Don’t Keep Your Hands to Yourself
The Human Touch Can Mean so Much
There is healing in the human touch. A hug, holding hands or just placing a hand on someone's shoulder can speak volumes to the heart. Most of us are wired that way, at least I know that I am.
It's the Italian in me. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been touching people. Like when we're standing in a crowd, I'll wail my arms around and reach out and touch someone. I grew up in a family that was always reaching out to embrace one another. Sometimes I can really get animated.
I once visited a dying woman whose hours on this earth were numbered. I brought along some music that was comforting to me. We sat and listened for awhile and then, I asked her if I could massage her feet. I held each foot and applied the cream, massaging them ever so gently. It seemed to soothe her and she drifted into a peaceful state. I received a phone call just a few hours later saying that she had slipped away from our midst.
I'm glad I touched her.
Not everyone likes being touched. Over the years, I've had to tone it down a bit. There is that certain "comfort zone" that some people like to protect because it's their space and not mine.
Today we heard a sermon about a woman who was feeling lonely and unlovely. She was sitting in the church, tears in her eyes and silently praying, "God if I could just know You are really here with me. If I could just feel You near me." Another woman in the congregation noticed the tears in the other woman's eyes and she just walked over and hugged her. A simple hug without words, just her human touch and at that moment, the other woman knew that it was an answer to her unspoken prayer.
The human touch can mean so much to someone. There will be some people who will back off from your reach but I encourage you to reach out anyway.
You just never know who needs to feel a heavenly hug.
Source:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/heal-touch
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
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55 Comments
Post a CommentFor people who have been sexually abused, toiuch can be torture.
You are such a good person Michele :) You encourage me :)
Wonderful article :)
People do vary greatly in their wanting to be touched, or hugged. However, hardly anyone will back off from a gentle touch. Thanks for the reminder. rcj
I'm Italian too and when I worked in the nursing home the old folks loved and needed the hugs! My Italian Dad was extremely affectionate and loving! When I worked in an office touching was OFF LIMITS! Nowadays everyone is afraid to show affection for fear of being accused of sexual harassment! Even a woman can't touch another woman on the shoulder! Weird society that we now live in.
love this!!! I am soooo like this... (I've learned to tone it down for some as well.. ppl do give off specific signals that let you know if they mind being touched or not, and it does feel good to know you can help with a simple touch).. well done! :)
Well said...
you are so right Michelle,
sorry for being so late, I am having major electricity problems, it keeps going out and the electrician does not know why
I couldn't agree with you more. Very heartfelt article Michele.
I agree absolutely. Beautiful article. :)