Although, the Universe speaks in many languages that stupefy and confuse us, it has only one voice. It speaks of hope, trust, and compassion while echoing a desire to strengthen unity and devotion. It is the narrator of the heart and the orator of the soul; always singing the same tune. The voice is that of our inheritors waiting to be born and it is the echo of generations past emulating the dreams of our ancestors. Its tone comes in a silent hush of air to those whose mind shuts tight their ears; and to those who dare listen, it trickles in like a slow moving stream ambling its way to the sea.

Regardless of what method it comes into you, this voice reiterates to all a simple message; no matter the blood line or skin color, nationality or sex; no matter the level of education or fame, hardship or gain: it whispers-it shouts-it proclaims "we are one." Each voice heard enriches us and with each voice lost, we diminish not only ourselves but also our heirs, for that voice is the flame lighting the way to a better future. Communication, especially in the form of conversation is without doubt a crucial tool for managing ideas and resolving the resources necessary to their achievement. True conversation assumes a million points of revision. It sets the stage for changing our tones, our ideas, and directions as it assumes more than one way to attain a goal. When we converse, we acknowledge that transition is not only plausible, it is possible.

Communication is the STOP holding open the door to question and confirmation. It may well be the resolve, the answer to that universal question "why." After more than six decades of walking this earth, I have discovered the obvious...everyone has an opinion and something to say. Some want to shout it while others dare only to whisper. Some will tell you privately or in confidence and some either don't know how or refuse to say it at all. Every single decision we make during the course of our lives is limited by what we know and everyone knows something that can make someone else's life better. Even the seemingly "minor" differences in things we know and say can make a major difference in someone else's life.

Still there are many circumstances and situations in every day living when we suppose words by themselves are insufficient to relate our emotions. It is at these times we have difficulty expressing our feelings. In such situations, I dare suggest that we abandon the search for words and instead adopt the age-old action of physical contact in the form of hugging. There is nothing which can say quite as much in any better way than a hug. Hugging is a universal way of expressing compassion, caring and love. It is perhaps a better healer than laughter and most definitely as good a mood changer as a smile. There is-without doubt-a positive energy both given and received with bonafide hugging.

Reality for many souls is a painful experience that can be eased using this small gesture. It is a way of saying I understand or you're not alone. It is a confirmation that things can improve. A hug can be that 'connection' you can't find the words for and its quality need not be diminished by age, sex or any prejudice generated from human experience. A hug can be the apology you want to make but are afraid to because you fear rejection, shame, or just don't know how. It could improve a relationship gone sour, confirm a lasting friendship; say, I'm so happy to see you or relieve the anguish in a goodbye. The energy of a sincere hug can last some people a lifetime and it can change entire directions for others. As well as reducing stress, hugging relieves pain, both emotionally and physically. Hugging may not be the cure for all that ails us, but it is certainly a great start.