LEARN
Something Worth SharingIn Safe Hands My husband and I were out walking our two dogs earlier in the week and it happened to also be ‘school drop off’ time. Walking, with a spring in their step, ahead of us were a dad and son. The boy looked about 9 or 10 years old and in his left hand was what looked like his lunch, while his right hand was holding his dad’s hand. Just for a second, it reminded me fondly of our children and holding their hands - and then I thought about how my 25year old son no longer holds my hand! If I’m lucky, my 16year old daughter does - but strictly on her terms! Of course, the boy and his dad weren’t the only ones holding hands that morning - my husband and I were too. I couldn’t help but think about this, and how we hold hands for various reasons. In the case of a young child, it’s often to know where they are and that they remain safe, to guide and protect. For Will and I, the reason is more about emotional connection and intimacy. I guess the overarching reason we hold hands - whether romantic or as a parent - is built around security; we all need physical and emotional security. When my grandpa was still alive, one of my favourite things would be to just sit with him - not necessarily in conversation, although he had the best stories. When we sat together he would often place his hand on my arm or knee as a sign of comfort and assurance. It most definitely created a feeling of being loved and safe - of security. Our hands are incredibly powerful - more than we often realise; hands can harm and reassure, they can kill and heal. Research shows that holding hands stimulates the vagus nerve, which decreases blood pressure and heart rate and puts people in a more relaxed state. Our hands allow us to express so much - often more than our words do. In addition to re-learning how valuable and significant our hands are to well-being and relationships, I found that MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology - a US university known especially for its science courses and research) references hands in their motto. MENS ET MANUS, translates from Latin to mind and hand - reflecting the educational ideals of its founders who were promoting, above all, education for practical application. Our hands are the physical tools needed to action so many things.
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