What Is Sanctuary Touch™?
Sanctuary Touch™ is a simple form of gentle self-touch used alongside the original music in The Sanctuary Collection™. It may include rubbing your hands together, softly stroking your arms or resting a hand somewhere that feels comfortable. It is always optional and can be adapted to suit you.
Sanctuary Touch™ was created to add a gentle physical element to the music without turning the experience into another complicated practice to learn.
You can use it while listening to an audio track, watching a lyric video, humming, singing or simply allowing the song to play.
There is no perfect technique to master.
There is no particular response you are expected to have.
The invitation is simply to press play, choose a comfortable touch if you wish, and notice what the experience feels like for you.
The Key Idea
The Sanctuary Collection is a multisensory music-based wellbeing experience.
Rather than relying on words or music alone, it gives you several ways to engage:
listening to an original song
watching the optional lyric video
reading the lyrics
humming, speaking or singing if you wish
adding gentle Sanctuary Touch™
noticing how you feel through the Sanctuary Check-In™
You can use all of these elements together or choose only those that feel comfortable on a particular day.
The music remains at the centre of the experience.
What Does Sanctuary Touch™ Involve?
Sanctuary Touch™ uses uncomplicated, gentle movements that can be performed privately and without special equipment.
Depending on the song and practice, you may be invited to:
rub your hands together slowly
gently stroke one hand with the other
softly stroke your arms
rest a hand over your heart or another comfortable area
hold your own hands
choose a different form of touch that feels supportive to you
The touch should never be painful, forceful or uncomfortable.
It is not about applying a precise amount of pressure or completing a movement perfectly. The intention is to add a comfortable tactile point of focus while you listen.
If a suggested touch does not feel right, you can change it or leave it out entirely.
Why Is Gentle Touch Paired With Music?
Music gives you something enjoyable to listen to, while gentle touch gives you something physical to feel.
Pairing the two makes the practice multisensory.
The songs provide melody, rhythm and supportive words. Sanctuary Touch™ offers another way to participate without needing to analyse what you are thinking or force yourself to feel differently.
For some people, the touch may feel comforting.
For others, it may simply help them remain connected to the present experience.
Every response is valid.
The purpose is not to create the same experience for everyone. It is to offer several gentle ways of engaging so you can discover what feels most natural for you.
Do I Have to Follow the Touch Instructions Exactly?
The suggested movements are guidance, not rigid instructions.
You are given a set of simple movements to choose from.
Choose whatever feels right for you in the moment.
You may find that rubbing your hands is what you naturally want to do one time, and stroking your arms another times feels more appropriate. You can use any or all of the movements, and in any order.
What if Touch Does Not Feel Comfortable?
Touch can feel different from one person to another and from one day to the next. Something that feels comfortable today may not appeal to you tomorrow.
If a suggested touch feels uncomfortable, you can:
use a different movement
touch a different area
try placing your hands on your heart
hold an object such as a warm cup
The Sanctuary Collection does not ask you to override your discomfort.
Do I Need to Close My Eyes or Sit Still?
Not at all.
You can use Sanctuary Touch™ with your eyes open, and you do not need to sit in a particular position.
The practice was created to fit into ordinary life. You might use it while:
sitting with a cup of tea
waiting for the kettle to boil
taking a few minutes in your parked car
watching a lyric video
waiting for an appointment
relaxing in the bath
sitting outside
taking a pause during a busy day
While we do recommend listening while taking some time out for yourself, it is also designed to be used during small moments throughout your day if necessary.
Sanctuary Touch™ requires the use of your hands. Only use it when it is safe to do so.
Do not attempt the touch practices while driving, operating equipment or doing anything that requires your full attention.
You can still listen to the music at an appropriate volume when it is safe and legal to do so.
How Does Sanctuary Touch™ Fit With the Songs?
Sanctuary Touch™ is gently woven into The Sanctuary Collection rather than taught as a separate, lengthy routine.
Some songs include lyrical reminders that naturally accompany the suggested touch. Other songs leave more space for you to choose what feels appropriate.
You do not need to use every movement with every song.
The intention is for the music and touch to feel connected, simple and easy to remember.
Why Does The Sanctuary Collection Use Repetition?
The Sanctuary Collection does not constantly ask you to move on to a new song or technique.
Returning to the same music gives you time to become familiar with:
the melody
the words
the lyric video
the suggested touch
your preferred way of participating
Familiarity can make a practice feel easier to begin because you already know what to expect.
Some days, the experience may feel different.
Some days, it may feel exactly the same.
