‘Tis the human touch in this world that counts, the touch of your hand and mine, which means far more to the fainting heart than shelter and bread and wine. For shelter is gone when the night is o’er, and bread lasts only a day, but the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice sing on in the soul always.
-- Spencer Michael Free
Touch is critical to a person’s physical and psychological well-being; it is vital to our livelihood, and can be one of the greatest means to healing. Studies indicate that a simple touch can reduce a person’s heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress levels. Moreover, people who are touched are happier and healthier. Touch helps babies thrive, keeps lovers connected, and sustains the fellowship found in faith communities.
Safe, healthy, healing physical touch communicates love in a powerful way. It builds closeness and fosters intimacy. It can express reassurance, support, understanding, and sympathy, and give you a sense of being heard in ways that words cannot express. You may forget the words your dear one said to you, or the gift that came along with the expressions, but you’ll never forget that affectionate touch on the arm, kiss on the forehead, or pat on the back.
So, when did we stop touching? When did we become too afraid to reach out and smooth someone’s hair or pick a piece of lint from their clothing? Is that too solicitous? So what? When did we get so scared to rub someone’s back, neck, or feet? Is that too obliging? So what? How have we become so frightened of others’ responses to our touch? Even an accidentally bump into someone causes a barrage of apologies for getting in their space.
Certainly touch carries with it many connotations, one of which is that it is sexual. While a form of touch may be, challenge yourself to think of its bigger picture - touch as healing, connecting, and grounding. Challenge yourself to touch someone for the sake of considerate and obliging touching.
Today, touch while you’re talking. Tonight, touch over dinner. You’ll find yourself, and the one(s) you touch, more loving, open, even-tempered and content.
Sadiqqa © 2007
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