Dalai Lama Foundation Study Circle Montreal

I save subway fare by walking as often as possible. Being a storyteller I don’t have much money.

That’s when I saw a woman sitting on the pavement. The shopping cart to her was side piled high with her possessions. Her shoes were worn to nearly nothing. I got out my Free Hugs sign and approached her.

I smiled gently and asked if she would like a hug. She looked at me with disbelief and asked, "You would hug me?"

I opened my arms and walked closer to her. "If you want a hug," I sad. "Absolutely." She reached out for the hug and then told me she had not been touched in almost 20 years.

I hugged her tighter. I apologized to her that I had no money to give her that day and she responded that the hug I’d just given was worth more than any amount of money.

Next time you see someone who is homeless, smile at them, say, "Hello," and if it feels right to your heart offer a hug or even the touch of your hand on their arm.

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Helpful Links

Smile Cards: do an act of kindness and leave a card behind to keep the chain going.

Smile Decks: 52 cards with a kindness idea on each!

Smile Groups: share your own stories, make friends, spread the good.

Smile Ideas: loads of ideas that can support your drive of kindness.

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