| Note: Written material from some of the previous meeting is available. Click on the links in the meeting descriptions below. | |
| Nov 10, 2007 | SEXUALITY
AND SPIRITUALITY 101 with members of the BASSN Core Group. Notes and resources from the meeting. What does it mean to integrate Sexuality and Spirituality? This meeting is a great opportunity to reflect on and explore sexual and spiritual energies. Specifically designed for those new to the concept and/or new to BASSN, the program will include discussion and experiential exercises, allowing participants to get to know one another. Join members of the BASSN Core Group for this introduction to the central focus of our network. All are welcome, experienced and inexperienced alike. |
| Sept
15, 2007 |
Sacred
Sexual Rituals: Honoring the Inner Divine with Deerheart and
Ania Barciak; Honoring the divine within ourselves and within each other is a pathway to happiness and bliss and even enlightenment. By honoring our complete selves including our inner spirits, our whole bodies, and our sexuality, we can become more fully integrated and whole beings. By learning to love our whole selves more deeply, we can nurture ourselves and grow into our own completeness. Through regular practice of affirmations, meditations, and actions we deepen our love of ourselves and each other. We will explore the process of creating a ritual and then we will perform a ritual of mutual honoring. This workshop includes safe, consensual touch exercises with clothes on. Please bring a ritual object (an object that has special meaning for you) and a pillow or cushion to sit on. Chairs are available for those who are uncomfortable sitting on a pillow on the floor. If you want to, you may wear ritual clothing (clothing in which you feel comfortable or which you associate with special occasions). You may also bring snack food to share with the group at break time, a great way to connect with people in the group. |
| June
9, 2007 |
BDSM
AND SPIRITUALITY 2-
5 pm in Arlington, MA Sheldon and Jane present an introduction to the spiritual aspects of BDSM. A lifestyle couple, they use power dynamics, sadomasochism and energy work to celebrate the divine. A "G rated" presentation and discussion followed by an (optional) workshop will illustrate the concepts of safe, sane and consensual exploration of power exchange. Participants are encouraged to bring two clean bandanas or similar sized cloths to be used for blindfold and soft restraints. |
| April 14 | Using
Sexual Energies to Heal with Rose Stanley April 14, 2007 2 - 5 pm Arlington, MA Our sexual energies are a great, untapped reservoir that many of us never really access and/or utilize. They can be used for healing and revitalizing the physical body, clearing blockages in our lives, connecting to a deeper aspect of ourselves, merging our essence with our partner, becoming one with All That Is, and manifesting what we would desire. In this workshop, you will be learning how to move this energy in your bodies through the use of intention, breath, movement and sound. We will perform a variety of solo exercises to do this. In addition, you will learn the basics of manifesting what you desire in your lives and then blending these basics with the newly learned skills in moving your sexual energies. We will work on manifesting in two different areas: improving the physical body (such as greater health/vigor/stamina) and bringing something into your life (such as increasing financial abundance, stepping into new job/career/work, improving or creating partnership, living a life of passion, acquiring a new car, etc.). Bring something comfortable bedding and/or pillows so that you may lie directly on the floor. Bring some paper and pencils for the manifestation portion of the workshop. Lastly, bring some specific ideas of what you want to manifest; we will refine these in the workshop. Rose Stanley has been practicing and teaching body/energy healing work for over 12 years. She is a Reiki Master, Shamballa Master, Theta Healing teacher, Remote Viewer, and sound healer. In the last 4 years, she has been studying and incorporating into her practice a variety of modalities which specifically raise and use the sexual energies as powerful healing and manifesting tool. These modalities include erotic massage, anal massage, BDSM, and Tantric techniques. |
| Mar
10 |
SECRETS,
SHAME AND SEXUALITY - Saturday, March 10 In a culture that puts forth messages of shame and fear about sexuality, many of us have been taught to be ashamed of sexual feelings or anything 'unusual' about our sexuality. We have developed many different ways to cope with this, from extreme secrecy to open defiance. But now, society is undergoing rapid change. More and more topics are being discussed openly. Yet, our sexuality can still be a very sensitive topic. Our own sexuality can be just as unique as our fingerprints; no two people are exactly the same. One person's 'wow' might be someone else's 'eh?' or even 'ugh!' So, even as society becomes more open, it can still be difficult to get through the shame that may have built up over the years.In this meeting, we'll create a safe space of mutual respect where it's possible to hear each otherspeak from the heart and reveal the secrets that have been kept us prisoners to shame. We can share how we have coped, adapted and grown from our experiences. We also may discuss how we might advance new cultural norms that emphasize more acceptance from each other, now and in the future. |
