We are so exited about co-creating again with Andy Buru, rope artist from Sweden. Andy was a teacher at the Tantric Joy Festival Amsterdam in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and 2025. Since then Andy already gave 3 workshop weekends in Amsterdam. In October 2022 Andy introduced us to Bonding Rituals, in November 2023 we enjoyed the On Power weekend and we had an amazing weekend n December 2024 On Desire.

SHAME is internally self-regulating, based on what we believe is right and wrong. And very often, we are harsh judges and deem ourselves unlovable. Playing with shame is paradoxical because we consciously and consensually invite another into this internal process.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

During the weekend we will work with shibari, tantra, rituals and BDSM. In case you don’t have any experience in ropes, it is mandatory to join the half an hour free online workshop at Andy’s website. (see Free Stuf Tying on Yourself, you can also follow Surrender). There will be only partial nudity if everybody gives consent about it. Undies stay on. 40%ROPE, 30%RITUAL, 30%SM, 0%PARTY

Just as physical masochism, shame raises arousal, blood rushing to reddening cheeks, and therefore marries well with esoteric eroticism. But if it’s too much, we shut down, disassociate, and freeze. It’s a tender balancing act. Many are often also ashamed of their sexuality for being too much, too sluty, or not being enough, too prude. Temporarily leaving these intimate judgements to another allows one to indulge, submit and surrender.

To let others in is to be vulnerable. Did I say that consent is key? And so is the face because it is how we present ourselves to the world, in language and gestures; it wears the duality crown of beauty and intellect. Expect clamped tongues, devious seductive words, drips of drool, and rope-leased necks beckoned to follow along. But, most foremost, expect to be seen in your shame, vulnerability and beauty.

WHAT OTHERS SAY...

“I can shamelessly admit that Shame is my absolute favourite of Andy’s creations. It’s a course that touches upon the biggest societal and personal taboos and makes one experience many things that might have felt oh so shameful, bad, and wrong since childhood—but what if it’s okay? Because it is! This course is a deep dive into sacred, raw, playful intimacy in the safest possible space.

First, the workshop makes you analyse what exactly it is that makes you feel ashamed. The variety of exercises lets you figure out if it is having your body parts being exposed by ropes. Or maybe you have a hard time accepting that you want to be humiliated or to treat someone like scum yourself. How does it feel to shamelessly observe someone distorted but yet so beautiful in the tears you have caused them? In all that, you don’t have to take everything too seriously, either, but once you look straight into the bottom of Shame, it becomes fun, playful, and even very arousing.

Second, this course, for me, is a lot about witnessing. Observing people facing their fears, desires, and taboos and how bravely they look into the hidden aspects of their lives and traumas has been the most rewarding experience. If you have a chance, I recommend sitting one or two exercises out and just witnessing what’s going around in the room. You’ll be amazed and in awe by this experience. Also, the shamed voyeur in you will be grateful.

Third, this course is the best way to experience what a safe space and a safe group of people really means. It’s amazing how complete strangers come together, and you get to know them more deeply than you have possibly known your family. I assure you, you get to laugh, maybe cry, share deeply, and feel encouraged to explore this sweet topic together. It always happens that the right people end up in this workshop.

Andy stresses that he is not a therapist and his courses are not meant to be therapeutic, but somehow, people, including myself, always leave the course in a deeply content and expanded state. In addition to all the practical ties and use of tools and techniques that Andy will provide you, your mind will probably also be left with a lot to think about and possibly reconsider some things that are not that shameful after all.“ –Heidi

ABOUT ANDY:

Andy loves that the world is allowed to be complicated because that makes every meeting unique. His time in Japan engraved into him the presence, passion and embrace for the glimpse of zen that exists in every movement of life. In the stillness between moments, life happens. Pause, witness.

" My work aims to create magical rooms where people can rest, heal and grow. My tools, spirit and experience spring from neuro-semantic team building, medical massage therapy, European theatre and Japanese rope bondage. is a student of theater and tea, a medical massage therapist, a former organizational coach, a conscious kinkster, and a teacher of European and Japanese rope bondage. Living in Stockholm, Sweden and working around northern Europe."

LOCATION AND TIMES:

Laurentiuskerk, Blomstraat 36,1382 AJ Weesp (Amsterdam)

Saturday 25 October (10:00-22:00) & Sunday 26 October (12.30-17.30)

TICKETS

Early Bird, limited amount € 320,00 (incl. VAT 9 %)

Early Bird Bring a Friend, limited amount € 590,00 (incl. VAT 9%)

Regular Bird € 380,00 (incl. VAT 9%)

Regular Bird Bring a Friend € 730,00 (incl. VAT 9%)

Here the ticket link

PRACTICALITIES:

* Accommodation and meals are not included in the ticket. You can bring your own lunch or join us to one of the cafés and restaurants in the neighbourhood.

* On Saturday doors are open at 9.30 so we can begin on time at 10.00

* Two weeks before the event you will get a participants letter with all the information about what to bring.

If you have any question, please send us an email: growinglovingrelations@gmail.com