Navigating Intimacy

Tune in to your Navigation System for a happy, healthy, human life where you feel empowered and in charge of your intimate experiences - with TEDx Speaker Wilrieke Sophia.

Most of us have learned to ignore our boundaries and desires. And this is problematic. By not knowing what it is what *we* want, we turn to the next best thing: we do what others want. Or what we think others want. Or what we think society wants.
Making choices in this way is very often not fulfilling. On the contrary: we might cross our boundaries, or even traumatize ourselves.
Especially in the realms of intimacy, there’s a lot to gain.
What happens inside you, when you meet someone you really like and want to connect with?
Can you decide for yourself what speed you want things to move? Can you tell them exactly how you do and don’t want to be touched? Do you feel confident about what you would like to explore with them?
Or, perhaps, do you feel insecure? Are you an ‘all-or-nothing’ intimacy type, where once you say yes to someone, it’s hard to say no to certain things (because you said yes to connecting, right)? Do you always find yourself being attracted to the ‘wrong’ types who leave you feeling used and empty?

Our Inner Navigation System
We all have an inner compass that tells us exactly what we want and don’t want: our Inner Navigation System. Your built-in GPS.
Tuning in to our Navigation System will connect us to what we want and need. It can help us to navigate life in a way that is nourishing, empowering, and fulfilling.

This is an incomplete list of benefits of a strong connection to your Navigation System:
- no longer depending on others to make your choice
- being able to say ‘no’ to things you don’t want
- being able to say full-hearted ‘YES’ to the things you do want
- clarity on where negotiation/compromise is possible, and what your hard limits are
- feeling empowered in intimate situations
- having access to a broader spectrum of options of connection than s.x/no s.x
- increased self-confidence

We can learn to contact to this Navigation System
When we let go of the conditioning that we carry in our nervous system, and rewire ourselves, we can change the way we interact with others.
When we slow down and start listening, we can sensitize our connection to our Navigation System. And once we know how it works, we can always go back.
And not just in the bedroom!

Intimacy is an amazing playground to explore our Navigation System. But strengthening my connection with my inner Navigation System has also helped me make confident decisions around running my business, parenting my kids, establishing boundaries towards friends, stopping online bullies, flirting with new people, and feeling confident when I find myself in parties where I don’t know anyone.

Navigating Intimacy is a playground in which, for two days, you will learn how your Navigation System communicates with you in your unique way. You will learn about your boundaries and desires, and practice in a playful way.
Some of the things that we’ll explore:
- the difference between a real ‘yes’ and a conditioned ‘yes’;
- the power of saying ‘no’ and how it doesn’t have to end an interaction, but rather navigate it;
- all the ways in which you consciously or unconsciously try to manipulate others into your hidden desires;
- touching and being touched for your pleasure;
- getting a Ph.D. in asking for what you want;
- a conscious laboratory to practice and strengthen your skills.
The workshop consists of practical exercises, reflection, sharing, and a guided space to practice. You’ll work alone, in pairs, and in other group constellations.
As in all of our workshops, you are encouraged to sit out of anything. Witnessing is valid participation.

As in all of our workshops, you are encouraged to sit out of anything. Witnessing is valid participation. If you come with a partner you are welcome to stay together for the whole workshop, or play with others too.

SOME PRACTICAL INFORMATION
In the week before the event, you will receive an email with detailed information for this day including the address and what to bring. Make sure you sign up with the email address that you use. Check your spam filter if you did not receive an email seven days before the event (if you have unsubscribed from our newsletter, these emails cannot reach you!).

On this page you find elaborate information about play parties, and many frequently asked questions >>> www.exploringdeeper.com/FAQ

This is a page that speaks more explicitly about rules of conduct during our workshops >>>
https://www.exploringdeeper.com/conduct/

Timings:
Saturday: 10.00h – 18.00h (doors open at 9.30h)
Sunday: 11.00h – 19.00h

ACCESSIBILITY
This workshop space is called De Ruimte- we are in the room DOWNSTAIRS. The specific venue for this weekend is located on the ground floor of a building. There is a height difference to enter the venue through the front door that may cause problems for wheelchairs. There is a backdoor without height differences. There is a bathroom that is not a specific all-access bathroom, but that is fairly spacious and private. There are stairs to reach the kitchen area. There are mattresses and you can lie down as much as you can.

There is a small fridge. There are no cooking/heating facilities. There are (shared) showers.

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If you are curious about our Guidelines for Team Members, feel free to check the full document out here: http://exploringdeeper.com/ethics

For all events, Exploring Deeper's Terms and Conditions apply: http://www.exploringdeeper.com/terms-and-conditions/.

To stay updated about workshops, and events and to read Wilrieke's blog (with hundreds of articles and videos about topics like non-monogamy, sexuality, and dealing with insecurities), check www.exploringdeeper.com and sign up for our newsletter!