Grasp, v. - to embrace or clasp.

Grasp possesses a committed strength within the realm of fluctuating fragility. To grasp is to identify with the object's purposeful destiny without interference. Think of it similar to grasping a glass or a pencil. Loosely clutched and still powerfully secure. This is an idealism associated with highlighting the delicate equilibrium between support and freedom. The motive is to nurture the positive consequences the object can produce.

Grasp transcends beyond physical movement into a sense of elevation. A genuine trust in someone’s curiosity. It reflects back responsibility for which the outcome seems to be more important than the motor movement itself. Grasping refuses to believe failure is an option. Still its gentle demeanor proves to be profound without overpowering the situation.

The backbone of this word has great meaning when examined with a close eye. To grasp someone has less to do with you and everything to do with the other person. How is this different from holding someone? To me personally, holding always has an ulterior motive that inevitably resorts back to a self. A type of ownership or agenda. Holding hands or holding onto old clothes longer than needed. In addition, holding produces resistance in some way, shape or manner. For instance, “Holding back the tears.” Do I believe in holding hands? Absolutely! Nevertheless, I am simply highlighting interesting differences to make a point.

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Someone’s Grasp Is You

We all know that 1 person

Who gives up all their time

Sees us through elevation

Without criticizing the climb

We all know that 1 person

Who cheers our every stride

Props us upon their shoulders

To see the other side

We all know that 1 person

Who shares that last bite in their bowl

You may never know a better person

Unknowingly they fed you - your soul

There is something to be said

About support equaling distance

The ability to pursue your dreams

Without so much resistance

Our freedoms reside

In the ease of their silhouette

A supportive back bone

The original house key

A trapeze net existence

Somehow they untroubled

The soles of our feet

Trading shoes of friction

With greater footprints of peace

The tightrope of life looks very unsteady

We never know how life will transcend

The echo is silent

The height is violent

Life is a swift and fierce fight to the end

We all know that 1 person

Who raises the bar at each step of defeat

And when we worry about how far we might fall

All we see are their 2 hands below our 2 feet. ©

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Courteous goodwill begins within the memories you have of people who have grasped your life. As your mind starts to wonder a bit and recall special people who have supported you, I think we must stop and visualize these people mentally to get clarity on their selflessness. Review their simple love answers and how they easily grasped the solution to your life equation. Think of their silhouette and the comfort in their closeness. What particular sentiment captured your core? Recall their mannerisms. What unique words did they use? Maybe that person would make you something instead of buying it for you? The person cheered your accomplishments far louder than anyone else? Did they write to you rather than call? Their unconditional love for you has a homegrown attitude you’ll never forget. It is within those memories that we must stop, grasp those feelings and pass along to the next person.

Your grasp may seem unnecessary. However, keep in mind it is a form of self-growth and it

may turn out to be one the most fulfilling blessings you receive...

HOW TO BEGIN THE PROCESS - GRASP ACRONYM

G - Gratitude

Show your appreciation for people. You’ll be surprised how many people are floored by a simple compliment or a thank you. It can be a game changer not only for that day, but for days to follow. Just think about how great it feels when someone points out something great you did! It is like the biggest breath of fresh air moment ever! Gratitude is a scarce resource. It absolutely can make someone take a second look at themselves! People do a workout of negativity in their head. Showing your gratitude and pointing out their strengths is a kind attribute. Plus it’s healthy medicine for both of you!

R - Read

To become a better communicator it’s important to become sensitive to nonverbal communication. This is a way people generate meaning through non-spoken physical and behavioral cues. For instance, body movements, facial expressions and posture can help you determine the emotional state of the person in front of you. Be an observer and take time to get to know people. Nonverbal communication is difficult to fake due to its involuntary nature. It is also processed by an older part of the brain. It is more instinctual and more involuntary than verbal communication. Accurate and credible when read side by side with verbal communication.

A - Afterthoughts

P.S. This could be the most important action taken. Anyone remember the postscript? That one last additional thought or concern at the end of a letter? Short, but extremely impactful! Positive afterthoughts are blissful! Whether it is a quick check in on someone or picking up an item at the store you remembered they needed. Your thoughtfulness will be considered important. Time is considered a part of this category. Time spent putting together a bag of someone’s favorite foods. Time spent sharing a cookie with a HUGE smiley face on it. Time spent reading a significant article to someone who shares the same interest. Lastly, a simple hand written letter is amazing and don’t forget the ... P.S. :~)

S - Support

To support someone is to affirm they matter, in my eyes. Support doesn’t lie in problem solving. It thrives through supporting the soul. Listening quietly and picking up on a person’s true inner voice is necessary. It’s important to help a person define who they are and use micro-moments of recognition to affirm those ideas. Reiterate how they matter, why they matter and who they matter to. Sometimes we feel just like everyone else. Am I different? Am I special? Spotlight someone’s individual strengths and remarkable traits. Each of us hold unique value. Sometimes we let our confidence drain it away. Your grasp will help refill someone's sense of personal matter.

P - Positivity

This begins with speed. It’s time to slow things WAAAY down. Rest area only 500 feet ahead. It seems some of the unhappiest people are the ones who have the most hectic lifestyles. How can you assist a person in calming their mind? Smiling and funny gestures are nice and can be addictive, but that is just a basic starting point. Remarkably, low impact exercise is one of the best ways to put a smile on someone’s face. Yes, I already hear bellowing shouts of, “Yeah right!”. Obviously everyone would love for me to say, “Eating Ice Cream.” While that will bring a short-term smile, it isn’t long lasting. Numerous studies show a link between physical activity and good mood. Lots of feel good chemicals are released through exercise. Invite someone out for an easy walk on a sunshiny day; slow dancing, yoga, martial arts, rock climbing or even a slow walk at the mall. It will assist them in gaining freedom away from their busy thoughts. So grab someone who is struggling with positivity, knock them out with a huge smile and say, “Come on.. Let's go explore a trail!”

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Reference List:

Communication in the Real World: an Introduction to Communication Studies, University of Minnesota Libraries, 2016, pp. 164-168