Touch

        "Touch is a word that causes emotional reactions. Touching is rather out of favor in the general population in the physical sense of the word. This aspect of human nature appears to go in cycles of acceptance. We are afraid touching will be misunderstood and often it is misinterpreted. Yet we long for an understanding touch, a comforting connection.

        Family patterns have much to do with the expression involved in touching. Areas and cultures also influence these patterns. If one is not used to an affectionate embrace, for example, it is awkward to change to a new pattern. For some, the over-exuberance of openness is an uncomfortable thing due to the difference in the pattern. Yet, we touch all we meet. How can that be? We touch in ways we are not aware of nor understand. We are touched by actions - how a person lives, by behavior. It isn't always someone we know personally. It may be someone who we never met, but the actions of that person can influence and change a life.

        We touch others with our facial signals - a sincere smile or a negative look - both get reactions. We touch with our words. Not only do we touch with our spoken words, but our unspoken words. Our mental words - thoughts - can touch another. We can also touch with our bodies. The body has a language all its own. Sometimes it speaks a language the person is unaware of consciously.

        We touch others with our energy. Around you is an energy field which is constantly changing. This change develops as moods, physical reactions, and emotions filter into the field. There are many sensitive people who are affected by others' energy. It can be like walking through a minefield or it can be a pleasant experience.

        Keeping in balance physically and mentally is a difficult thing to do. Life's daily experiences constantly tilt the balance - the centering of the self. Being aware of various ways you can touch others can contribute not only to your own well being, but add to the balance of another. Though you may not fully understand your effect on others, it would be helpful to check your balance - to be aware of physical and facial signals, to be aware of negative, positive thoughts, and to become aware that your energy meets others' energy. There is a mixture, an exchange, a type of touch.

        Staying in balance prevents the body from being bombarded by too many energies or negative ones.

        Touch also with your heart."