As a certified practitioner of Bio-Touch, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the annual Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK) retreat at the gorgeous White Stallion Ranch here in Tucson, Arizona last week. ITK is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to enhance well being, minimize suffering, and facilitate healing for families with children with developmental disabilities, genetic conditions, cancers, and other chronic, acute, and life limiting illnesses. This annual retreat brings together volunteers who practice many types of healing arts, giving sessions to participating families, and giving them tools to ease their everyday challenges. Bio-Touch practitioners have taken part in this retreat for several years. But this was my first experience volunteering there.
And what a gratifying and heart-swelling experience it was! I met so many dedicated, caring people—family members, past family participants, volunteers—that I was in awe. I gave seven Bio-Touch sessions that day, starting with an adorable three year old girl. She was watchful, her eyes full of curiosity at what I was trying to do—touch her lightly with my fingertips. She shook her head and blocked my hands, opting to hop into my lap for a hug, instead. I was only too happy to oblige! Then she allowed me to touch her head, a look of amusement on her face the whole time. The next session I gave was to a ten year old boy who delighted me with amusing tales of the animals on his family’s farm. He looked dubious when I explained that I’d be touching him as lightly as a butterfly, but thanked me afterward, saying how much he’d enjoyed it.
I’m already looking forward to participating in next year’s ITK retreat!
And what a gratifying and heart-swelling experience it was! I met so many dedicated, caring people—family members, past family participants, volunteers—that I was in awe. I gave seven Bio-Touch sessions that day, starting with an adorable three year old girl. She was watchful, her eyes full of curiosity at what I was trying to do—touch her lightly with my fingertips. She shook her head and blocked my hands, opting to hop into my lap for a hug, instead. I was only too happy to oblige! Then she allowed me to touch her head, a look of amusement on her face the whole time. The next session I gave was to a ten year old boy who delighted me with amusing tales of the animals on his family’s farm. He looked dubious when I explained that I’d be touching him as lightly as a butterfly, but thanked me afterward, saying how much he’d enjoyed it.
I’m already looking forward to participating in next year’s ITK retreat!
