My mind is preoccupied with an assignment that is coming up and insecurities and doubts arise about the whole shadazm, my attention goes more inwards, confidence keeps dropping, my mind keeps twisting and twirling.

I find myself retracted from others and the outside world. In comes a friend to treat me with a hug and nyuuzez me a little and it makes me go ‘aaah’. Now this playful hug pulled me out of my distracted overthinking mind. I also realize I have not squeezed, touched or hugged that freely in the last days because I was sucked up by insecurities over this shadazm, that I lost a little ‘love’ towards the world and others. My energy instantly got re-directed by her simple, yet meaningful gesture.

Touch – is after all the first language we learn…

It has been proven through studies that a nurturing touch is critical to babies for proper cognitive development. Others have studied how touch (physical connection) amongst team players of different sports improves performance. Receiving a massage can lower blood pressure, slow down heart rate and improve circulation amongst many other benefits.This list could go on and on but the power is not only in receiving, but also handing over this powerful energy.

So to sum up endless researches and zillions of written papers – touch is healthy.

How often do you hug your family members, friends or acquaintances? How often and in what form do you use touch to communicate whilst talking?

Do you place your hand on your friend’s thy when listening to them? Do you occasionally give them a squeeze on the neck or a pat on the back? Do you treat you partner with an oily improvised back massage in the sweetness of the late hours?

I know I explicitly feel elevated and good when I feel two hands placed on my neck to receive, even for a couple of seconds, a mini massage whilst I’m cutting the onions. And it makes me rejoice to see how others feel more esteemed, valued and good when I do so. Through receiving a friendly and affectionate touch, the body releases oxytocin and your feel good vibrations rise like a geysers discharge into the sky. And of course, we feed our need of connection.

So touch is not just simply touch, it is a non-verbal communication. A punch in the face is an expression of some form of fear, be it anger or disappointment. Yet a caress of the arms or a hug communicates attention and appreciation – which either our body, mind or soul can surely benefit from. So when we’re talking about a healing/feel good touch, the power lies behind your intention and own state of vibration.

This is an invitation to touch more. We all need to be heard and we all need to listen, to give and receive at the same time. So allow this to be an opportunity for that.
For many, this is not natural (it wasn’t always for me). But you don’t need knowledge or a certificate to place your hand on a shoulder whilst listening, you need the intention of caring, and that becomes healing for both parties. This non-verbal communication might not be the language you speak, and it might make you feel uncomfortable, but with your intentions that are true to yourself start to explore and practice.

Don’t let your mind go fishing for excuses… step out of your comfort zone to play, discover and encourage your confidence towards yourself and others to expand.
So hug a friend and tell them why you think they’re beautiful. Hug whatever you feel like hugging. High five the chef for the delicious food. High five the runner coming up against you. High five basically anybody- high fives are awesome.

Put your hand on the person whose story you are listening too or give a slight shoulder massage.

Trust.

And for those who feel they want to get to know more, go deeper and use touch with more awareness, I encourage you to find an AcroYoga class near you or do a massage workshop (you’re more then welcome to contact me for ideas). You can learn a lot about yourself and grow more confident in life (and meet more beautiful people).

Explore your touch,

keep breathing eversomuch.