Questions - Neptune Wellbeing

January 2026 newsletter

Time for yourself

Sensual Tantric Massage Retreat for Men – Easter 2026

Friday, April 3 – Monday, April 6, 2026 | Pyrenees, France

Tijs, Pinto, & Firefly organize a wonderful Sensual Tantric Massage Retreat for men every year. This year, it takes place during Easter, at a beautiful new location in the mountains of southern France. Come discover New Tantra or deepen your experience, discover your playfulness, sensuality, and deeper connection in a group of like-minded men from all over Europe.

Tickets: above on Eventbrite or at the bottom of this page via hippy.

The Retreat

In four full-day workshops, you can playfully explore your sensuality and create a connection with like-minded men. We do this against the breathtaking backdrop of the magnificent French Pyrenees, full of majestic mountains and charming villages. There's plenty of time for rest, relaxation, and conviviality.

Dates and times

Start: April 03, 2026, 15:00 PM CEST (arrival possible from 12:00 PM)
End: April 06, 2026, 14:00 PM CEST (departure possible until 17:00 PM)
The detailed programme will be announced later.

Costs

Standard price: €750,00
Early bird discount price for early bookings (until February 1, 2026) €725,00
Discount price for young people (up to 35 years): €700,00
Discounted price for students and refugees: €650,00

Prices include 4 workshop days, 3 overnight stays, 3 x breakfast and 3 x dinner.

Experience what Tantra can do for you

This four-day workshop focuses on exploring play, sensuality, and connection with like-minded men. It offers the ideal place to share, learn, and discover. We're happy to offer you a safe space where you can connect more deeply with your body and mind and experience a deeper connection with other men.

Where?

Bagnères-de-Bigorre, Rte du Mesnil, 65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France

A charming, four-story Basque-style hotel surrounded by a 4000-m² private garden, offering breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains (covered with snow for eight months of the year). Located in France's only Dark Sky Reserve, you'll have the chance to admire the Milky Way without light pollution.

The hotel

This beautiful place was recently acquired and renovated by two men from the Men in Touch NL community. It offers modern amenities: free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and streaming services. There's also a cozy dining area, sitting areas, and a desk. Rooms for two and more are available. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking, skiing, and golf (Bigorre Golf Country Club).

For men

The Tantra Oasis is for anyone who identifies as male. Most participants are GBT+ (gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary) men, but straight men who are open to touching other men are also very welcome. Looking for stress relief, relaxation, and enriching experiences? Then you'll feel right at home!

For anyone who wants to bring more awareness into his or her life.
No previous experience is required to participate.
All men are welcome, regardless of age, body type, appearance or disability, including those within the transmasculine spectrum.

Individuals and couples are welcome.
During the workshop, we'll work in pairs and groups. For each exercise, you can choose to work with your partner or share experiences with others.

Sensual and safe

We offer a safe space to explore your mind and body. While non-sexual, some workshops include nudity, massage, arousal, and sensual stimulation. Everything is done within your boundaries and with your consent. You can join or leave any exercise at any time. We are here to support you in your journey, even if you feel uncomfortable.

The support team

Pinto is a massage therapist from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He naturally combines theoretical knowledge with empathic intuition in his approach to clients. Since moving to London eight years ago, he has further developed his techniques of touch and intimacy. Since 2020, he has been teaching workshops on intimacy and playfulness throughout Europe. He holds an ITEC diploma from the prestigious London School of Massage.

Tijs is a classically trained massage therapist and life coach who also works with various modern forms of bodywork, including Alchemy of Touch, Myofascial Energetic Release, and Deep Muscular Techniques. He has also taken several tantra courses, including those at the School for Tantra (Amsterdam) and Armin Heining's Gay Tantra (Berlin). During his massage and tantra sessions, you will feel his presence, tranquility, and attention. Since 2015, he has been organizing workshops and multi-day retreats on meditation, tantra, massage, and cuddling.

