Cuddle Sanctuary - Los Angeles

Pay and Register Here:
Eventbrite

How It Works
This is a social event with an opening circle and get-to-know-you with each other and then onto learning about consent and boundaries around touch! No touch is required and you can change your mind at any time. The exercises are designed for all to feel relaxed and feel comfortable saying 'yes' and 'no' to different types of touch and you may feel a sense camaraderie and friendship within the circle followed by compassion and a sense of well-being. Anyone can leave at any time and speaking for what you want and don't want is highly encouraged.

Health Guidelines
Please do not attend if you feel sick, off, like you may be coming down with something contagious. You may cancel for a refund or a credit for a future event, thank you taking care of all of us.

Event Schedule
Doors open at 6:50pm for socializing and getting seated/relaxed/snacks
The Opening Circle starts at 7:15pm sharp, there will be no entry after the event circle has started
Please note that no entries will be allowed after the event starts so make sure you consider traffic, parking, weather, or anything else that may lead to a late arrival. Doors close for good at 7:15
Relaxation Exercises, Connection Activities, Cuddle Laboratory
9:45 Closing Circle

What to Wear?
Comfortable soft clothing like yoga pants, sweats, T-shirts, pajamas - if you need to change there is a restroom available to do so. Attendees must wear a minimum of shorts and a tank top. Hygiene is super important for getting close so please show up squeaky clean and free of smoke odors.
Please do not wear cologne or perfume ~ thank you for understanding

Event Guidelines
We will go over each of these in the workshop but here are some basics:
*No touch is required and you can change your mind at any time
*Respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm
*Keep any touch rated G and chatter rated PG-13
*We will practice Ask and Wait when it comes to touch; if you want to touch someone, ask and then wait for the answer!
*Respect the confidentiality of other attendees

How Much Does It cost?
$35 per person (adults over 18 only)

Eventbrite

Pay and Register Here:
Eventbrite

Parking
Street parking is free and easy out front without limits at this hour and there is side street parking. If you have mobility issues with stairs, please message me

Cancellation
You may cancel up to 24 hours before the event for a refund or credit (less Eventbrite charges)
And if you find that you are not feeling well you can have a refund or credit any time

What do I Bring?
You are welcome to bring a pillow or blanket that is snuggly (although we will have some there), stuffies, your own water although some snacks and refreshments will be available including water. Brings snacks of your own if you like - no alcohol, please

Accessibility
The venue is a Craftsman house with ten steps to enter from the street, please message me if you have mobility issues. I have tried to have plenty of surfaces for people to sit and lay down on. However, there still may be some floor space utilized during the event when we are getting up and down. Please let me know if you have any special accommodations that you would like me know about - Mare at [email protected]

The Event Leader
My name is Mare with Pasadena Healing Touch and I am a Professional Cuddler, Reiki Practitioner, and Cuddle Sanctuary certified event leader in the San Gabriel valley area of Los Angeles. My goal is to bring accessible touch to more people who want more connection and to feel the closeness that these events bring, giving a warm sense of satisfaction. Cuddling and closeness is scientifically proven to improve mental health, lower blood pressure, help improve sleep and provide the feel-good chemicals that help to regulate our bodies.

To register and hold your spot at this event, CLICK HERE
Looking for some relief from holiday stress? Join us on the last day of Thanksgiving weekend for some restful cuddles.

Graceful Cuddle Workshop is a guided social experience that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercise and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate. At this workshop, you may experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion and playfulness, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night’s sleep. Graceful Cuddle provides opportunities to meet new friends, connect with partners and pals in a soulful new way and be part of a warm, safe and huggable tribe. You are guaranteed to have a fantastic time.

COVID PROTOCOL
If you are not feeling well, please stay home. You will be offered a refund or the opportunity to attend the next event. Masks are optional and welcome.

COST
Regular admission is $40, but you can get Early Bird admission of $35 through Nov 21.
$45 on the day of the event, if there is room available.

SCHEDULE
Doors open at 1:45. We will begin at 2:05.
After the opening circle is complete, latecomers cannot be accommodated. For the security of all participants, it is important that we are all present for the full orientation.

WHAT TO WEAR?
Dress in clothes that are comfortable for snuggling. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton t shirts, sweatpants, leggings. Tank tops and shorts are ok for warmer weather (and that is the minimum clothing requirement). Feel free to change clothes in the restroom when you arrive. Hygiene is important at cuddles – please be squeaky clean and minty fresh! It’s easier to get close that way. Also, please come free of perfumes, colognes and cigarette smoke. Some of us have sensitive noses. Thanks!

