What we’re about
Calling all people who are interested in and who enjoy being in a relaxing and enjoyable space with other kind and caring people who fully respect each others boundaries whilst practicing consensual communicating skills, including, possibly, touch! * **
What events can you expect in this group ?
All the workshops offered within this group are focused on two core pillars of healthy relating; Consent and Boundaries.
There will occasionally be 30-60 minute free introductions on Zoom to give people who are curious a sense of what to expect and to start conversations about the skills required to be consensually confident.
There will be 3 hour (and longer) in-person workshops that allow you to gain insight and develop your skills in consensual communication, increasing awareness and respect of your own and other peoples boundaries.
Events will include practice; with potential* opportunities to give and receive consensual touch in a boundaried way.
You can come to a Consensual Communicating events to meet new people, to enjoy heartfelt conversations, possibly to practice touch*, possibly to practice being touched**, to have fun, to practice asking for what you want, to practice saying “no” to what you don’t want — all in a setting structured to be a safe place.
These events are not therapy. But they can be healing, comforting, restorative, rejuvenating, inspiring, insight-producing, and challenging of your preconceived ideas. And they are always fun.
At the beginning of all of our events people get an opportunity to become aware of how to set boundaries that they are fully comfortable with and during events they can feel assured that when communicating those boundaries they will be honoured by others. Many people have found these events to be deeply supportive, enlightening and nourishing with growth in self awareness and relationship skills.
*These events are entirely consent focused, this means that you might find that nobody agrees to being touched by you or to offer you touch - and that's perfectly ok! One of the essential skills we'll explore in our workshops is the need to have a mature and respectful approach to rejection, both receiving and giving.
**These events are entirely consent focused, this means that you might choose to not touch or be touched and those boundaries will be respected by all who attend. It can feel very empowering to find confidence in saying No, in fact I encourage people to find ease in rejecting others and it's something we practice and discuss at every event!
Our Emotional Needs – Consensual Touch is healthy and healing
“When we hug, our hearts connect and we know that we are not separate beings. Hugging with mindfulness and concentration can bring reconciliation, healing, understanding, and much happiness.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Human beings of all ages benefit from consensual touch. We never outgrow it. In these events we re-discover consensual non-sexual touch, connection and communication skills. These events are very specifically designed to leave sexual kinds of touch entirely off the menu, so that the more inclusive, non-sexual kinds of touch have a chance to be found and enjoyed. People enjoy receiving and/or giving clothed back rubs, massage, cuddling or simply hugging some new friends and chatting. It's a lovely opportunity for people to relax and feel connected to a sound group of people who agree that being affectionate and kind is good for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. Many people find this quite natural. For others, it’s a new and life enriching learning. Many people are surprised to find such a rich, comforting and fun experience.
The Science bit
Research shows that elevated oxytocin levels, a naturally produced chemical that is released when giving and receiving a 20 second or more consensual hug, reduces stress and its related ailments, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, improves circulation and supports the healing of diseases such as fibromyalgia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Here's what attendees at previous events had to say!
"Excellent facilitation skills with humour and sensitivity - Great!"
"Not only did it have a yummy feel-good effect but a deeper, more long-lasting impact also. I have been more conscious of my boundaries and more clear in my yes's and no's these past few days. I feel a new power. It is delicious!"