| Feb 10 | Energy
Work and Sexuality led by Nancy Joyce. In this mini workshop, we will provide opportunities to develop a deeper awareness of subtle life energies. We will be teaching you skills on how to work with these life energies enhancing the experience and expression of your own sexuality. Join us to explore the connection between energy and sexuality and perhaps take your sexual spiritual experiences to another level. Nancie Joyce, BS., B.Div., Reiki Grand Master Teacher, CPT, has been a certified and licensed BioEnergy Therapist since 1996. She isan ordained interfaith minister,Healer, Wholistic Skills Educator, a certified DansKinetics instructor, and a Convergence facilitator for consciousness development and personal transformation, and has applied thisto "Integrating Spirituality and Sexuality" workshops and private instruction. Nancie approaches life and her workby followingher heart. Her mission is to help people evolve their spiritual and physical consciousness so they can live true to their own heart and have their bliss. |
| Jan 27 | Introduction
to Tantra with Rich and Lisa Zafran. This experiential afternoon for individuals and couples is a fun and safe way to begin your tantric journey, become a better lover, and create deeper intimacy and more love in your life. Learn ancient tantric techniques - including ritual, communication, and energy consciousness - to integrate spirituality into your life and lovemaking. Celebrate being fully alive in your body, heart, spirit and mind. In a safe and loving environment, we explore:
Lisa and Rich are a conscious loving couple who have been incorporating the art of Tantra into their relationship for over ten years. Tantra has deepened and strengthened our love...giving us an amazing bond of depth and sweetness. We are honored to share this work with others..always creating a safe space for learning, growth, and exploration. We have trained extensively with many tantric educators and healers,and we are certified by The Source School of Tantra, run by Charles and Carolyn Muir in Maui. We offer private coaching sessions for couples and individuals. We also run an ongoing tantra enrichment group for individuals and couples. |
| Jan 13, 2007 | Erotic
Massage with Rose Stanley. 2 - 5 pm in Arlington. Erotic massage is a another way to explore our sexuality, to increase our ability to respond to sensual stimulus, to circulate erotic/sexual energy hence prolonging arousal and increasing pleasure, and to deepen the levels of intimacy with our lover(s) by going beyond our `normal' methods of sexual interaction. In this mostly experiential BASSN workshop, we will be exploring some of the different strokes and techniques for doing erotic massage. We will work on each other's lower legs/feet and arms/hands. Please bring two towels with you: one large towel to lie on and another one to wipe your hands. You will be provided with the necessary fragrance-free oil and baby-wipes (for cleaning up afterwards). Please do arrive with clean feet and easy-to-push-up clothing so that your massage partner(s) can have clear access your arms and lower legs. Bring what ever you need to be comfortable on the floor.This will NOT be a gender-balanced workshop, so be prepared to work on someone of the same sex as you. Rose Stanley has been practicing body/energy healing work for over 12 years. She is aReiki Master, Shamballa Master,Theta Healing teacher, Remote Viewer, andsound healer. In the last 4 years, she has been studying and incorporating into her practice a variety of modalitieswhich specificallyraiseand use the sexual energies as another healing tool. These modalities include erotic massage,anal massage, BDSM, and Tantric techniques. |
| Dec
9, 2006 |
Sacred
and Erotic Touch 101 - Saturday, December 9, 2 - 5 pm in Newton. Touch is a powerful language that can reach deeper than words. Reverent, comforting or electrifying, touch can feed the soul and integrate sexuality and spirituality. When someone touches us, what does it mean? Is it just a signal? Is it a gesture of love or support? Is it sensual? Does it become sexual? Or even sacred? What is the relationship between emotions and touch--between physical contact and being deeply touched inside? Together, using meditation, paired and small group exercises and discussion, we will create a safe environment to explore touch as an essential language of expression. We will: 1. explore the role of healthy boundaries, presence, pacing and emotional safety in both erotic touch and nurturing, non-sexual touch; look at what is similar and different about safe, sensual, sacred and erotic touch; 3. explore different ways of making contact, verbal and non-verbal, with respect for the boundaries and comfort of both "toucher" and "touchee"; and 4. learn about the nuances of what makes us feel cherished, adored and even turned on. |
| Nov
11 |
Tantra
For One. Saturday, November 11, 2 -5 pm in Arlington. Led by
Martin Garden. Are you curious about Tantra but do not have a partner to
practice with? Do you have some knowledge of sexual tantric practices
but want to go deeper? Are you new to Tantra? In this workshop, we will
explore and explain some individual forms of tantra work that can be
used to deepen your partnered relationship or enhance your own skills.
