Writer Gordon MacDonald said that each night he reads a story to his
little daughter. One day he was preparing to be away from home for a
few days and he taped a selection of stories for his daughter to
listen to while he was gone.

When he came back, he was eager to hear his daughter’s reaction.
She answered, “Dad, the stories were fine, but it wasn’t the same,
I couldn’t sit on the tape recorder’s lap.”

Too often we underestimate the power of touch. Negative as well as
positive touch has the power to elicit strong emotions. It can hurt
and it can heal. Touch people in a negative way and you may get a
strong reaction you didn’t expect. Touch them in a safe, affirming
and
affectionate way, and you’ll probably get just as strong a response -
-
only this one you will welcome.

Touch is powerful for infants. Newborns who are touched will thrive.
Studies have shown that babies deprived of touch have a significantly
higher mortality rate than those who are held and cuddled by caring
adults — even when the “touched” babies are reared in unsanitary
conditions.

Touch is powerful for teenagers. Teens who are touched communicate
better. Many adolescents assert their independence by refusing to
be hugged by their parents. But most of them will accept a simple
back
or shoulder massage. That act of touch communicates love in a
powerful
way. It will frequently break down emotional barriers and even help
young people to “open” up and talk about what is on their minds.

Touch is powerful for adults. Both men and women who are touched are
happier and healthier. According to University of Colorado
researchers, most adults would like to be touched more. Holding a
hand
or offering a hug can warm hearts and heal relationships like nothing
else can.

Touching is powerful. Learn the art of a caring touch and you’ll
discover a magical key that opens the lives and hearts of those you
care about.

– Steve Goodier
www.lifesupportsystem.com

Posted by Deborah on Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 at 10:40 amunder Articles, More Little Tales and . Comment RSS 2.0 feed. | Respond, or Trackback.