PAIN ON THE BRAIN

The Science & Art of Pain & Pleasure

What is up with us k!nksters that makes us seek out pain - for fun? In this workshop, we'll dive into the psychology of both pleasure and pain - and learn how we can utilize both in kink, intimacy, and even personal transformation! Whether you crave intense sensation, want to push your limits, or seek catharsis through pain, it's important to learn as much as you can to be able to wield pain and pleasure responsibly.

This workshop explores the way we register both pleasure and pain in our nervous system - and what happens before and after. You’ll learn to expand your pain threshold, regulate sensation during play, and refine your communication around pain to create safer, more fulfilling experiences. There is a big difference between simply hitting someone and hitting someone as art - and this workshop can help you unlock the delicate balance of flirting while hurting.

💡 What We’ll Explore:

🧠 The Science of Sensation & Why We Crave Pain – Explore how the brain and nervous system processes both physical and emotional pain, the psychological and physiological reasons we seek out intense sensation, and the pros and cons to both!

🔥 Harnessing Pain for Healing & Play – Learn how pain—both physical and emotional—can be a tool for catharsis, empowerment, and deep transformation in k¡nk and beyond.

⚡ Working with the Pain/Pleasure Threshold – Discover practical techniques to progressively expand sensation capacity during a scene, including breathwork, nervous system regulation, and intensity shifts.

🛠️ Communication Around Pain – Develop strategies for negotiating pain, reading the body's feedback, and integrating aftercare. Learn why safewords should be a backup rather than the first signal of discomfort, and why the 1-10 pain scale is outdated.

We are having a 2-part evening of indulgence and learning. Come for the workshop and stay for the Jam to practice what you learned and meet other like-minded folks!

Workshop Format:

Discussion and Practical Exercises: The workshop will include a mix of discussions and hands-on exercises. You'll have the chance to interact with others, practice communication techniques, and receive feedback.

Solo and Group Work:

1. Attend solo or bring someone along. Couples can stay paired or choose to practice with others.
2. You’ll have opportunities to practice with both familiar partners and new acquaintances to replicate established dynamics and/or pickup scene scenarios.
3. Expect communication-based exercises and optionally negotiated non-sexual touch. You can also opt-out at any time and observe others!
4. More physical practice will be reserved for the Jam portion afterward.
5. We won’t assign partners—guests are encouraged to connect at their comfort level.

1. Dress Code: Feel free to dress however you want, whether vanilla or ready to practice. There is a spot to change if you need.

Jam After the Workshop:

Stick around for our jam session. This is your chance to put what you’ve learned into action, trying out your new skills in a supportive setting. The lights go down, the music goes up, and fun time begins! Nix will be available for feedback, scenes, or additional guidance to solidify the workshop’s learning in a hands-on, fun environment. Participate at your own comfort level - whether that means observing, chatting, or having fun with others.

Pricing:

● Workshop: Early Bird $30, Classic $40

● Workshop and After-Hours: Early $55, Classic $75

Required Disclaimer: It should go without saying, but we are going to spell it out clearly nonetheless: kink activities & intimacy are inherently risky. Safety is something that requires practice and cannot be guaranteed. By attending, you agree to participate at your own risk, conduct your own risk management, and agree to hold the event facilitators and facility harmless for any type of harm that may occur.

Questions or concerns? Email PagansParadiseNYC@gmail.com

PagansParadise.com IG: @pagansparadise | Nix: @the.sirenatrix