Upcoming Events

Shame Lab: An Experiment Exploring our Shameful and Embarrassing Sexual Fantasies

We (Phil, Alex, Justine) created Shame Lab 3 years ago and have offered it in various versions (short workshop style and full immersion) a dozen times. The full immersion 1 and 2 day retreats invite a high degree of sexual expression and engagement. The shorter 2 and 3 hour introduction versions are more accessible to those less experienced and tailored to the larger container being served.

Our dates for 2026 are as follows.

June 10-14 Divine Rebellion: offering a 2 hour intro workshop

July 23-26 ISTA Tribal Gathering: offering a 3 hour intro workshop

August 8 - Montreal: offering a full 1 day immersion

August 15 - NYC: offering a full 1 day immersion

August 26-30 New England Conscious Arts Festival: offering a 3 hour intro workshop

September 10-13 Toronto Tantra Festival: offering a 3 hour intro workshop

September 18-20 New Paltz, NY: Men’s retreat, full 2 day immersion

October 16-18 New Paltz, NY: Original full 2 day immersion

Scroll down the page for full description on the date you are interested in.

June 10-14 Divine Rebellion (2 hour intro workshop)

Click here for more info: https://luma.com/ancfbrdb

July 23-26 ISTA Tribal Gathering (3 hour intro workshop)

For ISTA Graduates and their Guests

Click here for more info: https://ista.life/events

August 8 - Montreal (1 day immersion)

Venue: Ecstatic Temple - 5505 Iberville #236, Montreal https://maps.app.goo.gl/km9dSjTQSwpFwg2E8

Limited to 20 participants

Schedule:

9:00 Arrival

10:00 Doors Close, Retreat begins (Pot Luck Meal early afternoon)

6:00 Retreat Ends

7:00 Open Temple

12:00 Temple Ends

Fee:

Interac (tx inc) - $150 CAD Retreat only, $195 CAD Retreat and evening Temple

Interac : elodie.jouvenot@gmail.com

OR by Wise (no taxes) : $130 CAD Retreat only, $170 CAD Retreat and evening Temple

https://wise.com/pay/me/philipagustusl. (Domestic payment)

This is an experiment exploring shameful and embarrassing sexual fantasies and desires. It is also an opportunity to go back to a time in our sexual experience for a “re-do” or re-patterning. This could include innocent discovery of sexual pleasure, re-writing our time of sexual education, and even transmuting a moment of shame or trauma into claiming sexual pleasure as our birthright. With a deep permission field and a tight container, together we can go to those places you have not yet dared to go. Aren't you curious to find out what could happen?

In this laboratory, we anonymously share our most shameful and embarrassing sexual fantasies and scenarios, including both activities that have happened and activities we think about happening. Then there is the opportunity to act out these activities with any of us participating in various roles, or simply witnessing. Think Family Constellations meets Play Temple with complete freedom of expression. Any shame and embarrassment will be witnessed without judgment. We will hold each other with love and compassion. And it is amazing what has happened.

The full immersion 1 and 2 day retreats invite a high degree of sexual expression and engagement. The retreats also invite a more advanced level of scene work and offers an opportunity to push edges and confront triggers that may be especially vulnerable or challenging for some. The expectation is that participants are able to self regulate. We are constructing a safe and supportive container that seeks to hold both the crunchy bits and a high degree of pleasure with loving compassion and playfulness.

If you are unsure if this is the right space for you, please reach out to any one of us!

Facilitators:

Phil & Justine Leger have studied Sky Dancing Tantra founded by Margot Anand (completed the Love and Ecstasy Training), attended multiple ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) trainings (L1, L2, PT), studied with various schools of Somatic Sex Education, studied BDSM with Om Rupani and others, are active members in their local Kink community, and are also active with The Body Sacred (a sacred sexuality community). Justine is a certified VITA Sex, Love and Relationship Coach. We love inviting people to play with us in the juicy edges of our comfort zone. We can be reached at embracearousal@gmail.com or at https://www.embracearousal.com/.

First Timers: Please fill out the questionnaire below by copying and pasting into an email, and sending to embracearousal@gmail.com.

--What is your first name?

--What decade were you born in?

--If you are single, tell us how you feel about that. If you are in a committed relationship, tell us about it, including any relationship agreements.

--Do you plan on attending your first Shame Lab with a date? If so, please give his/her first name and email address. This is requested to help us find them in our files. If your date has not attended a Shame Lab, have them respond to this questionnaire as well.

--Tell us about any self inquiry studies, practices, retreats.

--What is your philosophy on sex?

--What role does sexuality play in your life?

