The Mush: A Platonic Cuddle Party

🙏🏽Please read event description in its entirety🙏🏽

Welcome to the Mush—a values-oriented, agreements-based, touch-positive space where we celebrate a culture of Safety, Love, Authenticity and Autonomy.

Experience the world’s first structured cuddle puddle and touch-positive consent training. The Mush has many aspects: philosophy, consent & communication practice, self-care extravaganza, many-handed healing touch opportunity, slow-motion contact dance, and more.

Our Vision

We want to create a more connected world through touch-positive communities here in NYC and around the globe. We see the Mush as a movement that helps people heal and reclaim their relationship with touch.

To create a safe container for this exploration, it's only possible to join the event and receive the location if you agree to honor the Community Agreements and complete a short questionnaire. These agreements support the core values of the Mush: Safety, Love, Authenticity and Autonomy.

Please review the Community Agreements and complete the questionnaire:

The Journey

• 5:00pm-5:30pm — Arrival Period

Take a moment to transition from the outside world, settle in, and enjoy connecting with fellow participants

• 5:30pm-6:30pm — Opening Circle & Practicing Community Agreements

We begin our evening together with a guided grounding breathwork session to center ourselves, followed by lighthearted and playful games to break the ice. Together, we'll explore and agree upon the values and commitments that hold our community in safety and respect.

• 6:30pm-7:00pm — Consent & Communication Exercises

Engage in meaningful practice on how to give and receive touch. We'll explore the art of saying "yes" and "no" confidently, expressing personal boundaries, and asking for what you need—all within a safe and supportive environment.

• 7:00pm-7:30pm — Creating the Mush

Experience the magic of creating the world’s most inclusive cuddle puddle. Together, we'll cultivate a touch-positive space that invites everyone to participate with intention, authenticity, and care.

• 7:30pm-8:30pm — Open Mush Time & Closing Circle

Freely immerse yourself in The Mush—connecting, cuddling, and engaging with others at your comfort level. We'll close the evening with a reflective sharing circle, offering time to integrate your experiences and carry the warmth of the community with you.

Open Your Heart

This is a place to open your heart and experience love and acceptance from the whole community 💖 We will revel in the beauty of touch, healthy boundaries, subtle non-verbal communication, and exploring the connection of human bodies in an explicitly non-sexual container. We also ask that everyone comes in a state of sobriety and sensitivity that supports full awareness of their own and others' boundaries.

Join us for an evening where every touch is an expression of kindness and every interaction is a step towards deeper connection. We would love to see you there 💛

About the Facilitator:

Mihir Shah first discovered the Mush on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand. Never having heard of “cuddle parties” before 🤔, he was nervous, but curious about what the experience could be like. After that first event, he fell in love with the community, values and agreements of this touch-positive space. He loved it so much that he attended the Mush Movement Facilitator Training hosted by Mush Movement Founder Davi Rhein. Now, Mihir is committed to share the experience of the Mush in NYC. To learn more about the Mush and its origins, check out https://www.mushmovement.com/home

A Few Friendly Notes

· Dress Code? Nah. Wear comfy clothing that helps you feel relaxed.

· Got Questions? We’re all ears! Reach out anytime at [email protected] with any questions or thoughts.

· Snacks! Some snacks will be provided and you’re welcome to bring snacks to share with the group

· Change of Plans? We totally get it. Just let us know by Saturday, November 30th if you need to cancel so we can plan accordingly.

· Need financial support? We will never turn someone away due to lack of funds. If cost is an issue, work exchange in support of the event is possible. Please reach out to [email protected]

Photo Credits:

Mia Renwall, Finland Mush Facilitator

Natural High Healing Festival 2024

Uusikaupunki, Finland

Host or Publisher Mihir Shah