Now that most spots for Rebirthing The Sensual Self have been allocated, I've read the intentions of the majority of the group and started fine-tuning the program. It's exciting because it feels like I get to experience the weekend already. I'll share some more about the program for those who are still considering to apply:
Rebirthing the Sensual Self: 11-14 April 2024, Berlin 🌒
After we’lve all arrived on Thursday, we have dinner together. Then, we open the container and turn our focus inwards. We'll go to bed in silence, wake up in silence, and have various processes around letting go and being present in the now. Talking is still welcome during some practices for the purpose of self-reflection in connection, but the space will be mostly non-verbal until the start of Friday's lunch.
Friday afternoon we slowly shift the focus towards connection. We'll practice being attuned to our yesses and no's and will have a body welcoming practice in the late afternoon. Friday evening is about staying within our integrity in non-sexual physical connection with others.
Saturday is about knowing what you want—and asking for it. It's also about communicating your boundaries and about negotiating interactions that work for everyone involved. In the evening, we'll get to practice all we've done in an open space. Sexuality is welcome as one of the various things that you could be doing that evening. So is dressing up, drawing, dancing, or simply having a cup of tea.
Sunday is a lazy day with lots of options. Movement, going for a walk, brunch, sauna, and chilling in the garden are some of the things you might find yourself doing on this last day. The Sunday tends to be characterized by integration and wholesome connection.
Are you considering to be one of the last six to join?
Check the website:
https://mettekoppelaar.com/en/rebirthing-the-sensual-self-berlin-2024
Or join the channel or message @koppelaar to find out more.
We're looking forward to reading your application if you feel the calling ☀️
Mette, Aya, Hannah & Silvia
After we’lve all arrived on Thursday, we have dinner together. Then, we open the container and turn our focus inwards. We'll go to bed in silence, wake up in silence, and have various processes around letting go and being present in the now. Talking is still welcome during some practices for the purpose of self-reflection in connection, but the space will be mostly non-verbal until the start of Friday's lunch.
Friday afternoon we slowly shift the focus towards connection. We'll practice being attuned to our yesses and no's and will have a body welcoming practice in the late afternoon. Friday evening is about staying within our integrity in non-sexual physical connection with others.
Saturday is about knowing what you want—and asking for it. It's also about communicating your boundaries and about negotiating interactions that work for everyone involved. In the evening, we'll get to practice all we've done in an open space. Sexuality is welcome as one of the various things that you could be doing that evening. So is dressing up, drawing, dancing, or simply having a cup of tea.
Sunday is a lazy day with lots of options. Movement, going for a walk, brunch, sauna, and chilling in the garden are some of the things you might find yourself doing on this last day. The Sunday tends to be characterized by integration and wholesome connection.
Are you considering to be one of the last six to join?
Check the website:
https://mettekoppelaar.com/en/rebirthing-the-sensual-self-berlin-2024
Or join the channel or message @koppelaar to find out more.
We're looking forward to reading your application if you feel the calling ☀️
Mette, Aya, Hannah & Silvia
“Spots are filling up fast.”
As an organizer, this is such a tempting phrase to post. People are in doubt. They say they want to join. But I still have a few free spots and I would love to be sold out. So let’s create a little FOMO. Let’s create a little pressure. And maybe more will join.
“I would LOVE it if you joined” is another one. In conversation with a potential participant, it’s so tempting to point out just how happy it would make *me* if only they’d sign up. I only say it if it’s true. But, still, it implies how unhappy it would make me if they didn't. Just a little pressure. And maybe they will join.
It’s so incredibly tempting to look for the yes. To hint, nudge, and persuade. To create scarcity and set expectations. To frame the “yes” as good, and the “no” as bad. But it leads to awkwardness. People feel pressured and stop replying, only to apologize the next time I see them in person.
Many of us know about consent. You ask permission before you touch someone. Duh. But it is so much more than that. It’s the act of genuinely welcoming the “no”. The practice of appreciating the beauty of the “no” and of genuinely looking for it. Inside the bedroom and out. Because when the “no” can freely flow, things don’t have to get awkward. It tells us we are safe. It tells us we are welcome as we are. It allows us to keep relating. Even when we don’t want the same things.
