Over the course of the past three years, I traveled to Argentina at least 30 times. While there, I learned to love the Argentine people and their culture. To me, Argentina is the Texas of South America. I say that, because the people are full of confidence and they loudly proclaim the greatness of their country.
Latin Americans are affectionate people. They show that affection regularly. The Argentine’s are no different. Men and women hug and kiss each other each time they greet or say goodbye. I love these interactions, they are very comfortable. The Argentine people are known for their passion and romance, but there is nothing sexual about these embraces. They are truly demonstrating their love for others. These embraces are symbols of friendship and the love we each should have for our fellow human beings.
The Cold North
Because of my comfort within the Latin cultures, I am often engaged in very open conversations about my culture. There is a lot of curiosity about the way we behave. Because I feel like one of them, and they see me as one of them, we are able to talk about the differences without the worry of offense.
I often hear that we are a cold people, and I think there is some merit to that thought. Sometimes after working in South America for a week, I immediately fly to a client’s office here in the USA. When I arrive, I am so accustomed to hugging everyone I meet and greet that I forget to change gears. I get some pretty interesting responses when that happens, some of which I will never forget.
Some are very comfortable with it, and others are not. They really don’t know how to respond. They recognize my intent, but they are not use to this type of behavior in the work place. I explain where I have been and what it is like there and they usually say something like, "I don’t think I could survive in that place."
The Final Curtain
Tomorrow night, the curtain will close on the Victorville Cast’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We are enjoying a great run with sold out crowds every night. It is a lot fun and I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity to polish my talents. I love this stretch, it will certainly rank as one of my all time favorites.
The show ends with several strong embraces between my onstage brothers and father. It is a powerful display of love and redemption. After the curtain closes, our entire cast makes its way to the lobby to greet our audience. I am usually exhausted, but I love this opportunity to thank them for coming. These brief moments renew my energy. I am naturally in a very emotional state and I am in a hugging mood. I am ready to be embraced, and I find the human touch to be even more valuable than the many kind remarks I receive.
Some people approach me with open arms and we embrace and share in the magical message of the show. Others arrive and carefully keep their distance. I can see in some a desire to embrace but a fear of rejection. I pull those people in to me and share with them a warm embrace. Their reluctance quickly disappears and the moment is naturally enjoyed.
But in the faces of others I can see a clear desire to keep their distance. For them it is enough to express kind words and be on their way. I respect the boundary, but in my heart, I wish to be able to share the love I feel for them through a strong and hearty embrace. I want that feeling of oneness and I want them to feel it too. I feel sad when they leave the theater without it.
The Friendly Embrace
I understand that it is not responsible for me to advocate that we all engage in more friendly embraces. I can hear the corporate attorneys, cautioning us against exposing ourselves to the potential for sexual harassment charges. Sadly, the boundaries of appropriate behavior are crossed too many times, giving us cause to heed our attorney’s counsel. I find it interesting to note that as a society, we are more comfortable speaking of friendly fire than we are of engaging in friendly embraces.
Somehow, we must learn how to appropriately express our love for others. Our world needs more love, I am sure of that.
How do you express your love for the people you work with? What can you do to create a more loving environment in your workplace?
What about at home? How often do you hug your children? Your parents? Siblings? Friends? Spouse?
I know there is power in connecting this way. It is a power that overcomes the differences that separate us. It is a uniting power. If we are fortunate enough to meet in person, you can count on me being in Argentine mode. I hope you will reciprocate.
Live Today! Love Today!
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