Let me start with a beautiful true story:

Some time ago I was hosting a Cuddle Party that was led by my dear friend and spiritual brother Len Daley (who at that time was kind enough to drive all the way from Alabama to make it available to us). At some point of the evening as he was standing to the side, I walked up to him and we smiled at each other. We were looking at this wonderful scene - a bunch of  happy, relaxed, playful, loving people, leaning against each other, holding each other, touching, caressing, talking, gazing, smiling, laughing. Beautiful music was playing in the background. Room was bathed in the soft flickering glow from a fire in a fireplace. I gently leaned against Len, touched his shoulder and said: "Len, this is like a little piece of heaven on Earth. This is how this world is meant to be." And we just stood there feeling the depth and beauty of that moment,  basking in a wonderful experience of closeness and connection. Do you sometimes experience "perfect" moments? Moments when you would not want to change anything. When time seems to stop, and when it feels that this is how life is meant to be, that this is what was promised to us.

That is what I like about Cuddle Parties the most and the main reason why I host and facilitate them and make them available to people. I like to call them Hugs and Wisdom Workshops, because they are much more than parties, they are workshops on human connection, communication, and on creating safety and freedom to reach out to other loving human beings.

"There are no strangers, just friends we haven't met yet" - I believe that is so very true. So if you would like to explore connecting with people in a genuine and authentic way, share touch and affection, learn about yourself and others, improve your social and interpersonal skills, or just have some wholesome fun and thoroughly enjoy yourself -

Come to a Cuddle Party!
(Goran's Hugs and Wisdom Workshop)

 

This wonderful workshop on human connection and communication comes with an abundance of affectionate and nurturing touch. It is a safe and structured, non-sexual and drug and alcohol-free event. It is called a "Party" because it is so much fun!

People may attend a Cuddle Party for a variety of reasons. Some come out of curiosity. Some like to have fun and enjoy a wonderful evening of connecting with like-minded people. Some see a Cuddle Party as a great networking opportunity to look for new friends or a significant other. Some (both men and women alike) come to safely fulfill their need for affection and nurturing touch that may be missing in their everyday life. Some appreciate the learning and personal growth aspect and use the opportunity to improve their social and communication skills (expressing needs, setting boundaries, etc.), and explore ways of creating connection and closeness. Some may find a spiritual significance in deep connections with others, have a chance to try "touch meditation", or explore different states of consciousness ("the cuddling hormone" oxytocin can produce quite an altered state :)

Cuddling can mean feet against feet, leaning against each other, shoulder or feet rubs, caressing, full-body hugs, spooning - it is entirely up to you. You can participate according to your desires and comfort level (it is perfectly ok if you just want to talk and not touch anyone for a while or not at all). You will have a great opportunity to meet and connect with other cuddle-minded people in a safe and relaxing environment.

During the first hour we create the structure and safe space by introducing ourselves, learning about Cuddle Party philosophy and rules (like "Ask before touching anyone"), and by going through several communication and ice-breaker exercises. This is followed by a couple of hours of social cuddling time, and ends with a Closing Circle.

After the Cuddle Party is over, some people leave, and some stay and participate for another hour in a Sharing Circle, where we have an wonderful opportunity to have a heart-centered connection with the whole group through sharing of our feelings, experiences, thoughts, insights and alike. For some that is the best part of the evening.

After that some of us may go out for a late dinner, and continue to enjoy conversations and each other's company.