The Human Forest -"Boundaries and Belonging" is an immersive touch event exploring the intricate dance between personal boundaries and our innate need for belonging.
We are privileged to live in a time where we are afforded the space to assert boundaries, yet the tension between boundaries and belonging is ever-present, this event explores the paradoxical nature of human connection. Just because we can assert our boundaries, doesn't mean that we do. Together and alone, we will navigate the delicate balance between asserting our boundaries and fearing rejection, recognizing that true belonging stems from honouring our authentic selves.
We will explore the learned belief that stating our needs jeopardises our sense of belonging, instead fostering an environment where understanding each other's boundaries deepens our connections.
Explore the spectrum of codependence, independence, and interdependence, unravelling the complexities of losing ourselves in the needs of others versus isolating ourselves in hyper-boundaries. Together, we'll unpack the wisdom of Brene Brown's insight: "The opposite of belonging is fitting in," and embrace the journey of strengthening our boundaries to authentically belong.
What does it truly mean to belong? Join us as we unravel this question and cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and the nature of our relationships.
Don't miss this transformative event where we learn to trust our "no" so we can wholeheartedly embrace our "yes" in the tapestry of human connection.
WHAT IS A HUMAN FOREST?
For those of you that don't know, a Human Forest Experience is a human ecosystem connected by consensual touch.
Half of the room will be trees who will be blindfolded and receive loving, devotional touch from the other half of the room (the critters). You will have the opportunity to experience being both a tree and a critter.
These events can be powerful, healing opportunities for participants to experience intimacy and joy. Our priority to supporting participants to leave our events feeling opened, cared for and loved.
Come be part of a movement awakening people to the joy filled, healing and restorative power of touch.
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WHAT HAVE OTHERS SAID ABOUT THE EPOCH GROVE HUMAN FOREST?
"Can we please do this every day!?"
"I have never felt so supported in my life"
"I just feel like honey melting down a warm stove"
"I can actually feel my body, myself and other people. I feel so connected."
"I can't believe people can share so much intimacy with so much reverence and respect for each other. It's MIND BLOWING!"
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WHERE ARE THE PROFITS GOING?
This year a portion of our profits are going towards the EPOCH GROVE Reforestation Project. This project has been planting trees on Taungurung land near Heathcote, VIC.
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IMPORTANT:
In this event we focus on devotional, loving and non-sexually oriented touch. Note: there is no genitalia touch at this event.
All our events have been remarkably healing and opening for many participants, as seen in the testimonials above.
That being said, this is a touch focused event. If you have any history of trauma related to receiving or giving touch, please be in touch with us directly to seriously consider whether this event is right for you.
Participants are required to be on time to ensure they understand how to communicate their boundaries with clarity and respect via the consent and boundaries section at the commencement of the event.
About your facilitators:
Shlomit - @shlomit.samantha
As a truth seeker, dancer, rebel and purveyor of pleasure, Shlomit developed a deep connection to her rich internal world from an early age. For the past 8 years, somatic practices inducing flow states and travel to 49 countries has been Shlomit's strongest medicine and companion in cultivating internal safety, self love and trust. Open hearted, open minded, Shlomit brings an embodied sensual playfulness that gives others permission to soften and let their full expression be welcomed and seen. Shlomit is passionate about curating spaces where people can access their inner world, safely explore their edges and honour their boundaries as a means of deepening self trust and internal safety, expanding their capacity to receive the fullness of love that is their natural state of being. Shlomit offers 1:1 devotional body work to restore, worship and provide loving touch and presence to your body and soul.
Matthew - @matthews.labs
Matthew has had an interest in self and relational exploration. Curious about how play can be harnessed to find more integrity he has used the experiences of overcoming his struggles as fuel to be in service to others. In the mid 2010s he became a certified massage therapist and yoga teacher. Over the past few years he has deepened and embodied a more expressive relationship with himself and others through exploring workshops and trainings such as Ecstatic Dance, Authentic Relating, ISTA, Breathwork, Process work and of course, The Human Forest. His struggle with social anxiety has been deeply supported by Authentic Relating and The Human Forest more than he ever could have imagined. Matthew values creating and holding spaces that are kind, clear, expressive, and exploratory. He brings his own unique flavour of play and exploration to his facilitation. He loves holding spaces where people feel safe enough to show up as the beautifully messy humans that we all are. He believes strongly in meeting everyone at their level and that finding coherence as a group involves everyone’s input.
Things to note:
Bring:
- Comfortable clothing
- Some nibbles and/or drinks to share with others at the end
- An open mind
- Any friends that might be interested! ;)
Arrival: Endeavour to arrive between 6:30pm - 6:45pm. To preserve the experience for all involved, doors will close at 7:00pm. Truly, it breaks our heart to have to turn latecomers away yet the disruption to the whole group experience by virtue of lateness does require management. We ask that you find understanding and consideration for the timebound nature of the container and make every effort to arrive on time.pm. Truly, it breaks our heart to have to turn latecomers away yet the disruption to the whole group experience by virtue of lateness does require management. We ask that you find understanding and consideration for the timebound nature of the container and make every effort to arrive on time.
Driving: Know Centre of You is on Chapel St and ample time to find a car spot is best to be factored into your plans. Park direct on Chapel St (spots unmetered after 5pm) or in Anchor Place, the open-air parking lot in the side street that runs opposite Centre of You (unmetered after 4pm).
Public transport - tram: Both the number 6 tram & 78 tram stop on the corner of High St/Chapel St. This is stop 31 on the number 6 tram (Moreland/Glen Iris) & stop 45 on the number 78 tram (North Richmond/Balaclava).
Public transport - train: Both Prahran & Windsor stations along the Sandringham Line will get you walking distance to Centre of You.
Finding Centre of You: Centre of You is nestled within the arcade that Chapel St Bazaar is in (217 Chapel St). It is up a flight of stairs with a wide landing at the half-way-point. Unfortunately, this current version of Centre of You does not have a wheelchair accessible lift. If you could use support in getting up the stairs or would like to discuss ways to make your experience at Centre of You more comfortable, please reach out via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram.
Accessibility: At COY we aim to ensure our community and events are inclusive and accessible while alongside upholding the needs and responsibilities of our business and the businesses of our collaborating facilitators. Should you be in a time of financial challenge and unable to pay the full ticket price comfortably, please reach out via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram
Ticketing T&Cs: We get it, life happens, therefore we will gladly refund you up until 24hrs before the event start time. After that, we have a strict no refund/no transfer to future events policy.
If you are no longer able to attend and wish to pay forward your ticket to someone within the community, be in touch via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram.
Questions? Email grace@centreofyou.com.au or reach out via Instagram DM.
Tickets: $45.00 early bird, $60.00 general exchange (within 48 hours of event)