08/15/2024
Why does nurturing touch from others feel so much better than touching ourselves? This is one of the questions we discussed at the start of last night’s Cuddles & Consent Continuum, an advanced cuddling workshop for those who have completed the basic Cuddles & Consent.
We began with a journey inward, guiding ourselves through a blindfolded exercise to rediscover the art of self-touch. Beyond the familiar embrace of a self-hug, we tuned in to the quiet whispers of our bodies, seeking out the places that longed for tender care, and offering them the warmth of our own hands.
From this sacred self-exploration, we transitioned to a deeper connection with another. Partnered, we practiced active listening, sharing our personal relationships with self-touch. This tender exchange culminated in the gentle act of caressing each other’s faces, a moment of pure, nurturing presence.
I then introduced the language of non-verbal consent—a dance of awareness, where we attune not just to our own bodies, but to the subtle cues of those around us. This led us into a Latihan, a meditative movement where words fall away and we trust the body’s wisdom to guide us. Here, nurturing touch was offered without spoken permission, relying solely on our ability to listen to the silent language of bodies in motion. Does this body feel open or guarded? Are they leaning into my presence or gently moving away?
We repeated the exercise, this time inviting the optional use of a blindfold. It’s remarkable what happens when sight is removed—when we relinquish the need to identify who is touching us. Many participants shared that the experience became a gateway to the ecstatic, the healing, and even the psychedelic.
The rest of the evening flowed into a space of free-form cuddling, a haven where connection blossomed. It was in this nurturing embrace that the photo you see was taken.
If you’re in Orlando and yearn for more nurturing touch in your life, we would love to welcome you into our community of cuddlers at Cuddles & Consent.
