Giving and taking is woven into tantra practice - and daily life. But, within our consent, how often do we take and give as fully as could, as much as we’d like? Often we feel it’s easier to give, but struggle to take: maybe feel we owe the other person something, even though, in a workshop, guys take turns to receive. We might feel guilty about just taking: isn’t it much nicer to give?
This afternoon, inspired by Bette Martin’s ‘Wheel of Consent’, will be a safe and consensual space to explore what’s going on as we exchange touch and massage. And more: to take ourselves further into our Garden of Yes, exploring not just what is within another’s boundaries, but our own.
The intention of this afternoon is to be a space for consensual pleasure, especially through touch and massage with other men. But, and perhaps even more, as way to ask ourselves about how much more we could give, and receive, in our lives as a whole. Or, if we are limiting ourselves – supposing others wouldn’t be interested: when in fact, they are looking, yearning, for joy every bit as much as we are.
The afternoon begins with introductions and checking understandings around safety, confidentiality and of course consent. I’ll share a few thoughts on giving and taking, using Martin’s Wheel of Consent as a framework (those who have been to previous meetings may have spotted it on the studio wall!). We’ll then start exploring giving and taking in a simple way, before a respectful undressing ritual that opens to fuller but gentle explorations of what’s available in our ‘Yes’, mostly through giving and taking touch and massage.
Please aim to arrive at our venue - The Pathways Studio - between 15 to 5 minutes before 2pm. You’ll need a sheet and a towel to lie on, perhaps also a water bottle.
Do note that booking includes agreement to our Terms & Conditions, there to hold this space so everyone can enjoy it safely.