The Feels SF ed 16: an IRL singles experience

// about \\

‘the feels’ is a 3-hour in-person dating event in SF, designed for people who want more intentional, embodied ways of meeting and connecting with others.

Part somatic experience, part mindful singles event, part human connection experiment — ‘the feels ‘offers a different way to date: slower, more grounded, and rooted in emotional awareness.

Created by Allie Hoffman as part of her masters degree thesis work at Columbia University’s Spirit Mind Body Institute, ‘the feels’ blends psychology, embodiment practices, mindfulness, and authentic relating into one immersive evening.

The format builds off the work of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, Dr Martha Eddy, the Buddha + the Tavistock Institute - among others.

‘The feels’ level 1 experience guides you through structured pairings and group moments that include meditations, deep prompts, positive reflections, and somatic elements like eye gazes + hugs.

‘The feels’ believes that =>

• Better relating is possible.
• Your body holds infinite wisdom, and listening tothat can give you more valuable ‘information’ about connection than suface-level facts like where someone lives or where they work;
• Online dating has left us treating each other badly; the way back is to show up with kindness, and care – which we facilitate you into expressions of;
• Co-regulation is powerful – and we’re here to help you experience it;
• Discomfort is OK. When you learn to sit at the edge of discomfort, and self-soothe - that it empowers a sense of self and pride that fortifies you;
• If all you do at ‘the feels’ is write a love letter to you - we’re really happy w that. We don’t promise you that you’ll meet the love of your life - but we can guarantee that you’ll walk away with a stronger sense of your own amazing’ness.

More things to know about ‘the feels’ =>

• in partnership with Columbia, survey data we have collected shows that 70% of all ‘feels’ level 1 attendees will walk out the contact info for someone they’re excited about;
• Our experience is facilitated by professionals holding masters degrees (or higher) in the fields of mental health, movement, therapy, performance, and sexual health - among others;
• Your ticket includes unlimited light bites, alcoholic + non alc beverage options;
• We’re here to build a community of people who believe - like we do - that its possible to treat each other better. Your purchasing this ticket connects you to the broader ‘feels’ community via WhatsApp groups + a series of offerings only available to Level 1 alumni.

// the who \\

this edition of ‘the feels’ is for those who identify as ISO a monogamous(ish) + heterosexual pairings.

It’s designed for those who are -baseline- comfortable attending, knowing that consent-based, non-erotic touch is incorporated at various points throughout the evening as part of the somatic pair exercises. Modifications are always available for anyone who does not consent to touch.

We recommend - but do not strictly uphold - an age range of between 25 - 55 yrs old.

‘the feels’ is meant to be a welcoming space for all. Our age ranges and guidelines are simply that, guidelines. We honor and include people of all body types, neurodivergences, races, genders, binaries and nonbinaries, sexual orientations, and immigration statuses. Different editions may resonate more with some than others, but we encourage all who are called to the experience, to try it.

Want to learn more?

Peek the website.

Read the White Paper on the format.

Read about us in the NYTimes.

Read bout us in Thrillist, and Philly Mag.

// what people are saying \\

“I felt open, grounded, happy, and optimistic, not just about the connections made, but also about life in general.”

“This was a radical departure from how I usually experience dating and attraction.”

“As someone who struggles with emotional intimacy I truly enjoyed the event. It forced me to push through the walls I put up and engage someone in a way I usually wouldn’t until much later in a dating relationship.”

“I remember the change in the room as each activity went on—I could feel the collective self-regulation.”

// please note \\Tickets are non-refundable, and we no longer allow transfers to future events. For more information on the 'what' and the 'why', please visit our . If you have any questions about accessibility, please be sure to check out our before purchasing a ticket.

However, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to the same event in the same category. For example, if you purchased a Female ticket for NY Feels 12, you can transfer or sell it to another female attendee for that same event. You are responsible for finding a replacement. Once the switch is confirmed, please email us their name and email.

For further questions on ticket transfers please refer to our .

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