This session mostly talks to Why we want to touch, and that it is almost always because it is our need. We want something from the touch. If we get what we want then we always want more. Then, when we don’t get it we feel frustrated, sad, or any number of other feelings.
Animals touch for mutual comfort and relaxation, and they always invite and ask. There is always a mutual benefit. If an animal says No to its herd mate then the No is respected. It is not forced as then there is no mutual benefit, just annoyance from one and neediness from another, neither of which feelings are relaxing or comforting.
Animals don’t mind us touching them when they need help with something and when we touch them from a sense of helping the feeling we share is different to that of when we touch from a desire to be comforted in some way.
If you find yourself seeking something from an animal through touch, hug yourself. You are then responding to, and taking responsibility for, your own needs.