An important part of working towards a culture of peace is learning to connect compassionately with our relatives, human and non.

Juan Mann started the Free Hugs Campaign in Sydney, Australia, and it grew to a worldwide phenomenon. Coming home from London, he was standing in the airport feeling alone and needing a hug, and decided to stand on the busiest corner in town with a huge sign that said "FREE HUGS". He continued to do this, persistently, and started connecting with many people. The movement gained fame and momentum, and was consequently banned by the government. Not to be discouraged, Juan started a petition to un-ban it, and got the required 10,000 signatures.

Free Hugs is now an international phenomenon, with people worldwide holding their own hugathons.

Sometimes in our activism and passion we forget that at the basis of each relationship is connection, that at the basis of what makes us human is that moment in which we are one with another human being. Hugs are the physical expression of that oneness. And it is only by realizing that oneness can we truly start on the road to peace.

It's not always easy. Hugathons can and will be met with resistance, great or small. But in making the effort, and continuing to do so, come wind or rain or storm, we can make a difference. And that is true of all activism.