Firefly has been a Tantea facilitator since 2015. He is trained in tantric massage, gay male tantra, Reiki, and tantra yoga in India, and combines physical healing with spiritual growth. As a certified trauma therapist, he helps GBT+ and trans men release shame, reconnect with desire, and awaken their sensual, liberated selves. Firefly has taught worldwide and creates safe, transformative spaces for deep connection, healing, and empowerment through tantra. He will be assisting us during the retreat.

Directions

Hotel “Hi Pyrenees” Link

Address: 19 Rte du Mesnil, 65200 Bagnères-de-Bigorre, France

The best option is to fly to Tarbes-Lourdes Pyrénées Airport (LDE). It's only 25 minutes from the hotel. There are also many flights from Paul Pyrénées Airport, including from Amsterdam. You can also take the high-speed train (TGV) to Toulouse and the local train (TER) to Tarbes, where we can pick you up from the station. Prefer to travel by car? Ask Tijs about the options.

Nearest airports:

Tarbes Lourdes Pyrénées Airport 20 km (for Ryanair flights from Charlerois) https://maps.app.goo.gl/y8U7WJNCApAWbt6v8
Pau Pyrénées Airport 71 km (various flights) https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLKhbgQAJ8VYey557

Trips

Pont d'Espagne
Boussès Waterfall
Pouey Bacou Waterfall
Ceriset Waterfall
Lourdes
Gavarnie Cirque
The Halles de Bagneres
Aquensis
Pic du Midi Observatory
Pyrenees National Park
Place de l'Artigue
Place de la Grave
Parc Chastellain

Book your spot now and give yourself this wonderful gift!

Our imagination helps you through dark periods

The days are short, a thick layer of clouds makes the day gray, and it seems as if the morning twilight is fading into the evening twilight. On days like these, it can sometimes be difficult to find bright spots. On those days, imagination can help reconnect you with the sunny side of life.

A well-known form of meditation is guided imagery (or guided imagery This form of meditation can play an important role in regulating the nervous system. In this article, I explain how guided imagery helps the nervous system return from a state of overstimulation or "alarm" to a more balanced and calm state.

Guided Fantasy

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating positive, calming mental images, often with the help of a therapist or an audio recording. It's based on the idea that the mind and body are intimately connected and that mental images can trigger physical responses.

Its main role in regulating the nervous system is to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system) and reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight-or-flight” system).

Below you will find an example of a guided imagery that you can listen to yourself to experience the effect on your nervous system.

Morning Lying Meditation – Guided Imagery

(video recording by Tijs Breuer, 25-11-2025)

You can find more of these guided imagery lying meditations here (ask for the password to access the videos).

What are the proven effects of guided imagery on the nervous system?

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: By imagining yourself in a safe, peaceful place, guided imagery can send signals of safety to your brain. This helps calm the stress response.
Physiological effects: Activation of the parasympathetic system can lead to physiological changes such as:
- Decrease in heart rate.
- Lowering of blood pressure.
- Delay in breathing.
- Muscle relaxation.

Research

Guided imagery is widely recognized as a relaxation technique that actively contributes to the regulation of the nervous system through the mind-body connection by inducing a calming response. Scientific research on the effects of guided imagery has found a correlation with factors such as stress, anxiety, and pain management.

Anxiety reduction: Studies, such as those examining the effects on anxiety, muscle pain, and vital functions, show that guided imagery can significantly reduce anxiety (source 1). The reduction in anxiety indicates a shift in nervous system activity.
Brainwaves: There is also research suggesting that guided imagery can influence brain activity, for example by increasing alpha brain waves (associated with relaxation and calmness) (source 2).
Physiological Parameters: Research also focuses on measuring physiological parameters that reflect nervous system regulation, such as heart rate variability (HRV). A higher HRV is associated with a healthier, more flexible nervous system that can respond well to stress. Although not all search results directly mention this, the influence of exercises (such as relaxation techniques) on the autonomic nervous system and the immune system is recognized (source 3).

Source reference:

Below you will find the links to the scientific sources that discuss the effects of guided imagery (guided imagery) on the nervous system and related measurements. The first two sources are articles from the biomedical literature via PubMed Central (PMC); the third is a news item from Radboud University Medical Center about the general influence of exercise on the nervous system.

