About me
Between toxic individualism, grind culture, and our societal bent toward "fitting in", it's no wonder most people are starved for meaningful connection. Most days we are repeatedly asked to disconnect from our humanity, from the tenderness of our animal bodies, in order to cope and survive. The results? Depression, anxiety, pain (both physical and non-physical), resentment, low self-esteem, and inexplicable grief...
Hi, I'm Melinda. I'm an Authenticity Doula, artist, and relationship nerd. My work supports people to connect with who they really are and be their raw, real, messy, human selves in their lives and relationships in ways that are generative, healing, and transformational. Together we create the container for authentic relating that supports us to return to our humanity through somatic connection, co-regulation, compassionate inquiry, radical authenticity, and rest.
My friends have told me "I can be myself with you in a way that I can't be anywhere else in my life. It's like you see who I really am underneath all the messiness of my current human experience and you help me see it too. I feel held with love and compassion and free to be exactly who and how I am."
My cuddling style is rooted in energetic attunement, authenticity, and boundaries. Sessions will be connective, embodied, and may feel sensual, but will always remain platonic and non-sexual. I have a trauma-sensitive approach that supports healing emotional wounds connected to physical touch.
We can talk or not, your choice. If we talk you should know that I don't do superficial. Shadow work, unearthing and dismantling shame, and healing with self-compassion are my primary special interests. I speak the truth when I see it even if it's uncomfortable so we can sit in the discomfort together. Cuddling facilitates the vulnerability needed for this kind of radical authenticity, and simultaneously serves as medicine for the nervous system.
Consent, communication, and clear boundaries create the safe container for all of this to unfold. When we cuddle, we are partnering around an exchange of energy. This means we are saying "yes" to supporting both of us to have a positive experience. We say what is so in the moment as it arrises and course-correct as needed. We practice asking for what we want and need, and saying "yes" OR "no" when that's what's authentic. We practice receiving each other's authentic "yes"s and "no"s and partnering around whatever feelings arise.
What does 'gender nonconforming/genderfluid/non-binary' mean?
I'm glad you asked! For me it reflects the lack of gender I experience when I look deep inside myself. I feel both masculine and feminine archetypal energy move through me at different times but when they dissipate I return to just being me. I was assigned female at birth and still identify with the experience of being in a female body. I started using they/them pronouns in addition to she/her in my mid 20s because it better matched how I felt inside. I go through periods of time where I feel and dress more fem and then periods when I embody a more masc, gender-bendy vibe.
My sexual orientation is very fluid as well. I date all genders, have multiple partners, and practice relationship anarchy, meaning my relationships are not guided by cultural norms or expectations.
Some additional things to know:
- If you are new to cuddle comfort or don't have any karma yet, I require a 15-30 minute phone call to connect human-to-human before our first session.
- If you want me to come to you I charge for 1 way drive time.
- If in-person cuddles are not available to us for any reason, I do offer virtual cuddle sessions.
- I don't like to casually chat over text. I use messages and texts primarily for logistics so that I can give my relational energy to being fully present to my live interactions.
- I take trips to California regularly. If you're in California and want to cuddle, message me to find out when my next trip is scheduled.
Scheduling in Minnesota:
- I generally have availability Monday through Thursday. If you want a weekend session let me know and I'll see if I can make it work.
Scheduling in California:
- My availability varies. Reach out and we can find a time that works.
- I do not have a place to host in California. If you can host, that's great. If not, we can do an hourly room rental.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can ask me anything and I will answer honestly.
I'm looking forward to cuddling with you! 😃
Melinda