This is the page to fill out as you prepare to attend Larysa’s Workshop Evenings. It will help you remember what you need to bring, and also serve to educate you on the rules for these Workshops, and the boundaries in place. It helps to build safety knowing that anyone attending has already agreed to these guidelines.
Thank you so much for your interest! I am eager to bring this very important workshop that empowers many, to SLC in 2026! Please fill out this form so we may gather a community of kindness to share together in learning.
Information For This Workshop:
Substance Free:
A requirement of attending a workshop with Larysa is being free from alcohol or any mind altering substance.
Venue: Music Studio
There is 1 bathroom on site so if you wish to partake upon arrival, may help to not have to wait for a line :).
Depending on group size we may be in the basement which can be cooler and has stairs to get down there, rugs on the floor, fun colored lights. For a smaller group we may be in “the nook” on the main floor with couches, chairs, hardwood floor.
Principles:
You Can Always Do LESS, Not MORE—
Whatever the invitation or proposal may be, that is the maximum level of engagement for that activity. You can do less according to your own boundaries and comfort, and of the person you are working with, but never more. Example: If we are doing a touch exercise where the parameters of where you can touch are from the shoulder down to the fingertips- then that is the extent of your canvas- maybe you only want to have your hand touched- that is fine. Maybe you don’t want to be touched at all- in this case, perhaps you are open to their hands being 6 inches from you in your energy field but not touching your skin. That is a “doing less” option. Perhaps you want to maintain a 3 foot distance from them but you are open to eye gazing during the practice- that could also be considered “doing less” for this example.
However- if it was a blindfolded exercise- then perhaps eye gazing would be doing MORE in that case.
Not MORE: even if the person you are working with says “oh it’s fine to touch my legs too” that would be doing MORE and would go beyond the boundary of the class for that practice.
You have options and never have to do what is proposed.
This also leads us to the
Cozy Corner:
Sometimes referred to as the Blue Corner- this is a place for participants who may need a physical or emotional break while remaining in the workshop, in the room, part of the group.
It is NOT a place for chatting, socializing etc. Examples of its use- a participant has a headache and isn’t feeling great for a movement warm up- but still wants to be present in the class field and hear what’s being presented- so they rest in the Cozy Corner so they can participate at their comfort level.
Your Slice Of The Pie-
If we have 7 participants, then you have 1/7 of the pie. When it’s sharing time, we often use timers during sharing that help this anyway, but when it’s more open- keep in mind- if you are someone who has a lot to say- you are invited to contain yourself to your 1/7 of the pie so participants get equal space. If you are a quiet person who often doesn’t have much to say- you are invited to “fill out” your 1/7 of the pie and claim your space, which might be a new experience if you are used to stepping back and letting the “talkers” just take up the whole time. This can apply to more than just words, but energy, attention, resources, etc.
Phones and Devices:
Generally we keep phones and devices out of the workshop space- for participant privacy etc. For longer workshops we may have breaks where you can check for any important messages, but if you are going to be speaking on the phone or using it for more than a quick check- we ask that to happen outside the group space to not interfere with the in person connections and energy we are creating together.
Pajamas stay on the whole time
You don’t have to touch 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
Respect your relationship agreements and communicate with your partner
Get the Facilitator or Assistant if you have a question or concern or need assistance with anything during the event
Tears and laughter are both welcome
Respect people’s privacy
Keep the Cuddle Space tidy
Who comes to a Cuddle Party?
People who want to improve their Communication, Consent, and Boundaries.
People who may want the option of PLATONIC nurturing touch, like they may have experienced with their family, cuddling with Mom as a child for example.
People who want to see what it’s all about.
What if I don’t want to cuddle anyone? Am I still welcome?
Absolutely- in fact one of the Cuddle Party rules is that you don’t have to touch anyone. Some people want to come to work their boundaries, to practice saying “No” or even to practice receiving a “No” and viewing it as helpful information instead of a rejection. Some people might bring a book to read, some have taken a nap and report that it is the best nap they have had. They just like to be around that energy.
