The 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 play an important role 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. Without this touching there will be a void, a lacking, that may appear in later life as a character flaw such as an inclination to cruelty or other social crimes. Its absence may lead one into a life of reclusion. Sadly, such a childhood loss is almost impossible to redeem.
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 mores 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 opportunity 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 closing an important contract or making 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 major factors contributing to their lonely feelings. They often come to accept the lonely feeling as normal and continue to spend their time in front of their television set or in meaningless activities with others who are in the same lonely 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 could work wonders with everyone. For some, these acts might seem awkward at first. Some women might feel like a man is flirtatious. These feelings will disappear quickly and be replaced with appreciation.
For the ‘Touch’ revolution to catch on it would be helpful if each person would take the initiative, pat another on the back or shake his [her] hand and say a kind word. Even a word about the weather would suffice. In a few days it will become an easy, joyful habit and everyone will be happier. Begin today!