Welcome to this week’s issue of Weekly Wellness Wisdom!

Each week we explore the process of following our paths toward Authentic Wellness: Essentially this is an ongoing experience of growing into a place of balance and renewal which also honors our unique perspective and spirit.

I emphasize emotional, relational and spiritual well-being, with the awareness that when these dimensions of wellness are supported, the other aspects of well-being (such as physical health, our relationship with food, etc.) tend to follow more naturally. We inspire ourselves and feel pulled toward a place of balance; we are no longer “pushing” ourselves.

Beginning today, the next few weeks’ issues look at a variety of sensory experiences and their place within authentic wellness.

If you find this newsletter helpful and supportive, please share it with your friends and colleagues. Simply forward this email and invite them to subscribe. Thank you for passing it on! I grow through your recommendations and I’m grateful for it.

What’s New from Centered Living

Complimentary Teleclass! Have you participated in a Teleclass? If so, you know this is a fun and convenient way to connect to folks all over the globe! If you haven’t tried a Teleclass, this is the perfect introduction. It is as simple as making a long distance phone call (and this is your only cost).

The 60 minute Teleclass will take place on December 6th at 7pm, EST. If you’re unable to attend live, you’ll be sent an audio recording via email. We’ll explore “Holiday Wellness” and clarify how you can best experience authentic wellness through this joyous and sometimes hectic holiday season. I hope you’ll join!

Simply send a blank email to lori.boothroyd-273698@autocontactor.com (you don’t need to fill in any details) and your interest in this Teleclass will be registered! There is no cost and absolutely no obligations. This is a gift from me to my readers. Stay tuned for more details

Wellness Wisdom Feature Article

Experience Touch and Authentic Wellness

You’re probably familiar with the infant research about touch; without touch, babies will not thrive and often die. Even when babies are fed, kept warm and dry, safe from harm but denied touch; they literally wither away.

Adults experience the ill-effects of touch deprivation as well, though in less dire ways. We experience a dying of our spirit when we are hungry for touch. It is not unusual to compensate through overeating, aggressive and self-defeating behaviors. Other less damaging but still painful side effects are: Boredom, a sense of disconnect, tension, shyness, fear of intimacy and isolation. We often (aptly) describe these states as “losing touch”.

Why do we so often neglect touch? Sometimes we simply forget how important it is to touch each other. We live in a frenetic world that doesn’t encourage touch and even discourages displays of affection and nurturance. We attempt to protect ourselves from potential rejection or discomforting vulnerability by not touching… thereby further isolating ourselves in the process. This lack of touch is a social taboo run amok.

My wellness challenge to you this week: Identify and ask for the touch you need. It may be a hug from a trusted friend, seeking out the expertise of a recommended massage therapist, or reconnecting with your partner in a meaningfully intimate way. What can you touch that brings you a sense of comfort, of re-connection? What does your body tell you it needs with regard to touch? Honor it!

We need all kinds of touch, not only physical. We need the psychological touch of attention, acknowledgement and affection. I’ll address those needs more directly next week.

Personal Reflections

I’m reflecting on all the ways I’ve experienced joy and healing through touch this last week.

The first image that comes to my mind is a blissful massage given to me by a gifted and compassionate massage therapist (thank you Gayle!). Through her hands, I feel warmth, kindness and a sincere intent to heal.
• The daily kinds of touch: Hugs, hand-holding and snuggling up at night with my husband, Gregory. Weekly hugs and kisses from friends and family; my husband’s extended family tend to hug tightly and hold on! I’ve come to like that and look forward to it.
• The joy and comfort that comes from petting our two lovely kitties (and any other animal I meet, large and small that would welcome being touched). Contact with fur and feathers both sooth and energize me.
• The seasonal touches here in northern Michigan: Picking up and touching the autumn leaves in all their glorious textures and colors. Every walk finds me taking a few treasures home to rest on our kitchen table.
• And finally I recall a touch that brought me back from feeling irrational anger. I have learned to dissipate anger by gently folding my hands over my heart and breathing. It is a beautiful mystery that always works.

May you experience the touch that nourishes your spirit.

Lori

About Lori

Dr. Lori Boothroyd is known as the “Coaching Psychologist”. She has served her clients and students well over the years through integrating her knowledge from earning a Ph.D. in psychology, as well as her advanced training in coaching and wellness psychology. Appreciated for her warmth and down-to-earth style as much as her expertise, Lori is a dynamic speaker, author and coach. She lives in Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, Dr. Gregory Boothroyd.

Together they authored the book “Going Home: A Positive Emotional Guide to Promote Life Generating Behaviors”.

For a complimentary coaching consult, to inquire about programs or to ask any questions, please email: lori@loriboothroyd.com