Connecting Through Mindful Touch - A Cuddle Party® Event

What is this workshop all about?

When was the last time someone touched you for longer than a handshake, a hug, or a pat on the back?

In the Connecting Through Mindful Touch workshop, you will learn fun and safe ways to connect with others through consensual, loving, nurturing, non-sexual human touch in a light-hearted group setting.

This workshop is open to all adults (18+), regardless of gender or orientation. Singles and couples are both invited to attend.

This workshop follows the very popular Cuddle Party® format. Each event begins with a welcome circle where we go over the rules of the event, discuss boundaries, practice the verbal skills around clearly communicating those boundaries, and learn to ask for what we need.

This is not a sexual event, and all participants will be fully clothed for the entire event. The relaxed setting offers opportunities to cuddle without any obligation to do so. That means all physical interactions require verbal consent. If you don’t feel like touching or cuddling with any or all individuals at a session, you are encouraged to do what feels right for you, without judgment.

Awareness of personal boundaries is celebrated at Cuddle Party®. Exercising communication with clarity and kindness is part of the experience. Learning how to ask and receive (or refuse), and to give and get affection in the form of non-sexual touch is the cornerstone of the practice.

To learn more about Cuddle Party®, visit the Cuddle Party FAQ

More information about the event and the organizer can be found at the Mindful Touch Austin Facebook page and the Cuddle Party® Austin Meetup page.

This Connecting Through Mindful Touch workshop is sponsored by Mindful Touch Austin.

Event FAQ

Organizer Contact:Phone: 508-740-2535 (call/text)Email: [email protected]

Tickets:

The organizer believes everyone should be able to attend Cuddle Party®. As such, all tickets are offered on a donation basis. The break-even cost of running the event averages around $18 per attendee, so an amount in the range of $10-$30 per participant is suggested. Historically, tickets in the male category are in high demand and usually sell out first, so a slightly higher donation range of $20-$30 is suggested for these tickets. Please note that the event is at 50% capacity to minimize the risk of covid-19 spread, so tickets are very limited.

Space is limited and ticket sales will end once we have reached the maximum number of people. Your ticket reserves your spot. We have limited room for registrations at the door, however, please note that space cannot be guaranteed without advance registration. All tickets are fully refundable up to 24 hours before the event. Within 24 hours of the event, tickets become non-refundable but you may transfer them to another participant.

Because of the circumstances surrounding Covid-19, we ask that you stay home and not attend if, in the 48 hours before the event, you have developed symptoms of acute illness like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sudden loss of taste or smell, sore throat, or body ache. Similarly, if you have been exposed to Covid-19 within 14 days prior to the event, we ask that you not attend. The normal cancellation policy will not apply for such cases, and any tickets not otherwise eligible for a refund as per the policy above will be either refunded or credited towards a future event.

Location:

The exact address will be sent to ticket purchasers before the event. Please be on time, and account for Austin traffic. The events are held in a residential neighborhood, so please be mindful of the parking situation. There is some street parking, but you may need to park on a neighboring street.

Doors close exactly 30 minutes after the event start time, and the Cuddle Party® welcome circle begins. To create a safe container for all attendees, we do not admit anyone after the Cuddle Party® welcome circle has started.

Covid-19 Guidelines:

The event will be held indoors in a private home. The meeting areas and surfaces will be sanitized and disinfected before the event and air filtration equipment will be operational in the meeting area. Hand sanitizer and disposable masks will be provided for those who need them.

At the time of this announcement, the city of Austin is following Stage 3 COVID risk-based guidelines. The nature of this event involves interacting with others in close proximity. To mitigate the risk of covid-19 spread, proof of a negative covid-19 PCR test result within 48 hours before the event start, OR a voluntarily presented vaccination card confirming fully vaccinated status against Covid-19 is required.

In addition, all participants must consent to a body temperature check and sign a waiver stating they understand the risks associated with Covid-19 and their participation before being admitted to the event.

Be Prepared:

No need to bring mats or bedding, as these will be provided for you at the event. If you have your favorite pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, etc. please feel free to bring it.

Scent:

Being in close vicinity to others at a gathering not only offers an opportunity to touch, hear, and see, but to smell as well. Please be mindful of your scent and hygiene so everyone can have a pleasant experience. Heavy use of perfumes or other scented products can distract from the experience and are highly discouraged.

Photography:

The privacy of participants is important at Cuddle Party. We ask that you please refrain from taking any pictures or audio/video recordings while in the cuddle space. We invite you to turn off your phones and/or other gadgets and use this time as an escape from our busy schedules.

What to Wear?

Cuddle Party is a non-sexual event. Clothes stay on the entire time. Comfortable clothes like pajamas, shorts, leggings, t-shirts, etc., are ideal for cuddling. You can change at the event if you need to.

Refreshments:

Light snacks, water, and tea will be provided. You may bring a snack to share if you like, and your favorite drink (no alcohol please).

Host or Publisher Mindful Touch Austin