We have a right to our quirks and to our exhaustion, both
— Maggy Nelson
Maybe you’re curious to see what happens if you take a break from sex. Maybe you’re fed up with sex—uninterested, bored, frustrated? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re asexual? Or is it just not worth the trouble?
Abstinence could be like fasting. Or like going on strike. Or like coming home. Or it could be incredibly difficult to resist temptation.
Whatever the angle—there is abundance in abstinence.
From nonsexual erotics to spinster sensualities and non-pleasure activism: we’ll explore our relationship to sex and its dry seasons by:
reflecting on the meaning of sex and sharing experiences and questions with one another
offering insights into the cultural history of voluntary celibacy and its empowering potential (and how to distinguish it from moralistic purity culture) – inspired by badass figures ranging from Hildegard von Bingen to Julia Fox
offering physical exercises such as:
breathwork that focuses on the pleasures of rest rather than climax
genital meditation that explores feelings beyond arousal (for those open to touch)
playful interactions that explore the intimacy of saying no, of holding back, of resisting, as well as of vows and solitude
sensual embodiment
Reading forbidden erotic literature by passionate female mystics tormented by holy ecstasy
creative writing exercises based on works such as:
How would one have sex with a spirit / god / goddess / goddex?
What would my prude’s manifesto sound like?
All of this takes place in a curious, honest, and lighthearted atmosphere where consent is key. You can skip any exercise and adapt them to your own needs and interests.
This workshop has emerged from—and responds to—a turning point, where sex positivity is met with disillusionment and skepticism. We welcome curious souls who wish to turn to the rubble and ruins of a sexual culture that is falling apart and who wish to build their own, more fitting ways of being intimate.
THE FACILITATORS
BEATA
Beata is the author of *Not Giving a Fuck: On Listless Sex and Sexless Desire*, a psychosocial counselor fascinated by the fact that people are complicated, and a cultural theorist deeply engaged with the nuances of consent.
Instagram: @beateabsalon
Photo: Pauline Massimo
REBECCA
is a coach, host, massage therapist, and researcher. She holds an MA from the University of Cambridge, where she studied the philosophy, literature, and art of the body and sexuality. She has integrated her intellectual pursuits into physical practice and is a certified massage therapist, yoga teacher, and sexological bodyworker, as well as a dedicated practitioner of qigong, butoh, and pranayama.
Instagram: @feel_more_bln
TIMES
, Saturday, July 25, 2025 – 6:00–10:00 p.m.
LANGUAGES
: English, German
HOSTED BY
Beate Absalon & Rebecca Frances
NO REGISTRATION!
JUST COME AND JOIN!
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.
PRICE PER PERSON
EUR 50,00
to be paid in cash at the venue.
If money is tight right now, please still come join us and simply pay whatever you can afford at the moment
Please also read the additional information below. (English via the language switcher in the website menu.)
Further informations
NOTES ON THE EVENT
The goals of our events are collaborative learning within the group, supporting shared processes, and personal development. Couples and all other types of partnerships or group dynamics are welcome, but you should be aware and open to the fact that the courses are not designed as partnership experiences and that we address each person as an individual. For example: To involve all participants equally, we usually work with random partner combinations during the exercises. This means that both same-sex and mixed-sex combinations will occur. Participants should generally be open to working with every person and every body. Exceptions can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or membership in marginalized groups such as BBIPoC, migrants, refugees, LGBTQIA*, people with disabilities, etc., are not criteria for registration or participant selection.
We expect you to act with care, be communicative, prioritize consent, and be mindful, and we encourage you to respect your own boundaries and take personal responsibility.
Hate speech will not be tolerated. Please bring "Candy Speech" with you.
We reserve the right to ask participants to leave the workshop if their behavior is hurtful or problematic, and we reserve the right to do so without explanation—though we will likely try to explain it. Workshop fees would then be refunded in full. Any further claims are excluded.
We do our best to accommodate different needs, but our resources are limited. Please contact us if you have any questions.
You can read more about this topic here.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations are free of charge up to eight weeks before the start of the course, up to four weeks before the start of the course a cancellation fee of 20% of the course fee is due, up to two weeks before the start of the course a cancellation fee of 50% is due. Later cancellations and refunds of participant fees are not possible. However, participants can find substitute participants who will take the booked places. In case of cancellation by the organizer, the course fee will be refunded in full. Further claims are excluded.