Touch ˈtəch; v - to be in contact with.

As soon as you were born you unknowingly craved touch. You were greeted upon entering into this world with a physical embrace. A touch, a squeeze, a hug; skin to skin connection sharing warmth from one human to another. Instinctually you came to understand touch as a love language. According to Maternal Fetal Specialist Dr. Jamie Morgan the fetus begins to recognize touch starting around 8 weeks. The sensory system of touch begins in the face and gradually advances throughout the fetus during gestation. Touch is the earliest sense to emerge. A neuropathic fury of connections are set into motion. A multifaceted relationship balancing pain, pressure and temperature sensitivity to which a chain of events trigger electrifying forces awakening the body and mind. Touch is a powerful word, a common word, but have we all actually put a lot of thought into it? Isn’t it ironic, in this “untouchable” time in history.. touch may possibly be the handles of hope across this very unfamiliar bridge we are all trying to cross together.

"It’s time to tear down more walls and cross more bridges."

Regrettably, because of the pandemic we are all restricted from spending time with most of our relatives. While isolated, sharing time in close quarters with only a few main members of our immediate family. Whoever it is you are connected with during this time of quarantine, remove the awkwardness out of your family story and rewrite your book to express the words you’ve always been needing to say. Sometimes there is no better way of saying, "You mean everything to me." - than through the power of touch. Communication that has been sitting on the side lines, but never had a turn on the field. As you think of your immediate family, I challenge you to allow your deepest sense of love to surface courageously and honestly. Let the power of your touch speak a message, a new message, different words in which you were never able to communicate.

"Your voice may feel speechless, but your heart is full of dialogue."

We tend to think older adults are not open minded to the idea of healthy physical touch. Sometimes they do present body language signally a feeling of contentment to being closed off. Inevitably older adults gradually lose overall efficiency and at the same time they get removed and become somewhat distant from our daily lives. They may not admit it, but they are craving a deeper level of emotional contact that is very necessary for maintaining their cognitive health, which will assist them in overcoming negatively stimulating occurrences in their life. Older adults tend to give up on the physicality in life, which can cause barriers to form around them. Touch enhances an underlying idea of security, comfort and inclusion within them. Numerous studies have shown touch will reduce anxiety and improve a sense of safety. Additionally, teenagers who at times have high levels of guardedness and avoidance behavior; touch can be the gentle firepower to a well armored wall. The value of time holds strength in consistency, consistent presence makes all the difference. Most people understand that a genuine nice act from one person to another is meant as a kind gesture, even if the recognition is not spoken verbally; the effort will most likely be remembered. Initiating a funny face to face gift can be a great ice breaker. Depending on how it is received, a solid 10 second hug can position you and your loved one's mind in a place of better stability. Follow that up with eye to eye contact and a cheerful word. It’s virtually impossible to stop the gush of happiness whether it is acknowledged or not. A gratefulness so deep you'll question its limitations. A supportive hug may be the language they have been needing to hear. It's going to take you the reader to initiate the first pat on the back... followed by ...

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Minute Moments of Nurturing

Back/foot rubs

Holding hands

Brushing hair

Playful roughhousing

Snuggling hugs

Secret handshakes

Joyful embraces

Reclaiming the family table

Dancing

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"The human touch is a brief reminder of the language our soul speaks."

We have all increased our vitamin intake and put special thought into purchasing healthier foods. Rethink touch as a non-prescription therapeutic answer that potentially reduces the stress hormone, cortisol and releases the feel good hormone, oxytocin. There are many studies that demonstrate benefits in the power of a touch:

• Improves immune function

• Lowers blood pressure

• Calms cardiovascular stress

• Alleviates depression and pain

"Touch is the Covid-19 medicine that is currently in full supply."

Expressing one’s feelings verbally can be extremely challenging for some people. Often people spend so much time contemplating the words that need to be said that no actions are ever acted upon. At the end of the day, there is no other unspoken voice louder than the voice that lies within your hands. A language you most likely have avoided, neglected or feared. All your life you’ve communicated words that sit within sound. Let touch communicate the words that you’ve struggled to express verbally. Speak to those around you on a deeper level. It may unexpectedly completely change the course of a relationship. It’s important to not cross your loved ones comfort zone. As family we all have a pretty good idea of that line. Covid-19 has clearly impacted our strength, security and confidence. Turn your memory of this pandemic into a positive spark. The comprehension of a new language, a new relationship and a new light. Bravely breath new life into those who sit right next to you. Your touch may unknowingly speak the words (you) needed to hear all these years.

Infinity Song

There may never be a better time

I’ve been awkwardly mute and unintentionally blind

I'm sorry this has taken me way too long

I’m ready to decode your favorite song

The words in my heart have always been here

The door has been closed and locked in fear

Your touch within me holds an infinite beat

The tighter I squeeze the more I'm complete

Although you are strong and can withstand any storm

I never want you to feel like you are dancing alone

Your shoes are yours, but your footprints are mine

A lifelong dance one beat at a time poem © Sarah Ihrig