The Healing Power of Platonic Touch: Aviva Mohilner's Journey on Deepen with Christina
For me, it's about how can we be better humans with one another, like how can we support one another as humans.
Ever felt the simple, yet profound impact of a hug? In this episode of 'Deepen with Christina', host Christina Weber chats with Aviva Mohilner, the founder of HELD, a unique platonic touch group experience. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked topic of touch deprivation and its widespread effects in modern society. Aviva shares her personal stories and insights on how touch can communicate emotions and foster deeper connections among people.
The conversation is candid, touching on their own love lives, bisexuality, and the transformative power of cuddle events. Aviva emphasizes that HELD is not about sexual encounters but about creating safe spaces where individuals can feel nourished through platonic touch. She believes that these small, intimate gatherings can foster a sense of community and connection that lingers long after the event ends.
Through her experiences, Aviva has seen how tiny acts of kindness, like a well-timed hug or a sincere compliment, can make a significant difference in someone's day. The episode also explores the need for professional cuddlers and the benefits of smaller, more intimate gatherings. Aviva explains that while the cuddle industry exists, the sweet spot for HELD lies in these smaller settings where deeper connections can be formed.
She shares her belief that touch can help people move past jealousy and fear, ultimately leading to more compassionate and kind interactions. By normalizing the conversation around platonic touch, Aviva hopes to help people feel more comfortable with physical contact in their everyday lives. As she puts it, 'Everybody wants a friend, everybody's open for friendship'. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how platonic touch can elevate our human experience and help us become better friends, partners, and individuals.