Reach Out and Touch Someone
At the birth process workshop I attended a few weeks ago, a key theme was the concept of getting support. If the parents are under-supported, then parenting becomes an over-whelming experience. With support, parenting is transformed into the magical experience that we all crave. I’ve experienced the state of overwhelm all too many times. What I didn’t know was how to better get support and what that support looks like.
In the workshop, we had many chances to practice asking for and receiving support in both a physical and emotional manner.
What surprised me is how much physical support was helpful.
Human contact, holding hands, having someone’s hand on my arm or foot or shoulder, leaning against another warm body — all these made a world of difference. I realized how little nurturing contact I receive in my life and how much I crave it. When I got home, I just sat with my children, holding them and breathing in that connection. I have made a point of holding my husband’s hand as many times as I can. When I talk to other moms and if it feels okay, I touch their shoulder and make
contact. I’ve read that we need 12 hugs a day to thrive … I would expand that and say we need 12 touches a day to thrive.
So, let’s share our hugs here. I’d love to hear how a simple touch recentered and grounded you. Share with us that hug from a friend, or that simple touch from your partner.
With much love,
Deborah
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