Network-of-LOVE

config.footer.left: "[[sanuela.org->https://www.sanuela.org]]" -- {embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/start.webp', alt: 'Two friends hugging and laughing'} <h2>Do you know that feeling ...</h2> When a close friend lights up your heart? > [[Yes, I have one or two friends like that.->FriendGlowYes]] > [[Maybe ... or not sure.->FriendGlowNo]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/start.webp', alt: 'Two friends hugging and laughing'} ## It's a quiet glow. Not romance. But it's LOVE, right? > [[Continue ...->NatureWalk]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/start.webp', alt: 'Two friends hugging and laughing'} ## A quiet glow awaits ... It's not romance. But it's LOVE, right? > [[Continue ...->NatureWalk]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/grouphands.webp', alt: 'Five people in a room, holding hands in a circle'} In theory, we have no problem holding hands with each other. It is easy for us in a group setting because of the shared understanding. We often enjoy that feeling of closeness. > [[Continue ...->FriendsHands]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/justfriends.webp', alt: 'Two friends walking in nature'} That LOVE feels safe. Pure. We can say: "We are just friends." > [[Continue ...->GroupHands]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## Holding hands is like a mini hug. It creates an energetic flow between two souls. However, it can seem awkward to hold hands with a friend while sitting or walking together. We usually save that for our partner. > [[Continue ...->HandsQuestion]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## Would you do this with a "friend"? > [[Yes! I like that.->FriendsHandsYes]] > [[No, that would be weird.->FriendsHandsNo]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## Beautiful. Your heart already knows that this can feel natural and heart-warming. Many wish for this, but hardly ever say it out loud. You're already a step ahead on this journey. > [[Continue ...->CuddleQuestion]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} Why? What is your main reason? > [[Shame to admit it / Feels too vulnerable->NoHandsShame]] > [[I'm afraid of being judged by others.->NoHandsJudgement]] > [[My partner wouldn't allow it.->NoHandsPartner]] > [[It would mean that we are in a relationship.->NoHandsRelationship]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## That makes so much sense. Wanting closeness can feel very naked, as if you are showing too much of your heart. You are not alone with this. Many gentle souls hide their longing because they never learned it is okay to share more closeness. > [[Go back and choose a different answer ...->FriendsHandsNo]] > [[Continue ...->CuddleQuestion]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## Of course. Most of us were conditioned to care greatly about how things appear to others. Sometimes, the fear of gossip or of being misunderstood can be stronger than our actual feelings. It's difficult to act differently in a world that loves clear labels. > [[Go back and choose a different answer ...->FriendsHandsNo]] > [[Continue ...->CuddleQuestion]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## This is a big one. Many of us worry that our partner would feel hurt, angry or afraid if we showed this kind of closeness with a friend. It can even feel like we have to choose between protecting the relationship and following our natural affectionate tendencies. What a heavy price to pay for a brave heart! > [[Go back and choose a different answer ...->FriendsHandsNo]] > [[Continue ...->CuddleQuestion]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/holdinghands.webp', alt: 'The two friends hold hands'} ## Yes, that's a common idea. In our culture, holding hands is often considered 'romantic', which is why it usually only occurs between couples. But the heart doesn't always work within such rigid boxes. Sometimes, it simply wants to share kindness and closeness with someone. > [[Go back and choose a different answer ...->FriendsHandsNo]] > [[Continue ...->CuddleQuestion]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/sofacuddle.webp', alt: 'Two friends cuddling on sofa'} ## Now they are cuddling? Look at that. So natural. > [[Yes! I do those friendly cuddles as well.->CuddleYes]] > [[No, that would be too close for me.->CuddleNo]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/sofacuddle.webp', alt: 'Two friends cuddling on sofa'} ## Your heart already trusts this beautiful warmth. This simple closeness feels nourishing, like coming home. Many long for it silently, but fear crossing an invisible line. You're opening a door that many keep locked. Keep going! > [[Continue ...->BinaryBox]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/sofacuddle.webp', alt: 'Two friends cuddling on sofa'} ## What holds you back? > [[It's the same as with holding hands.->CuddleNoSame]] > [[Somehow, it feels too sexual.->CuddleNoSexual]] > [[It's emotionally too intense.->CuddleNoIntense]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/twoboxes.webp', alt: 'Just Friends versus Romantic Relationship'} Our social conditioning gives us two boxes. 'Just Friends' keeps a safe distance. Closeness and affection is often only allowed in a 'Romantic Relationship'. But does your heart always fit so neatly into these boxes? > [[Just two boxes works very well for me.->BoxComfort]] > [[Sometimes, that feels too small.->BoxOpen]] > [[I'm curious about other ways.->BoxOpen]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/sofacuddle.webp', alt: 'Two friends cuddling on sofa'} ## Your inner protector keeps you safe. Some hide their longings; others worry about what others might think or say. Some like to keep things in defined categories because it feels safer. [[Breathe LOVE->BreatheLOVE]]. Let's see what happens next. > [[Go back and choose a different answer …->CuddleNo]] > [[Continue ...->BinaryBox]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/sofacuddle.webp', alt: 'Two friends cuddling on sofa'} ## Our culture often confuses touch with sex. Yet our hearts know how innocent warmth can feel. Closeness without an agenda can heal what culture has twisted. Perhaps the right cuddle friend will make it possible? > [[Go back and choose a different answer …->CuddleNo]] > [[Continue ...->BinaryBox]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/sofacuddle.webp', alt: 'Two friends cuddling on sofa'} ## Yes, cuddles can open up deeper feelings. Some are afraid of LOVE outside of a proper relationship. The intensity may feel vast, like vulnerability without armour. When we are held safely with authentic care, though, it becomes our best human medicine. Your heart can sense truth and learn safety one breath at a time. > [[Go back and choose a different answer …->CuddleNo]] > [[Continue ...->BinaryBox]]

