Sometimes unexpected things happen in life, and we decide to pause our cuddle practice. Maybe we realize we need time to focus on another endeavor, or perhaps we’re just tired from being professional cuddlers and need a break!
After time away, returning to your practice might feel overwhelming. You might not know where to start or struggle to find motivation.
I want to offer you five tips to help you restart your practice gently and compassionately.
1. Be Kind to Yourself
Life can be hard. It’s completely okay that you needed to pause your practice—our paths aren’t always straightforward.
It’s easy to judge ourselves. Negative thoughts might pop up. But remember, these are just stories, not reality. Regardless, the narratives we tell ourselves shape our experience, so be mindful of them.
What if, for example, you told yourself:
✨ “It makes sense that this feels difficult—it’s been a while! But it will get better.”
✨ “Beginnings are always slow; consistency is key.”
✨ “Taking a break was the right choice for my mental health. Now I can return on my own terms.”
Without self-pressure, the process becomes much easier—and even enjoyable!
2. Ask for help
You are definitely not alone in this journey! The Cuddle Party community is here for you. Here’s how to get support:
📧 Email us at community@cuddleparty.org. We’ll respond ASAP!
📍 Reach out to nearby facilitators: On the Cuddle Party website, you’ll find facilitators in your area. Many of us love building community and may be open to collaborating!
3. One Small Step After Another
If everything feels overwhelming, start small. First, make a checklist to clear your mind. Seeing tasks on paper makes them feel less daunting.
List everything you need for your practice—be as detailed as possible. For example, instead of “Promote my event,” break it down:
📝 Write text for the event poster
🖼 Choose images for the poster
🎨 Design the poster in Canva
📱 Post on Instagram
📈 Boost the post as an ad
🎥 Create a story with a video explaining the event
Next, categorize tasks by difficulty. On energetic days, tackle something hard. On tougher days, do a few easy tasks. Aim for at least one small step daily.
If today’s win is “Wash the sheets for my cuddle puddle,” that’s fantastic! In a month, you’ll be amazed by your progress.
4. Meet Your Public Where They Are
A common challenge when restarting is filling events. Social media posts might feel like shouting into the void—even if they worked before, algorithms change, and momentum takes time to rebuild.
My advice? Engage with communities aligned with your values. It’s easier to attract people already interested in connection, touch, or personal growth than to convince a hesitant friend.
Here are some related spaces where like-minded people gather:
🧘 Massage & physical therapy
💃 Ecstatic dance, tantra, or BDSM
🫂 Non-monogamy (polyamory, relationship anarchy, SW)
🎭 Contact improv, theatre, yoga, meditation, or men’s circles
🗣 Non-violent communication, somatic work, or reiki
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ activism, feminism, or restorative justice
Attend workshops, join Facebook groups, or participate in events. These connections can reignite your excitement and help rebuild your audience.
5. Find an Adequate Venue—Not the Perfect One
It’s easy to get stuck searching for the perfect space—a big, dreamy room with dozens of cushions, soft lighting, and just the right colors. But you don’t need perfection to start.
Start small and iterate. Maybe your TV room can only fit 6–7 people, or the furniture isn’t trendy but is comfy. That’s enough! With each event, improve one thing—you’ll gradually create your ideal space.
Another option? Partner with someone who has a space but isn’t a facilitator. Reach out to local studios, healing centers, or community spaces—your work is valuable, and collaboration is possible!
💛 Final Thoughts
It’s totally okay that you had to be away for a while. If you’re ready to restart, there’s no better time than right now. If you are thinking about it, but you don’t feel ready yet, that’s okay, too! When the time comes, you will know.
I hope these tips make your return smoother. If you have questions, email us at community@cuddleparty.org. We’re here for you!