Cuddles, Connection and Tea in Santa Barbara

Hello friends!

I'm so excited to be bringing back my "Cuddles and Connection" workshop series, at Troy and Carla's lovely home in Santa Barbara! We're creating an intimate container, and I'll be facilitating connection exercises that center around touch. The space will have the entire floor padded, and there will be a fair amount of movement. In addition to the facilitated exercises we will be serving some delicious home-made “Love Your Heart” herbal tea prepared by Carla.

We start with a welcome circle, give people a run down of house rules, what to expect, introductions, etc. We then dive into some fun exercises to allow everyone to connect and fill up each other's cup in a safe, considerate way. The exercises aren't pre-planned, they're tailored to fit each group and determined (or created) on the spot! After 2-3 hours of exercises with lots of revolving partners, we'll do a closing circle and send everyone home with hearts and bodies full of connection!

If you're a couple and you'd like to come and just work with each other, you're welcome to do that. If you're a solo person and worried you won't know anyone, you're in good hands—and good company! Lots of people come not knowing anyone. These events are a great way to meet new people in a low-stakes, safe environment. We often do the work in small groups (2-4 people), and people get shuffled and mixed up the whole evening, so you end up getting to meet and connect with a bunch of different people.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected]

We're charging a little money, but if $ is tight please don't let that be a reason to not come. Email me and I'll see what I can do about a scholarship ticket.

FAQ:

Is this a sex party? Are the exercises sexual in nature?

No, this is not a sex party and none of the exercises will be inviting sexual energy in any way. Senuality, being present and tuning in to how you feel in the presence of other bodies is part of it, but nothing explicitly sexual.

What should I wear?

This isn't a "dress to impress" event, we recommend wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable and is good for light movement. PJs or whatever you would wear to lounge around your house would be brilliant.

Can I come if I don't know anyone?

Of course, in fact I see these events as a great way to meet new people in a low-stakes, safe environment. We often do work in small groups (2-4 people) and people get shuffled and mixed up the whole night, so you end up getting to meet and connect with a bunch of different people.

If I want to come with a partner is that okay? Can we work together the whole time?

Attending with a partner is great too! And yes, you're absolutely welcome to work together as much as you'd like. That can often be a really nice way to deepen an exisiting connection.

I've heard about "Cuddle Parties", is this like that?

"Cuddle Party" is a wonderful organization who has been running cuddle parties since 2004, and yes — when you see the words "Cuddle Party" that references a specific event with specific rules. I highly recommend going to one! What we do, however, is not that, although it's similar in it's intention to connect people through touch in a non-sexual environment.

To learn more about Cuddle Party or find parties in your area, visit cuddleparty.com

Facilitator Bio:

Dave Booda is a writer, musician and social entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of IntimacyFest and hosts The Darkness Experiment. He has led over 450 workshops on connection, touch and relationships and has consulted for and facilitated experiences for companies, communities, retreats, festivals, conferences, birthday parties, weddings, funerals, and gatherings of all kinds — with the intention to inspire authenticity, connection and group cohesion. He has published over 200 essays for boodaism.com and played over 1000 shows as a touring singer/songwriter. He is a former Naval Officer and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, currently serving on the board of directors for the Foundation for Intentional Community while living in rural San Diego, California.

Host or Publisher Dave Booda