lI’m chugging kale in a San Francisco juice bar, contemplating an aching heart and Joe the hugger in Montreal. He’s the wise man at my café, who the tough guys are nuts about and heave-ho their lumbering bodies to embrace. I eyeballed Joe for months before I wrote a word about his telekinetic hugs. We’re pals now.

JoeTatoo2

I can usually feel the moment he slips into the café, before the shout of his name, and I jump up and run over, first in line, for the power surge of his arms. But the other week, I was snared in my own drama, and didn’t notice he was there, until he was inches away and my nose smelled his cigar.

How are you, my dear?

His voice was so kind, my eyes filled with tears. I told him I’d had a wicked morning, but was not going to let it get me down. Joe leaned over, and with the precision that comes with peace of mind, dropped two simple words, two flawless pearls into my ear:

Allow it.

My mouth dropped and my brain screeched to a halt. I had wanted to tell him everything, but suddenly, all the words were gone. Joe smiled. He said that if we fight or resist a bad feeling, if we ignore or push it away, we give it more power. As it sank in, my soul transposed into a deeper key.

Allow it

Allow it

Weeks later, I’m still thinking about the practice, referring to it, asking everyone I know. Are you upset? Are you angry, sad or scared?

Allow it.

Doesn’t that make you feel free? As I get older, I’m learning more about how to let things happen, and then, miraculously, my people, how to let them go.

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Joe was there for the births of John’s 4 kids.

John, the much-loved owner of our melting pot café, has known Joe forever and explains that his central message, what he really means to say, is that no matter what is going on with your life: it is and, despite what you think and feel, all is well.

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Joe doesn’t want you to see him. He says he doesn’t matter. But I am thankful that he, John and some generous regulars have granted me permission to photograph and show you his hugs.

Read more about Joe in – My Café.

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GOOD NEWS FLASH: I have one word for you: PRIDE. I was in San Francisco to celebrate the historic, about-time Supreme Court decision on legalizing Gay Marriage in the USA, with the masses. All together now!!

Love wins.

Love wins.

Thanks to my fantabulous, new collaborator Nicola (more on her soon), my post Gabriel Garcia Marquez Saved My Life was posted on Gabo’s Random House page on Facebook and has amassed hundreds upon hundreds of shares and almost 10K likes. Gabriel Garcia Marquez is dead, long live Gabriel Garcia Marquez!

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