--Have you been to erotic parties before? If so, tell us about them, including what you liked/disliked about them.

--What do you hope to find at Shame Lab? What are your expectations?

--What do you think you would bring/add to Shame Lab?

--Please send a g-rated photo (looking at camera, head fully in frame, no hat).

August 15 - NYC (1 day immersion)

Venue: Youtopia Dreamspace 128 Jefferson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, https://maps.app.goo.gl/oBbeJYFukAPJrjH5A

Limited to 20 participants

Schedule:

9:00 Arrival

10:00 Doors Close, Retreat begins

(Snacks / Lunch provided)

6:00 Retreat Ends

7:30 Open Temple

12:00 Temple Ends

Fee:

$50 Includes Facilitation and Snacks/Lunch

Zelle: philleger@verizon.net Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/Philip-Leger-2)

This is an experiment exploring shameful and embarrassing sexual fantasies and desires. It is also an opportunity to go back to a time in our sexual experience for a “re-do” or re-patterning. This could include innocent discovery of sexual pleasure, re-writing our time of sexual education, and even transmuting a moment of shame or trauma into claiming sexual pleasure as our birthright. With a deep permission field and a tight container, together we can go to those places you have not yet dared to go. Aren't you curious to find out what could happen?

In this laboratory, we anonymously share our most shameful and embarrassing sexual fantasies and scenarios, including both activities that have happened and activities we think about happening. Then there is the opportunity to act out these activities with any of us participating in various roles, or simply witnessing. Think Family Constellations meets Play Temple with complete freedom of expression. Any shame and embarrassment will be witnessed without judgment. We will hold each other with love and compassion. And it is amazing what has happened.

The full immersion 1 and 2 day retreats invite a high degree of sexual expression and engagement. The retreats also invite a more advanced level of scene work and offers an opportunity to push edges and confront triggers that may be especially vulnerable or challenging for some. The expectation is that participants are able to self regulate. We are constructing a safe and supportive container that seeks to hold both the crunchy bits and a high degree of pleasure with loving compassion and playfulness.

If you are unsure if this is the right space for you, please reach out to any one of us!

Facilitators:

Alex Akarta (they/he) is a trauma-informed, transformational kink practitioner, certified through the Integrative Arts Institute. They also hold a BFA in psychology from New York University. Blending clinical therapy with shamanic practices and an embrace of sacred eros, Alex specializes in themes including relationship with the body, fear & shame release, growth through vulnerability, shamanic journeying, erotic reclamation & soul retrieval. Through a collaborative healing process, Alex seeks to invite others to liberate the energy of fear, of shame, of guilt, into the energy of life. They can be reached directly at vulnerable.living@protonmail.com or at https://vulnerable.living/

Phil & Justine Leger have studied Sky Dancing Tantra founded by Margot Anand (completed the Love and Ecstasy Training), attended multiple ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) trainings (L1, L2, PT), studied with various schools of Somatic Sex Education, studied BDSM with Om Rupani and others, are active members in their local Kink community, and are also active with The Body Sacred (a sacred sexuality community). Justine is a certified VITA Sex, Love and Relationship Coach. We love inviting people to play with us in the juicy edges of our comfort zone. We can be reached at embracearousal@gmail.com or at https://www.embracearousal.com/.

First Timers: Please fill out the questionnaire below by copying and pasting into an email, and sending to embracearousal@gmail.com.

--What is your first name?

--What decade were you born in?

--If you are single, tell us how you feel about that. If you are in a committed relationship, tell us about it, including any relationship agreements.

--Do you plan on attending your first Shame Lab with a date? If so, please give his/her first name and email address. This is requested to help us find them in our files. If your date has not attended a Shame Lab, have them respond to this questionnaire as well.

--Tell us about any self inquiry studies, practices, retreats.

--What is your philosophy on sex?

--What role does sexuality play in your life?

--Have you been to erotic parties before? If so, tell us about them, including what you liked/disliked about them.

--What do you hope to find at Shame Lab? What are your expectations?

--What do you think you would bring/add to Shame Lab?

--Please send a g-rated photo (looking at camera, head fully in frame, no hat).

August 26-30 New England Conscious Arts Festival (3 hour intro workshop)

click here for more info: https://www.necafestival.com/

September 10-13 Toronto Tantra Festival: (3 hour intro workshop)

click here foir more info: https://experienceoneness.ca/ttf/torontotantrafestival/

September 18-20 New Paltz, NY: (Mens retreat, 2 day immersion)

A Curious Exploration of Shame, Desire, Intimacy, and Male-to-Male Connection

Arrive between 5:00–7:00 PM on Friday and depart around 2:00–3:00 PM on Sunday.

