SNUGGLY FACTS 'X Factor' The pair got to work and experimented with several different positions to build up a publishable repertoire. “It’s a tough job,” Grader jokes, “but someone’s got to do it.” Once the list was compiled, it was time for the couple to describe each position so their readers could achieve the positions with ease. The co-authors wound up taking photos of themselves in each of the positions so they could observe and write instructions for each one. While I’ve been notified that it will forever remain away from the rest of the world’s eyes, the happily married couple have their own personal Cuddle Sutra where they star in each of the picture references. When asked what Grader’s favourite cuddle position was, he immediately replied “The first one in the book – Come to Papa. It’s the most comfortable, the most all-encompassing; you can hold it all night.” Though, well aware that all-encompassing cuddles become less frequent in maturing marriages, he’s quick to add that he and his wife of nine years have been finding themselves in positions such as “the Cherry Popsicles, where we’re just holding hands, or X Factor where we have a leg overlapping.” The variety of positions allows couples to keep the physical communication without being completely intertwined all the time. Responses to the couple’s book have been nothing but positive. In fact, another professional snuggling business, The Snuggle Buddies, use The Cuddle Sutra to train new snugglers. Grader states that he’ll receive feedback and emails from newly married couples who intend to try a new position every week, and anyone he’s talked to that’s read it has enjoyed it.
But, let’s be honest, is it really possible to dislike something called The Cuddle Sutra? Especially when it’s relative, Kama, has served us all so well. I asked Grader about his title choice, and the motivation behind linking his book of cuddles to a book of such a famously sexual nature, to which he replied, “I thought it was catchy, and it would peak interest. For me the idea of this book is that cuddling is the most intimate thing you can do, more intimate than sex. People have casual sex, but there’s not often casual cuddling. You have to achieve a certain comfort level with people,” - a statement that reinforced Katie’s previous declaration. Professional cuddling “requires attention to the integrity and boundaries of those offering the service,” because it is such a personal act in an intimate space, both physically and emotionally. Both Grader and Katie agree that cuddling goes far beyond the act of lying with a significant other in bed. Grader has included positions for the bed, couch, and when out in public within the pages his book, and Katie encourages people to grab a friend, or even a pet when the urge to snuggle strikes. Both cuddle enthusiasts reassure that a cuddle can be something as simple as a hug, hand holding, an arm around a person’s shoulders…any kind of loving embrace has the potential to allow people to reap the benefits of snuggles and human touch. So whether you need to set the alarm a bit earlier, or replace your handshakes with hugs, make some time for cuddles in your daily life. Your heart, friends, and body pillow will thank you for it.
1) Cuddling releases oxytocin, the magic hormone with all the benefits! Check out what the wondrous beauty can do for you: •
connect and build trust between you and your cuddle companion
•
give you the ‘nothing can hurt me’ feels
•
improve your immune system
•
decrease pain
•
decrease anxiety
•
lower risk of heart disease
2) One hundred years ago, the infant mortality rate in orphanages was 99 per cent. Impersonal orphanages with an industrial nature were common and overpopulated. The babies died from a rare form of marasmus that no amount of food could cure. The orphans were wasting away from nothing more than lack of touch. Once the babies were moved into a nurturing and loving home, they gained weight again and the marasmus was easily reversed. 23