I’ve been lovingly touching folks all week. It was this week’s “How to Train a Wild Elephant” challenge …or so I thought. In my haste and tunnel vision, I read what I wanted to read. I am a strong proponent of touching people with positive energy. I hug, pat, tap, grasp with zest. I like to reinforce my connection to people with a physical gesture.
The Exercise: Use loving hands and a loving touch, even with inanimate objects.
So apparently, when I read the challenge, I skimmed over ‘even with inanimate objects.‘ Now as I’m reading the discoveries section, I realize I’ve missed an opportunity to mindfully connect with inanimate objects. It sounds funny, maybe even slightly, sexually suggestive. Still, I think it’s worth a pause and a repeat of this exercise.
One of the examples in the book was about medical students. The author, who went to medical school, talks about doctors with a ‘surgical temperament.’ Under stress, they throw instruments and curse at nurses. The author observed one student that always remained calm. He touched every instrument and every tissue during a procedure with a delicate gentleness. Her point was which surgeon would you want to operate? One inclined to temper-tantrums? Or the one practicing mindfulness with every movement?
At work, we’ve had some technology issues over the last week. Mostly, my response has been to remain calm. Every once in a awhile, my frustration is displayed unproductively. I slam a drawer, pound a keyboard, or kick the CPU unit. Although I’m happy to report I do this far less than I did in my 20s and 30s, I am not always using loving touch with inanimate objects.
So, this week…
The Exercise: Use loving hands and a loving touch, even with inanimate objects.
I’m going to be more aware of how I treat the inanimate aspects of my life. Respecting all things, whether it has a face or not, will help me live more fully and joyfully.