Brazilian Love

Love is always in the air here. I swear its a PDA country. I assume Italy is exactly the same way. The question I come to is why isn't America? Why is it so hard to just show your feelings? Maybe this is the root of our economies problems - the act of showing love has gone astray. Greed, politics, and the government have come to the front lines in our land of the free. Now, I only notice this because here in Brazil LOVE is omnipresent. And here the economy is booming. hmmm.... Love heals all?
For example:
Tiff and I drove to the big park today - Parque Barigui - and ran 2 miles followed by 30 minute strength and core exercises. During this amazing cardiovascular workout we watched a few couples by the lake, relaxing on blankets, on benches just talking, laughing, holding hands, flirting, hugging, embracing each other and 'making-out' every 3 minutes. IN PUBLIC. And no one 'bats an eye.' It's beautiful. One couple held each other hugging for almost 30 minutes... they all appear to be at such peace and just enjoying one another's company. Focused solely in that moment with that person. (This is rare for EVERYONE I know in the States.) The girls here even walk hand-in-hand or rollerblade holding hands. Crossing the street girls are arm-in-arm and kissing here is an everyday adventure (cheek to cheek that is). A welcoming gesture similar to the hugs we give in the US. It's just custom.

Where has the love gone in our country? How can love heal when it's rarely shared and only revealed in times of grief?

I bring this up as well because my past cheer coach - Neal Yasami - now The Peace Artist - has these same beliefs. He is embarking on a journey - somewhat of a pilgrimage of his own in 3 days around the continental US, in hopes to find or rediscover the 'good' in people, that love and caring nature between strangers still exists. A year traveling with only his art supplies, a tent, and a sleeping bag, running 25 miles a day, 6 days a week, trading his art for food, shelter, and anything he may need on this long enduring quest.  Now thats putting your Faith in people. Please check out his website and find him on Facebook under - The Peace Artist.
http://www.thepeaceartist.com/

He's is an amazing teacher and friend.
A quote from his blogging which I think is wonderful and want to share:

This is it; this is your life. Are you who you want to be? Live beautifully. Live your life compassionately, that way at the moment of your death, when your life flashes before your eyes, and your relive all that you have done, you can enjoy it a second time. I think that the true nature of hell, is being unable to make a change or make a difference. Hell is regretting that we didn’t love when we still have the chance.

So I leave with this - "Love one another as you love yourself!" Or as Ghandi said - "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
America should emulate the brazilian ways... Just Love. :) It's really not that hard!
I LOVE YOU ALL!