Oh, I was the lucky girl yesterday. After an incredibly busy eleven day stretch of travel, meetings, talks, and interviews, I used my Christmas gift certificate and had a massage. It was heavenly! My massage therapist was delightful and we had a very meaningful, spiritual conversation. I don’t normally like to talk during a massage, but it seemed we met for reasons other than the massage itself. Sometimes people are just placed in your path to exchange something…knowledge, information, energy, ministry. We shouldn’t pass those opportunities up.

One of the most difficult things about widowhood, after the pain of your loss and missing your loved one, is the lack of human touch. I noticed this after my divorce sixteen years ago. I actually discussed it with my doctor and got a prescription for massage from him for “therapeutic touch”. The “feel good” hormones are released during massage and this improves our state of well being.

I really miss human touch. A twenty-second hug releases hormones that can have the same effect as a single dose of an antidepressant. Most people get uncomfortable with a hug that lasts longer than a couple of seconds unless they are in an intimate relationship. There are actually businesses that offer non-sexual, fully clothed (pajamas or yoga pants encouraged), therapeutic snuggles and cuddles for $60-75 per hour. I’m not sure how that would work for me snuggling a complete stranger, but man…I sure miss that closeness.

Most reputable spas and salons offer legitimate massage services. Companies like Massage Envy can be found all over. Sometimes you can snag a Groupon deal for very inexpensive services. Occasionally a spa will offer an introductory rate for your first visit. If you’ve never had a massage, let me be the first to say how awesome I find them. I know there are people who really do not like massage, but if you find you’re craving human contact and you aren’t interested in having an intimate relationship with someone, therapeutic massage can be a godsend.

❤️

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

Proverbs 27:9 NIV

Photo Credit: greatdaymassage.com