Source no. and link	Title	Description
1 Link	Effect of guided imagery on anxiety, muscle pain, and vital signs in…	Research into the effect of guided imagery on anxiety, muscle pain and vital functions.
2 Link	Investigating the Impact of Guided Imagery on Stress, Brain…	Research into the impact of guided imagery on stress, brain activity (alpha power) and cognitive performance.
3 Link	Exercise affects the autonomic nervous system and immune system – Radboudumc	News item about the influence of exercise on the autonomic nervous system and immune system.

Founders

I would like to highlight three important founders of therapies that use guided imagery. They developed methods that used the unconscious and the symbolic language of the psyche for therapeutic purposes.

Johannes Heinrich Schultz

Johannes Heinrich Schultz (1884-1970) was a German psychiatrist. He is often mentioned in the context of the early development of relaxation techniques using mental images. He introduced Autogenic Training (AT).

De Autogenic Training (AT), an influential relaxation technique developed in the 30s. Although AT is primarily a form of deep relaxation through self-suggestion is, it also includes exercises that use guided imagery.

Focus: Teaching the body to relax (heaviness, warmth, calm heartbeat and breathing) through repetition of short formulas.
Guided Fantasy Component: The higher stages of AT involve recalling colored images en concrete objects (like a flower or a mountain) to influence and process deeper psychic processes.

Hanscarl Leuner

Hanscarl Leuner (1919-1996) was also a German psychiatrist. He is considered the founder of a specific psychotherapeutic method based entirely on the use of internal images: Katathymic Imaginative Psychotherapy (KIP), which was developed in the 50s.

De Katathymic Imaginative Psychotherapy (KIP) is also known as Symbolic dramaof Katathym Image Experience.

Katathym: This comes from the Greek (kata = belonging to, thymus = heart/soul/mind) and emphasizes that the images colored by emotion .
Method: The client lies down in a relaxed state and is asked to starting motif (e.g., a meadow, a mountain, or a tree). The therapist verbally guides the client through this inner fantasy world.
Target: The images and symbols that spontaneously emerge unlock unconscious material, conflicts, and survival patterns. This material is then discussed and processed within the context of the therapeutic relationship.

Helen Bonny

Another influential figure, especially in the United States, is the musician and therapist Helen Bonny (1921-2010). She introduced Guided Imagery and Music (GIM).

De Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) is an experiential therapy that uses classical music to evoke and explore inner, dynamic images. The music acts as a "coherent" and facilitates the images and the emotional process, leading to profound psychological insights and processing.

Solution-focused coaching

A form of therapy that uses the power of the (childish) imagination to find solutions is Solution-Focused Therapy (OGT), or Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)† This is a short-term and results-oriented coaching trajectory, which I often apply in my practice.

Core idea

The Solution-Focused Therapy method does not focus on analyzing problems from the past, but rather on building the desired future and utilizing existing strengths and successes.

The method was developed in the 80s by Steve de Shazer en Insoo Kim Berg, and their colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Center (BFTC) in Milwaukee, United States.

While working with multi-problem families, they discovered that an in-depth analysis of the problems wasn't always necessary to achieve effective change. By shifting the focus to solutions the client already possessed, they could achieve results faster and more efficiently. Their approach is partly influenced by the work of strategic systems therapy, particularly that of the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto.

How does a coaching session proceed?

The starting point of coaching sessions – based on Solution-Focused Therapy – is that the client eThe expert is based on his own life. He uses a number of specific questions and techniques.

1. From Problem to Goal

You describe your problem: "What's wrong?" Together, we'll formulate a treatment goal for the coaching process. The focus is on a positive and concrete description of your desired future.

2. The Miracle Question

This is one of the most famous techniques in OGT. The therapist poses a hypothetical question to help the client vividly imagine their desired future.

“Suppose tonight, while you are sleeping, a miracle happens and the problem you are here for is solved. Because you were asleep, you don't know. What is the first, small difference that you will notice tomorrow morning, which will make you realize that the miracle has happened?”

