Jenny Sanders explores the surprising rise in adults turning to soft toys for emotional comfort in a stressful world. While these “cuddlies” may offer sensory grounding and nostalgic security, she gently reminds us that Jesus-followers always have access to the true, ever-present Comforter - the Holy Spirit.
‘When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.’ 1 Corinthians 13:11 (The Message)
It may be time to search the attic for your old teddy bear of yesteryear. Yes, soft toys are back in fashion, not just for children but, apparently, an increasing number of us are opting for a support toy – cheaper and more portable than the other support options out there (dogs, cats, ducks, hedgehogs, peacocks etc.) – as we grapple with the reality of nurturing our mental health.
Beanie Babies from the 1990s now face stiff competition from multitudinous other cute ‘cuddlies’
Beanie Babies from the 1990s now face stiff competition from multitudinous other cute ‘cuddlies’, including the new favourite, SQUISHMALLOWS’® (Tik Tok boasts over 132 million posts featuring these blob-shaped characters). Toy industry research group, Circana, reports that while $1.5billion was spent globally on toys last year, one in five toys is now bought by an adult, for themselves.
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In a fast-paced, digital age, perhaps returning to childhood toys is more than nostalgia; it may be a way of coping; an association with a simpler, more carefree life. Repetitive stroking of something fluffy or silky can serve to comfort and genuinely ground us in moments of stress. It worked for us as children, so why not as adults? After all, isn’t that what we do with our pets? Our toys once provided us with security, connection and gave undemanding, imagined affection; there’s no reason why they can’t do so again.
Take sporty, Sid Batty. He suffered from social anxiety and depression after knee surgery so bought his cuddly toy duck, aptly named ‘Quack’,
Take sporty, Sid Batty. He suffered from social anxiety and depression after knee surgery so bought his cuddly toy duck, aptly named ‘Quack’, in whom he’s found symbolic reassurance that things will be OK, even when they doesn’t always look that way. 500,000+ people on Instagram now follow their travels around the world.
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UK-based psychologist, Lee Chambers points out that since we live in a world of algorithms and relentless over-stimulation, a soft toy can provide peace and calm by not being interactive. We can project our own characteristics on them just as we did when we were children.
While our collective mental health may be in a parlous state, specific activities help regulate our emotions. Some of us play musical instruments, pursue art therapy or journal. Most of us have a thing – a pillow, a blanket, a favourite jumper – a place, or even a smell, that we associate with safety and security; something familiar that helps us slow down, breathe and gain manageable perspective and comfort. Is hugging a soft toy really any different from binging Netflix or chocolate cake? Reverting to our childhood companions doesn’t necessarily mean we’re not ready to join that adult world, or that we’re burying our heads in the sand and opting out. Being child-like isn’t the same as being childish. Clearly cuddlies can provide us with a portal to innocent pleasure, a way to regulate our needs with sensory comfort.
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You may not feel the need for a support animal or toy, but ultimately, Jesus-followers all have access to the ultimate Comforter: the Holy Spirit. He is also referred to as the Helper, Counsellor, Intercessor and Advocate. He was sent to be with all of us everywhere all of the time, unbound by geography or time zones. Paul exhorts us to ‘be filled with the Holy Spirit’ (Ephesians 5:18); an active verb.
Walking in step with Jesus daily, helps us keep him central. You may have visual prompts around your house that facilitate this: a scripture on a fridge magnet or bookmark; encouraging letters or gifts from a friend that were sent in a dark time; a coffee mug or wall calendar with a favourite verse. They also serve to support us as we navigate life.
Fortunately, unlike our toys of yesteryear, we can never ‘lose’ the Holy Spirit!
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