Traditional tantra teaches that, regardless of gender, everyone contains both ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’' energies (something gay, bi or trans men may well know personally).
This workshop is a chance to go into different ways to connect with our Divine Feminine through the body, including touch. massage and intimacy. We'll explore openness and allowing, but also our creative and life-giving aspects, so to speak our ‘feminine’ aspects.
To help you experience allowing, the practices include the possibility of being blindfolded and choosing to have your movements restricted for a short period. Both practices (like all practices) are optional: one alternative would be to simply close your eyes and clasp your hands together. There will not be impact play.
There will also be the option to give and receive external anal massage, for which gloves will be available (alternatives include giving or receiving massage around the glutes, or in the ‘crack’)
What will happen?
Please arrive before 2pm - ideally 1:45 if this is your first workshop, We begin seated in a circle for introductions, then we'll check in with our agreements around safety, consent and confidentiality (see below). I'll briefly outline some ideas on our theme, before our practices to explore The Divine Feminine within ourselves, through solo and partnered practices. These will include the invitation to give and receive mindful undressing, touch and massage.
Our groups are usually around 10-15 men (18+), aged between 30's to 60's,. We can be all body shapes and sizes, but open to intimate touch with other male identifying persons. We have men both new to tantra and those with experience.
Please bring a towel and flat sheet (or other material) to lie on for massage, and materials you are ok to get oil onto. You might also want to bring a water bottle and perhaps a sarong or similar.
OUR UNDERSTANDINGS AND AGREEMENTS
Your personal safety is paramount. This includes your physical, emotional and sexual safety.
PHYSICAL SAFETY
None of the practices involve intense movements (such as might be in yoga) but please take care of your physical safety and comfort, for example by changing position as needed.
Ideally you should be able to kneel to give massage to participate fully. However, a massage table can be available - please email steve.hopker@gmail.com if you think you will need one.
As this event involves intimate work, please ensure you are fully clean (hygienic) for the event, including intimate areas: a shower is available.
Also, please consider asking to postpone your booking if you have a very heavy cold, etc
EMOTIONAL SAFETY
Be aware that tantra can bring in different emotions: so be gentle with yourself and if needed step out of the practice for a time, or speak with me during a break.
If that happens to your partner, do remember it's not about you, but their reaction - which they don't have to explain.
SEXUAL SAFETY
- Please note this event involves an invitation to full nudity and exchanging intimate touch.
You agree to follow safer sex guidelines, which effectively means no crossing of fluids (except in kissing).
DO NOTE: you are invited to build your sexual energy by not ejaculating for at least 3 days beforehand. Non-ejaculatory masturbation or sex is fine :)
CONSENT IS KEY
This means NEVER doing anything you don’t want to do.
It’s fine to ask to stop or say ‘No’ at any time.
If you feel uncomfortable giving or receiving something, you might suggest an alternative - like touch on the arm instead of the face.
CONFIDENTIALITY
- You are asked to respect each other’s confidentiality and to agree to not share the experience of others outside the meetings, even names. No photographic or other recording is allowed during workshops.
OUR VENUE, The Pathways Studio, is dedicated to tantra and related events.
Finding us: Pathways is in Lord Byron Square - actually a rectangular light commercial area, quiet at weekends with on street parking and about 15 minutes walk from the Langworthy tram and bus stops.
From Eccles New Road, go down West Ashton Street: turn left into the gate in the red fencing: right at a T-junction then first left. The Pathways Studio, with some red paint, is on your right (the other units in that cul-de-sac are currently vacant)
This is NOTAFLOF event - No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds. This means if a lack of money would prevent you coming, please email me through steve.hopker@gmail.com to see if we can make it possible. And of course, email me with any other questions you may have.
If you find you are unable to attend, your booking will be good for a future workshop.