Extending the Olive Branch: A Celebration of Peace and Unity.
This Human Forest, we draw inspiration from the ancient and universal symbol of the olive branch, a powerful emblem of peace, reconciliation, and the coming together of diverse hearts, bodies and minds.
Today, the gesture of extending an olive branch is used figuratively to represent a desire for peace, reconciliation, and the resolution of conflicts. It can be a tangible symbol of one's willingness to find common ground and establish harmonious relationships with others and within ourself. Whether in personal relationships or diplomatic negotiations, or the fractured voice and feelings within us, the olive branch remains a powerful and timeless emblem of peace and hope.
Whilst we can hope for change outside, often change starts from within. This Human Forest we will practice connection, respect and listening, through touch. If we can find peace and unity in how we show up for the little things, maybe, just maybe, we can bring this into the world as a more default way of being.
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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 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:
Patty - @pattymac.truth
After years in the corporate arena as an entrepreneur, accountant and executive, Patty began to wake up to the reality that life can be so much more than we are told. Through a spiritual journey that's unfolded over more than a decade, and has led to him living in 7 different countries, Patty has explored the far reaches of our human experience. Through profound experiences with 10-day silent meditation, plant medicine, tantra, cold water immersion, breathwork and philosophical study, he has cultivated a deep curiosity for how to optimise our lives, alongside an ever-growing sense of faith and gratitude for the magic of life all around us. He is passionate about helping men claim their power, and step into the true King that lives within every one of us.
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.
You may have interacted with Shlomit before as she is a founding member of the COY support squad, being a regular support at COY since 2021 and at the human forests for the past year.
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 by 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.
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.