From 11 to 14 April, I’m organizing a retreat near Berlin:
☆ A sensual weekend journey through the cycle of rebirth 🌒
A place to let go of the old & rediscover your playful, sensual self. We centralize the beauty of saying no & invite full authenticity. Sensuality & sexuality are welcome, yet we focus on human connection in every sense. It’s in a cozy farmhouse near Berlin, with up to 27 curated humans. There are 4 spots left. Will you take one of them? I very much welcome your “no.”
All info: https://bit.ly/3VCEPHW
Thanks for reading!
(Photo: Rebirthing the Sensual Self 2023)
As an organizer, this is such a tempting phrase to post. People are in doubt. They say they want to join. But I still have a few free spots and I would love to be sold out. So let’s create a little FOMO. Let’s create a little pressure. And maybe more will join.
“I would LOVE it if you joined” is another one. In conversation with a potential participant, it’s so tempting to point out just how happy it would make *me* if only they’d sign up. I only say it if it’s true. But, still, it implies how unhappy it would make me if they didn't. Just a little pressure. And maybe they will join.
It’s so incredibly tempting to look for the yes. To hint, nudge, and persuade. To create scarcity and set expectations. To frame the “yes” as good, and the “no” as bad. But it leads to awkwardness. People feel pressured and stop replying, only to apologize the next time I see them in person.
Many of us know about consent. You ask permission before you touch someone. Duh. But it is so much more than that. It’s the act of genuinely welcoming the “no”. The practice of appreciating the beauty of the “no” and of genuinely looking for it. Inside the bedroom and out. Because when the “no” can freely flow, things don’t have to get awkward. It tells us we are safe. It tells us we are welcome as we are. It allows us to keep relating. Even when we don’t want the same things.
From 11 to 14 April, I’m organizing a retreat near Berlin:
☆ A sensual weekend journey through the cycle of rebirth 🌒
A place to let go of the old & rediscover your playful, sensual self. We centralize the beauty of saying no & invite full authenticity. Sensuality & sexuality are welcome, yet we focus on human connection in every sense. It’s in a cozy farmhouse near Berlin, with up to 27 curated humans. There are 4 spots left. Will you take one of them? I very much welcome your “no.”
All info: https://bit.ly/3VCEPHW
Thanks for reading!
(Photo: Rebirthing the Sensual Self 2023)
This Tuesday 14 May, I will lead a Forum practice at The Being Lab around the topic of Stepping into your power.
After some warm-up exercises, we’ll start the forum: a variation of circling which will give anyone the opportunity to address a large group from the center of the circle. You can use voice and movement and can receive embodied reflections (mirrors) from those who witnessed your expression. It's a powerful practice that offers a literal possibility to step into your authentic expression, that let’s you celebrate the times you did, and that can help you face your struggles around doing so. It tends to have a beautiful impact on individuals and the group.
When: Tuesday, 14 May, 19:00-21:00. Doors close at 19:15 - please don’t arrive later.
Where: Gemeindesaal, Schillerpromenade 16, 2nd floor (https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHrGwDDZAKi8McYbA)
Cost: donation-based (suggested €10 cash or donate online), in support of The Church Of Interbeing project. (I‘m personally not making any money from this)
See you there? :)
After some warm-up exercises, we’ll start the forum: a variation of circling which will give anyone the opportunity to address a large group from the center of the circle. You can use voice and movement and can receive embodied reflections (mirrors) from those who witnessed your expression. It's a powerful practice that offers a literal possibility to step into your authentic expression, that let’s you celebrate the times you did, and that can help you face your struggles around doing so. It tends to have a beautiful impact on individuals and the group.
When: Tuesday, 14 May, 19:00-21:00. Doors close at 19:15 - please don’t arrive later.
