The Power of a Touch
By Steve Goodier
Writer Gordon MacDonald said that each night he reads a story to
his little daughter. One day he was preparing to be away from
home for a few days and he taped a selection of stories for his
daughter to listen to while he was gone.
When he came back, he was eager to hear his daughter's reaction.
She answered, "Dad, the stories were fine, but it wasn't the same
-- I couldn't sit on the tape recorder's lap."
Too often we underestimate the power of touch. Negative as well
as positive touch has the power to elicit strong emotions. It can
hurt and it can heal. Touch people in a negative way and you may
get a strong reaction you didn't expect. Touch them in a safe,
affirming and affectionate way, and you'll probably get just as
strong a response -- only this one you will welcome.
Touch is powerful for infants. Newborns who are touched will
thrive. Studies have shown that babies deprived of touch have a
significantly higher mortality rate than those who are held and
cuddled by caring adults -- even when the "touched" babies are
reared in unsanitary conditions.
Touch is powerful for teenagers. Teens who are touched
communicate better. Many adolescents assert their independence by
refusing to be hugged by their parents. But most of them will
accept a simple back or shoulder massage. That act of touch
communicates love in a powerful way. It will frequently break
down emotional barriers and even help young people to "open" up
and talk about what is on their minds.
Touch is powerful for adults. Both men and women who are touched
are happier and healthier. According to University of Colorado
researchers, most adults would like to be touched more. Holding a
hand or offering a hug can warm hearts and heal relationships
like nothing else can.
Touching is powerful. Learn the art of a caring touch and you'll
discover a magical key that opens the lives and hearts of those
you care about.
Steve Goodier's books & newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com.