Name: Graceful Cuddle Workshop
Start: 2025-01-04T14:00:00-08:00
End: 2025-01-04T17:00:00-08:00
Location: 2050 N Tustin Ave

Will you need an extra hug after the holidays? Join us! You can get platonic nurturing touch in a safe, consensual environment!
About this Event

Do you need some refreshing connection and self-care to recover from the holiday season? Join us for a peaceful afternoon of cozy community, and and the chance to get your touch needs met in a healthy and nurturing community.

Graceful Cuddle Workshop is a guided social experience that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never required - there are so many ways to connect!

Folks say they experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion and playfulness, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep. Graceful Cuddle groups provide opportunities to meet new friends, connect with partners and pals in a soulful new way and be part of a warm, safe and huggable tribe. You are guaranteed to have a fantastic time!

Health Guidelines: Masks are optional. If you are not feeling well, please stay home. You will be offered a refund or the opportunity to attend the next event.

SATURDAY, January 4, 2024

2:00 - 5:00 pm

Early Bird Admission: $35 (available until Dec 21)

Admission: $40

Day-of Admission: $45, if room is available.

Doors open at 1:45. We will begin at 2:05 sharp. For the security of all participants and the creation of a safe environment, it is important that we are all present for the full orientation. Once our opening circle is complete, latecomers cannot be accommodated.

WHAT TO WEAR?

Dress in clothes that are comfortable for snuggling. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton t shirts, sweatpants, leggings. Wide strap tank tops and long shorts are ok for warmer weather (and that is the minimum clothing requirement). Feel free to change clothes in the restroom when you arrive. Hygiene is important at cuddles – please be squeaky clean and minty fresh! It’s easier to get close that way. Also, please come free of perfumes, colognes and cigarette smoke. Some of us have sensitive noses. Thanks!

GUIDELINES

These guidelines are like the ‘etiquette of cuddling’. We’ll go over them and answer any questions you may have during the workshop.

There’s no touch required – ever.
You can change your mind at any time.
Respect the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.
Keep touch Rated G, and stay dressed.
Ask and Wait: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer.
Respect the confidentiality of others.

WHAT TO BRING?

You are welcome to bring a pillow or blanket – cozy comforters or your favorite stuffed animal, are all welcome. This is a new space - feel free to bring something to make it warmer and more welcoming!

Please bring water to drink, as hydrating is important and a helpful way to ground afterward.

Optional: Bring a snack to share. No alcohol, please.

INTOXICANTS

Please arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.

ACCESSIBILITY - GETTING UP AND DOWN

This location is on the 2nd floor, with access via a spiral staircase. Our event space has couches as well as cushions on the floor. If you are concerned about your ability to get up and down the stairs or up and down from the floor, please contact us to discuss accommodation at [email protected]

WHAT DO PAST ATTENDEES SAY ABOUT GRACEFUL CUDDLES GROUPS?

"I always come always feeling airy, light, free, relaxed, refreshed and happy. I highly recommend attending."

"WOW! Is all I can say after my first cuddle group experience. It was beyond my expectations, nothing of what I thought it was going to be. It is a very structured and well organized program with such an honest intent for those in need of human touch and connection. Before going in, I was scared of what it might bring out of me emotionally but the environment and Grace and the people were so welcoming, allowing me to be myself. This experience truly changed my life! It is a safe sanctuary with the most caring people. If you’re having second thoughts, come check it out for yourself; be the audience if you want. It’s a decision I did not regret and a group I can continue to come back to. Thank you sincerely Grace.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Grace is compassionate and empathetic, making her the ideal person to provide comfort for those experiencing loneliness, disconnection, or simply needing the healing energy of human touch. As a certified Coach, Grace has years of experience working with individuals and is especially in tune with those healing from emotional trauma and grief. As both a Coach and a Professional Cuddler, Grace helps people with her nurturing and supportive approach.

LOCATION AND PARKING

The Holistic Healing Collective is conveniently located on the border of Tustin and Santa Ana, right off the 55 freeway at 17th Street in the Hillview Business Center. The building number, 2050, is visible from Tustin Avenue. You may park anywhere around the building (front, sides or back) and you will walk toward the middle of the office buildings to find our front entrance.

Look for the logo, “Holistic Healing Collective” on the front door. *Please check in on the kiosk i-pad in the lobby to let us know you have arrived.

For questions on the day of the event, please call 714-512-2640.

WHO WILL BE THERE?

Some folks are concerned about the gender balance of a cuddle group. I don't limit who can attend according to gender. You can read this blog post by my mentor, Jean Franzblau of Cuddle Sanctuary, to learn more about why, and get some ideas and strategies.