Where: Gemeindesaal, Schillerpromenade 16, 2nd floor (https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHrGwDDZAKi8McYbA)
Cost: donation-based (suggested €10 cash or donate online), in support of The Church Of Interbeing project. (I‘m personally not making any money from this)
See you there? :)
Sat/Sun 21+22 Sept: Duality of Desire
(10h-18h, Kreuzberg, Berlin, website)
Last week, I was in a silent meditation retreat. I didn’t do anything but meditate, rest, eat, and sleep. My mind received none of its usual comforts and my body was often in pain. Yet, by accepting the circumstances, I found a sense of peace 🏝️
Last night, my partner and I planned a quiet dinner after yoga. When a friend asked to join, I knew it would overwhelm me after seven days of silence. But not wanting to be impolite, I agreed. Within minutes, my head was spinning. This time, accepting the circumstances meant crossing my own boundaries 😅
The workshop
In this weekend workshop, we’ll explore two seemingly opposing paths to navigating our desires. One path involves honoring our desires. We'll practice noticing, welcoming, and expressing our wants, and we'll work on our skills to get exactly what we want. The other path involves questioning the stories that drive our desires. We'll practice seeing things from different perspectives, and cultivate a mindset that's less attached to the outcome of our actions.
In an intimate group of 10-15 people, we’ll play with different ways of engaging with the present moment. Some exercises will be verbal. Others include touch. Sharing our insights and challenges along the way, we’ll move with the group’s evolving needs.
Practical
- All info: here
- Dates: Sat/Sun 21+22 Sep, 10h-18h
- Group size: 10-12
- Preparation: everyone’s invited to read the first few chapters of my book (online), so we start from a common ground.
- Costs: €75 basic costs + a donation for facilitation of €1 or more. Includes access to the book. Please message @koppelaar if you can’t afford this.
More info and signup
https://mettekoppelaar.com/dd24
Telegram channel: @mettekoppelaar
Questions: message @koppelaar
✨
(10h-18h, Kreuzberg, Berlin, website)
Last week, I was in a silent meditation retreat. I didn’t do anything but meditate, rest, eat, and sleep. My mind received none of its usual comforts and my body was often in pain. Yet, by accepting the circumstances, I found a sense of peace 🏝️
Last night, my partner and I planned a quiet dinner after yoga. When a friend asked to join, I knew it would overwhelm me after seven days of silence. But not wanting to be impolite, I agreed. Within minutes, my head was spinning. This time, accepting the circumstances meant crossing my own boundaries 😅
The workshop
In this weekend workshop, we’ll explore two seemingly opposing paths to navigating our desires. One path involves honoring our desires. We'll practice noticing, welcoming, and expressing our wants, and we'll work on our skills to get exactly what we want. The other path involves questioning the stories that drive our desires. We'll practice seeing things from different perspectives, and cultivate a mindset that's less attached to the outcome of our actions.
In an intimate group of 10-15 people, we’ll play with different ways of engaging with the present moment. Some exercises will be verbal. Others include touch. Sharing our insights and challenges along the way, we’ll move with the group’s evolving needs.
Practical
- All info: here
- Dates: Sat/Sun 21+22 Sep, 10h-18h
- Group size: 10-12
- Preparation: everyone’s invited to read the first few chapters of my book (online), so we start from a common ground.
- Costs: €75 basic costs + a donation for facilitation of €1 or more. Includes access to the book. Please message @koppelaar if you can’t afford this.
More info and signup
https://mettekoppelaar.com/dd24
Telegram channel: @mettekoppelaar
Questions: message @koppelaar
✨
Hey everyone!
After a summer of giving workshops at festivals, I’m happy to create my own container again!
I know it’s last-minute, but these waves of sudden inspiration have always worked out so far :)
Could you let me know if you consider joining Duality of Desire on 21 & 22 September?
🔥 = I'll seriously look into joining
❤️ = I like it, but can't make it this time
Thanks!
Mette
After a summer of giving workshops at festivals, I’m happy to create my own container again!
I know it’s last-minute, but these waves of sudden inspiration have always worked out so far :)
Could you let me know if you consider joining Duality of Desire on 21 & 22 September?
🔥 = I'll seriously look into joining
❤️ = I like it, but can't make it this time
Thanks!
Mette
A cute, short story about anger and desire.
On 21 & 22 September, we'll dedicate a weekend to honoring what's important to us while being less attached to the outcome. It's a profound balance that lies at the core of many spiritual practices like Buddhism, Yoga, and many forms of therapy.
All info at https://mettekoppelaar.com/dd24
Feel free to message me (@koppelaar) if you have any questions .
