HELD NYC • Final Fridays - 5.31
HELD is a social wellness practice that fuses the power of empathy, communication and kind touch in order to...
Date and time
Location
Lightning Society
245 Varet St. New York, NY 11206Refund Policy
About this event
- 3 hours
HELD is a social wellness practice that fuses the power of empathy, communication and caring touch to nourish your mind, body and spirit – and empower you to bring deeper connection into your life.
Through simple, guided exercises and activities, we create opportunities to:
- Be social in a deeply connected (and substance-free) way
- Share authentically, confidentially, and without judgement
- Explore communication around comfort and discomfort
- Get the nervous system soothing benefits of kind, consensual touch
- Gain tools to bring more connection and oxytocin into your life
- Receive exactly what you need to feel seen, heard and held
We treat connection like a self-care practice.
A wide variety of studies have shown that human connection and touch can decrease anxiety and depression, boost the immune system, improve sleep, reduce pain, and increase levels of life satisfaction. No fancy equipment, supplements or prescriptions needed.
HELD is a unique opportunity to learn and practice empathic connection, clear communication, and caring touch – so you can leave feeling uplifted and soothed, and have practices to share with others in your life.
If this sounds good to you, join us. 🤗
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ABOUT HELD
HELD is a new kind of social wellness practice that focuses on personal and relational wellbeing. We believe (and research shows) that human connection and platonic touch are essential for us to thrive. Through our signature classes, workshops, trainings and events, we create brave spaces to practice self awareness, relationships, connection, communication, consent and platonic touch. In the process, participants learn how to create deeper connection and more conscious touch in their lives – and collectively, we can bring it to the world.
Frequently asked questions
HELD is for you if you're open-minded, growth-oriented, enjoy meaningful connection, and think of yourself as a "hugger" (or want to be). It is NOT for you (or the person you think "needs" it) if you're disinterested, resistant or seeking a sensual/sexual experience.
Because HELD is about platonic connection, it's designed for everyone – regardless of relationship status. We do our best to create a safe container that desexualizes connection and touch. Unless stated otherwise, it is NOT a singles or couples event.
That's a HARD NO. All participants should be fully sober and substance-free in order to ensure full presence and achieve the safest container possible. The only exception is for bespoke private events, as long as we're aligned around context and boundaries.
In the spirit of creating a clear, connected container, we ask that everyone arrive on time and stay until the end. Most important is that you arrive within the arrival window (usually 10 minutes max from start time). If you must leave early, feel free – but you may miss the good stuff!
In short, no. Although there may be opportunities for cuddly vibes (near the end), HELD is an experiential workshop with guided exercises that use presence, communication and touch to deepen connection and wellbeing.
At HELD, you never have to do anything you don't want to do. Some of the exercises are designed to include physical touch as part of the practice, but adjustments can always be made. Although we encourage stretching comfort zones, we're committed to respecting boundaries.
With the exception of private/partner events that prohibit photos/videos, content may be captured at any event and used (respectfully) for promotional purposes. If you would like to request not to have your image used, please let us know - ideally in advance as well as onsite.