A Clayton man was at Stone Spiral Coffee in Maplewood Wednesday morning promoting long hugs. Doctor K Stone is inviting everyone on a “journey” he says will impact all areas of a hugger’s life.
“I’m inviting you on a journey,” Doctor K said, (Kraushaar is his last name, Stone is his first) — for 21 days consecutively, you hug family and friends a minimum 21-second hug each day. This is a profound journey. This will have a huge impact on all areas of your life because this is really about stepping outside your comfort zone and creating a life you’re inspired to live.”
He said 21 seconds is key. “After 20 seconds oxytocin is released,” he said. “It’s been scientifically studied and researched that it’s good for your stress response, it’s good for your immune system, it’s good for your sleep pattern, it’s good for your blood pressure. Slowing down and connecting with someone like that — whether family, friend or stranger — really lets them know who you are to them in the world. It’s a mindfulness kind of hug.”
Kraushaar graduated Suma Cum Laude from the University of Denver with his bachelor’s degree and then completed his master’s and doctoral training, also at the University of Denver, according to his website.
He’s encouraging people to like Doctor K Stone on Facebook and post about their hugging journey every day; inviting friends and family to hug too. His idea is to go global. He’s encouraging huggers to use the hashtag, #21dayhug.
But there’s more.
Doctor K, and local DJ and promoter Donny Blake are planning to take hugging to Cuba in July. They’ve lined up a Hollywood film maker to shoot an exclusive piece on the Cuban Olympic boxing coach.
“It’s the wildest thing,” Blake said. “We’re going to scout a little bit, and get him interacting with Cubans, who are already freaked out by Communism and everything and get them to hug.”
Doctor K said Blake is much more comfortable with hugging after just one day. Blake wasn’t able to do a 21-second hug at first but now he can.
“The other hug was easier,” Blake said. “This one was longer, but I was a fridgety, nervous mess. It’s an authentic experience.”
Doctor K said hugging is like anything else — it gets more comfortable as you’re doing it. “Like meeting people where they’re at. It needs to be something that somebody really wants. There’s a whole chapter in the (upcoming) book (Hugging Strangers) about hugging etiquette, communication.”
No hugs were exchanged by the 40 South News editor in this interview.
So glad to count Stone a friend–and proud of his commitment to this idea–and now a film!!!! Bravo!
What? Doctor K is taking his practice to Cuba? I guess Fidel is longing for a 21-second embrace from an American goofball.
Dr. Kraushaar’s first name is not Stone, it’s Steven. But now he likes to be called Dr. K or Dr. K Stone.
He worked at Wash U for awhile, but is now a “life coach”. And according to his website, he’ll be happy to coach you for the next 11 months for $10,000.
The next time you hug him, hold on to your pocketbook.
I really like this idea! I’m definitely a hugger….however, I imagine that he asks first, right?
Right, Lamira. He didn’t even solicit one from me. Actually, I kept my distance.
That’s one I’d do, too.
Oops, meant to type “That’s what I’d do, too.” I type too fast.
I guess there is no way to edit those posts once they are posted, like there is on Facebook? I’m good at typing fast, hitting the post button and then discovering a glaring mistake.
The huggee looks catatonic.
Mr. Completely – Donny Blake is unique. For the photo he said he was playing Gilligan being hugged by a gorilla from some episode of Gilligan’s Island.
If someone I barely knew (especially a guy) came up to me and hugged me, I’d find it creepy. I did not grow up in a hugging family.
Best….post….ever…on 40 south news!!!
Agreed!