{embed YouTube video: 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ytHZ6YDFcQ'} ## Breathe LOVE. Yep, it's really that simple! Breathe LOVE in through your heart centre. Exhale LOVE. Repeat. Feel how your heart opens up and expands. > [[Go back and choose a different answer …->CuddleNo]] > [[Continue ...->BinaryBox]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/twoboxes.webp', alt: 'Just Friends versus Romantic Relationship'} Our culture loves clear boxes. They feel safe. Predictable. Many hearts grow beautifully inside them. Yours might too. > [[Show me more anyway->BoxOpen]] > [[I prefer my boxes. No need to change anything.->ComfortEnd]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/networkoflove.webp', alt: 'How a Network of LOVE can look like'} What if LOVE could be allowed to flourish in a safe and stable way? Building a Network of LOVE means encouraging each other to establish individual allowances and boundaries with every trusted soul. No hiding. No ownership. Just trusted hearts connecting. Agreements can evolve authentically. > [[Show me how this can look.->NetworkExample]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/twoboxes.webp', alt: 'Just Friends versus Romantic Relationship'} ## Boxes can be a loving home. Clear edges bring comfort and a feeling of safety. Your heart thrives there – beautiful. Sanuela honours all paths. > [[Explore more?->BoxOpen]] > [[Exit this journey->https://www.sanuela.org]]

