Part of the ethos of A Touch of Gentleness is that the hand massages are offered for free. Understandably some people have questioned this commenting that society tends ‘not to value things that are free’. Sadly, I know I have felt the same in certain situations. But does that make it right?

Wouldn’t it be better if instead of bending to society’s brokenness we gave it the opportunity to change. Can you imagine how much nicer the world would feel if we really noticed and appreciated all that is free around us:

• A stranger’s smile
• Bird song
• A person’s kindness
• Nature’s abundance.

How would it be if we didn’t always have to think about something’s ‘worth’, and instead simply immersed ourselves in the natural joys of giving and receiving. 

To give freely from the heart, with no attachment to gaining something in return, isn’t always easy but it is liberating.

As one volunteer said haven given A Touch of Gentleness: "... what really bowls me over is how it makes me feel to give it. Wondrously wondrous."

And it doesn’t just make the 'giver' feel wonderful. By giving freely we in turn are also giving the recipients an opportunity to experience what it is to; relax and fully receive into their hearts as opposed to their heads.              

For when, (as is normal in our society), there is some sort of transaction involved, or an unsaid expectation that something should be given in return, it is all too easy to stay stuck in our heads, working out it’s worth and thinking about what we should give back in response, rather than allowing ourselves the pleasure of being fully present and receptive.

It has been interesting, (and sad) to note how many times we have had to reassure people that there is ‘no catch’.

What we choose to do after we have accepted and received such kindness is of course something else quite different, for then we are at a different point in time. And since kindness always expands out, we may well go on to feel that we want to pay back, pay forward or naturally pass on in some way.

Giving freely is thus one of the reasons why the effects of A Touch of Gentleness, effortlessly, indeed joyfully, ripples out, and helps create a more connected, joy filled world.

Back