Do people just arrive and leap into a puppy pile or is there some sort of structure?
Cuddle Party is a workshop to improve Communication, Consent, and Boundaries. The first hour is the workshop portion that is called the welcome circle. It goes over the rules of Cuddle Party and there are some discussion exercises to help you identify your own boundaries and get used to communicating about them. After that is the open cuddle time where we use the rules we learned to navigate into the world of communication, boundaries, and consent and OPTIONAL nurturing platonic touch. Following that we have the closing circle where we process a bit of what we experienced and then we head home.
What does it mean to “Cuddle” in the Cuddle Party world?
If you ask people what they think of when they hear the word “Cuddle” many people will report things like “the classic guy and girl watching a movie with the guy’s arm around the girl’s shoulder and her head on his shoulder.” In the Cuddle Party community, Cuddling encompasses a much wider range. It can mean that same example above, or hugs, could be hand holding. It can even be sitting side by side having a conversation, or sitting silently, eye gazing and breathing together. The cuddling energy at Cuddle Party is meant to remain platonic and nurturing. Some people ask to be cuddled the way they enjoyed when they were a child. Most people report feeling relaxed and cozy.
Some Boundaries for Cuddle Party hosted by Larysa
What to wear to Cuddle Party:
What to wear: Minimum Clothing Requirement
T-Shirt with sleeves close to the elbow or longer that does not expose midsection when arms are raised. Preferable to be tucked in to avoid exposure. Typical T Shirt neckline- close to the clavicle.
Long pants down to the ankle, with under layer: for example brief or biking shorts, compression shorts underneath.
Socks that cover up to the ankle or above (give you traction and won’t be slipping off as you move.)
You are welcome to cover MORE if you choose, adding layers like sweatshirt or socks to the knee, even gloves or a scarf if that makes you comfortable, but the above is required minimum for participation in Cuddle Party hosted by Larysa.
If it meets the above criteria, you are welcome to bring clean pajamas to change into, to be as cozy and comfortable as possible. Some people reserve special Cuddle clothing that is soft and snuggly.
Hygiene Requirements:
Please be freshly showered right before you come to Cuddle Party. An ideal scenario would be someone who showers, makes sure to wear deodorant, brushes their teeth and uses mouthwash, gets dressed, bringing clean cuddle clothing to change into at Cuddle Party, then heads straight to Cuddle Party.
Next best option for someone who may not be able to get home to shower RIGHT before Cuddle Party: Shower in the morning, if you are someone who washes hair not every day, this day would be the day to do it. Load up extra on the deodorant, pack the cuddle clothing, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, clean socks, and keep it in your car to be ready for the evening. Between the shower and cuddle party, it would be best to avoid going to the gym or anything that would cause sweat or body odor to increase.
At Cuddle Party we use our words to tell someone we don’t want to cuddle, we don’t use our smell to repel. :)
Time Boundaries:
One boundary of Cuddle Party is the time. There is the gathering time where people can arrive early and settle in. Then at start time, attendees MUST be present for the whole welcome circle to participate in the rest of Cuddle Party. If you are running late AND contact us we may be able to accommodate. If there is no contact and you show up late, the doors will be locked and we won’t be able to accommodate without contact.
What to bring:
You are welcome to bring extra pillows and blankets although there will be some onsite. Anything comfy and cozy like your favorite stuffed animal if that would make you more comfortable.
Substance Free:
A requirement of attending Cuddle Party is being free from alcohol or any mind altering substances.
It all started when… I…. Laughter Yoga….. CP …..
Probably provide photo examples
Cuddlist
Essential oils used on site, diffused into the air and available for use on oneself and each other with consent. Along with muscle soothing blends for sore muscles.
Boundaries if I were to have Cuddle clients, possibly Word of Mouth only, or referral…. stories, blog…. or video stories, conversations, playlist… other Cuddlists?
Therapist brochure.
offerings to therapists, massage therapists.