## Imagine this: You have one (or two?) committed partners with whom you share your daily life. You also have a cuddle partner who you sometimes cosy up with for a nap or a movie. And you have one or two close friends with whom you hold hands while walking or share a [[hugging meditation->HuggingMeditation]]. Everyone knows. Everyone agrees. No secret chats. No double life. Rather than living in isolation like potted plants, we live in an abundant garden. It's a whole interconnected and stable ecosystem. > [[This already feels inspiring.->NetworkFeelsGood]] > [[I have doubts and questions...->NetworkDoubts]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/womanthinking.webp', alt: 'Woman sitting on a bench, thinking'} ## Some questions that often come up: > [[Is this just about having sex with more people?->DoubtSex]] > [[What about jealousy and the fear of losing each other?->DoubtJealousy]] > [[How stable is this for daily life, home and maybe kids?->DoubtStability]] > [[What will friends, family or colleagues think?->DoubtJudgment]] > [[Isn't all this taking up too much time and energy?->DoubtOverwhelm]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/grouphands.webp', alt: 'Five people in a room, holding hands in a circle'} ## Beautiful. Your heart senses that more shared care could be nourishing. We can still move slowly, step by step, with lots of safety. > [[Show me the skills I would need.->Skills]] > [[First, I want to hear common doubts.->NetworkDoubts]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/groupcuddle.webp', alt: 'A small group of people hugging together, relaxed closeness'} Here are five of the twelve skills needed to make a Network of LOVE safe and stable: > [[Honest Communication->SkillCommunication]] > [[Working with Jealousy->SkillJealousy]] > [[Allowances & Boundaries->SkillAgreements]] > [[Emotional Self-Regulation->SkillRegulation]] > [[Self-Awareness & Inner Shadow Work->SkillShadowwork]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/womansmiling.webp', alt: 'Woman sitting on a bench, smiling'} Many 'open' relationships seem like endless dating and chasing excitement. A Network of LOVE is different. It focuses on building long-term trust and commitment with a few cuddle friends and chosen partners. Sex is one possible expression of closeness, not the main goal. > [[Continue ...->DoubtSex2]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/womansmiling.webp', alt: 'Woman sitting on a bench, smiling'} Jealousy is neither denied nor belittled in a Network of LOVE. Instead, it is recognised as a sign of unresolved fears and unmet needs that everyone involved needs to work on together. This is a complex topic. Perhaps there will be a whole interactive journey just about jealousy in the future. You can also learn this in person at Finca Sanuela in Tenerife. > [[Continue ...->DoubtJealousy2]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/womansmiling.webp', alt: 'Woman sitting on a bench, smiling'} Stability comes from honesty and shared responsibility. Rather than depending on one soul to fulfil all our emotional, sensual, and social needs, we share emotional reassurance and safety across several committed, supportive bonds. A Network of LOVE that grows slowly and steadily can become more stable and secure than a traditional partnership. When it comes to children, consider how much easier things can be when more than two adults share care, chores and emotional support. > [[Let's look at the other doubts.->NetworkDoubts]] > [[I'd like to see the skills we would need.->Skills]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/womansmiling.webp', alt: 'Woman sitting on a bench, smiling'} The fear of being judged can be strong. Most of us were conditioned to worry about what our neighbours, parents or colleagues might think. In a Network of LOVE, you decide who needs to know what. The focus is on authenticity and inner truth, and on creating safe circles of trust, rather than on convincing the whole world. > [[Let's look at the other doubts.->NetworkDoubts]] > [[I'd like to see the skills we would need.->Skills]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/womansmiling.webp', alt: 'Woman sitting on a bench, smiling'} This isn't about juggling ten romances. Most of us feel happy with one partner and one or two close, affectionate connections. A Network of LOVE promotes sharing care, so no single soul has to struggle alone. This often frees up energy instead of draining it. > [[Let's look at the other doubts.->NetworkDoubts]] > [[I'd like to see the skills we would need.->Skills]]

While we could reserve certain sexual expressions for one or two chosen partners, we might want to allow for some forms of sensuality and conscious touch with our closest connections. The simple pleasure of feeling each other's warm skin and honestly caring for each other can often provide deep comfort and balance. This opens up a whole new world of sensual experience. There is more nuance, tenderness and depth in how we connect with each other and share our bodies and energies. > [[Let's look at the other doubts.->NetworkDoubts]] > [[I'd like to see the skills we would need.->Skills]]

