Tomorrow we’ll step out into the unknown when some lockdown restrictions are relaxed. I wonder how we’ll react to this new level of freedom?

Food, air, and water. All essential elements for life to exist and potentially thrive. We can survive for approximately 30-40 days without food. We can go for about three days without water and go for about three minutes without air. If you want to go longer without air, then you’ll need to surpass Stig Severinson, who held his breath for 22 minutes and broke the world record!

We understand the importance of these bare essentials of life, but what about touch? Touch is a natural form of communication. When we are born, our first experience with our environment is through touch. Touch is essential for a child’s growth of its physical abilities and language and cognitive skills. A lack of touch during these formative years can severely impair a child’s development.

Even as adults, the importance of touch doesn’t necessarily diminish. Communication conveys emotions we may not easily express – I love you, I care for you, you are safe, you are loved, It’s ok – we can say so much. We give a warm embrace, put a reassuring hand on a shoulder, link arms in friendship, or hold hands.

This past year has robbed many of us of the opportunity to touch and to be touched. What does that do to our mental and emotional state?

We are programmed for touch. A lack of contact leads to affection deprivation, leading to psychological and physical health detriments such as anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness. We have become fearful of interacting with one another, afraid to get too close because we don’t know what a person may be carrying. This is not good for us as a society. I see severe long-term issues ahead.

We can only help someone so much with our words. The touch of kindness can provide a person with the opportunity to reset themselves and start again.

I understand the reason for limited contact, but there is a part of me that cries out for us to live our lives. I’m not suggesting we go out and hug every stranger or person we meet – we didn’t do that before, so why start now! No, what I’m suggesting is that we live as we would like to – without fear.

I have worked with many clients during this period, providing a safe environment to receive treatments. In the course of my work, every client’s body has been crying out to be touched. Their bodies are blocked, tight, and restricted. I help them to gain movement, openness, and release. I’m humbled to see the relief and relaxation in their physiology. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, and I am happy that I can help my clients at this time.

Yesterday, as I drove to see clients, I witnessed two separate moments of connection. A daughter, who I assume was in her late teens or early twenties, rushing to hug her father as he stepped out of a taxi. Separately, a small group of young teenage boys hugged one another before parting ways. To witness each of those moments, especially during this time, was to see those people acting in the moment with genuine love, tenderness, and warmth. For me, this is what life and living are about.

If you’ve not felt like yourself, out-of-sorts, or simply need to feel more connected to yourself or others, please reach out. I’m here to help.

To your life!

Joseph