3. Coping and exceptions

Together we look for moments in the past or present when the problem was less severe or even absent (the exceptions).

We look at ways of dealing with the current situation: How do you cope? What do you do to keep the situation from getting worse?
We look at exceptions to the situation: When did the problem not exist, or was it less serious? What did you do differently then?

4. Concrete steps

After answering the miracle question, identifying coping mechanisms and exceptions, I'll help you identify concrete and achievable steps that can bring you closer to your desired goal.

Self-love can be practiced – Interview and exercises

In this article, I discuss the importance of self-love and the role self-touch can play in increasing self-love. At the bottom of the interview, you'll find an example of a self-massage practice.

Self-love is crucial for the mental and physical well-being, and it is a topic that has been extensively scientifically studied, often under the heading self-compassion.

Research

Self-love, or self-compassion, means treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially in times of failure, adversity, or suffering. It is no selfishness or arrogance, but a healthy form of self-respect and self-esteem.

Importance of Self-Love

Self-love is the foundation for a happier and more resilient life:

Mental Wellbeing: It reduces psychological stress, anxiety, nervousness and depressive complaints.
Resilience: It makes you more resilient to setbacks and helps you recover better after difficult experiences (e.g. a divorce or failure).
Healthier Relationships: It allows you to set healthier boundaries and leads to better relationships with others.
Self-Image and Self-Confidence: It improves your self-image and self-confidence in a more stable way, because it does not depend on external circumstances or social comparisons.
Physical Health: Positive thoughts about yourself help you relax and can even lower blood pressure.

Scientific Basis (Self-Compassion)

Research, particularly by psychologists Kristin Neff, has demonstrated the powerful positive effects of self-compassion (a core aspect of self-love):

Lower Stress and Anxiety: Self-compassion calms the amygdala (the brain area associated with fear and stress) and reduces the damaging effects of stress.
Psychological Resilience: Studies show that people with higher levels of self-compassion cope better with setbacks and have a lower risk of serious psychological problems, such as PTSD.
Healthy Body Image: Self-compassion is associated with a healthier self-image, less fixation on appearance and weight, and greater appreciation for one's own body.

How to Practice Self-Love

Self-love is a process that takes time and practice. It involves replacing your inner critic with a mild and supportive voice.

You can practice self-love in the following ways:

Be Gentle with Yourself (Self-Compassion)

Speech: Pay attention to how you talk to yourself. Ask yourself, "Would I speak that harshly to a good friend?" Replace self-criticism with kindness and understanding.
Accept Errors: See mistakes and imperfections as learning moments, not as failures. Forgiveness is crucial here.

Take Good Care of Yourself (Self-Care)

Physical Care: Give your body the love it deserves by taking care of healthy diet, sufficient exercise and sufficient sleep.
Time for Yourself: Make time consciously available for me time and do things that make you happy, whether it's a hobby, meditating, or spending time in nature.

Positive Exercises

Affirmations: Say positive things to yourself every day, for example: “I am good the way I am" or "I deserve love and respect“. Repeat them daily to reprogram your thoughts.
Gratitude: Every day, write down 3 to 5 things you are grateful for or proud of (pride list). This helps you focus on what is going well.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Saying “No”: Leather to say no against things that drain your energy and don't align with your values. You don't always have to meet other people's expectations.
Own Needs: Communicate your needs clearly and allow yourself to take up space.

How can self-massage contribute to the practice of self-love?

That's an excellent and insightful question! Self-massage is an extremely concrete, tangible and powerful form of self love en self careIt helps you to reach your body from your head and care for yourself on a deep level.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, self-massage, or abhyanga, even called “love therapy” because the Sanskrit word for oil (Sneha) also means 'love' or 'tenderness'.

