Touch Revolution

TOUCH and be TOUCHED
7/12/05 Jerry

With birth comes the natural desire to touch and to be touched. The new mother wants to feel the warmth and life pulses of this miracle that has come to her. She lets her fingers trace the curves of the baby’s ear and chin. In counting its fingers and toes she touches each and proudly celebrates the perfection of the count. She is filled with awe as she recalls the events that have enabled her to produce this wondrously marvelous new life that will be her part in continuing her family, and indeed, the entire family of mankind.

The scientists who understand such things explain to us that the touching ritual is an essential element in the growth process. It enables personalities to develop and meaningful relationships to grow, both physical and spiritual. Some claim to be able to identify the absence of the touching during early life as the source of character traits that lead to criminal tendencies in adult life.

As children grow older touching between parents and children tends to decrease. Children often feel that holding the hand of a parent is a mark of childishness, of immaturity. Sexual morays may lead a child or parent to avoid touching in sight of others. In other cases there may be a decrease in the close relationship that will lead to a decrease in touching. Development of relationships between boys and girls may cause them to prefer touching between them rather than with parents.

Regardless of age there are reasons for touching and no occasion should be overlooked. A Cub Scout completes construction of a bird house or finishes his leaf collection or graduates into Boy Scouting. All of these should be celebrated with words of congratulations and a big hug. The daughter wins a medal in a swimming meet, makes an A in math, or learns how to play Chess. These should never be passed up as times for hugs from parents, and maybe from sibling too.

Adults continue to benefit from touching. This is especially true for those who have retired and those who may live in “Retirement Communities”. Most of the residents of such communities have moved there from other communities and have lost contact with friends, neighbors and fellow workers. They miss the congratulatory pat on the back for good golf or bowling scores. They miss the friendly handshakes of friends at Church or at neighborhood stores.

These people may not realize that the absence of touches is one of the factors contributing to their lonely feelings. They come to accept the lonely feeling as normal and spend their time in front of their television set or in meaningless activities with others who are in the same meaningless state.

A friendly touch could revolutionize the lives of these people. A hug, pat on the back, handshake or even a friendly assist to a seat would work wonders with these folks. For some, these acts might seem awkward at first. Some women might feel like a man is trying to get ‘fresh’. These feelings will disappear and be replaced with appreciation very quickly.

For the ‘Touch’ revolution to catch on it would be helpful if some third party would give it encouragement. Simple announcements on the bulletin boards and on the television could let everyone know the revolution is underway and that everyone may look forward to happier, friendlier times in the future. Begin today!