Mindful Touch with Infants

“Being touched is paramount to every baby’s daily life,” writes Elsa Chahin in her article, “The Future is In Our Hands,” which forms the foundation of one of the newest Exchange Reflections called “Mindful Touch with Infants.” She goes on to explain: “The young child’s well-being will depend, in great part, on the way he is touched by the adult. Through the use of our hands, we bathe, feed, and dress these precious souls. Our hands, therefore, represent everything to the infant, not only by the adult that cares for him, but as an expression of the entire world, thus becoming his first connection with the universe around him. As the late modern dance pioneer Martha Graham once proclaimed, 'Movement never lies,' and to that I add, nor do hands. Consider this: If they are rough, impersonal, and rushed during moments of care, the infant will link these experiences to unpleasant sensations.”

Interested in registering for an Exchange Reflections discussion group facilitated by a Dimensions Foundation education specialist? An August 24 conversation will explore inspiring and practical aspects of using natural loose parts with children of various ages. Learn more: https://natureexplore.org/event/200824/

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