Below you can read how self-massage contributes concretely to the practice of self-love:

The contribution of self-massage to self-love

1. Creating a loving connection with your body

Attention and Touch: In our busy lives, we are often disconnected from our bodies, except when we feel pain. By consciously and gently touching yourself during a massage, you draw attention to your body. This is a pure act of acceptance and appreciation for the 'vessel' that carries you through life.
Body awareness: You learn to notice signals of tension, pain, or fatigue, which is crucial for self-love. You step out of your head and land in the here and now, which brings you more in touch with your real needs.

Reduction of stress and emotional release

Hormonal Response: Touch (including self-touch) stimulates the production of oxytocin(the 'cuddle or happiness hormone') and endorphins, while it increases the production of the stress hormone cortisol lowers. This is a direct, physiological expression of self-love.
Nerve System Calm: Gentle, rhythmic movements activate your parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode). This helps calm your nervous system, which is a foundation for inner peace and resilience.

Concrete self-care time

Prioritizing: By taking 5 to 15 minutes for a self-massage, you are saying to yourself: “My well-being is important enough to make time and space for.“This is a powerful act of self-respect and boundary setting.
Caring Ritual: You make the action a ritual (e.g., with warm oil, a pleasant scent, and dimmed lighting). Rituals give you a sense of security, which touches the core of self-love.

Tips for Practicing Self-Love Through Self-Massage

You can use self-massage as an act of self-love by pressing the way what you are massaging to focus on, not just the technique:

Use Warm Oil (Optional): Warm sesame or almond oil is a classic choice. The oil nourishes the skin and makes it feel soft to the touch. softer and more tender, which strengthens the loving intention.
Massage with Intention: Before you begin, set an intentionFor example, say in your mind: “I now give myself the attention and kindness I deserve.”
Be Gentle and Mild: It is not a vigorous deep tissue massage. The touch should calming, gentle and respectful Be aware of the pressure: if it hurts, you're being too hard.
Focus on the Feeling: While you massage, focus your attention on the sensation of your hands on your skin. Use this moment to step out of your thoughts. Be satisfying for the parts of your body that you touch.
Take Your Time: Don't rush. Slow, circular movements (on joints) and long, straight strokes (on limbs) are ideal.

What can you tell us about the benefits of touch and massage?

Much research has been done on the benefits of touch and massage, incorporating Ayurveda into daily life abhyanga (oil massage) has a rich tradition that is increasingly being substantiated by modern science.

Here are the top scientific and Ayurvedic benefits of self-massage that support the practice of self-love:

Scientific Benefits (Self-Massage)

Research into both therapeutic massage and self-massage shows the following:

Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Self-massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the 'rest and digest' mode), which helps stress response (fight-or-flight) and reduce the production of stress hormones (cortisol). This creates a sense of safety and calm in the body.
Improving Mental Health: Self-massage helps with reducing anxiety and stress and can improve mood by producing endorphins (natural painkillers and happiness hormones).
Better Sleep Quality: By relaxing the nervous system, regular self-massage can contribute to a deeper and more restful sleep, which is essential for recovery and emotional stability.
Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation: Self-massage can be effective in reducing muscle tension, relieving chronic pain (such as back and neck pain), and improving flexibility.
Increased Body Awareness: Regular touching of the body promotes Mindfulness and a stronger connection with your physical self, which is a foundation for self-compassion and resilience.

Ayurvedic Benefits (Abhyanga)

The Ayurvedic tradition considers Abhyanga as one of the most important daily routines (Dinacharya) and attributes the following effects to it:

Nutrition of the Skin and Tissues: The warm oil (Sneha, which also means 'love') nourishes the skin and penetrates deeper tissues, which has an anti-aging effect and keeps the skin supple and soft.
Balance in the Doshas: Abhyanga is particularly effective in calming Wadding (associated with restlessness, dryness and overstimulation), which makes you feel grounded and firmer feels.
Detoxification and Stimulation of the Lymphatic System: The massaging movements stimulate blood circulation and the lymphatic system, allowing waste products to be removed more effectively.
Strengthening the Immune System: Improved circulation and reduction of stress improves overall well-being immune system strengthens.

In short, self-massage is a scientifically proven and ancient practice that directly improves physical well-being and mental peace, which is a powerful and loving act towards yourself.

