Mindful Dating (English)

About this event

** Introduction to HOKU events **

I started Hoku events because I feel called to be a part of adding to modern dating culture. I’ve long been drawn to spaces centered around tea, meditation, conscious connection, presence, embodiment, and relational awareness—and at some point, I found myself thinking: somebody ought to create dating events that feel more like this. :)

Inspired by tea ceremony culture, meditation/sangha, conscious relating, embodiment, and relational awareness, these events are designed to help people slow down, unplug from screens, and meet each other more openly and authentically (with(out) dating).

These events are fully facilitated throughout the three hours, but everything is optional. You’re free to participate as you wish.

Maybe you’ll meet someone and feel a spark that grows into something deeper. Maybe you’ll simply leave having shared a genuinely fun evening with beautiful new people. Maybe you'll gain some intimacy with and insight into yourself. My goal is that you find the event valuable no matter the outcome.

** Practical Information **

These events are approximately 3 hours long and guided throughout. We’ll move through a variety of exercises, prompts, and forms of interaction designed to support genuine connection in a grounded and relaxed way.

Wear clothes you can comfortably move in, sit on the floor in, dance in, and feel good in.

Tea and light snacks will be served throughout the evening.

Alcohol and drugs are not permitted during the event. If you are visibly intoxicated, you will be asked to leave without a refund.

All genders and orientations are welcome. For the current events you will however notice that tickets are divided according to binary gender. This is an attempt to maintain a relative balance for heterosexual participants, so that the event can genuinely function as a dating space. I would also love to host LGBTQ+ events, if this is something you would be interested in, please feel very welcome to reach out by email so that I have some idea of interest. Also check out our event on 31/7 for the poly/ENM/open relationship edition!

This event will primarily be guided in English. I also speak Dutch, and if clarification or translation is needed at any point, that can absolutely be accommodated. If the group happens to be entirely Dutch-speaking, we may naturally switch between the two languages.

** The Vibe **

Together, we co-create a safe and non-judgmental space where you are welcome to be yourself. No performance necessary.

All exercises are completely optional, and you are always free to take a break or step out at any time.

At the same time, we encourage everyone to approach these moments as opportunities for meaningful human interaction — even when you feel certain someone is not “your match.” Everyone can be your teacher in some way.

If you stay open, it’s often surprising what kinds of conversations, moments, and connections can emerge with the most unexpected people.

** After the Event **

After the guided portion ends, there is space to stay, mingle, drink tea, talk, and dance if you’d like.

If you connected with someone and would like to see them again, you are welcome to approach them and ask whether the interest is mutual. Please be respectful of both yourself and others. An honest no is completely welcome here. At the same time, this space is intentionally created to allow for these kinds of open and respectful approaches, so there is no need to feel awkward or out of place for expressing interest.

There will also be a WhatsApp sign-up sheet available afterward for those who would like an easier way to stay in touch with people from the evening.