No prior experience is required. In this session we will explore: differences between white (energetic) tantra and red (sexual) tantra, white tantra and its place in tantric philosophy; exercises to raise your overall tantric energy; exercises to open your energy channels; meditations for personal practice; rituals for deeper connection; your side of two person exercises; and resources for further exploration. Martin Garden has been practicing tantra solo and partnered for over 12 years. He has also studied transcendental meditation for 13 years, trained in kungfu and chigong for four years and is an active member of a local energy working group for the past two years. |
| Oct
14 |
Finding
Your Lovestyle: Polyamory and Monogamy. 2-5pm, Arlington. $10
Led by Karl Heinemann. When considering how to share sexual energy and
deep intimacy with others, most people around the world claim that
monogamy is the only sensible and acceptable arrangement. Throughout
history, however, various societies and smaller groups have defined and
supported other approaches, where people can maintain multiple love
relationships and conduct them in ways that are responsible, ethical,
honest, and sensitive to the needs and wishes of everyone involved.
Polyamory is a relatively recent label for these practices.
Descriptions of some current poly relationship patterns are available here. In this mini-workshop youll have
a chance to learn more about all these different possibilities for
conducting our love/sexual lives. Karl Heinemann has been poly in theory since his early teens in the late-1960s and 1970s, and living in a relatively successful open marriage for the past ten years. He has been active in Greater Boston's poly community for over 20 years, and has given a number of presentations on poly topics at Loving More conferences, the Arisia science-fiction convention, a bisexuality conference, and a conference for queer youth. For several years, Karl also was the facilitator of a poly support group sponsored by the Fenway Community Health Center. |
| Sept
30 |
A
Taste of Tantra. 2-5pm,
Arlington. $10 Led by Dan Murphy and Penny
Goldmuntz. Many
centuries ago, there existed
communities where sex was a spiritual practice and spirituality
included sexuality as a matter of course. Today, these teachings are
known as "Tantra." Some may think Tantra is about sexual positions as
in the Kama Sutra. While it includes this, it also encompasses much
more. At this introductory meeting, we will explore some of the
richness of the
Tantra traditions, see how sexual techniques are taught today, and
experience
a Tantric ritual journey known as "Puja." All are welcome at this
meeting including singles and couples with no experience in Tantric
practices and expressions. Tantra Resources: |
| Sept
9, 2006 |
Sacred
Sexual Rituals. 2-5
pm, Arlington. $10. It is said that ‘Practice Makes
Perfect’. But it may be more accurate to say that ‘Practice Makes
Better’. Practicing ritual has many benefits: centering the mind,
grounding in the body, raising the spirit, healing the body, and
strengthening the connections between people and spirit. What is ritual? What makes it sacred? What makes it both sacred and sexual? What are ritual objects? How do you create a ritual? We will explore these and other questions and we will practice a ritual, including simple rhythmic dance movement, conscious connection, and shamanic meditation. This workshop includes safe, consensual touch exercises with clothes on. Outline of meeting program (pdf). |
| May
13, 2006 |
Burlesque:
The Spirit of Erotic Dance - This workshop delves into how your
spirit affects your dancing and how your dancing affects your spirit.
