Sacred Touch Massage

Think of the wonderful feel of having safe, nurturing touch by someone who cares.
Then multiple that by three.

We are creatures of touch. Each of us came into existence surrounded in loving warm touch. Many of us received safe and nurturing touch through our early years.

Touch is not a luxury - it is life-sustaining. Animals left untouched after birth have been known to die of lack of touch. In adults, lack of touch can cause us to be withdrawn, disconnected from others, and physically stressed.

Sacred touch is a form of touch that respects the sacredness of the body. Sacred touch recognizes the power of touch for healing and for harm, and strives always to touch in a way that is loving. Sacred touch is safe touch - it always respects the right to say "no".

In our society, few people receive enough, and safe touch can be hard to find. Many people only receive touch within a sexual relationship, and many don't have nurturing, loving touch in their lives at all. Many people find both giving and receiving safe touch difficult.

In this 4-hour workshop, we will look at our need for touch, and talk about the difficulties we have in receiving or giving touch. We will focus on sacred touch and the sacredness of the body. We will use meditation to be more present in our own bodies, and we will practice sacred touch through massage.

Massage will be done in groups of four, and each person in the group will have a turn being massaged by the other three. No massage experience is necessary - the techniques we use are simple forms of touch and stroke, and are aimed at relaxation and nurturing, not therapy. All touch is non-sexual.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE MY CLOTHES OFF?
As with most forms of massage, the less clothing you have on, the more effective the massage. Nudity is encouraged but not required. In group massage, we also encourage those giving massage to be equally undressed so that all participants feel equally vulnerable.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE WHAT SOMEONE DOES?
You are in complete control of your massage. There is a suggested format, but you can tailor the massage as you please. You are strongly encouraged to say exactly what you want and don't want - nothing is done that you don't like. The sole purpose of those massaging you is to make the massage exactly what you want.

WHO WILL BE AT MY TABLE?
You will be kept with anyone you sign up with, and joined by other participants to form a group of four. Most massages consist of two women and two men at each table. You can also register as a group of four, regardless of gender, and be placed at the same table.

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You are encouraged to register with a friend. Singles may be placed on a waiting list if necessary in order to maintain a gender balance.  No refund within 48 hours of the event.
Please bring a towel; all other materials are provided.

It is expected that everyone will have the highest respect for personal boundaries. Any sexual or other inappropriate behavior is grounds for immediate dismissal with no refund.

IMPORTANT!
Before registering and paying for this workshop, please read the disclaimer, and contact us if you have any questions.

[I am currently not offering the professional version of this workshop; however, we occasionally do an informal version of this as an Explorer Workshop.]

About Freeheart Workshops:
Freeheart Workshops started in 2000 as a means of providing healing and growth to people in the DC metropolitan area. Workshops cover healing from past trauma and abuse, developing healthy relationships and effective communication, learning to accept and love our bodies and our sexuality, moving forward with our personal goals, and forming supportive community.