Description
Touch and Playfulness
Regenerative Touch for Queer People
with Jochen Stechmann
Today we will explore playfulness through touch. Let’s enjoy how we can use our hands and our touch as a vessel to celebrate joy and aliveness.
How we can we give and receive from a joyful and light position? How can creativity and a childlike mindset guide us into playful connections between giver and receiver?
We will incorporate basic principles of games and multiple partner changes. Most important is to bring your readiness to enjoy yourself.
Jochen Stechmann works as a body-oriented Traumatherapist with Somatic Experiencing and NARM in Berlin – in one-to-one session and group workshops, mainly with queer identified people. Jochen studied Mathematics, Contemporary Dance (BA) and Theatre (MA) and has been busy for 15 years as Performer and Choreographer in the Netherlands. In their work as Somatic Coach thae are fascinated by the variety of abilities of the body and the nervous system to intuitively balance itself, and how empathetic, attentive touch can support this process. With great empathy and joy in new things, he explores the role that mindful, non-judgmental emphatic touch can play in this.
www.body-attention.com
What is Regenerative Touch?
Regenerative Touch is a monthly workshop where together we create conditions that help us to slow down, to drop into our bodies and to explore the profound impact of restorative touch in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Touch, often overlooked in daily life, is a basic human need. In these workshops, we create a space solely for its regenerative and healing power, free from any romantic or sexual connotations. Touch communicates directly, reaching places words cannot.
Did you ever experience the calming effect of a warm embrace or a comforting hand on your shoulder? Even a brief 15-minute hand-holding session can lead to a significant decrease in heart rate, reduction in blood pressure, signalling a strong relaxation response. A simple 20-second hug can lead to higher levels of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and trust.
Every Month, our trauma-sensitive facilitator will frame the evening around themes like presence, nervous system regulation, emotional safety and focus on hands-on experiences rather than too many words or techniques. No bodywork experience necessary – just bring your curiosity.
• Experience reduced anxiety, depression, and increased emotional resilience through calming, intentional touch.
• Cultivate mindful presence and deeper connections with yourself and others.
• Support trauma healing and emotional release in a safe, nurturing environment.
• Enhance mood and immune function by reducing stress and releasing endorphins.
• Foster a sense of community and belonging through shared, non-verbal experiences.
• Encourage deeper self-compassion and acceptance through gentle, supportive contact.
General Information
• This format is for all queer people (LGBTQIA+) interested in experiencing touch in a safe(r) setting.
• This is a clothes-on format.
• Bring a sheet and towel to cover cushions, mats, or massage tables.
• This event will be in German and/or English depending on participant needs
• This event is also available at a reduced member price – but not part of the two-free-monthly-events benefit.
• Concession tickets upon written request to events@wearevillage.org.
Benjamin Block: Geboren und aufgewachsen in Berlin, hat Benjamin einen Master in Tanz. Als Trainer für Aufmerksamkeit und Experte für ganzheitliche Körperarbeit ist er leidenschaftlich über seine lebenslange Forschung für Embodiment, Gesundheit und persönliches Wachstum. Er liebt es, Menschen zu befähigen, sich wieder mit der Weisheit und dem Potential ihres Körpers zu verbinden – individuell als auch kollektiv. Er ist Mitinhaber des “Studio for BodyAttention & Transformation” in Berlin, wo er in Sessions als auch in verschiedenen Workshop-Formaten unterrichtet.
