Consent & Boundaries

A guide for a safe, conscious, and respectful space

Shared responsibility

Connection is co-created. That means: responsibility is always shared. Shared responsibility means:

We all practice expressing our yes and our no as clearly as possible.
We all practice checking in, listening, and adjusting.
We stay curious about our own signals, boundaries, and patterns.

Connecting consciously

Consent is an interpersonal practice we learn together to bring safety and awareness into how we meet each other.

Boundaries and consent are not obstacles to intimacy – they make deep, authentic connection possible in the first place.

A tantra setting offers a beautiful practice space for consent and boundaries – and that is exactly why we put this topic in focus.

Attitude in the community

As a community, we commit to holding a safe space for everyone involved.

This guide offers clear orientation on:

how you approach others
how you ask for consent
how you communicate boundaries
how you navigate situations where a boundary has been crossed
what support is available when a boundary has been crossed

Freely given: Consent is offered without pressure, coercion, persuasion, or manipulation. A "yes" only counts when it is truly free.

Reversible: You can change your mind at any time. A "yes" can become a "no."

A no is a complete sentence and needs no explanation or justification.

Informed: Consent means knowing what you are agreeing to. Surprises, assumptions, or unclear intentions are not consent.

Specific: Agreeing to one thing does not mean agreeing to everything. Every step needs its own consent.

Enthusiastic: Consent is a clear, embodied YES – not a maybe, not silence, not hesitation.

Clear: Consent is expressed through words or unambiguous actions. Silence, freezing, uncertainty, or politeness are not consent.

Ongoing: Consent must be present throughout the entire interaction. Check in regularly.

Approaching others with awareness & care

Consent begins before every touch

Before you touch someone, ask whether they are open to physical contact right now. This already begins with a hug. Do not assume openness or availability – check in.

Before you approach someone: check in with yourself

Am I present and attuned?
Is the other person available right now?
Am I ready to receive a "no" with dignity and ease?

Examples for approaching

"May I sit next to you?"
"Would you like a hug?"
"Is it okay if I place my hand on your back?"
"Are you open to ...?"

Checking in during contact

"Is this okay?"
"Does this feel good?"
"Would you like to try ...?"
"Are you okay with this?"
"How is this for you right now?"

Honoring your boundaries

Your boundaries are valid as they are

Honor yourself and your boundaries. You do not need to explain, justify, or soften them.

Check in with your body

Check in with yourself – especially with your body – whether something is okay and feels good.

If you feel tightness or pressure in your body, or wonder whether something is okay, chances are good that it is a no.

Clear boundary phrases

"No, thank you."
"I am not available for touch/contact right now."
"I would rather stay in my own space right now."
"I would like to slow down."
"This does not feel right for me."
"I need some space."
"For now I am a no."
"I don't think I am ready for that yet."
"I feel a no right now. Thank you for asking."

Alternative suggestions

"I am a no to that – and a yes to ..."
"Can we do this instead?"
"Can we slow down?"
"Hmm, that won't work for me like this. How about ...?"

Making mistakes & staying in integrity

Even in conscious spaces, misunderstandings or boundary crossings can happen.

We value awareness, care, and responsibility – and at the same time recognize something essential: we are human.

Practicing consent does not mean being perfect. It means being willing to stay present, responsible, and reachable when something goes wrong.

Mistakes do not define you. What matters is how you respond once you recognize that a boundary may have been crossed.

Pause & take responsibility: Slow down. Listen. Stay present. Avoid explaining, justifying, or minimizing what happened.
Acknowledge the impact: Even if the crossing was unintentional: the impact matters. Intent does not erase effect.
Offer a clear apology: A sincere apology includes: naming what you did; acknowledging that you crossed a boundary; expressing care for the other person's experience.
Respect the other person's needs: They may need space, time, or further contact – or not. Respect their request fully without pushing for resolution or reassurance.

What you can do when a boundary has been crossed

You are not alone. Support is available.

If something does not feel okay, you can:

Address it directly (if you feel safe). Name what happened, how it felt, and state your boundary clearly.
Get support from an assistant. If you want to have a conversation with the person who crossed your boundary, a neutral person can support and mediate.
Report the incident to the leadership team. In rare cases of a serious boundary violation, please inform the team immediately.