GUIDELINES
These guidelines are like the ‘etiquette of cuddling’. We’ll go over them and answer any questions you may have during the workshop.

• Honor the health guidelines of this event.
• There’s no touch required – ever. You can change your mind at any time.
• Respect the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.
• Keep touch Rated G, and stay dressed.
• Ask and Wait: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer.
• Respect the confidentiality of others.

WHAT TO BRING?
You are welcome to bring a pillow or blanket – cozy comforters or your favorite stuffed animal, are all welcome. Feel free to bring something to make the space warm and welcoming!
Please bring water to drink, as hydrating is important and a helpful way to ground afterward.

Optional: Bring a snack to share. No alcohol, please.

INTOXICANTS
Please arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.

GETTING UP AND DOWN
If you are concerned about your ability to get up and down from the floor, please contact us to discuss accommodation at [email protected]

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Grace Heer is compassionate and empathetic, making her the ideal person to provide comfort for those experiencing loneliness, disconnection, or simply needing the healing energy of human touch. As a certified Coach, Grace has years of experience working with individuals and is especially in tune with those healing from emotional trauma and grief. As both a Coach and a Professional Cuddler, Grace helps people with her nurturing and supportive approach.
"The first time I went to a cuddle event was about a year and a half after my parents had died, only 10 weeks apart. I had also gone through a break up. I was really battling depression and grief. After the event, I was in a good mood for a week and a half! It's amazing what cuddling can do!"

PARKING
There is plenty of free parking in the lots on front, sides or back of the building.

QUESTIONS?
For questions on the day of the event, please call 714-512-2640.

To register and hold your spot at this event, CLICK HERE

Pay and Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-morning-beach-dance-optional-cold-plunge-tickets-1086575419329

Join me and other women as we dance or simply move our bodies.

This isn't a dance class and there's no experience necessary. You're free move how you choose. You'll bring your own music and ear buds. So we'll be together but we'll also be in our own musical worlds. This time is for self-care and freedom. Follow your energy levels - be as still or wild as you please. All ages, sizes and abilities are welcome.

This event is for women along with gender fluid and non-binary femme folk.

(FYI, This event is posted in a few different places - so there may be more people attending than this RSVP list shows.)

Want to be wild and cold plunge in the water during or after this event? Feel free!

WHERE WILL WE MEET?
We'll meet at the Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica.
Find us near the public restrooms that are under the colorful flags.
At 9:10am, we'll walk to the ocean together and begin.
If you arrive late, there's a grey boardwalk to guide you down towards the shore where we will be.

PARKING
Note the number of your space and pay at the Park & Pay machines located in each section of the lot. It's $3/hour.

RESTROOMS
There are clean public restrooms under the colorful flags.

FEE
It's $10.00. Pay and Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-morning-beach-dance-optional-cold-plunge-tickets-1086575419329

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
-Earbuds and your own music
(If you don't have your own music, you can move with the sound of the waves)
-Your water bottle if you'd like
-Anything you need for comfort on the beach
-Lots of layers so you're comfy
-A towel and something warm if you'll be cold plunging

SCHEDULE
9:00-9:10 Meet at the restrooms under the colorful flags
9:10-9:15am We'll walk down to the beach together
9:15 - 9:20am Opening Circle
(If you need to come later, please arrive by 9:45am. Thanks!)
9:20 - 10:15am Dance, Move, Your Self-Care Groove, Be Still or Wild
10:15 -10:20am Closing Circle

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE OPENING CIRCLE?
This will be a chance to share your name and how you're doing. Simply a way to connect before and after we dance. You can share at whatever level feels right for you.

WHAT MIGHT I DO AFTERWARDS?
You can enjoy the beach and the Annenberg Beach House amenities.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the event for any reason and get a refund (less the fees that Eventbrite charges).

ABOUT JEAN
Hey there, friends. I'm Jean Franzblau. I like the idea of dancing in community in this easy-going way. The idea of connecting with nature, myself and other women sounds really healthy and lovely. I'm the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary which is another Meetup group. Besides my teaching work with Cuddle Sanctuary, I'm an intimacy professional for TV, film and theater. You can find me at JeanFranzblau.com.

