The Power of Touch

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with one of my favorite new people who also happens to be a Shiatsu guru. I'm a firm believer in massage and when a friend gave me a gift certificate to try Shiatsu, although I was ignorant about exactly what it was, I was never the less enthusiastic. So, this morning, after my third visit, I was compelled to send this note to all of you who are near and dear to me, as a reminder of: the power of touch. 

Kauai from the sky

According to the "guru" the Chinese believe that autumn is a time of "letting go." For some people this translates into a mix of emotions (grief, love, excitement, etc.) while for others, it is just an overall feeling of discomfort. The last two days of Northern Michigan weather were a brilliant reminder of this transition as Mother Nature's winds whipped up to 75 miles-per-hour in some areas, all-the-while stripping the trees of their autumn glow.

Thinking about the change of the seasons, reminded me of how important it is that we touch one another. Not just during times of transition - but whenever and however we can. Whether it's gently holding the hand of a new friend, or heartily embracing a loved one, reaching out to others is a powerful and magical thing. Even the seals understand...

A while ago, on a beach-walk with a dear friend in Kauai, we came across two monk seals playing in the surf. The two were rolling over, and over, in the surf locked in a gentle and playful embrace. We stayed still and watched them for several moments and I remember being struck by their expression of happiness. They were ecstatic just hugging one another.

Fast-forward to two days ago, when I visited a rest home with my son to seek out a "friend" he had met during a class trip. While we weren't sure we found the exact person he had met, we did spend time with two other lovely ladies. They didn't know us, and were quite confused about their own surroundings, but at some point in our conversation, I reached out and touched each one on the arm. Time stopped as I held my hand there - letting them know that I cared.

Thank you for letting me reach out to "touch" you in my own way today. You are all loved.