You will learn techniques that you can take home to help you build
confidence and comfort in your own skin. You will leave the class
knowing that your body is a temple and that you can honor it while
sharing it through exotic dance. (This workshop is open to people of
all gender identities) Amber P. Knight is an award winning actress with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Theatre, Dance and Human Services from Fitchburg State College, where she was awarded the Leadership in the Arts Award. She has worked as an actress, a choreographer, and has written produced and performed 3 one-woman shows that toured throughout Massachusetts. She currently teaches Exotic and Pole Dance Classes at Gypsy Rose studio in Quincy, MA. Her classes were designed for women who live in bigger bodies, but are open to women of any size. |
| Apr 8 | Sexual
Healing - led by Penny Goldmuntz and Linda Marks. 2 - 5 pm in
Newton. In our sex-negative culture, too many of us become sexually wounded. How are we wounded? How do we heal? This workshop will provide an opportunity to explore our sexual-spiritual healing journeys with meditation, partner and group sharing and safe touch exercises. |
| Mar
11 |
Finding
God Through Sex--David Deida's Work In this workshop, we will explore how intentionally creating a polarity between feminine and masculine presence of romantic partners can create a more intense bonding and dynamic spiritually satisfying experience for men and women. The Feminine Force are the feelings that flow through you at every moment. The Masculine Force is the experience of heightening the consciousness of the moment and thereby penetrating it. When one partner (usually, but not necessarilly, the woman) flows and dances to the Feminine Feelings and the other partner (usually, but not necessarilly, the man) heightens and penetrates the consciousness of the moment, then magic appears. In this workshop we will practice experiential, paired exercises in which the men and the women will practice aspects of the Art of Sexual Yoga. This workshop is based on the works of David Deida, who has taught thousands and authored numerous books including Finding God Through Sex. This event will be a gender balanced event.Resources:
|
| Feb 11 | Food
and Sensuality with Anthony Donohoe We will provide some delicious and sensual foods to play with. We invite you to bring your favorite additions to our sensual food banquet. |
| Jan
14 |
Tantra
101 with Dan Murphy. See April 9, 2005 below for
description. Tantra Resources: |
| Nov
12, 2005 |
Sacred and Erotic Touch 101 - Join us for a safe and sacred experience exploring the language of touch, honoring our boundaries, exploring what makes touch safe, sacred and sensual, and creating a space that nourishes and enriches us all. Last year, there was such interest in this topic that we ran a Sacred and Erotic Touch 202 workshop as well. Participation in a Sacred and Erotic Touch 101 workshop or a similar touch/sex-spirit program was a prerequisite. If we have sufficient interest this year, the possibly for a Sacred and Erotic Touch 202 workshop is there too! |
| Oct 8 | Sexuality, Spirituality and Masturbation 2 - 5 pm in Newton - In the sex-negative society of the USA, sexual self-pleasuring is still often condemned, discouraged and silenced. But in reality, it has many benefits. By exploring our own bodies and practicing self-pleasuring we can have: better sex with our partner(s), reduced stress, better health, more happiness and higher states of consciousness and bliss. In this session, we will discuss the suppression of self-sex, as well as the merits and spiritual aspects of self-sex. We will also do some self-love exercises with hands-on-self, clothes-on, and eyes closed. |
| May
14 |
Sex
Play -- Explore Sex Play with Sultana from Eve's Garden. Learn
what makes sexuality and spirituality playful and fun. Sultana will
introduce an erotic bouquet of sex toys and lead some small group
activities and larger group discussions. The activities are intended to
invite you to discover how the "spirit" of playfulness can provide us
with opportunities in our own lives to take our sexual expressions to
new heights of discovery. While sex toys are part of our exploration of sexual and spiritual play, we will be exploring them in a non-genital way. At this meeting, as with all BASSN meetings, personal boundaries of participants will be respected. Meeting time is 2 - 5 pm in Newton. Please plan to arrive at 1:50 pm to assure prompt 2 pm start time. Meeting fee is $10. |
| April
22 |
Sacred
and Erotic Touch (Level 2) $25 Sacred touch is by nature erotic: reverent, present, authentic, heartfull, safe and respectful of the touchee's boundaries. Erotic touch can be sacred. Sadly the common associations of the word "erotic" are not sacred ones, but commercial and pornographic associations. In this workshop, we will explore safe, sacred and sensual touch through gentle nurturing experiential exercises, meditation and group discussion. Prerequisites for participation in this workshop are experience with a touch-based program such as BASSN programs on Safe Touch 101 or Sacred and Erotic Touch 101, HAI, Body Electric, Body Sacred, EKP, Art of Touch, etc. The workshop is not clothing optional, but comfortable layered clothing is recommended for those who enjoy skin contact. Exercises work with non-genital, non-sexual touch. We will try to "gender-balance" the workshop, if at all possible. With this workshop, as with all BASSN programs, we welcome people of all gender identities. |
| April
9 |
A
Taste of Tantra. Many centuries ago, there existed
communities where sex was a spiritual practice and spirituality
included sexuality as a matter of course. Today, these teachings are
known as "Tantra." Some may think Tantra is about sexual positions as
in the Kama Sutra. While it includes this, it also encompasses much
more. At this meeting, we will explore some of the richness of the
Tantra traditions, see how sexual techniques are taught, and experience
a Tantric ritual journey known as "Puja." All are welcome at this
meeting including singles and couples with no experience in Tantric
practices and expressions. Tantra Resources: |
| February 12 | Sexual
and Spiritual Fantasy - Sexual and spiritual dreams and
fantasies are an intrinsic part of our psyches and lives. Dreams are the voice of our souls. Join us and discover ways that your sexuality and spirituality are connected through an exploration of your dreams and fantasies. Our meeting will include safe opportunities for small group discussion and sharing of personal perspectives on the role of our sexual and spiritual dreams and fantasies in our individual lives. We invite you to explore the empowerment of your own dreams and fantasies through a guided meditation and sacred ritual. Our dreams can be portals to self-fulfillment and connection with our divine and each other. |
| Jan
8 |
BDSM
and Spirituality with Raven Kaldera and Joshua Tenpenny.
