Cuddles & Connection

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Cuddles & Connection is our signature event where we teach and practice the core skills that are essential to our community:

1. Asking for what we want
2. Saying “no” clearly and kindly so that we can say “yes” to what truly excites us
3. Accepting others’ boundaries with grace

If you’re new,

• We recommend arriving by 6:15p.
• When you arrive, you’ll go through a brief check-in and orientation.
• Then you’ll be invited to find a seat in the circle on the low cushions. There’s a seat for each participant and lots of pillows and blankets to get comfortable.
• Before we begin, people settle in the circle, some chatting and some sitting quietly or listening.

This 3.5 hour event is split into two halves: a communication skills workshop and open connection time.

• We learn and practice the core skills in the workshop.
• The workshop is designed to guide everyone through their first experience or their tenth.
• The open connection time is self-guided, and the facilitators are available for support.
• During open connection time, participants might cuddle, practice, relax, observe, or take time for themselves.
• It’s common to see pairs, groups of three, larger groups, and individuals having time on their own.
• Participants move through the cuddle space as they make requests, invite someone new to their connection, change their minds and move to something else, and take breaks.
• There are designated spaces for quiet solo time and making new connections.

To us, cuddling means intentionally connecting and may or may not include physical contact. Some examples:

• Holding hands
• Spooning
• Sitting side by side
• Listening quietly
• Massaging shoulders
• Embracing closely

Doors open at 6:00p, and we begin at 6:30p. To ensure everyone is on the same page, no one is permitted to enter once we begin. However, you are welcome to leave at any time — this sort of agency is essential in our community!

Participant capacity: minimum 8, maximum 30. We generally have a mix of people who are brand new and regulars.

All touch will be fully clothed, optional, platonic, and verbally requested and granted at all times.

Many people attend solo, but we love it when you invite your friends and partners. There will be no attempt to gender-balance.

This event is lovingly inspired by Cuddle Party™ and is co-created and co-facilitated by Anna Joy Reedy (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified Cuddlist) and Ian Wilson (Certified Cuddlist).

Testimonials

"I remember the first time coming to Happy Humanimals, I was relatively newly divorced and was feeling a loss of connection with myself and others, also deep grief for loss of touch. Along with those feelings I was nervous about arriving, what would be expected of me, will my boundaries be crossed, was this a very bad idea? I arrived and felt deeply held and cared for. I quickly felt quite safe and open to connection. I've been back often and it’s made a powerful impact in my life."

–Christa, Bellevue

“Since joining the Happy Humanimals workshops, I’ve discovered a new level of self-acceptance, a deeper sense of belonging, and a feeling of safety within myself. My family has definitely noticed the positive shift in my mental health and well-being since I started attending.”

—Luke, Ballard

Tickets

Sliding scale:

• $50 — Standard
• $75 — Supporter — Enable another community with fewer resources to join
• $125 — Benefactor – Enable several community members
• $25 — Supported — Be supported by community

Ticket sales end day-of-the-event at 5pm.

No tickets will be sold at the door.

Complete 1 registration for each attendee. If you purchase a ticket for another person, please use their name and email address.

Guidelines

If you’re sick, please stay home.

• If you are sick or have been in close contact with a sick person, we are happy to offer a full refund.
• This helps care for the health of our community.

Wear or bring pajamas or comfy clothes. Think cozy, not sexy.

This event is sober.

This event is fragrance free.

• Please arrive free from fragranced deodorants, perfume, cologne, hairspray, body spray, smoke (including cannabis for medicinal use), and clothes that have been laundered with strong smelling detergents.
• Wearing unscented, natural, and mild deodorants are welcome and encouraged.

While this event is strictly platonic, we require all participants to be 18 or older.

About your event leaders

Anna Joy Reedy, SEP (she/her) found herself in her first group cuddle experience on a dance floor in 2013. Inspired to recreate this slice of heaven as often as possible and share it with the world, she completed the Cuddlist and Cuddle Party™ certifications along with a series of related trainings. She offers body-based 1:1 touch and trauma sessions; she has facilitated consent workshops across the western United States since co-founding Happy Humanimals in Seattle in 2022. Learn more and work with Anna Joy by visiting her website.

Ian Wilson (they/them) is a cuddle and consent facilitator. They studied facilitation with Cuddle Party facilitators Madelon Guinazzo and Adam Paulman, and co-founded Happy Humanimals in 2022. Ian is a certified Cuddlist and continues this work in one-on-one client sessions. Ian is also a dancer, musician, storyteller, and creator. Learn more and work with Ian by visiting their website.