Stillness 7-1: When we play with our sense of touch, we can lift our spirits dramatically. By consciously touching something, we are immediately transported into the world of sensation, rather than into trying to analyze or interpret, the way we often do with our sense of sight or sound. Touch simply “is.”
Today, activate your sense of touch. Every now and then, close your eyes and reach for something different. Instead of gazing at a photograph on the mantel, graze it lightly with your fingertips. Take off your shoes and feel the grass under your feet or the waves between your toes. Feel the touch of a kitten’s paw on your arm. The sense of touch is reciprocal—just as people and creatures like to be touched, so do things. Recently, I handed my 6-month-old grandchild a large globed peony from my garden. She squeezed the petals tight in her little fist with utter delight and awe. When she let go all the petals sprang back, completely uncrushed, as though it was thrilled to be hugged by the hand of a baby.
The more I use crystals, the more aware I become of the reciprocity of the energy of touch. When I hold a crystal, I might feel a subtle vibration emanating from it. There’s energy and emotion in it, not just sensation. It softens and brightens. It floats back and forth from fingertips to crystal and back to fingertips again.
The secret to activating your sense of touch, is to let yourself feel touched by whatever it is you’re touching. Let the softness, hardness, brightness touch you. You’ll find your awareness is heightened and your feelings are brightened. Try it–with fabric, flowers, toes, guitar strings, crystals, or just dip your fingers into a bowl of water. You’ll feel more alive—and happier.