Graceful Eyes and Hands: In-Person Connection in New Ways

701 S. Glassell St.,Orange CA

19 June, 2021

Description

This connection event is limited to 10 attendees for the safety of all. Please register in advance to ensure your spot. Are you wanting to connect with people again, but feeling nervous about it? Have you been missing the simple touch of a hand? Do you want to make some new, like-hearted friends? Come join us at the park. About this event: During this unique gathering, we will create a safe place to practice our boundaries. We will start with some exercises practicing Yes and celebrating No. You will be invited to connect with people through eye gazing and hand holding, while sharing honest conversation, perhaps a laugh or a tear. We will start promptly at 2:00pm. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to find the group and settle in. Please bring your own lawn chair, camp chair, cushion or blanket, as we will be on the lawn. We will begin with an opening circle, some guidelines, and consent exercises. There will be guided eye gazing, and guided hand holding activities, all of which are optional, of course. Approximate event timeline: All exercises are optional. You are welcome to sit out – watching is a lovely way to participate, as well. Many of us are re-learning how to connect with people after a year+ of isolation. Please allow yourself to do this in your own time. Let me know if you need support in the moment. Feelings may come up, and that’s ok. 2:00 – 2:15 Welcome Circle (Intros & boundaries) 2:15 – 2:30 Guided conversation/questions so we can get comfortable with one another 2:30 – 2:45 A few short rounds of eye gazing (optional) 2:45 – 3:00 A few short rounds of hand-holding (also optional) 3:05 – 3:15 Unstructured connection time. (I’ll have some suggestions if you need them.) 3:15 – 3:30 pm Closing Circle (Time for shares or quiet reflection) 3:30 Fond Farewells As we are creating a space for vulnerability, it is imperative that we are all on time in order that we understand the group boundaries and guidelines. If you arrive later than 2:15 (after the Welcome Circle) you will not be allowed to participate. COVID Boundaries: As the event is outdoors, masks are optional. Please respect the boundaries of others and ask before approaching. Attendance is limited for the safety of all. If you are exhibiting any symptoms, please remain at home. What can I expect? You can expect to be greeted by kind-hearted people. Although all activities are optional, you can anticipate a boost of oxytocin, aka the bonding hormone. Oxytocin is known to lessen stress, to boost mood and promote sleep. You can expect to become present with yourself, and with other members of the group. It is my desire for this event that all of us will feel seen and valued. You can expect to be outdoors for 90 minutes. We will be mostly under trees, but be prepared for some sun. You may want to wear a hat, so you can remove sunglasses for the eyegazing activities. (Time in nature is also known to boost oxytocin - bonus!) There are restrooms in the park, but they are not immediately nearby. More details: Registration for this event is $15. If cost may keep you from attending, please contact me at [email protected]. Refunds: No refunds will be given. However, you may give the ticket to someone else, or use the credit toward the cost of a future event. If you have more questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. This event format (and much of the copy) is the brain-child of the amazing Shawn Coleman of Chicago, IL. Check out Shawn’s work at www.ourtouchpoints.com Eye gazing can have a tremendous effect on us. Take a look at this video!