Embrace and Explore

Q: What made you decide to attend Embrace & Explore at House of Play? What were your expectations?

Marie: I’ve been part of the kink community for 20 years, always eager to explore new perspectives. I was curious about how House of Play approaches things – beyond gender roles and predefined labels. The idea of a space where everything is up for interpretation, where I could just feel into myself, was intriguing. I also wanted to explore new sides of myself because, in relationships, we sometimes get stuck in patterns.

Q: How did you feel when you arrived?

Marie: Honestly, I felt shy and a bit out of my comfort zone. I didn’t show up in a persona like I normally would in the kink community – I just showed up as me, feeling vulnerable. But surprisingly, I felt safe in that vulnerability.

Q: What was the most impactful part of the event for you?

Marie: The second part of the Wheel of Consent – specifically the distinction between taking and allowing. I realized I had lost a part of myself in the act of receiving. I didn’t feel safe taking anymore, and this workshop helped me understand why. It was a huge personal breakthrough.

There was also a moment when I was in the submissive (allowing) role, and I felt afraid. I realized that saying “no” is not just okay – it’s safe. It’s something I had intellectually known for years, but my body had to catch up.

Q: How did this experience change the way you approach play and intimacy?

Marie: It gave me a clearer picture of my desires and helped me connect my fantasies to different roles. I re-entered my own sexuality, but this time with the mindset of a 40-year-old, instead of the raw intensity of a 20-year-old. I now have a conscious framework that allows for deeper, more meaningful experiences.

Q: What makes this event different from other experiences you've had?

Marie: The group dynamics were powerful. It’s one thing to explore consent and boundaries in a one-on-one setting, but in a group, it shifts everything. Saying “no” in a group dynamic is harder, and this experience made me realize how much our boundaries change in a matter of seconds. That’s why learning to slow down and check in with yourself is so crucial.

The facilitators also played a key role. Their integrity was felt in every part of the workshop – it was clear that everything was there for a reason, guiding us to expand our minds.

Q: Who do you think should attend Embrace & Explore?

Marie: This is for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of themselves and their dynamics in play. It’s great for people attending their first play party, as it builds a strong foundation of self-awareness. But it’s also valuable for experienced players – because the deeper your self-awareness, the deeper and safer your play becomes.

That said, you have to be willing to work on yourself. This workshop goes deep, and it takes time to process. If you want everything in your life to stay the same, this might not be the right event for you.

But if you’re open to growth, connection, and meeting new people in a safe and intentional way, this could be a truly transformational experience.

🔗 Want to join the next Embrace & Explore? Check it out here!