Mark Nepo's "The Risk To Be Touched"

I want to lift up the fabulous Mark Nepo's
THE BOOK OF AWAKENING.  (Click to purchase on Betterworld Books)

Nepo's writing is deep and dear and comes from the wisdom of his life's experience, particularly as a cancer survivor.  Please consider purchasing this book - it is a lovely companion for both living and dying. 

Recently, in a hospice meeting, I shared from Nepo's piece titled "The Risk to be Touched" ( with the author's permission - you will find a link to Nepo's website in the Resources page). In it Nepo writes on the importance of touch as a universal language.  He shares even in the title alone that he is aware that touching and being touched may take courage... yet he encourages us all - and I second this with all my might - to take that risk.  The healing and heart-resonance that touch can afford us may be affirming like no other human interaction can be.

There may also be healing needed in your life from touch that was UN-welcome. Unhealed wounding offers us -  when ready - all the more reason to open to HEALTHY, LOVING, HEALING touch.

Think for a moment of a time when touch had positive meaning for you.
Let yourself have a small, private breath INTO the goodness that was or is there for you.
What might life be like if you had this breath - and offered it to others - as needed?

I invite you to go forth in your day today – perhaps even every day - with an intention for two things:

1. To find a moment in which you might offer touch as a simple communication with someone who could find comfort or healing in it.
2. To find a moment in which you yourself take the “risk to be touched” and ask someone you feel loved by to touch you – a hug, a pat on the shoulder, a holding of hands.

May we all remember the universal language of touch and it’s power to bypass our differences, heal hearts and build simple, tender bridges.  And to my hospice team members, as well as any of my readers who use touch in daily work or living: This is, of course, the essence and brightest gift of what you do; thank you for being all that you are – to your patients, friends, family and to each other.
 
Much Love,
Rev. Maya