Wish Upon A Star for 2024!
Star Bright, Star Light, first star I see tonight...
I wish upon for all a Life Abundant with Love.
We reflect as we wrap up 2023, give thanks for our lessons and adventures, then release what we no longer need in 2024. Every Sunday I share our Fusion Weekly Theme, hoping you enjoy them and learn new things with time to contemplate what each mean to you as I do when I write them.
Bridging to our final theme of 2023, exploring our 5th Love Language of Physical Touch. A hug, a kiss, hand holding, cuddle, pat on the back, shoulder tap or even a massage, for instance. In addition to Acts of Service, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, and Gifts, many crave Physical Touch. Humans are wired to experience touch which releases oxytocin, called a "love hormone" or "bonding hormone", and neurotransmitter produced in our hypothalmus gland, released by our pituitary gland. It gives us a sense of wellbeing according to medical researchers.
Psychologists call it, Skin Hunger or Touch Deprivation when we lack this need which can be detrimental to emotional, mental and physical health. This explains why Physical Touch is one of the Love Languages. With so many isolated, alone or in relationships with others not sharing this need, there are options. There has been a long term popularity of interacting with pets. But what happened with humans fulfilling this need?
In our personal lives it may be more intimate way to demonstrate our love. In a public or business setting it's a finer line. I call it, safe, respectful touch when we wish to show we care for another. It may feel awkward at first so sense the intention behind the hug, or gentle touch of a hand before acting. Get permission first, "can I give you a hug" for instance. Then give it a go! You will be surprised how many welcome it and the hug may make you feel good too. If it's not your comfort zone, then use another Language, it's ok. It's simply not your dominant Love Language.
It’s been 4 years since we abruptly halted physical closeness which distanced us from others, diminishing our willingness to give and receive Physical Touch. Many naturally find it comforting to make physical contact, while others prefer to protect their space. It's important to communicate your preference either way while understanding another's preference to share this Love Language with respect only.
My wish coming true this year is that we reenter the world of safe, respectful touch in Fusion yoga classes. Starting January, any of our teachers wishing to offer assistance in yoga postures to enhance a student's practice through gentle touch with approval, may do so. We veered away from the practice to allow for more space between us. You have the option for appropriate touch from your teacher.
You may notice a laminated Green Lotus mat marker (see below) available near the studio entrance to be placed at the front corner of your mat. Green means "Go for Guidance" to notify the teacher you approve if the opportunity for deeper assistance arises. So grab a lotus if you wish for some safe Fusion contact and guidance.
Happy New Year from your trusted Guides,
Gina,and the Fusion Family of Teachers and Practitioners
Fusion Owner, Registered Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master Teacher, R.N.
BREATHE. MOVE. CONNECT.
