IntimacyFest Aotearoa Whangaparāoa Oct 25-28th 2024
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata��
What is the most important thing in the world? I will tell you it is people... it is people... it is people…
Loneliness -
An unspoken struggle that’s come to define our postmodern existence. A silent cause of addiction, escapism, depression, and suicide - it contributes to just about every physical and mental health problem humans suffer from.1
Technology has made incredible advances in our quality of life, yet it’s also made it possible for us to be more independent and more separate. We don’t ask our friends for a ride to the airport, because we can Uber. We don’t stay in relationships when they get hard, we just open an app and find someone else — we think the problem is compatibility, but we forget that we also can love and connect with people, even when they don’t do what we want. We don’t borrow things from our neighbours — we become completely self-contained. Modern culture has successfully externalised and commercialised almost every aspect of life, but at what cost? A lack of connection costs us our people skills. We run from difficult conversations, we don’t ask for what we want, and we have a reactive and immature relationship with boundaries. Fortunately, hope is not lost ♥️
There’s a gym called “courage”, and when you get a membership, you join a group of people who have decided that life is too hard when you’re unable to love and be loved. That’s why we do IntimacyFest. This year IntimacyFest is coming to Aotearoa, New Zealand
In Māori culture, Whanaungatanga is close relationship, kinship, or the sense of family connection. Whanaungatanga relationships are characterised by respect, aroha (love), and care for each other and the whenua (land). At IntimacyFest we’ll build whanaungatanga through shared experiences, reciprocity and mutual support - looking out for one another and contributing to the well-being of the group as we learn and flex our intimacy muscles. It’s a chance for us to get together and be in relationship as we learn - we don’t just teach people skills on a chalkboard — we’re a hands-on institution. We learn from each other and we help each other grow. In fact, IntimacyFest operates much like a pop-up community, and since it’s a small event (50 people), no one gets left behind. All you need is courage, we’ll do the rest together. What To Expect:
Gain real, applicable tools to deepen the connection in all your relationships. Safely lean into your edges of self-expression, vulnerability and honesty. Experience being seen, felt, and known like never before — and witness others as they receive that gift from you. Experience three full days of well-facilitated practices, games and workshops. Meet new friends who share your values of openness and authenticity. Get feedback about your blind spots by receiving caring and honest reflections from other people. Get plenty of personal time to recharge and enjoy the beautiful land & surrounding nature. Allow yourself to drop your armour, walls and masks so you can experience being fully yourself. Get the chance to express yourself and be seen in your creative greatness at our Talent Show. Allow yourself to feel good in your own skin, and learn to trust your body’s wisdom and your authentic desires. Become a part of a community of dear friends, chosen family, and allies who support who you want to be. Have a lot of fun!
