Tantric Latihan—Philadelphia premiere

You are invited to embrace the mystery that is life. In the darkness of the season and energy of the new moon, the veils of the conscious and subconscious mind are lifted as we journey inward to access our bodily intuition for guidance. Release attachment, aversion, and agenda. Let go of thoughts and stories, of knowing and doing, of anticipation and expectation, of identity and desire. And surrender to connection—to yourself, to source, and to others at a soul level. This practice can transform your experience of embodiment and sensuality.

Latihan is a practice of following your inner guidance and attuning to your authentic self, expressed in conscious movement as you journey deeply within and somatically connect with others. At the core of Latihan is the process of slowwwing down and listening. Listening with your whole body and your whole being, moment by moment. It’s about being moved, rather than moving. Latihan reconnects you to the divine mystery itself and awakens this awareness within.

Latihan originated as an Indonesian spiritual practice, and in this context, has been adapted by Neo-Tantra lineages and Western contemporaries like Laurie Handlers.

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What to expect?

Arrive early to mingle over warm, heart-opening elixirs and sensuous vegan treats by our friends Jaya Kava. Doors close promptly at 6:30pm to seal our container.

Guided by esteemed Tantra community leaders Rachel Clark & Alan Shurafa of Brooklyn’s Youtopia DreamSpace, we begin with an opening circle and connection exercises that create a shared language of somatic consent. We review and commit to honoring the agreements which co-create a culture of care. These agreements help support the experience and create a safer space to explore. Participants then put on Mindfold blindfolds and move into the mystery as the music, guidance, and space move you…

We complete our journey with a sound bath savasana integration from our beloved shamanic healer Richie Parrella. As we close, there is an opportunity to check in and share your experience. After experiencing Latihan, many people feel a deep sense of calm, heightened wisdom, and profound connection with one’s higher self.

Evening Flow:
6pm: Arrive & Mingle. Please be on time.
6:30pm: Doors Close, Container Closed
6:30-7:15pm: Opening Circle & Connection Exercises
7:15-8:15pm Latihan Experience
8:15pm Sound Bath & Closing

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Your facilitators:

Rachel Clark is a somatic facilitator specializing in guiding transformative experiences that connect mind and body to deeper connection to one’s true ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Her passion lies in activating communities and creating cozy spaces where people can be in relationship to deep parts of themselves and others. Living in an intentional community for the past four years has deepened her understanding of collaborative living and shared experiences. One of her superpowers is that she is actively devoted to the present moment and the universe. This allows her to respond and learn from the present moment as it arises. A practice to come back to again, and again, and again.

Alan Shurafa is a transformation seeker, community activator, and social architect driven by a passion for creating spaces of love and connection. His purpose in life is facilitating and participating in spaces of love and connection. Alan sees each moment as an opportunity to fully embrace what is, while helping others enhance their somatic awareness. His journey has led him to study with ISTA, Himalayan Tantra, and Source School of Tantra and training in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). The past 15 years, he has been holding the main pole of Youtopia, an 18 person Intentional Community in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. Through his work, Alan continues to inspire authentic connections and personal transformations, creating ripples of positive change in the lives of those he touches.

Richie Parrella is a somatic therapist, certified yoga teacher, reiki master and sound healer trained in Prana yoga, based in the lineages of Kundalini and Tantra yoga and Ayurveda in the lineage of Dr. Vasant Lad. He facilitates sessions, classes, and groups with the intention to create a safe space for others to explore their inner experience, create transformation, as well as reduce stress, anxiety, and support the allowing of the body, mind, and spirit’s natural ability to heal. His teachings are rich in yogic philosophy, breathwork, and mindfulness. Through his journey with Ayurveda, Yoga, Tantra, and Somatic therapy, he has come to learn that the body, mind, and spirit are intrinsically connected, and must be treated as such, to achieve optimal health and to support self-realization and transformation.

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FAQs:

Do I need to have prior Latihan or Tantra experience?
This experience is open to all, and we welcome first-time as well as seasoned participants! Every Latihan experience is unique and revealing as we continue to peel back the layers and connect with different energies.

What type of people participate?
Every adult is welcome here! Singles, couples, and friends of any sexual orientation, gender, adult age, and background come together in this supportive container as we shed identity and move into the energetic space beyond.

Is there an age restriction?
There is a certain level of self-awareness and maturity required to create a safe container in which we can dive deep into the unknown and move freely within this space. For the comfort and safety of all, participants are required to be over 18 years old.

Can I come alone or is this experience for couples?
Come as you are—solo, with a friend, or bring your partner! Latihan is an invitation to journey into your own embodiment, individual sovereignty, and divine intuition. From this place, we may move into somatic connection with other energies.

What do I bring? And how should I dress?
- Please bring cushions or pillows to sit upon and help form the perimeter of the space.
- Wear comfortable attire or loose-fitting clothes in which you can move freely.
- Prepare to be barefoot or in socks for our practice.

Will there be nudity or intimacy in this experience?
While Tantra practices are eclectic from White to Red Tantra, this experience is a sovereign journey in a clothed, sensual, nonsexual container. We encourage participants to stay in their own body while connecting somatically with others as they choose. Safety for all is our priority, and we will go over the upper limits for the space as part of the experience.

Is the start time important?
Yes! Please arrive on time to help ensure that our container is well held, secure, and safe for all. Come at 6pm to mingle over Jaya Kava heart-opening elixirs and sensuous vegan treats for purchase. Doors will close promptly at 6:30pm.

Are intoxicants or altering medicines permitted?
This is a sober event, and no intoxicating substances are allowed. The invitation is to tap into your unclouded intuition and connect with divine guidance. Heart-opening kava, cacao, and tea elixirs are available for purchase from our Jaya Kava friends before the opening circle.

Is there parking available?
There is ample unrestricted street parking in the neighborhood. Consider ride share, SEPTA, or bicycle if you're inclined.

Are sliding-scale tickets available?
Take advantage of early-bird pricing for the best deal, and be sure to purchase tickets in advance as prices increase week of and at the door. If you are in financial need, please reach out to us directly. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.