Name: Graceful Cuddle Workshop
Start: 2024-10-06T14:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-10-06T17:00:00-07:00
Location: 2050 North Tustin Avenue,Santa Ana,92705,US

Are you in need of a hug? Come to this Graceful Cuddle workshop. You can get platonic nurturing touch in a safe, consensual environment!
Graceful Cuddle Workshop is a guided social experience that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercise and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate. At this workshop, you may 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 provides 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.
This month's event will be co-facilitated by Grace and Jess Carmichael. Jess is working toward her certification with Cuddle Sanctuary. We graciously ask that feedback forms be completed toward that goal.
Sunday, October 6, 2024
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Early Bird Admission: $35
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. Tank tops and 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.
GETTING UP AND DOWN
This new 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 from the floor, please contact us to discuss accommodation at [email protected]
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Grace Heer 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.
"The first time I went to a cuddle event was about a year and a half after my parents had died, only 10 weeks apart. I had also gone through a break up. I was really battling depression and grief. After the event, I was in a good mood for a week and a half! It's amazing what cuddling can do!"
Jess Carmichael is an educator and experience creator. She is eager to share the practice of facilitated Cuddle as a practice and opportunity to learn and explore, in an embodied way, about consent and platonic touch: The goal being to generate self awareness within the context of our relationship to touch and the felt body.
Jess has trained in facilitating cuddle events with Jean Franzbau, founder of the Cuddle Sanctuary. This event will be a step toward her final certification.
COVID PROTOCOL: A Covid test is no longer required for attendance. Masks are optional. We are following Orange County guidelines. If you are not feeling well, please stay home . You will be offered a refund or the opportunity to attend the next event.
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 make sure to 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.