Exercise: Short self-massage

Below are short, step-by-step instructions for a 10-15 minute self-massage. You can use this as an act of self-love, for example, to start your morning or end your day.

Tips:

Intermediate fluid: Use a little almond or coconut oil or body butter.
Attention: Keep your full attention on the touch. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sensation.
Breathing: Breathe deeply and slowly for the entire 5 minutes.
Friendliness: Treat yourself with the same tenderness and respect you would give a loved one.

You can consider this massage a moving meditation that you can use every day to center yourself and give yourself a moment of unconditional self-love.

Time (Total 5 min)	Body part	Technique and Intention (Self-Love)
0 - 1 min	Head and Face Intention: Release mental tension.	Massage your scalp with your fingertips in small, circular motions. Continue to your temples, jawline, and ears. Finish with light, upward strokes on your forehead and cheeks.
1 - 2 min	Neck and Shoulders Intention: Soften the places where I carry the burden.	Gently knead and squeeze the muscles of your neck and shoulders with the opposite hand (right hand massaging left shoulder, etc.). Breathe in and out deeply.
2 - 3 min	Arms and Hands Intention:My hands are empowering and valuable.	Use long, straight strokes from your shoulder to your wrist. Massage your elbows and wrists in circular motions. Pay extra attention to your palms and knuckles.
3 - 4 min	Chest and Abdomen Intention: I breathe in peace and acceptance.	Gently rub your breastbone with an open hand. Then massage your abdomen around your navel in a clockwise direction (in the direction of digestion).
4 - 5 min	Legs and Feet Intention: I stand firm and grounded in my day.	If time permits, rub your thighs and calves with long strokes. Finish with a quick, vigorous massage of the bottoms of your feet, toes, and ankles.

Protected: Make new connections in a pod

Protected: New announcement for a Cuddle Pod in Almere

Protected: Make new connections in a pod

Ritual Play workshops

When was the last time you played together, felt free, opened up to strangers? Come play with us! Become better at expressing yourself and practice feeling and showing your unique being. Ritual Play is playfully making contact, moving together, touching each other and challenging each other.
After the break there will also be an opportunity for massage exchange and hugs.

Order date:

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – The Hague
Friday June 20, 2025 – Amsterdam
Friday August 22, 2025 – Elst (Nijmegen)

What is Ritual Play?
In a non-verbal game we explore our impulses, patterns, boundaries in a direct way in contact with each other. Ritual play is a free game of movement and touch within a simple format: a playmate, a mat on the floor, a timer and a few basic rules. One of those rules is the possibility to step out at any time when you want. This interactive work form was developed by Marina Kronkvist.

When you become familiar with the other person's body, you can follow each other's impulse in the here and now, you come together in a flow of movement and touch, like a dance. The interaction can sometimes be wild, sometimes sensual or giggly, or just calming. You are often invited to go onto the mat with an intention or a research question. Above all, be yourself and allow all feelings, because you are at your most beautiful when you can be yourself, exactly as you feel at that moment.

What makes Ritual Play so nice, surprising and fun?
Touch in a safe setting is relaxing, liberating and gives you space to discover new things in contact with others. You are invited to follow your impulses non-verbally, without a predetermined goal, in contact and in interaction with the other. This offers a safe space to explore in the bed of being completely with what is. To see what lives in you, what wants to be felt and moved in you or not. It gives you the space to experience your life energy and your true, free nature. Every encounter during the workshop is unique, because you are invited to participate in an experience without a predetermined goal.

What do we do?
After an introduction, we discuss the rules of the game, the boundaries and possibilities that the ritual offers. We then do a few simple exercises to arrive and prepare for the ritual. We work 1-on-1 and change partners a few times, so that you can experience the ritual play with different participants. We conclude the Ritual Play workshop by sharing reflections, feelings, sensations that the game has released in you. This allows you to integrate the experience in a meaningful way.

Who will be attending this workshop?
Everyone is welcome, regardless of your body type, age and sexual preference. We like to be surprised by the diversity of participants and we do not create a gender balance. If you participate, we invite you to open up to other participants.

