
Watch primates and you'll see a lot of touching. It strengthens social bonds and lets face it. It feels good!
Being a massage therapist really opens one's eyes to how we, as modern primates. Have become touch phobic.
I have always been a touchy, feely person. I loved cuddling with my parents and had no problem touching the animals on the farm.
It took being molested by a babysitter to change that. How sad.
It took me many years to get comfortable with touch again. Even then it wasn't without hesitation. I wondered what the other person wanted from me.
Then, I had my son and fell in love with touch again. I cuddled him before he was born. Hugging my belly and rocking myself and him while humming happily. Nursing was especially wonderful. Snuggling my baby as he suckled. Rocking in the chair as I dozed. It was so peaceful.
Recently, I started hosting a touch therapy circle. It's been small so far but I hope for more people. It's so wonderful sitting, touching other people and chatting. It's very intimate, safe and a great way to make friends and bond with old ones. Those silly monkeys have it right! We should have never come down from the trees!
Ok, maybe we should but look around you. Americans are weird about touch. Somehow it has to be sexualized or sanitized. Touch can't be just touch. A non verbal way of communication.
http://www.whitelotusryu.com/historyofmassage.htm
And for those who don't believe in the power of touch.
http://skepdic.com/tt.html
It's simple, intuitive and it feels good.. unless the touch is from someone who's intentions are NOT innocent and friendly. That's another subject.
I'm talking about people touching people as a way to reconnect, communicate and sooth each other.
Don't be afraid. Reach out and touch someone.. after you've asked permission first. Wounded people can be a bit skittish but they need touch so badly.
Compassionate, healing touch. We need more of this my brothers and sisters.
Hey.. how about a cuddle party!?
http://www.cuddleparty.com/
We are social animals and NEED touch. It's scientifically proven. Children who are touched a lot thrive more than those who are not.
So don't pass up an opportunity to hug someone or even to just lay a loving hand on someone's shoulder. People respond to touch. It's our first language.
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