Touch

The past couple of decades have placed needful emphasis on “bad touch”: touch employed to objectify, demean, abuse, or in any way other way, disrespect another. Knowing how another is not allowed to touch us empowers; it gives us permission to value ourselves enough to say “no!”

Recent references to healing and therapeutic touch, remind me that “good touch” is needful for healthy human functioning. Babies who do not receive loving touch fail to thrive. As this month’s spiritual practice, I am attending to good touch: touch that expresses affection, regard, respect, and love:

• the weight of a dog’s head in my lap;
• a child’s hand slipped trustingly into mine;
• the rare Saturday when my husband and I can lie in bed and hold one another;
• a ladybug alighting on my arm;
• hugs from family and friends; and
• the wind turning my hair into a whirligig.

What is the importance of good touch in your life? What kind of touch feels to you like affection…regard…respect…love?