Who are the guardian angels?
Tijs Breuer has been organizing various workshops with massage, mindfulness, yoga, tantra and cuddles for over 10 years. Coming to your senses is his most important approach to life. Seeing each other, smelling the air, tasting yourself, touching the skin, when we open our senses, we enter life. As a life coach, body worker and masseur he guides you to get closer to yourself and embrace life. In this way you will find your way to create more harmony in your life, in your relationships with others and with yourself.
Marianne van Rijn has extensive experience as a spaceholder and assistant at various workshops.

Our sites

The Hague – The Self-Spot; Badhuisstraat 198, 2584 HM The Hague (Scheveningen)
Amsterdam – Mahara Holistic Lifestyle, De Clercqstraat 123, 1053 AK Amsterdam
Nijmegen – Purple Palette, Reethsestraat 15, 6662 PJ Elst

Time
19:00 -19:30 Arrival, tea/coffee, informal introduction
19:30 PM Start Ritual Play Workshop
21:15 Break
21:30 Open space for massage and cuddles
22:15 Sharing circle
22:30 End

Tickets
Reserve your spot today and embark on a heart-warming adventure! Buy your ticket on Hipsy: https://hipsy.nl/event/106969-workshop-ritual-play-all-genders-in-den-haag. Standard ticket: €30,00. Discount €15,00 for students, refugees, young people <36 years and 2nd person (couples). You can find our cancellation and refund policy on this website.

Don't forget to freshen up beforehand and wear nice soft, supple clothing. Together we create a playful atmosphere of loving attention, acceptance and connection!

Join the Tuesday morning lying meditations

Let’s start the day with a relaxing Lying Meditation. You can do it on the floor, on a yoga mat, on your couch, you don’t even have to get out of bed. Before your mind gets too active, you can open your senses and regulate your nervous system. This will help you stay in a relaxed state of mind for the rest of the day, even if you have a lot to do.

You can participate online or on site in Tienhoven (Utrecht).

Data in 2025

Every 4th Tuesday of the month until December 30, 2025:

28 January 2025
25 February 2025
25 March 2025
22 April 2025
27 May 2025
June 24, 2025
22 July 2025
26 August 2025
23 September 2025
28 October 2025
25 November 2025
23 December 2025

Reserve your participation on Meetup in the Embodied group: https://www.meetup.com/embodied/

What is lying meditation?

Lying meditation is a form of meditation in a lying position. Unlike traditional sitting meditation, you can completely relax your muscles and focus on your breathing and your body. It is an accessible form of meditation, especially for beginners or people who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time.

What kind of meditation?

Each time is different, but the meditations are simple, they last about 30-45 minutes and are easy to get into. Here are three examples of lying down meditation:

Body scan: You focus your attention systematically on different parts of your body, from your toes to your head. By becoming aware of physical sensations, you learn to release tension.
Breathing meditation: During a breathing meditation you focus on your breathing. You follow the movement of your breath in and out, without influencing it. This helps you to calm your thoughts and be present in the moment.
Visualization: With visualization, you use your imagination to create a relaxing environment. For example, you can imagine yourself lying on a beach or walking through a forest.

What are the advantages?

Increased concentration: Meditation can improve your ability to concentrate.
Relaxation: Lying down meditation helps you reduce stress and relax your muscles.
Reduced anxiety and depression: Meditation can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Increased self-awareness: By directing your attention inward, you learn to know and understand yourself better.

For who?

The meditation is open to everyone. Everyone is welcome: all genders, all orientations, all ages, experienced or not. You can decide for yourself whether you participate in shorts, leggings, in underwear or in your pajamas. Before the meditation we check in with each other, to hear our names and share how we feel. The meeting is held in English, unless all participants are Dutch.

Online participation

You will receive the Zoom link to participate after you have registered (RSVP) for this meetup. Make sure you have a quiet space, your (yoga) mat, a bottle of water and a blanket. Click on the Zoom link that you will receive at least five minutes before the start of the meetup. You will enter the waiting room and a little later you will enter the meeting. Your camera and microphone must be on, to create a safe atmosphere for everyone.

