From the Inside Out

I believe that human touch is essential for healing, happiness, and emotional health. The immense power of a simple hug, innocent kiss, and even plain pat on the back are undeniable. From personal experience, I have witnessed the immediate change of an attitude and mood. Entire lives are changed by touch. Physical touch is able to translate emotions as vastly different as love and hate with the same amount of intensity. Touch is as diverse as the humans who make up this world. In fact, the love language of many, including myself is primarily touch. Loving physical contact is necessary for my well-being.

There have been many days when I have been down and depressed and the expression of another’s understands could only be found in the form of hug. Longing for a pure, healthy hug can be overwhelming sometimes. I know that often the only relief from a bad day is an embrace. In essence, all emotions, words and thoughts may be packaged in powerfully encompassing arms. This simple action of love removes isolation in a personal way. I know that I matter; I know that I am loved; I know that exist. The inner warmth of an outer sensation is bliss for millions and certainly for me. I do not know the cause, but touch enables my deep emotions to be expressed. I can just be me in a way that is so simple and real. With touch, there is no pretending or pretences.

When I am touched I am no longer lonely, or afraid. I can conquer the world. I am stronger than I was. I am supported, I am cared about, and I know who I am and whom I aspire to be. My life becomes crystal clear all in that one moment of touch.

I have a large family filled with love, hugs, and kisses. Whenever I have felt in need of love, they have always supplied it plentifully. There are with no strings attached or ulterior motives. We extend our unending bank of love to the lives of friends and neighbors. There is warmth in my house that cannot be accurately described, but is always felt. This atmosphere is a direct result of the close-knit familiarity that consumes our lives daily and is reinforced by touch.

Times of great tension between my mom and I are the times were this truth has been tested and proved most. During these stressful times, neither of us can find words of reconciliation or of forgiveness. The wall between us has been built so high that it seems nothing can fix our wounded relationship. But then one of us will break the ice of the cold wall with a warm hug and a sweet kiss. In that instance, we have connected physically, emotionally, and spiritually – I am sorry, she is sorry, and few words are even needed. Forgiveness is made possible only because our physical barriers are torn down. The human touch is a tangible response to an emotional need. I believe that loving touch can heal people from the outside in.