Limited to 12 participants.

This special all-male edition of Shame Lab is an invitation into territory that many men have never had the opportunity to explore openly, honestly, and without judgment.

Together we will create a field of brotherhood, safety, belonging and permission. A place where shame can soften, masks can loosen, and deeper truths can emerge.

Many men's gatherings explore vulnerability, emotional expression, and authentic connection, yet often stop at the threshold of eros. In this laboratory, we intentionally open the door to the possibility of erotic expression and male-to-male intimacy for those who feel called toward it.

You are always at choice.

In this laboratory, participants will have the opportunity to anonymously share shameful, embarrassing, forbidden, or deeply vulnerable fantasies, desires, curiosities, memories, and longings. These may include experiences that have happened, experiences that never happened, things we secretly wish had happened, or things we are simply curious about.

The facilitators will read these shares aloud, and participants may then choose to explore elements of them through consensual scene work, role play, embodiment practices, touch, emotional process work, witnessing, or erotic expression.

Everything is invitational. Witnessing is participation. Nothing is required.

You will have a chance to revisit moments in your sexual development that were marked by confusion, shame, rejection, isolation, secrecy, fear, or trauma—and to create a new experience.

With a strong container and a deep permission field, we can go together into places many men have never dared to explore.

Fee: $250. Includes facilitation, food, and lodging.

(Zelle: philleger@verizon.net Venmo: www.venmo.com/u/Philip-Leger-2)

The space has a pool, a large hot tub, and an 8-foot privacy fence allowing for a fully clothing-optional environment. The home is located in a quiet rural setting near New Paltz, NY.

Delicious home-cooked meals will be served throughout the weekend.

There is also direct bus service from NYC Port Authority to New Paltz, with the station approximately 10 minutes from the house.

Important Note

Participants should expect a high degree of emotional vulnerability, authentic relating, intimate connection, and the possibility of erotic expression within this container. This workshop invites advanced edge work and may bring participants into contact with personal triggers, shame patterns, and long-held beliefs about masculinity, intimacy, sexuality, and belonging. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their own boundaries, consent, communication, and self-regulation.

If you are unsure whether this space is right for you, please reach out to one of the facilitators.

Come curious, Come honest, Come exactly as you are.

Phil, Alex, and Dave

Facilitators:

Phil Leger has studied Sky Dancing Tantra founded by Margot Anand (completed the Love and Ecstasy Training), attended multiple ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) trainings (L1, L2, PT, etc), studied with various schools of Somatic Sex Education, studied BDSM with Om Rupani and others, is an active member in his local Kink community, and is also active with The Body Sacred (a sacred sexuality community). He loves inviting people to play in the juicy edges of their comfort zone. He can be reached at embracearousal@gmail.com or at https://www.embracearousal.com/.

Alex Akarta (they/he) is a trauma-informed, transformational kink practitioner, certified through the Integrative Arts Institute. They also hold a BFA in psychology from New York University. Blending clinical therapy with shamanic practices and an embrace of sacred eros, Alex specializes in themes including relationship with the body, fear & shame release, growth through vulnerability, shamanic journeying, erotic reclamation & soul retrieval. Through a collaborative healing process, Alex seeks to invite others to liberate the energy of fear, of shame, of guilt, into the energy of life. They can be reached directly at vulnerable.living@protonmail.com or at https://vulnerable.living/

Dave Schiman is a hypnotherapist, men's group facilitator, tantra educator, and licensed acupuncturist with more than 25 years of experience helping people heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. Drawing from men's work, shadow integration, hypnosis, embodiment practices, nervous system regulation, and conscious sexuality, he creates grounded, compassionate spaces where men can explore vulnerability, intimacy, desire, authenticity, and connection beyond shame, performance, and isolation.

Questionnaire

Please fill out the questionnaire below by copying and pasting into an email, and sending to embracearousal@gmail.com.

Thank you for your interest in the Men’s Shame Lab. We'd like to get to know a bit about you. Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and send to us at embracearousal@gmail.com. Your responses will be shared only with Alex, Dave and Phil

Questionnaires should be submitted to embracearousal@gmail.com at least one week before the event, and preferably more.

--What is your first name?

--What decade were you born in?

--If you are single, tell us how you feel about that. If you are in a committed relationship, tell us about it, including any relationship agreements.

--Tell us about any self inquiry studies, practices, retreats.

--What is your philosophy on sex?

--What role does sexuality play in your life?

--Have you been to erotic parties before? If so, tell us about them, including what you liked/disliked about them.

--What do you hope to find at Shame Lab? What are your expectations?

--What do you think you would bring/add to Shame Lab?