Participation on location

Would you like to join in on the spot, in the cozy house of Tijs Breuer? Send a message at least two days in advance to reserve your spot. Make sure you are present at least 15 minutes before the start of the meditation.
Address: Neptunus Well-being; The Netherlands.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GAyuvXkU63VsZwqLA

Video recording

The instruction is recorded on video. Only Tijs (the instructor) can be seen on the video. If you participated, you can receive the video recording for free, so that you can practice yourself at another time. Did you participate and do you want to watch the video recordings? Here you can find the recent video recordings: https://www.neptunus-wellbeing.nl/ligmeditatie-videos-2025/The videos are protected with a password, which you will receive after you have made a donation.

Donations

The guidance is on a donation basis. Buy a ticket in advance or donate (e.g. €10)
Hipsy: https://www.hipsy.nl/neptunus-wellbeing
My website: https://www.neptunus-wellbeing.nl/ticket-meetup/
Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/neptunus
Donation: https://www.neptunus-wellbeing.nl/donaties/

Questions?

Whatsapp, Signal or iMessage to Tijs Breuer.

Mobile: +31626174884

Review and preview of sensual self-touch workshops

Together with Ârati I gave the mixed workshop 'Sensual Self-touch & Mindful Masturbation' on January 12, 2025, for mixed genders. Now that all the impressions and after-effects have settled and we have received feedback, we (Tijs and Arati) have planned a follow-up day workshop around the same theme: On Sunday, May 11, 2025, all day.

Open and vulnerable

We ourselves were deeply moved by all the openness that you and the group showed about this exciting and beautiful theme. And especially to be so vulnerable and honest in a mixed group! Because of this, the separation that we so often experience in society fell away for a moment and we could see how much we are all equal, also when it comes to self-touch and pleasure.

For us, this introductory workshop reflected exactly what we want more of: people meeting each other and becoming free together by going within. Experiencing together how self-touch and sexual energy can contribute to a deeper connection with yourself.

Follow-up workshop

We are organizing a follow-up workshop of a whole day, at a beautiful location just outside Nijmegen. On this day we want to delve deeper into the different tools and exercises that can help you to experience even more pleasure during your Mindful Masturbation practice. You will get to know your body and your entire sexual being better with everything that belongs to you, what you like and what gives you inspiration.

More information about this day can be found on the following pages:

- site Arati
- site Tijs
- hippy
- Meetup

You are most welcome at Sunday May 11 2025.

To practise

Would you like a taste of what you can experience? Or have you already followed a Selftouch & Mindful Masturbation workshop with Tijs and do you want to practice with yourself? For example, to love yourself even more and touch yourself in a nice way? Then let yourself be inspired!

You can use instructional video recordings that Tijs has made (password required).
Or listen to Arati's audio 'Improve your Sex Life with Mindful Masturbation!'

Short workshops

With Tijs you can participate monthly on Sunday evening in the following short workshops. You can participate both online and on the spot.

Learn & Practice Self-Massage (All genders, Online & On location). Link
Self-touch & Mindful masturbation for men (Amsterdam & Online). Link
Visit hippy for his other offerings.

At Arati, women can also attend various workshops, such as:

An Intro Orgasmic Arts evening for all your questions February 27: link.
Erotic Yoni Massage (for women) on March 2: link.
Look under Do at Arati on my website for other offers, such as the Orgasmic Arts weekend or the Orgasmic Arts Quadriptych.

Individual sessions

Would you like individual guidance for your self-touch and mindfulness practice? I am happy to provide you with individual support. I often do individual mindfulness, self-touch and mindful masturbation sessions, both on location and online. For a one-time discount of 20% on your session, use the following discount code: SANGHA20 (valid until March 31, 2025). You can go to the my new reservation page on Salonkee go to make a reservation or contact me directly.

Want to book an appointment?

Questions?

You can always send me an email or send me a text message (iMessage, Whatsapp, Signal or Telegram). My mobile number: +31626174884.