Everyone starts with Connecting in Love, an immersive weekend workshop that is designed for you to love yourself, exactly as you are now. In this workshop you will have profound opportunities for deeply connecting with yourself and others. We gently invite you to let go of the layers of defense that have kept you safe in the past, but now may just be keeping you separate. The workshop is designed to be a safe place for you to explore your inner world, as well as your connections with others, and in turn, learn to love yourself more. Our focus on Love, Intimacy and Sexuality provides fertile ground for self discovery, and true intimacy with others in a non-sexual context. For some who come to their first HAI workshop, they may not be able to identify anything specifically wrong with their lives, but just that something’s missing. You come to your first workshop full of who you have always been, and for most of us there is a sense that “there must be something more than this.” There must be a deeper, richer something—but it is elusive. We catch glimpses, whiffs and moments. We bring with us our hopes, our pain, even our undoing, and our very real sense of knowing underneath we feel there is something more. We come and we listen and then we begin to share, answering questions we have perhaps not spoken out loud into a truly listening ear. We begin to listen to others in a way that makes little inroads into our own possibilities—something inside has a new, stronger voice—sometimes it cries, sometimes it laughs and sometimes it comes with a shiny new idea about how we might live. Perhaps it is true that there is a miracle inside the decision to love yourself, and others, and we begin to follow a thread, a rope, a path, and then a road. Along this road we find others that have sought something more. We begin to explore that elusive longing and find ourselves in the embrace of other like-minded humans. Then, we grow in the warmth of a community coming together to be the loving human family we all long for. In your Connecting in Love workshop, we invite you to be both empowered, and naked. Naked in both your body, and your emotions. What if there were truly nothing in the way? See more on why we invite you to be naked. The openings are some extravagant mix of inner looking and soft landing places. We begin to breathe deeper and our hearts quiver on the edge of true tenderness and understanding. At first it feels just vaguely familiar and then this openness begins to feel like where we truly want to live. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to: Come let your guard down, let your heart be touched, and come home to love yourself. Once you have completed Level 1 – Connecting In Love workshop, you are eligible to progress to the other eight levels of workshops in sequential order (after completing Level 4, Levels 5-9 and the Mystery workshops may be taken in any order). All of our workshops focus on love, intimacy and sexuality and each level has a specific theme.
“There must be something more than this.”
Be Naked
Learning to Love Yourself
Love Yourself, Love Others
Completing Connecting in Love (Level 1) is just the Beginning…
Barbara shares why she loves Level 1
I learned at HAI workshops that I really am lovable and valuable, and I now believe people when they tell me, ‘I love you.’ As I have opened to loving myself, it has made my relationships so much richer, deeper and real.K.L.
FAQ
What is the Connecting in Love workshop?
Connecting in Love is a Level 1 immersive weekend workshop designed to help participants love themselves, explore their inner world, and build deeper connections with others in a non-sexual context. It focuses on self-discovery, intimacy, and letting go of past defenses.
What does 'being naked' mean in this workshop?
The workshop invites participants to be ‘naked’ both emotionally and physically, encouraging vulnerability and authenticity. This means letting go of emotional barriers and, if comfortable, exploring bodily acceptance in a safe, non-sexual environment.
Is the workshop sexually oriented?
No. While the workshop explores themes of love, intimacy, and sexuality, it emphasizes non-sexual connections. The focus is on emotional openness and self-discovery within a respectful, community-oriented setting.
Who should attend this workshop?
Anyone feeling a longing for deeper self-love, connection, or personal growth—even if nothing seems ‘wrong’ in their life. It’s ideal for those seeking to overcome fear, shame, or patterns that hinder intimacy and self-acceptance.
What can I expect to gain from this workshop?
Participants often discover greater self-acceptance, learn to communicate from the heart, release unhelpful habits, and experience support from a loving community. Opportunities include body acceptance, emotional risk-taking, and fostering tenderness in relationships.
How is the workshop structured?
The weekend immersion includes guided exercises, group sharing, and reflective practices in a safe environment. Activities focus on self-exploration, listening deeply, and connecting with others to nurture personal and communal growth.
Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes. As a Level 1 workshop, it’s designed for first-time participants. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to engage openly with yourself and others.
What makes this workshop a 'safe' space?
The environment is carefully curated to foster respect, confidentiality, and non-judgment. Facilitators guide participants to honor boundaries, ensuring emotional and physical safety while exploring vulnerability.