We are celebrating 7 years of monthly Sacred Snuggle Parties! And have finally decided to switch up the format!
Since we have a number of lovers and friends who attend nearly every event in San Diego, we will be granting a “Master Snuggler” status to select party goers so they no longer have to attend the opening orientation.
The pre-requisite to graduate from the opening orientation is attending at least 3 snuggle parties and a brief interview with the event facilitator. Snuggle Masters are welcomed to join the Snuggle party anytime after the social agreements, but can not miss the icebreakers and exploratory exercises!
Also, this month we will be launching a new series of Snuggle Parties in North County lead by Michael McClure.
If you have never attended, you may be wondering: What is a Snuggle Party and How is it different from a Cuddle Party TM?
What is a Sacred Snuggle Party?
A Sacred Snuggle Party is a sweet sensual event where we gather to flirt, touch, massage, run tantric energy, play, laugh, cry, share intimacy, vulnerability or whatever else spontaneously arises. It’s a drug and alcohol-free party where we can relax and connect with like-minded people. More specifically it is a social laboratory to practice expressing what feels good and what doesn’t, asking to get your needs met, setting boundaries, and perhaps even overcoming rejection!
- 6:30pm Doors Open, Mix & Mingle
- 7:00pm Orientation begins, Only Snuggle Masters are admitted after tis point.
- 8:00pm Doors close, nobody is admitted late
- 8:15pm Welcome Snuggle Masters & sensual exercises
- 9:00-11:30pm self directed Snuggle Party
- 11:45pm Final Requests before Closing Circle.
Please note:
This is not a potluck, please eat before arriving. Space is limited for this popular event! Be sure to order your tickets in advance to secure your spot and avoid being turned away!
We are not able to return phone calls the day of the event. 8:00pm is the cut off for late arrivals, nobody will be admitted after the circle is cast. This is a private party and management has the right to refuse attendance to anyone at any time.
Who should attend:
Singles, couples, poly people and celibates of any race, experience and sexual orientation are welcome. We also welcome beginners and teachers, Open hearted, touch positive people interested in safely exploring sacred sensuality.
Who should NOT attend:
Single men who are not comfortable hugging, holding hands or eye gazing with other men. Since this is a sex positive environment, homophobia is not welcome.
SOCIAL AGREEMENTS (AKA RULES)
Please arrive on time. The doors will be closed once the “Opening Circle” Begins. We will facilitate an invocation, ice-breakers and introductions. You will be asked to introduce yourself, your highest intentions and your bottom lines. You will also be asked to participate in several exercises. All participation is optional and confidential. Verbal permission is required before engaging in any touch. Everyone is given permission to say No at any time for any reason, and if they say yes they are encouraged to change their minds frequently. The hosts are available to intervene or mediate if anyone feels unsafe in any way. Everyone is encouraged to take 100% responsibility for their own experience. Sacred sensual energy exchange is celebrated, but this is not a Sexual Play Party. Aside from Kissing, there is no bodily fluid exchanged at this party. Clothing is optional. Please keep your body fluids on your own property, such as a towel or sheet or wrap. At or around 11pm we will call a closing circle to meditate, reflect and share the highlights and lowlights of the evening. You can participate at any level and leave at any time…come check it out!
HOW TO PREPARE
Please come showered and clean with NO strong smelling perfumes. Dress in clothing with layers that makes you feel sexy, beautiful and confident. Bring water, and you may also bring vegetarian nibblets to help keep the energy flowing through the evening. Breath Mints encouraged, chewing gum is not. (No drugs, alcohol or meat of any kind, garlic and onions discouraged.)
How are Sacred Snuggle Parties different from Cuddle Party TM?
The short answer is this: Sacred Snuggle Parties are a designed for a wider range of sexual and spiritual expression whereas Cuddle Parties are non-sexual events.
Since Sacred Snuggle Parties were originally created in consultation with the creators of Cuddle Party TM, Reid Mihalko and Marcia Bbaczynsk we were very careful about creating a clear distinction between these events to minimize the confusion and competition.
The longer answer is addressed in this blog post originally posted in Feb. 2010
Cuddle Party TM with Reid Mihalko vs. Sacred Snuggle with Kamala Devi
People often ask: What’s the difference between a Cuddle Party TM and Kamala Devi’s Sacred Snuggle Parties? Well, they are the same-same…but VERY different! To illustrate the subtle but powerful differences, I’ll tell a little story.
Almost 8 years ago, I was teaching “self promotion for erotic entrepreneurs” at a sacred sexuality conference in Chicago which is where I met Reid Mihalko. During his irreverent and non-tantric talk, I was impressed, not only by of his notable track record with the media but his absolutely outrageous sense of humor. Afterwards he was offering an optional Cuddle Party TM. My husband Michael and I secretly laughed at the idea. Michael said, “it’s going to be too vanilla.” But we wanted to see what this full grown man looked like in footsie pajamas, so after a hot shower we dragged our hotel pillows and blankets down to the party. We were careful to arrive on time because Reid was insistent that he would lock the doors and not let anyone in after 8pm. During the welcome circle he read from a script. The rules were simple, brilliant, and can be found on www.cuddleparty.com:
- Pajamas stay on the whole time.
- You don’t have to cuddle anyone at a Cuddle Party, ever.
- You must ask permission and receive a verbal YES before you touch anyone. (Be as specific in your request as you can.)
- If you’re a yes, say YES. If you’re a no, say NO.
- If you’re a maybe, say NO.
- You are encouraged to change your mind anytime you want.
- Respect your relationship agreements and communicate with your partner.
- Get your Cuddle Lifeguard On Duty or Cuddle Caddy if you have a question or concern or need assistance with anything during the Cuddle Party.
- Tears and laughter are both welcome.
- Respect people’s privacy when sharing about Cuddle Parties and do not gossip.
- Arrive on time.
- Be hygienically savvy.
His presentation style was like a stand up comedian which instantly put the room at ease. Afterward the hour-long welcome circle, There were two and a half hours of self-directed connection (cuddling, talking, mingling, massaging, dancing and even kissing) where my personal boundaries were never pushed.
After the event, I was on cloud 9. The simple, clean, high state was an absolute revelation! Unlike many of the spiritual practices and rituals that I was used to practicing in tantra which were designed to confront my egoic preferences and aversions, I was not expected to do anything with anyone unless I was a hell yes! My boundaries were respected and celebrated.
I felt that in 5 years of serving on the SD Tantra puja committee… this was just the medicine that the San Diego spiritual community was missing. The following morning I cornered Reid and started to discuss some of the unique needs and desires of the San Diego tantra and spiritual community. Reid revealed that Cuddle Party TM was specifically designed to make a room full of strangers feel safe enough to cuddle, even in the most conservative towns in middle america. Which is also why it’s teachings are heavily protected by trade mark law. And though the Cuddle Party facilitators course offers immense value to teachers and community leaders of all types, what I was wanting was a more advanced version of these teachings. Something that would be relevant to a room full of relationship BLACKBELTS.
So with some private mentorship, Reid supported me in designing my monthly Sacred Snuggle Party. In the last seven years, it has become the most popular event that I offer, and I have Reid Mihalko and Marcia to thank for that.
Reid Mihalko will be leading play parties at Poly Palooza in October 2013. Www.PolyPalooza.com Is an advanced 4 day festival at a clothing optional resort for free lovers. We will also be hosting over a dozen of experienced Polyamory teachers, healers and artists to present on various panels and perform at the evening shows. Looking forward to snuggling with you there!
