What we’re about
What is a Cuddle Party?
Cuddle Party is a short workshop in non-sexual touch, boundaries and communication, followed by a lighthearted and fun couple of hours to put what you’ve learned into practice by enjoying and exploring touch. (Think hugs, foot rubs, back rubs, spooning and just general non-sexual snuggling.) You can come to a Cuddle Party to meet new people, to enjoy heartfelt conversations, to touch, to be 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. You can even come to Cuddle Party just to feel connected to other kind and lovable people. Cuddle Parties 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 official Cuddle Parties people get an opportunity to become aware of how to set boundaries that they are fully comfortable with and during the party they can feel assured that when communicating those boundaries they will be honoured by others. Many people have found a deep support and growth in self awareness and relationship skills.
Our Emotional Needs – We need HUGS!
“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 need touch and affection. We never outgrow it. In Cuddle Parties we re-discover non-sexual touch and affection, find a spacious and generous opportunity to enjoy and explore kindness and human affection with others. Cuddle Party is specifically designed to leave the 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. Some people never cuddle at a cuddle party but enjoy receiving and/or giving back rubs, head massages, arm or leg massages or simply hugging some new friends and chatting. It's a lovely opportunity for people to relax and feel connected to a nice 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 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 Cuddle Parties had to say!
"This was my first Cuddle Party experience and it was beyond my expectations!"
"More more more please! Let's spread the cuddle-love around the world! "
"Thank you Gráinne for introducing me to Cuddle Party and creating such a positive experience."
"Excellent facilitation skills with humour and sensitivity - Great!"
"I have been glowing since the Cuddle Party. 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!"