DIRECTIONS
From Los Angeles:
Take the 10 West, which will become Pacific Coast Highway when it reaches the beach. At the second traffic light, Beach House Way, turn left into the parking lot.
From Malibu:
Take Pacific Coast Highway south. Turn right at Beach House Way, into the parking lot.
From Santa Monica (downtown):
Head west towards Ocean Ave. Turn left at Ocean Ave. Turn right at Moomat Ahiko Way (after Colorado/the pier entrance) which will have signs for Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left at Beach House Way into our parking lot.

BIKE, RUN, WALK
The Beach House is easily accessible by foot or by bike from the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (beach bike path). From the beach we are directly east of County Lifeguard Tower 4, north of the Santa Monica Pier and south of Will Rogers State Beach.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail runs along the beach side of the grounds. Bike racks are available on site- remember to bring your own lock! Securing bikes to railings or gates is not permitted.

The Access Map can help you find the best route there.

Pay and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cuddle-sanctuary-winter-solstice-social-tickets-1051146947817

Cuddle Sanctuary Winter Solstice Social is a workshop and social experience that invites people to be their authentic selves. Newcomers are amazed at how relaxed and safe they feel, given that boundaries are not just respected, but celebrated.

By the end of this event, people comment that they feel blissed out, content, deeply relaxed, and connected.

What are the Health Guidelines?

Please skip this event if you're feeling "off" or may be contagious. You can cancel and get a refund or credit for a future event. Thanks in advance for taking care of our community!
If you haven't already done so, please fill out our Event Guidelines and Release Form ahead of the event. Might as well do it now! https://forms.gle/3FGKcb5XKAU4Erxq5

How Does It Work?

The event begins with a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. It culminates in a voluntary “cuddle lab”. Touch is always consensual, and never a requirement to participate. And you can leave at any time for any reason if it's not your cup of tea.

What's the Schedule?

1:45 Doors Open, Team Set Up, Get Settled
Note: Please be sure to give yourself time to park, arrive and join the opening activities. Doors close at 2:10pm.
2:10 Welcome Circle, Relaxation Exercises, Winter-Themed Connection Activities, Cuddle Laboratory
4:40 Closing Circle

What Do I Wear?

Comfy clothes. Think soft, cozy pajamas, cotton tees, sweats, leggings. Tank tops and shorts are ok for warmer weather (and that is the minimum clothing requirement). Feel free to change clothes in the restroom when you arrive.
Hygiene is important at cuddles – please be squeaky clean and minty fresh! Also, please come free of perfumes, body wash, colognes and cigarette smoke. Thanks!

What Are the Event Guidelines?

These guidelines are like the "etiquette of cuddling."
-There’s no touch required, and you can change your mind at any time.
-Respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others, ideally with enthusiasm.
-Keep any touch Rated G and use the Ask and Wait Method: If you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for their answer!
-Respect the confidentiality of others attendees

Parking

Follow the underground ramp which will lead you to two levels of free underground parking. Walk to the center of the lot where you can take the stairs or ride up the elevator to the top floor.

How Much Does It Cost?

Super Early Bird: $45 (until December 7th or we run out of these tickets, whichever is sooner)
Early Bird: $55
Day of Event: $65

What if I Need to Cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the event for any reason and get a refund (less the fees that Eventbrite charges).
And if you’re not feeling well and concerned you may be contagious, we will refund you.

What Do I Bring?

Bring a water bottle. We'll have water, fruit, tea and healthy snacks.
You're welcome to bring a pillow, blanket, comforter or your favorite stuffed animal.
Feel free to bring a snack. (No alcohol, please.)

Intoxicants

Arrive and remain sober throughout the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin – often called the Hug Hormone.

Getting Up and Down

Our event space is covered with floor cushions; most of our exercises are on these cushions. We'll also have some chairs available. For accommodation questions, contact [email protected].

Who's Leading This Event?

I'm Jean Franzblau – AKA Cuddle Queen Jean - the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary which has hosted hundreds of cuddle events since 2014. I've studied facilitation with Cuddle Party and the Association of Talent Development. I've trained with Dr. Betty Martin who teaches the Wheel of Consent and appeared as a cuddle expert on Dr. Phil, BuzzFeed, Keeping Up the Kardashians, The Bachelorette and Rolling Stone. I graduated cum laude from UCLA with a BA in Communications. I proudly give presentations to universities to teach students about boundaries and consent. You can find my writing in the Consent Guidebook. https://cuddlesanctuary.com/CuddleSanctuary.com

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Here's a link to find more cuddle events happening in Los Angeles.