When
please plan show up 10-20 minutes early. we will start on time, and all info in the intro is important
Saturday
24 April 2026
time TBD
registration link coming soon
Workshop Details
what is Thai bodywork? it's basically fully-assisted yoga. done on a mat, the giver supports the receiver's body in a twist, a stretch, a press. the practice is nurturing and intimate. It’s truly a gift for both the giver and receiver.
the sequence will last about 50 minutes, and then givers and receivers will switch!
Class Timeline
for a 2 hour and 30 minute class:
- intro discussion (15 minutes)
- pairs discuss expectations and set up their space (opportunity to find a partner here) (10 minutes)
- give & receive one way (55 minutes)
- give & receive the other way (55 minutes)
- reflection (15 minutes)
Accessibility
the class is beginner friendly. humans of any shape can do this! a giver/receiver pair can be very different sizes
Receiving
as a receiver, you need to be able to sense and communicate what you want and what would feel good. you're the only person with direct access to what those things are! you need to be able to communicate with your giver when they do things that aren't what you want
when you're a receiver, it's all for you! you are responsible for your experience
Giving
for physical ability, if you can kneel and lunge, you can give
the giver has a range of choice for how much exertion to apply. and in the practice, we use leverage, orientation to gravity, and bone stacking to help the giver focus on precise and therapeutic movements while saving their own energy
as a giver, you need to be able to understand what the receiver wants while sensing and only doing what you are willing to do, what would leave you feeling whole and content
when you're a giver, it's all for the receiver! you are responsible for your experience
What to Bring
- something to lay on. a yoga mat or blanket will do. if you happen to have a thick mat, that is the best. remember that you'll be with a partner, so you can combine what you both have to make a comfy spot
- a comfy outfit that's loose-fitting and/or stretchy. keep in mind that giving is more exertion, and receiving is passive, so layered options to regulate temperature is ideal
- optional and very nice, a pillow or bolster to help support the receiver's body in various positions. the more the better!
- optionally, a partner. people who come alone will pair up after the intro and before practice. in the intro, I'll include guidance about how each person can decide and communicate their desired touch tone and specific actions that they are comfy with
- and of course, a commitment to honestly communicate what you want when receiving and what you are willing to do when giving
Touches & Tone
in this session we'll be exploring some options to lean into the closeness as the giver presses in. I will guide a conversation at the beginning and present the options in a way that makes it easy to modify to the givers' and receivers' desire and ability. in any case, the giver will provide care to help the receiver to feel calm, safe, and blissful
here are some examples of touch tones with concrete examples
- friendly - a smile
- nurturing - a kiss on the hand
- tender - a kiss on the shoulder
- sensual - a kiss on the neck
- erotic - a kiss on the mouth
sensual and erotic are generally valid options. for this workshop specifically I won't let them be available, because they are more advanced to give while maintaining staying strictly in that role
Agreements
Receiving
remember, receivers are thinking about exactly what they want
things like:
- where do I most want to be touched? how far up my legs am I comfy with? do I want the giver to use any specific technique on my butt or avoid that area entirely?
- what spots on my body need extra care? Any injuries to work around? Any tender spots to focus on?
- do I want the giver to nestle my body or maintain more separation?
- what do I want the tone of the touch to be?
Giving
remember, receivers are thinking about what they are willing to do
things like:
- where am I okay touching?
- am I okay with nestling my body around the receiver, or do I want to maintain more separation?
- what tone of the touch am I okay with? friendly? nurturing? sensual? if that's different than what my receiver wants, am I able to maintain that?
