My inspiration for today came from Amma – the Indian lady that has been proclaimed as a “ Hugging Saint”. She was born in 1953 in the Indian stake Kerala and grew up in a poor fisherman’s family. When she was nine years old her mother developed an illness and she remained at home to take care of the household. Deeply touched by the poverty in her village she began to share her clothes and food with those in need. She also began to hug people as a way to comfort them and gradually became more and more recognized and appreciated. At one point she received the name  “Amma” and was recognized as a saint.

I remember my encounter with her about a year ago. She had her brightest smile and was sitting on a big chair surrounded by musicians singing mantras and performing  vibrant music.  In front of her was an endless queue waiting for her to give them their dashan (hug and blessing) which I was also a part of.  Amma is well known for embracing large amounts of people without taking any breaks. On the day that I met her there were more than a thousand visitors. Up to date she has hugged more than 30 mnl people.

As I came for the first time, I was placed in the beginning of the queue and luckily had to wait only a few hours. People behind me waited a lot more. She kept on hugging people overnight. Always smiling and full of energy. When she hugged me she looked me in my eyes and exclaimed “My daughter!” She radiated so much warmth and love and it felt like I had always known her. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

Amma is one of the happiest, and most positive and high-hearted being that I`ve ever seen . For her being joyful is a natural state and loving is a religion.

It is the bright, joyful and selfless individuals like Amma that ignite this world and make it a better place. It is the people who give and embrace without asking for anything in return that are our true role models and are capable of inspiring us to be like them and to make a change. Make a change by loving and being compassionate and never by threatening or forcing. Making a change by staying inspired and inspiring others.

I`ll end with one of Amma’s many beautiful quotes:

“Do you know that days go by regardless of you smiling or crying all day long

Therefore- smile!”

And my  yesterday`s post inspired by reading can be found here.

*On the picture- a beautiful smiling lady reading a book in front of her house in Kerala, India.