From the Lakota Sun Dance to monastic submission and discipline, the
elements of BDSM have been part of people's spiritual lives for
millenia. We'll explore the different ways one can incorporate these
varied practices into your spiritual life, from sacred pain ordeals to
cathartic ritual theater to an ethical and spiritual expression of
submission and mastery. We'll discuss using energy work as part of SM,
and explore the original meaning of the word "fetish" - a magical
creation that gives you power and knowledge - and how this relates to
the modern meaning. Although this workshop is open to anyone over 18,
we suggest that you understand the concept of consensual BDSM before
attending. By Raven Kaldera, the author of "Dark Moon Rising: Pagan
BDSM", and his devoted boy Joshua. |
| Dec
11, 2004 |
Saturday Afternoon at the Movies - For a light and fun way to gather during the holiday season, we are featuring "Saturday Afternoon at the Movies." We will meet from 2 - 5 pm in Newton. Popcorn will be provided! Friends and loved ones are always welcome! |
| Nov 13 | Sacred and Erotic Communities - Exploring sexuality and spirituality is both a personal journey and one that can be deepened through being with others in community. Sacred and erotic communities can both connect us with others who share our interests, vision and values, and provide experiences and education that enrich our lives and loves. We have invited leaders from a wide variety of communities, including HAI, Body Sacred, New England Leather Alliance, Black Key Club, Wicca/Pagan, and Radical Faeries to speak about their history, structure, membership, activities and events, challenges and vision. Join us in this incredible opportunity to learn about the many sacred and erotic communities in our local area. |
| Oct
9, 2004 |
This month we'll have a facilitated group discussion featuring local community members. The topic is overcoming emotional, spiritual and physical obstacles to sexual-spiritual fulfillment. Our discussion will touch on various aspects of this, such as aging, impotence, STDs, disabilities, disease, trauma, religious beliefs. |
| Sept
11, 2004 |
Sacred and Erotic Touch. Our ability to touch each other physically carries with it a whole language of expression. When someone touches us, is it just a signal? Is it sensual? Does it become sexual? Or can it even be sacred? Yes it can! Join us as we explore how touch conveys all of these messages and how touch can leave us feeling safe and well cared for. We will explore sacred and erotic touch through meditation, discussion and safe, respectful experiential exercises. |
| May
22, 2004 |
Sexual Rites of Passage - As our sexualities unfold, we move through times and experiences that can be considered "sexual rites of passage." These can include traditionally recognized passages, like menarche or first sexual experience. They might include experiences not considered very significant by our society but valued in a specific community, such as coming out, or the first time you wear the clothes of the gender that feels right to you. They might include experiences that are completely unique to the individual. Join us as we explore the different rites of passage we have experienced and envision safe, positive, honoring rites of passage for ourselves, our loved ones, and the generation to follow. |
| April 10 | Sacred Prostitution - Sacred
prostitutes, sacred
intimates, sexual healers...who are these people and what do they have
to offer us as a culture? Learn about the tradition of sacred
prostitution
and its contemporary applications. From the meeting: (Coming soon.) |
| March
6 |
Self-Loving - Everyone
has heard the truism that you
can't love another person before you love yourself, but what does that
really mean? For our March meeting, we will explore what it means
to love ourselves using experiental excercises, discussion, and
contemplation of our fantasies. Speakers will discuss their
experiences of self-love as a spiritual practice, and self-marriage as
a foundation for partnership with another. This meeting will be
facilitated by Ani Colt and the members of the BASSN Core Group. From the meeting: Practical Ways to Love Yourself |
| February 7 | Erotic Art - What is
erotic art? What is
pornography? And how do you tell the difference? Join us
for an exploration of what constitutes erotic art. The meeting
will include meditation, discussion, and sharing by artists in a
variety of media: photography, story, illustration, video and
sculpture. From the meeting: Websites of the presenters: |
| January 24 | The Nature of Desire with
Scratch, of the Black Key Club
Why are certain "cravings" societally acceptable, while others are shunned? Explore Dionysian philosophy which says "To be alive is to desire".Trying to suppress your needs, or dismiss them as 'shallow' or 'dirty' is unhealthy. If you are divided about your own desires, you're spending a lot of energy at war within yourself. |
| Oct 4, 2003 |
From the meeting: Sexual
and Spiritual Needs |
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