The Magic of "Touch"

My dictionary states that “touch” is to perceive by feeling; to impress emotionally.
It is a sensation by contact.

Touching is an essential part of a young child's development. From the moment of birth, when
uterine contractions caress the baby, touch is a catalyst for healthy, physical and emotional growth.
Without “touch”, children do not thrive. The eventual attachment that is formed “as a result
of warm and responsive care” provides a child with a secure base from which to explore the world.

When we are weaned from the first form of human connection, we speak of “staying in touch” or we
speak of “being touched” by some act of kindness. When we shake hands with friends and/or
clients in a business environment, we extend greetings. This clasp conveys a message ranging
from coolness to warmth. If a hand touch to someone's shoulder or a hug is given simultaneously,
for example, it can be a heartfelt experience of caring. We are conveying emotions and feelings
through these gestures. There are degrees of appreciation and perception; touch can range from
low sensitivities to high sensations. When touching begins, love and humanity begin also.

When you are a Senior, you are in the least touched group in our culture. Part of the blame lies
with our culture's emphasis associating youthful skin with touchable skin as well as touch being
linked with youthful sexuality. Another factor is probably the greater number of people in this
age group, who live alone. Unfortunately, some families are busily occupied with jobs, children
and teens to raise, their individual personal interests, other commitments...all absorbing the hours
of the day, thus leaving little time so spend with elderly parent(s). Some Seniors become lonely
and depressed; others adjust to this lifestyle change remarkably well...even having opportunities
possibly to teach others about the Value of Touch.

We live, as humans, in an environment we share with Nature. Daily our sensitivities are aroused;
we are acutely responsive to a certain sensation stemming from the stimulation of a sense organ.
Touch is a requisite and is totally significant to the animals, to the birds and to us as we exist
among them. The Great Teacher is Observation...it opens our eyes, our minds, our souls. If we
are attuned to Nature, sensations will be triggered...desired feelings and emotions within us
are created. Consider “Touch” as a force of communication and its effect upon us.

What is your sensation with each of the following? Does it help to lessen “the woes” in your life
that are currently present? Does it stir an emotion? Does it promote a smile upon your face,
releasing you temporarily from some adversity, a difficulty or challenge ?
The First Touch of Frost on the Maple Leaves
The Touch of Spring at Winter's End
The Kitten that Purrs, Nestled beside the Family Dog
The Gorilla's playful Antics with its Young
The Mother Bird feeding her Hungry Nest Babies
The Hummingbird as it Hovers for Pollen from Colourful Flowers
The Cat's licking Touch of its Paws in state of Contentment
Dogs in the Park, Touching noses, testing for Friendliness
The Alpha Huskie Sled Dog who leads his Team, in Quest of winning the Race
The Sea Gull or Eagle, Soaring the Skies, Hunting for Meals...to Grab or “Talon”
The Glorious Rainbow against a darkened Sky as Sun shines through the crystally raindrops

A Child's Kite, tightly clasped, as the Wind lifts it Higher and HIgher
A Toddler's Touch of a Wavelet as it ripples upon the Shore
The Feeling of Sand through Bare Toes on the Beach
The Touch of a Baby's Hand in Yours
The Blind Person's Sensation at Touching Rose Petals
A Climber's Touch at the Mountain Summit
The Senior's Touch when Pets visit Nursing and Retirement Homes
The Tactile Touch of Braille by an Unsighted Person.

Emerson wrote, “Every Moment of the Year has Its Own Beauty.”

'Tis the Human Touch in this World that counts.
The touch of your hand in mine...
Which means far more than the fainting heart;
Than shelter and bread and wine.
For shelter is gone when the night is o'er
And bread lasts only a day.
But the touch of the hand and sound of the voice
Stay ever in the soul...alway.
(Spencer Michael Free)

Yet, the Greatest Sensation of All...
is the Human Touch between Man and Woman.

A dear friend once said, “I just want to touch you and hold you.”
This can be the most beautiful, exquisite sensation...
as is
A Man's First Kiss upon his Love's Red Lips.


Merle Baird-Kerr
April 6, 2011