Touching Yourself is A-OK
Learning to feel "OK" touching ourselves is tough. And I'm not necessarily talking about sexual touch-touch in general! We are taught, growing up, that unnecessary touching of one's self is frowned upon. We're not supposed to touch our chest or our genitals in public. Most of us are fine with that. But a lot of us carry that feeling of shame with us to our private times-making us reluctant to touch our bodies, as though it's a naughty thing to do-even if you're touching it for loving, healing purposes.
I bring up the chest (moreso for women) and genitals not because they're part of sexual enjoyment, though that certainly is true. I bring them up because two of the seven major chakras through which Reiki flows just happen to be the chest and the pubic/pelvic area!
Naturally, when doing a session on someone else, you don't want to touch those areas (unless it's a close friend or family member, and even then it might make them uncomfortable). But why shouldn't we feel OK putting our hands on our own bodies "down there"?
The answer is, we SHOULD feel OK to put our hands ANYWHERE on our bodies at ANY TIME.
Especially in the privacy of our own homes. If you have trouble doing self-healings because of feeling of self-consciousness, try this simple exercise regularly to overcome your shyness. Remember, if you're all alone, in private, there is absolutely no one to criticise you for touching yourself. Being comfortable using your hands to heal your own body is vital to understanding how to touch others.
To begin the exercise, lay down on your bed, or sit in a comfortable chair. Comfort is the key-make sure it is a place where you can totally relax, and you can feel safe and secluded, and free from interruptions/distractions.
Practice breathing. Inhale to the count of four (deep, cleansing breaths) and hold your breath to the count of four. Exhale completely to the count of four. Keep up this steady, relaxing rhythm.
Pay attention to how it feels. Deep breathing feels good! It is one of life's most simple pleasures. Your lungs enjoy getting fresh air. Your diaphragm enjoys the exercise of deep inhalation, holding, and pushing out breath. All the cells of your body relish the oxygen you're sending them.
Listen to the sound of your breath. With such a steady rhythm, it's almost like listening to the rolling waves of the ocean. Isn't it relaxing? Almost hypnotic?
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