Bears & Hugs

*Look for the grey teddy bear feet sticking out in the middle of the bottom shelf
Taken in September 2010

Why hello there!
Here he is today, still sitting in the same position on my shelf.

Today I decided not to spend most of my time on my ass in front of the computer, so I cleaned up my whole bedroom. As I was wiping down my shelves that were often decorated with stuffed toys and the inevitable dust, I took down the Me To You Giant teddy bear Stephinee had given to me early last year. Before I placed it on my table, I wiped the dust off it's infamous baby blue nose and patted it's protruding belly.

Then I hugged it. 

There I was, almost 19 years old and sitting on my knees on the table embracing it. The sight of this situation is sure an embarrassing one isn't it? Maybe even a Kodak moment. Honestly, the warmth and softness of the bear gave me a sense of everything-is-going-to-be-okay-you-are-okay...

This was something that I haven't felt in years. Ever since the Me To You bear came home it's been sitting on my shelf everyday for the past two years - and everyday it's seen me come home stressed from the pressures of VCE, the nights I've cried, when the midnight oil was burning, the silly expressions I'd do in front of my computer, when I couldn't sleep, when I could sleep, what I ate in my room, the moments when I'd be happily wrapping up gifts to surprise my friends, the conversations I had with my relatives coming in and out of my room, the countless times when I looked at myself in the mirror and just wished for a better me, and everything else I did in my bedroom. I don't care how ridiculous I sound right now. I think this bear is the only thing that has witnessed me in raw form without anyone else around - the forms that I can never reveal to others in person.

I pressed it close to my chest, embracing the heart that has been hurting and breaking for so long. For a few seconds, the intimacy I was experiencing had filled up the cracks within. He knew what was going on day in and day out. He knew all the pain and happiness that I've been through alone in my room and just for a while, he patched a little bit of me up.  

Why was this moment so psychologically powerful? Ah ha! Psychology! Science ---> research! I know I'm not the only one in the world to have received such therapeutic benefits from teddy bears, so I found an article explaining the psychological effects of hugging a teddy bear. 

Four Psychological Powers of Teddy Bears

By Priscilla V. Marotta

Source: http://www.bearpawsibilities.com/article_psych.html

Teddy bears are a wonderful tool for psychological health. Look around your home and the home of your friends. Almost every home has a collectable teddy bear or a teddy bear figurine. What is so powerful about a teddy bear? Why does even the thought of a teddy bear bring a smile to your face? Teddy bears are cherished, many are collectable, and there are so many types of cuddly collectable teddy bears. This is understandable when you realize that there are four powerful psychological effects of teddy bears.

First, teddy bears are the symbol of child-like innocence. They remind of us of being nurtured and cared for by others. Teddy bears are a symbol of the care free moments of childhood when are greatest concerns were the next play time. We all hold on to our “inner child” that still remains with us. No matter what adult responsibilities that we may have, we all need to have moments of escape. Also, there are children in our lives that are still receiving their quota of teddy bear gifts.

Second, teddy bears remind us of a special person who loved us and brought us a teddy bear. Teddy bears remind us of the joy of being loved. Teddy bears are not a sex symbol….they are a love symbol! They remind us that someone loves us and treasures us. Psychological assessment tests have proven teddy bears have a positive effect on people’s emotions. The psychological necessities for love and caring are central to human lives. Teddy bears are used by police officers and fire fighters to bring comfort to families who are experiencing difficulties. They are a universal symbol of caring.

Third, Teddy bears are also used as gift to remember special occasions. Therefore, teddy bears are treasured for the memory that they represent. It may be a special boyfriend or girlfriend, or a teddy bear from our youth, or a teddy bear purchased for Mother’s Day. I have a special teddy bear on my bed, given to me by my son on Mother’s Day. Each time I look at the bear, holding a heart, I think of my son and a warm feeling floods my heart. The psychological value of treasured memories is great. Pleasant memories color our world with happy thoughts and bring comfort in difficult times.

The fourth powerful psychological impact is the power of the soft touch. A huggable, warm teddy bear brings the comfort of touch. Touch is a powerful need among human beings. Holding something soft gives us immense psychological comfort.The ability to hug a soft object provides a seductive combination. Holding a teddy bear is a simple pleasure that provides relief from stress. A few moments with a teddy bear are a simple tool to bring your blood pressure down, put positive endorphins in your body, and provide a moment of peace.

It is amazing to realize that a teddy bear is a unique personalized gifts and special stuffed animals, could impart such comfort. Teddy bears are special. In today’s hectic world, a teddy bear is a proven comfort item with multiple psychological benefits. Hug a teddy bear today!

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We all have a special way to feel okay - something that brings us back on our feet even in the most unpredictable methods for a small moment, or for a lifetime.