Have a good Tuesday! ✨
- Mette
PS. Feel free to share some thoughts as a comment :)
On 21 & 22 September, we'll dedicate a weekend to honoring what's important to us while being less attached to the outcome. It's a profound balance that lies at the core of many spiritual practices like Buddhism, Yoga, and many forms of therapy.
All info at https://mettekoppelaar.com/dd24
Feel free to message me (@koppelaar) if you have any questions .
Have a good Tuesday! ✨
- Mette
PS. Feel free to share some thoughts as a comment :)
Duality of Desire happens in a small cozy, group, which allows the weekend to unfold in a co-creative way.
Instead of me planning everything beforehand, I’ve gathered practices around the key themes that are shown in the images. We’ll regularly check in to see what feels most alive in each moment and, together, we’ll decide what we do.
The overarching theme is honoring what we want while surrendering to the moment. We'll play with this within the practices, yet it also applies to how the weekend itself unfolds.
I'm looking very much forward to sharing the space with you. We still have some spots, so send me a message (@koppelaar) if you'd like to join.
21 + 22 Sept. Flexible pricing. All info at https://mettekoppelaar.com/dd24
As always,
- Mette
Instead of me planning everything beforehand, I’ve gathered practices around the key themes that are shown in the images. We’ll regularly check in to see what feels most alive in each moment and, together, we’ll decide what we do.
The overarching theme is honoring what we want while surrendering to the moment. We'll play with this within the practices, yet it also applies to how the weekend itself unfolds.
I'm looking very much forward to sharing the space with you. We still have some spots, so send me a message (@koppelaar) if you'd like to join.
21 + 22 Sept. Flexible pricing. All info at https://mettekoppelaar.com/dd24
As always,
- Mette
Authentic Hangout: 7, 14 & 21 Nov 2024 in Berlin
Would you like to get nurtured by connection with others as we approach the darker days of the year? Do you like some structure, but also the time and space to freely flow? Then Authentic Hangout might be for you.
We’ll meet on the first three Thursday evenings of November at Wamos—a cozy space filled with pillows and mattresses. Each evening starts with a guided session to help you connect with yourself and the group, followed by open, free-flowing interaction.
Whether you prefer board games, a six-hand massage, meditation, dancing, cuddling, crafting, shibari, play fight, or relaxing in a corner with a book, you're free to follow your flow while being mindful of the space and others. Self-connection and connecting with others will be supported in various ways.
Join us for three weeks of meaningful connections with just enough guidance to help you balance new experiences with doing things you already love.
More details: https://mettekoppelaar.com/ah24
Telegram channel: @mettekoppelaar
Practical info
❖ Thu 7, 14 & 21 Nov 2024, 18:45h-22:30h, Hasenheide 9, Berlin
❖ Signup is for all dates. Joining single dates might become possible later.
❖ Up to 35 people
❖ €45 basic costs for 3 weeks + a donation for the facilitation (€1 or more). Message @koppelaar if you can’t afford this.
❖ Everyone receives the start of Mette’s book, which can serve as inspiration for co-creating an authentic space.
Would you like to get nurtured by connection with others as we approach the darker days of the year? Do you like some structure, but also the time and space to freely flow? Then Authentic Hangout might be for you.
We’ll meet on the first three Thursday evenings of November at Wamos—a cozy space filled with pillows and mattresses. Each evening starts with a guided session to help you connect with yourself and the group, followed by open, free-flowing interaction.
Whether you prefer board games, a six-hand massage, meditation, dancing, cuddling, crafting, shibari, play fight, or relaxing in a corner with a book, you're free to follow your flow while being mindful of the space and others. Self-connection and connecting with others will be supported in various ways.
Join us for three weeks of meaningful connections with just enough guidance to help you balance new experiences with doing things you already love.
More details: https://mettekoppelaar.com/ah24
Telegram channel: @mettekoppelaar
Practical info
❖ Thu 7, 14 & 21 Nov 2024, 18:45h-22:30h, Hasenheide 9, Berlin
❖ Signup is for all dates. Joining single dates might become possible later.
❖ Up to 35 people
❖ €45 basic costs for 3 weeks + a donation for the facilitation (€1 or more). Message @koppelaar if you can’t afford this.
