As I dive deeper into its meaning, the concept of spiritual growth becomes increasingly prominent. Regardless of one's beliefs in guiding signs, the constant presence of 77 captured my attention, compelling me to continue my exploration.

From the quiet corners of my past, I stumbled upon a treasure trove—a testament to the memories my mom treasured and passed down. It was an envelope that protected relics of my infancy, caretakers of my earliest steps and the tales they quietly tell. Nestled within its papery embrace lay my first pair of baby shoes, slumbering within their cardboard cocoon for over six decades. These tiny artifacts, like crystallized fragments of my origin story, now find their place atop my dresser, assuming the role of story keepers—reminding me of the multitude of beginnings that have woven the fabric of my life. As I placed them gently, a ritual unfurled, paying homage to the journeys embarked upon and the budding trails that beckon ahead.

A Profound Connection Through Healing Touch

From the very beginning of my journey as a therapist and educator, I recognized the immense potential of touch to create a profound connection between individuals. It's not just about physical contact – it's a language that speaks to the core of our being. We see with our eyes, hear with our ears, smell with our nose, and taste with our tongue, but touch is not sensed with a single area of the body. It's holistic and transcends the physical body, making it the sense we cannot live without. Touch is vital for our survival, so much so that metaphors of touch are incredibly tactile and strongly sensory.