Queer Evening Delight: Relating in the Dark
"This was absolutely my favorite workshop ever. I can't wait for the next one. Removing the clutter and distraction and judgment from my eyes supported me to drop in immediately to my own other senses and hearing and connection with the other. It was incredible."
~ Daniel
What do you notice when you stop looking?
In the dark, a new doorway opens. Come discover what's there.
After a wonderful series of events in Portland, Amsterdam, Berlin & Edinburgh, Relating in the Dark is coming to SF this April as part of HeartLab's monthly Evening Delight, a series of connection workshops for the the Bay Area community of gay/bi/queer/trans men. 🌈
Grab a blindfold and dive deep into the enriching practices of Authentic Relating, Conscious Touch and Movement Meditation. ❤
By exploring intimacy without sight, we will delve into our intuitive nature, sharpening our capacity for deeper connection. We will use blindfolds to invite you into profound contact with your physical sensations and internal reality, creating permission to be fully, softly, powerfully yourself. 😎
WHO is this event for?
This event welcomes all gay, bi, queer and trans men aged 18+.
This event is for any man who is seeking deeper connection, stronger community, consensual loving touch, or simply a safe space to just be yourself.
This event is also for you if you’ve been recently feeling blocked, anxious, lacking purpose or direction, and need to reground and remind yourself what's truly important and who you truly are.
My experience includes working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs); neurodiverse people; people suffering from anxiety and depression; people going through major life shifts; and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you have any questions about whether the event would suit you, pop me a message and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
WHAT will we explore?
The first 2.5 hours of the evening will be a facilitated journey, exploring movement, contact and relating, with and without vision and words, through Authentic Relating, Mindful Movement and Conscious Touch. The last 30 minutes will be an integrative open lounge space, as you let your eyes adjust to the visual world before leaving the container.
Authentic Relating is a pioneering communication practice that invites you to connect playfully and courageously, through radical honesty, active listening, and the permission to share what's truly alive in you. The practice draws you into presence, embodied awareness, and the rich space that emerges between people when masks come off.
Mindful Movement invites you into somatic flow, surrendering to what arises in and through your body as you move in connection with music, sometimes alone, sometimes with others. Follow impulse, release control, and let the body lead.
Conscious Touch is the practice of bringing deeper presence into physical contact with another person. Grounded in awareness of our own desires and boundaries, we explore touch as a genuine language, one that can soothe, heal and inspire delightful amounts of pleasure.
Please note: This workshop welcomes (mutually consensual) sensuality. Clothing may be removed but underwear kept on. There will be a boundary put on kissing and any sexual activity, but other forms of intimacy are welcome.
The FACILITATOR:
Laurie (he/him), is a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Berlin. His passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth. Since 2019, he has organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops in Oceania and Europe.
His training includes The Embody Lab, Authentic Revolution, Body Electric, World Peace Yoga School and Connection Institute.
He has facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite, and organisations such as ART International.
His workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. He looks forward to holding space for you!
For more information, check out itoiauthenticrelating.com.
For his insta, check out: @itoiauthentic.
Here's what others have said about Laurie's workshops (blindfolded & more) :
What a wonderful event. The blindfolds encouraged me to stay present and in your body. It was a very sweet and safe space to learn and explore. The connections were very fulfilling. A rejuvenating and enjoyable evening indeed!
~ Carrie
It seems funny to say it but I felt so ‘seen’ without being seen
~ Esther
I noticed that I was so much more present with myself, and was able to share parts that I would normally find it really hard to share
~ Elliot
I love Laurie’s energy, wisdom, execution and light touch. I felt super safe to open up and connect while he was holding the space
~ Tess
I live with complex PTSD and anxiety so in the past I have really struggled to open up to people and build meaningful connections. Discovering these workshops has been a life changer and both my therapist and I are thrilled with how my confidence has blossomed in recent months. Laurie's time and generosity really means the world to me
~ Sarah
WHERE will it be?
The event will take place in the beautiful urban sanctuary of HeartLab, 3095 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States.
HOW MUCH will I invest?
$33 - Earlybird ticket (available until March 26th)
$44 - Regular ticket
$55 - Last minute ticket (day of)
Practicalities:
Location: HeartLab, 3095 21st St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States.
When: Thursday April 9th 6.30 to 9.30pm. No latecomers!
Dresscode: Comfortable clothing that's easy to move in. Please bring your own blindfold.
Intoxicants: This is a strictly sober space. There will be plenty of tea flowing!
Refund policy: No refunds available, however if you are unable to make it, you may transfer your ticket to someone else.