The Unconditional Hug

04/07/2020

Soooooooooo...our circumstances have changed a bit. A movement predicated on sharing kindness with others in intimate physical proximity is highly frowned upon currently, and for good reason. We're all in the process of adjusting. Compromising. Reassessing. Prioritizing. What was may never be again. However, the tenets of The Unconditional Hug are immune to any virus. Compassion, empathy, patience, and kindness are far more valuable now than ever. These values, the essential us, cannot be allowed to diminish in the face of such threat, conceived of by nature and predicated by man. Rather, it is PRECISELY man's nature that provides these tenets as pillors to sturdy the foundation to preserve our very best. Let not our physical boundary obfuscate our emotional bonds. My love of humanity will not acquiesce to a six-foot separation, nor a 600-foot separation. COVID-19 will dictate our day-to-day, but will ebb in time. Through its duration, we mustn't ebb from what brings us together. Exercise common sense, stay safe, and remember that we shall continue to forever remain our greatest strength.

Unconditionally,

Kevin

02/26/2020

A fantastic afternoon spent with my good friend Callie Cozzolino and therapy pups Rocko and Ash at the Canine Therapy Corps' new site! I believe it imperative to surround yourself with those who believe in you, and have demonstrated success in endeavors to which you aspire. Callie was kind enough to offer her insight into helping me develop The Unconditional Hug into a fully-functioning, impactful non-profit organization. Canine Therapy Corps is an organization that focuses on the healing aspect of the human/canine interaction, and strives to provide services to those who may benefit around Chicago. A truly kind and selfless mission.

02/17/2020

This week is National Kindness Week! The Unconditional Hug encourages you to take a moment, recognize the opportunities that abound in our everyday lives to be kind, and take the time to execute said kindness! Whether it's a simple hug for someone, volunteering your time, or taking a moment to listen and meaningfully converse, it is the "actionable kindness" that matters. Take the time to practice kindness this week!

01/25/2020

The Unconditional Hug meets The Love And Kindness Project. I was honored to spend some time with Karyn Ross, founder of the Love And Kindness Project! Her goal to create a society where kindness is valued over money by calling attention to kind acts is an inspiration. It's imperative that we take the time to execute kindness everyday, no matter how small the act or measure. As Karyn says, "be deliberate, be intentional." I'm humbled that she has agreed to mentor me as I continue to build this movement, and I've no doubt that our future collaborations will only help to create said kinder place. I invite you to check out Karyn's website for the LKP, as well as her consulting website at Karyn Ross Consulting.

01/23/2020

Coffee and kindness abound! My special thanks to Senior Operations Manager David Griffins, Manufacturing Supervisor David Tapia, and the rest of the happy JavaHeads at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Ave. for such a warm welcome for Arms Around Chicago in celebration of National Hugging Day! They took time out of a very busy day to connect, converse, and allow me to dish out some hugs. David Tapia actually walked me through every floor to ensure every customer got a chance to collect their very own warm embrace. I appreciate the inviting atmosphere you've helped to create, and am looking forward to our future collaborations and events together! This place is WAY more than just coffee in a cup.

01/23/2020

My little friend Willow came in for a hug and helped hoist the sign in front of the ABC Studios on State Street! This is why The Unconditional Hug is a thing.

01/23/2020

A few highlights from yesterday's Arms Around Chicago in celebration of National Hugging Day! The city never fails to inspire. I started with several commuter hugs and kind conversation at Union Station, then moved on to City Hall and Daley Plaza. The Thompson Center followed, where I connected with a very kind CPD officer, then onto Pioneer Court and the Starbucks Roastery Reserve. The fine staff at the Roastery shall get their own special, separate shout-out, as the only thing that exceeded the warmth of their java was their reception. I finished the day at Lurie's Childrens Hospital and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Everywhere I went elicited a new opportunity to reach out, respect, converse, connect, interact, reassure, heal, listen, empathize, understand, embrace, inspire, inquire, share, and love. Chicago yields her heart if you simply take time to execute a simple kindness to all that make her move. I know she moves me. I hugged hundreds, but just one would've made the event successful. National Hugging Day is but one of 365 that we can be mindful of each other. Ensure that you take the time to do so everyday.

01/20/2020

National Hugging Day is almost upon us!!! As promised, here are the places at which I'll be sharing hugs tomorrow for the ARMS AROUND CHICAGO event. I plan on walking from location to location weather-permitting, so these times are a rough estimate, but I plan on spending about an hour at each site.

8:00-9:00- Chicago Union Station-18 W. Monroe St.
9:00-10:00-City Hall-121 N. LaSalle St.
10:00-11:00-Thompson Center-100 W. Randolph St.
11:00-12:00-Pioneer Court-401 N. Michigan Ave.
1:00-2:00-Starbucks Reserve Roastery-646 N. Michigan Ave.
2:00-3:00-Water Tower-835 N. Michigan Ave.
3:00-4:00-Museum of Contemporary Art-220 E. Chicago Ave.
4:00-5:00-Lincoln Park Zoo-2001 N. Clark St.

I don't know how this will go, but based on our previous successful "embrace events", I anticipate a very positive and warm response. I invite you to come find me to collect your very own official National Hugging Day Hug provided by The Unconditional Hug, say hello, and bask in the genuine compassion and kindness found in the embrace of others. A very special thank you to Rev. Kevin Zaborney who founded this day back in 1986 for his kind words and support! I hope do do this day proud!! Hug you very much!!

01/13/2020

01/13/2020

An amazing live in-studio experience with Sally Schulze and Mark Strehl of FOX32 Chicago! Both are true professionals, and conducted a fantastic interview early Sunday morning. I'm proud that The Unconditional Hug continues to grow its impact and visibility in the city, and I'm truly looking forward to building upon this very beautiful movement. My sincere appreciation to them, producer Nancy Yousef, and the rest of the FOX32 crew for taking the time and interest. I'll provide the full interview link, as well as additional photos from the interview shortly!