--Please send a g-rated photo (looking at camera, head fully in frame, no hat).

October 16-18 New Paltz, NY (Original full 2 day immersion)

An Experiment Exploring our Shameful and Embarrassing Sexual Fantasies

Arrive between 5 and 7 pm the 16th, and depart around 3 pm on the 18th.

Limited to 12 participants.

This is an experiment exploring our shameful and embarrassing sexual fantasies and desires. It is also an opportunity to go back to a time in our sexual experience for a “re-do” or re-patterning. This could include innocent discovery of sexual pleasure, re-writing our time of sexual education, and even transmuting a moment of shame or trauma into claiming sexual pleasure as our birthright. With a deep permission field and a tight container, together we can go to those places you have not yet dared to go. Aren't you curious to find out what could happen?

In this laboratory, we anonymously share our most shameful and embarrassing sexual fantasies and scenarios, including both activities that have happened and activities we think about happening. Then there is the opportunity to act out these activities with any of us participating in various roles, or simply witnessing. Think Family Constellations meets ISTA Temple with complete freedom of expression. Any shame and embarrassment will be witnessed without judgment. We will hold each other with love and compassion. And it is amazing what has happened.

Fee: $250. This includes event facilitation, food and lodging.

(Zelle: philleger@verizon.net or Venmo:www.venmo.com/u/Philip-Leger-2).

We have a pool, a hot tub to fit all of us, and an 8 foot privacy fence allowing a complete clothing optional experience. Our home is in a quiet rural setting. We serve delicious homecooked food. There is a bus from NYC Port Authority directly to New Paltz, with the station about 10 minutes from our house.

Note: You should expect a high degree of sexual expression and engagement in this container. This workshop also invites a more advanced level of scene work and offers an opportunity to push edges and confront triggers that may be especially vulnerable or challenging for some. The expectation is that participants are able to self regulate. We are constructing a safe and supportive container that seeks to hold both the crunchy bits and a high degree of pleasure with loving compassion and playfulness.

If you are unsure if this is the right space for you, please reach out to any one of us!

Come, share and surrender with us. Alex, Justine and Phil

First Timers: Please fill out the questionnaire below by copying and pasting into an email, and sending to embracearousal@gmail.com.

Facilitators:

Phil & Justine Leger have studied Sky Dancing Tantra founded by Margot Anand (completed the Love and Ecstasy Training), attended multiple ISTA (International School of Temple Arts) trainings (L1, L2, PT), studied with various schools of Somatic Sex Education, studied BDSM with Om Rupani and others, are active members in their local Kink community, and are also active with The Body Sacred (a sacred sexuality community). Justine is a certified VITA Sex, Love and Relationship Coach. We love inviting people to play with us in the juicy edges of our comfort zone. We can be reached at embracearousal@gmail.com or at https://www.embracearousal.com/.

Alex Akarta (they/he) is a trauma-informed, transformational kink practitioner, certified through the Integrative Arts Institute. They also hold a BFA in psychology from New York University. Blending clinical therapy with shamanic practices and an embrace of sacred eros, Alex specializes in themes including relationship with the body, fear & shame release, growth through vulnerability, shamanic journeying, erotic reclamation & soul retrieval. Through a collaborative healing process, Alex seeks to invite others to liberate the energy of fear, of shame, of guilt, into the energy of life. They can be reached directly at vulnerable.living@protonmail.com or at https://vulnerable.living/

Questionnaire

First Timers: Please fill out the questionnaire below by copying and pasting into an email, and sending to embracearousal@gmail.com.

Thank you for your interest in Shame Lab. We'd like to get to know a bit about you. Please answer the following questions thoughtfully and send to us at embracearousal@gmail.com. Your responses will be shared only with Alex, Justine and Phil

Questionnaires should be submitted to embracearousal@gmail.com at least one week before an event you wish to attend, and preferably more.

--What is your first name?

--What decade were you born in?

--If you are single, tell us how you feel about that. If you are in a committed relationship, tell us about it, including any relationship agreements.

--Do you plan on attending your first Shame Lab with a date? If so, please give his/her first name and email address. This is requested to help us find them in our files. If your date has not attended a Shame Lab, have them respond to this questionnaire as well.

--Tell us about any self inquiry studies, practices, retreats.

--What is your philosophy on sex?

--What role does sexuality play in your life?

--Have you been to erotic parties before? If so, tell us about them, including what you liked/disliked about them.

--What do you hope to find at Shame Lab? What are your expectations?

--What do you think you would bring/add to Shame Lab?

--Please send a g-rated photo (looking at camera, head fully in frame, no hat).