.

There are many occasions where all someone needs is a big hug. Hugging is a cultural thing. I know that in my parents’ generation, hugging was never encouraged. Maybe it’s just an Asian thing; I am not sure. When I grew older and came across people from various countries, I realised that Westerners are more comfortable with hugging. I remember a meeting where there was a small group of us from multiple countries. When we first met, we shook hands, but when we left, we hugged each other. That transformation happened because we worked like a single entity for those six days and got to know each other well. The bond that we made then, a sense of unity and understanding, has lasted to date.

Hence, I learnt something since then. When I feel someone needs a hug, I give a bear hug, a tight and warm embrace conveying a lot of love and comfort with the hope that the receiver will feel the love and feel better. I would love to read your thoughts on the hug🤗🤗.