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 ~

I think touch is actually quite important.  For those of us who believe in chi, aura, or any of that sort of thing, touch allows these energies to connect more strongly, and I think we touch with much more than our skin, or hair.  90% of communication is supposed to be non-verbal, and I think these energies are a huge part of that.  

Juliaanna, it's your energy mostly. I'm just along for the ride.

I'm touched too that care2 cares so much for each other that with Sarvo's brilliant effort this group has come to life like a Pheonix rising from the ashes! How beautiful!

Threads are coming alive here that haven't been touched in two years. That's pretty touching.

      


And i'm grateful for that

Since childhood I have been a toucher,not of people, but things like the grass,tree leaves,the red earth along the mountains, paintings,the beautiful carvings in wood furniture,the historical blue cobblestoned street's of old San Juan.I can not explain why but it is like connecting with these beautiful things on a deeper level than only seeing there beauty.

When I look down at my hands, I try to remember that they are the antenna of my heart.  Love threw touch always heals.

To reach inside someone and squeeze gently (metaphorically speaking).  Giving someone the sensation of warm fuzzies floating around inside.

 Touching is not sexual; it is loving. Newborns will not thrive if they are not touched. Everything and everyone is born with the need to be touched.
One of the best ways to communicate is through the sense of touch, but there is a time to touch and a time not to touch. If you see someone is uncomfortable with being touched, simply stop. Touching can be positive as well as negative.

Touch at the right moment  -- at the right time.

Peace and hugs
sau

I just looked up the word "touch" in the Miriam Webster Dictionary. There a 19 meanings... here's just the verb...

to touch (verb)
transitive senses
1 : to bring a bodily part into contact with especially so as to perceive through the tactile sense : handle or feel gently usually with the intent to understand or appreciate <loved to touch the soft silk>
2 : to strike or push lightly especially with the hand or foot or an implement
3 : to lay hands upon (one afflicted with scrofula) with intent to heal
4 archaic a : to play on (a stringed instrument) b : to perform (a melody) by playing or singing
5 a : to take into the hands or mouth <never touches alcohol> b : to put hands upon in any way or degree <don't touch anything before the police come>; especially : to commit violence upon <swears he never touched the child>
6 : to deal with : become involved with <a sticky situation and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole>
7 : to induce to give or lend <touched him for ten dollars>
8 : to cause to be briefly in contact or conjunction with something <touched her spurs to the horse> <touched his hand to his hat>
9 a (1) : to meet without overlapping or penetrating : to get to : ADJOIN (2) : REACH <the speedometer needle touched 80> b : to be tangent to c : to rival in quality or value <nothing can touch that cloth for durability>
10 : to speak or tell of especially in passing <barely touched the incident in the speech>
11 a : to relate to : CONCERN b : to have an influence on : AFFECT
12 a : to leave a mark or impression on <few reagents will touch gold>; also : TINGE b : to harm slightly by or as if by contact : TAINT, BLEMISH <fruit touched by frost> c : to give a delicate tint, line, or expression to <a smile touched her lips>
13 : to draw or delineate with light strokes
14 a : to hurt the feelings of : WOUND b : to move to sympathetic feeling
intransitive senses
1 a : to feel something with a body part (as the hand or foot) b : to lay hand or finger on a person to cure disease (as scrofula)
2 : to be in contact
3 : to come close : VERGE <your actions touch on treason>
4 : to have a bearing : RELATE -- used with on or upon
5 a : to make a brief or incidental stop on shore during a trip by water <touched at several ports> b : to treat a topic in a brief or casual manner -- used with on or upon <touched upon many points>
synonym see AFFECT

Such a simple workd so packed with meaning...

How do we touch? How are we touched? Is touching important?

Peace and blessings,

Marge

I would love to reach out and touch the Lord! Wouldn't that be a great experience?

http://www.luxuryhideaways.net/images1/letters/David-N-Jen-touch-of-god_B.jpg