❖ Everyone receives the start of Mette’s book, which can serve as inspiration for co-creating an authentic space.
Let’s do a poll again :)
Are you considering to join Authentic Hangout on 7, 14, and 21 November?
🔥 = I'll seriously look into joining
❤️ = I like it, but can't make it this time
🙏 = I would join if I can join for 1 or 2 evenings
Thanks for letting me know!
Mette
Are you considering to join Authentic Hangout on 7, 14, and 21 November?
🔥 = I'll seriously look into joining
❤️ = I like it, but can't make it this time
🙏 = I would join if I can join for 1 or 2 evenings
Thanks for letting me know!
Mette
Introducing the team for Authentic Hangout ⛺️🌘
7+14+21 Nov, Berlin. All info & signup: https://mettekoppelaar.com/ah24
Mette Koppelaar (he/they, insta) encourages authentic expression through playful and meaningful ways. As a writer and facilitator, Mette helps people explore identity, normalize emotions, expand self-expression, and build deeper connections. Mette enjoys exploring the edges of comfort, revealing our shared humanity as well as what makes us unique.
G ame Passions (g/they/them, insta) is an experimental intimacy artist, educator, and performer. G has lifelong practices grounded in capoeira, cognitive science, West African dance, environmental studies, improvisation theory, and more, and is currently developing an ecology of collective ritual as a ‘dissolution doula’.
Nadine Waser (she/they, insta) is a Berlin-based Integrative coach and facilitator. They use a synergy of diverse healing modalities to guide folks back to self-belonging, full authenticity and purpose. Their mission is to create authentic spaces where humans can be humans again, using embodiment and empowerment to move towards a full authentic expression.
Ella Shields (they/them, insta) is a consent educator, intimacy activist and, well, general activist. They see consent as a decolonial ideology that is the foundational antithesis of capitalist values. They use humor and depth to turn competition into collaboration, the endless burning of resources into rest and capacity, and perfectionism into messy humans acting irrationally.
All info & signup: https://mettekoppelaar.com/ah24
7+14+21 Nov, Berlin. All info & signup: https://mettekoppelaar.com/ah24
Mette Koppelaar (he/they, insta) encourages authentic expression through playful and meaningful ways. As a writer and facilitator, Mette helps people explore identity, normalize emotions, expand self-expression, and build deeper connections. Mette enjoys exploring the edges of comfort, revealing our shared humanity as well as what makes us unique.
G ame Passions (g/they/them, insta) is an experimental intimacy artist, educator, and performer. G has lifelong practices grounded in capoeira, cognitive science, West African dance, environmental studies, improvisation theory, and more, and is currently developing an ecology of collective ritual as a ‘dissolution doula’.
Nadine Waser (she/they, insta) is a Berlin-based Integrative coach and facilitator. They use a synergy of diverse healing modalities to guide folks back to self-belonging, full authenticity and purpose. Their mission is to create authentic spaces where humans can be humans again, using embodiment and empowerment to move towards a full authentic expression.
Ella Shields (they/them, insta) is a consent educator, intimacy activist and, well, general activist. They see consent as a decolonial ideology that is the foundational antithesis of capitalist values. They use humor and depth to turn competition into collaboration, the endless burning of resources into rest and capacity, and perfectionism into messy humans acting irrationally.
All info & signup: https://mettekoppelaar.com/ah24
PS. 19 people signed up, so we’re 55% full
PPS. Ella is also organizing a 2-day workshop on Sat 19 + Sun 20 October, called Intimacy of Harm. It's a place to get intentional about yourself, your patterns and collectively reimagine conflict culture. How can hurting someone's feelings turn into a moment of safety? How can conflict create deeper intimacy? Let's unlearn the societal pressure to be perfect and instead embrace being messy humans! Info and details here
PPS. Ella is also organizing a 2-day workshop on Sat 19 + Sun 20 October, called Intimacy of Harm. It's a place to get intentional about yourself, your patterns and collectively reimagine conflict culture. How can hurting someone's feelings turn into a moment of safety? How can conflict create deeper intimacy? Let's unlearn the societal pressure to be perfect and instead embrace being messy humans! Info and details here