## More honesty, more abundance, more safety When we experience an abundance of LOVE, we can see potential rivals as supporters and build resilient connections based on trust rather than possessiveness. This requires us to be completely honest about our fears and willing to reveal our vulnerabilities to each other. When we create this space together, our daily conscious choices will strengthen our stability. > [[Let's look at the other doubts.->NetworkDoubts]] > [[I'd like to see the skills we would need.->Skills]] > [[I would prefer to learn this in person->NetworkTraining]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/livingroomtriad3s.webp', alt: 'Three souls holding hands in a circle, peaceful connection'} Why not come to Tenerife and take part in a personalised Network of LOVE training? Whether you're coming alone or with a partner, think of it as a retreat experience that focuses on growth and healing. During intuitive sessions with Nils, you can gently explore jealousy, fears, needs and shadows and transform them through heart breathing, authentic sharing, and possibly holding hands or hugging meditations. You may even experience compersion, which is happiness for your partner's joy. > [[Continue->NetworkTraining2]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/nilsphone2.webp', alt: 'Nils with speech bubble and phone number'} We can also develop and practise our relational skills: This includes authentic honesty without shame; holding space for vulnerability; setting clear allowances and boundaries; daily commitment rituals; ensuring emotional safety; and much more. You will emerge with greater trust, stronger bonds and the courage to LOVE more deeply. > [[Visit the retreat page on sanuela.org->https://www.sanuela.org/retreat]] > [[Let's look at the other doubts.->NetworkDoubts]] > [[I'd like to see the skills we would need.->Skills]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/skillscommunication.webp', alt: 'Two friends are holding hands on hearts and share a moment together'} ## Honest Communication Breathe through your heart centre. Share your feelings openly, without blame ("I feel ..."). Listen to understand, not to defend yourself. Ask curious questions. Apologise sincerely if needed. Forgive fully. Even short, honest conversations can prevent major conflicts and build lasting trust. > [[Show me more skills that I need to develop.->Skills]] > [[I want to learn this in person.->NetworkTraining]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/skillscommunication.webp', alt: 'Two friends are holding hands on hearts and share a moment together'} ## Working with Jealousy Acknowledge jealousy as a sign of unmet needs or fears. Be honest about it ("I feel anxious when ..."). Hold space together with heart-centred breathing. Meet the need ("Reassure me tonight"). Transform pain into compersion (feeling happy for your partner's joy). Approach jealousy as a 'team sport'. If everyone involved can understand and address the root cause or underlying needs collaboratively, it can strengthen the network’s trust and safety. > [[Show me more skills that I need to develop.->Skills]] > [[I want to learn this in person.->NetworkTraining]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/skillscommunication.webp', alt: 'Two friends are holding hands on hearts and share a moment together'} ## Allowances & Boundaries Discuss freedoms proactively ("What is welcome?"). State your needs clearly ("I need ..., I cannot ..."). Reframe as positive agreements ("We check in if it gets serious."). Review regularly as you evolve. If we view all changes as invitations to grow, we can keep everyone safe and honoured. > [[Show me more skills that I need to develop.->Skills]] > [[I want to learn this in person.->NetworkTraining]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/skillscommunication.webp', alt: 'Two friends are holding hands on hearts and share a moment together'} ## Emotional Self-Regulation Spot your triggers early on. Pause and breathe through your heart centre. Take ownership of your reactions without blaming others. Ask for space kindly ("I need a moment"). Self-soothe by walking or journaling, then re-engage when you're feeling more centred. Learn to be vulnerable while communicating from a place of strength and self-awareness. > [[Show me more skills that I need to develop.->Skills]] > [[I want to learn this in person.->NetworkTraining]]

{embed image: 'https://www.sanuela.org/journey1-images/skillscommunication.webp', alt: 'Two friends are holding hands on hearts and share a moment together'} ## Self-Awareness & Inner Shadow Work Become aware of your core beliefs about yourself. Approach your shadows with curiosity, not judgement. Separate past trauma from the present. Journal your patterns. Acknowledge that discomfort can fuel your growth. Validate your own worth. Each mirror reveals a part of your wholeness. A Network of LOVE can and will accelerate your healing journey. > [[Show me more skills that I need to develop.->Skills]] > [[I want to learn this in person.->NetworkTraining]]

{embed YouTube video: 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRVFC1M_CaQ'} Holding hands with someone can feel like a mini hug. Energies are exchanged and naturally harmonised. A hugging meditation can feel even more balancing and healing. Find someone you trust and try it out while breathing through your heart centres together. > [[Back to imagining the network->NetworkExample]]