So when you hear the words "It's magic," what do you imagine? Do you see the old man at the county fair doing tricks with cards and doves, pulling a rabbit out of his black top hat? Do you see yourself at Christmas getting a magic set under the tree, wonder just how Santa knew that you wanted it (because you had forgotten to put it on your list to him)? Or is it watching magicians performing death-defying feats on the World's Greatest Magic on television?

That's the stereotype of "magic."

But what I am going to talk about next will not seem like "magic" at all.

It's more touchy-feely than just being seen. When was the last time you shook hands with someone? Patted someone on the back? Gave someone a hug? That's all magic.

Now, before you write me off as some weirdo who doesn't have a clue, take a look at what each of these things does. Shaking hands breaks the ice when new people are meeting each other. Patting someone on the back can reassure the person or make him feel better. Giving a hug can be a warm greeting, a way of saying "thank-you," or consolation for someone grieving. How can something so mundane as touching another person be "magic?"

Well, let me ask you this, when was the last time you had a really good back massage (any kind, professional or friend)? How did it make you feel? Were you relaxed when it was over? Did you realize you had been hiding so much emotion inside of you that it made your muscles stiffen and not want to move?

I guess the biggest thing to ask you to recognize is how it made you feel that a friend could make you feel good and help you even without needing to say a word. Just touching your shoulders and rubbing out the pain, the hurt, the negative energy that exists in tightened muscles.

Imagine what would happen if we never had this "magic" of touch, and we had to go through the entirety of our lives without touch. Everyone would be shriveled and cranky, because we would all have to carry all of our burdens with us at all times, could never (or have a hard time trying to) let them out to relieve ourselves of the pain. It doesn't have to be something elaborate, or even something that you have to study. As long as its done with friendship and love, it creates a powerful magic.

Unfortunately, it doesn't do your homework for you, but it's magic, not a miracle. This magic brightens the day. It eases pain. It makes things peaceful and helps evil go away (if only for a while). The magic of touch, the golden touch, but it doesn't make things turn into cold, hard gold like it did for King Midas. It is golden because it does so much good. It creates bonds between friends. It shows people that you care. It lives and helps others keep living. It's not so hard. It can be a hug, a handshake, a back massage — or a lot more. It really does work.

Try it, it's magic!

• Magic Touch