Touched

As humans, we crave touch. And it’s not some superficial longing, an urge that can remain overlooked – our very survival depends on it.

I’ve found that even simple, fleeting moments of connection make me feel more present, more akin to the universe and all of its heart.

I frequently find myself surrounded by people, an entire sea of people, yet contained in this almost detached sphere of loneliness, looking at the world through a kaleidoscope of yearning. It can be a lonely and peculiar feeling, experiencing life amongst people who are so close and so far away, whose existence is just as complex and daunting and worthy as our own.

It’s in these moments that I have to stop myself from wanting to grab the hand of the perfect stranger standing next to me. Perhaps it’s because the human touch provides an alleviation from this isolation, a sense of security, reciprocity, understanding, love and belonging in a world that often just doesn’t make sense.

So, I have come to a conclusion that I think could soothe much of our suffering: more hugging, more kissing, and more hand holding. And it starts now.