You are not required to produce a particular result. Repetition simply provides more opportunities to listen, participate and notice.
What Is the Sanctuary Check-In™?
The Sanctuary Check-In™ is a brief moment of noticing before and after the music.
Before listening, you are invited to ask:
How am I feeling right now?
After listening, you can ask:
Has anything shifted - even slightly?
You might notice a change in your breathing, thoughts, mood or physical tension.
You might notice that you enjoyed the song.
You might notice nothing at all.
There are no correct answers.
The Check-In is not there to test whether the practice “worked.” Its purpose is to help you become more aware of your own experience without judging or analysing it.
Is Sanctuary Touch™ a Form of Therapy?
No.
Sanctuary Touch™ is part of a self-guided, music-based wellbeing experience. It is not massage, medical treatment, psychotherapy, counselling or trauma therapy.
It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a physical or mental health condition, and it should not replace appropriate professional care.
If you have an injury, pain condition, touch sensitivity or any concern about whether a movement is appropriate for you, leave it out and seek advice from a suitably qualified professional if necessary.
How Much Time Does It Take?
Ideally we recommend 10-15 minutes twice a day. The process is simple and designed to fit into your day, but you do have to listen and use the Sanctuary Touch.
Having said that, we all have those days where we cannot fit much in for various reasons - so if you are only able to listen once that day, that is okay. It is the daily repetition that matters. Better to do once than not at all.
And if you miss a day, no guilt, just return the next day.
You do not need to create a lengthy ritual around it. You may spend a few moments rubbing your hands while listening, use gentle touch throughout the song or choose not to use it at all.
The practice is intended to fit within moments you already have rather than requiring another large block of time.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment?
You do not need a special device, room, outfit or piece of equipment. Everything you need is within the program.
You only need a suitable way to access your program.
Headphones are optional. If you use them, keep the volume at a comfortable level and remain aware of your surroundings.
Can I Use Sanctuary Touch™ Without the Music?
You can use a comfortable self-touch independently if you wish. However, within The Sanctuary Collection, Sanctuary Touch™ is designed to accompany the original songs.
The music, words, optional lyric videos, touch and Check-In form the complete experience.
The purpose is not to give you another isolated technique to remember. It is to make the practice easier to access by connecting its different elements through music.
Where Can I Experience Sanctuary Touch™?
Sanctuary Touch™ is introduced in the 7-Day Sanctuary Experience and developed more fully throughout The Sanctuary Collection: Foundation.
The 7-Day Experience is the simplest place to begin if the approach is new to you. It gives you an opportunity to experience the original music, optional lyric videos, Sanctuary Touch™ and Sanctuary Check-In™ before deciding whether you would like to continue into the complete Foundation program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanctuary Touch™
Is Sanctuary Touch™ compulsory?
Sanctuary Touch™ is a major component of the program so we highly recommend using Sanctuary Touch™ when it is safe to do so.
What if I perform the movement incorrectly?
There is no perfect performance to achieve. Use only movements that feel gentle and comfortable for you.
Can I use it while walking?
Some simple hand movements may be suitable while walking in a safe place, but your safety and awareness of your surroundings must come first. You can always listen without using touch.
Can I use it while driving?
Do not perform any movement that takes your hands, attention or awareness away from driving. If you listen while driving, keep your attention on the road and the volume at a safe level.
Do I have to sing?
No. Listening, watching, humming, speaking and singing are all options. You choose how you participate.
How often should I use Sanctuary Touch™?
It is recommended to use the Sanctuary Touch™ at least twice a day while listening to the song - if it is safe to do so.
Sanctuary Touch™
You do not have to understand everything about the practice before trying it.
Begin with one song.
Listen in whichever way feels easiest.
Add a gentle touch only if it feels comfortable.
Then pause and notice.
That is all you need to do.
Experience Sanctuary Touch™ in the 7-Day Sanctuary Experience
About Tanya Marie
Tanya Marie is the creator of The Sanctuary Collection™, a collection of multisensory music-based wellbeing programs combining original songs with gentle Sanctuary Touch™.
Her work grew from her own decades-long experience of chronic exhaustion and overwhelm, and her search for simple, enjoyable practices that could fit into real life.
When nothing quite suited what she needed, she began creating what has now become The Sanctuary Collection.
Published 31 August 2026
Important Note
This guide provides general educational information and describes how Sanctuary Touch™ is used within The Sanctuary Collection. It is not medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always choose movements that feel appropriate for you and seek qualified professional advice when needed.