Primal Play & Authentic Relating · Cologne
The Relational Space
Spaces to arrive in your body – and in true connection.
Photographed during the Intimacy Training 2025 by Johanna Kaisjoki |
Courtesy of Path of Relating
Primal Play & Authentic Relating · Cologne
Spaces to arrive in your body – and in true connection.
In meeting others, we meet ourselves. When community holds us, safety emerges – and from that safety, we can grow. We experience ourselves in the mirror of others, discover new facets of our being, and remember that together we are more than alone. The Relational Space is built on the belief that true connection isn't something we need to create, but something that arises when we're allowed to show ourselves – with all that's present.
Here we can explore together what truly moves us. Our desires and boundaries find space – as does deep, honest intimacy with ourselves and others. Through the body, we return to aliveness, creativity and curiosity, learning to follow our own intuition.
In Cologne, we create such spaces through Primal Play workshops and embodied group work – with a vision to continuously expand our offerings. Our foundation: the belief that another way of being together is not only possible, but feels deeply natural.
Primal Play is a format for encounter beyond words — a playground where we rediscover where our bodies and impulses naturally want to move. Without agenda, we sink into the here and now and unfold the magic that emerges when we truly meet.
"Do you yearn to drop into deep play and wonder — free from ideas of what is expected of you, and how you should or shouldn't behave? To be guided by the embodied intelligence within — wild, passionate, attuned, and fully present to the subtlety of the moment?" — Buster Rådvik
Imagine: A mat as playground, clear agreements, two people meeting without words – for seven minutes. How will they meet? What will their bodies do? Will they feel connection – or distance? And how will their boundaries show themselves?
From here, anything can happen. Your encounter might be soft and sensual, wild and intense, playful, still, quirky or funny. Sometimes with much closeness, sometimes without any touch – everything is possible and welcome.
It's a nonverbal space. The encounter happens through breath, movement, sound and touch. Clear agreements create a container without goal or expectation, where you can express whatever is present. Even if that means simply sitting on your mat and doing "nothing."
You decide in each moment whether and how you participate. It's an intention-free, fully clothed space. You can pause at any time – or be present as a witness. Witnessing can be healing too: We mirror ourselves not only in those we encounter, but also in those we observe.
We don't dive straight into play. The evening begins with mindfulness and consent exercises to arrive gently – in the space, in the body, in the group. Only when a sense of safety and presence has emerged do we open the space for the plays.
A central part of the evening is sharing: In pairs or in the group, we share what the experiences have moved in us. Here, what was often only felt in the nonverbal space becomes visible. Sharing deepens not only our own experience, but also creates community – a shared experience that carries beyond the evening.
No. You don't need any experience with Primal Play, bodywork or similar formats. All you need is the willingness to try something new. We'll guide you through the evening and explain everything step by step.
Primal Play is a fully clothed space and not a sexual format. Sensuality can be part of the experience – just like wildness, stillness, play or grief. Clear agreements ensure that everyone's boundaries are respected.
Creating a safe space is at the heart of our work. Because: Only when we feel safe do we begin to play and show ourselves.
There will be exercises throughout that help you feel and honor your boundaries in your body. All exercises and plays are optional – you freely decide which aspects you follow.
And: You can switch to a witnessing role at any time and simply notice what happens inside you while being in the room.
If you have questions beforehand, feel free to write us at info@relationalspace.de – or speak to us in person around the events.
Whatever your sexual orientation or identity, or physical characteristics like age or skin color: You are welcome. Whether you're single, in a monogamous partnership, or other constellations: You are welcome.
Please be aware that Primal Play is not designed as a couples-only experience. We invite you to experience different plays with different people.
Of course, we accommodate individual wishes – best to speak to us at the beginning of the evening so we can address it clearly in the group. For example, if you only want to do plays with a specific person.
Many people come alone – and that's part of the experience. The evening is designed so that you gently come into contact, first with yourself, then with others. You don't need to know anyone to feel welcome.
Our workshops are intentionally kept small – usually between 10 and 20 participants. This creates an intimate setting where genuine encounter is possible.
Marina Kronkvist from Finland developed a format called "Ritual Play". Buster Rådvik & Rachel Rickards further developed this format under the name "Primal Play" – at that time under the umbrella of Embodied Intimacy.
Buster and Rachel have since gone separate ways. We completed Buster and Mara's Intimacy Training at Path of Relating (pathofrelating.com) in 2025 and are now bringing this work to Cologne.
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. We'll move between different intensity levels, so layering makes sense. Also bring a water bottle. Please avoid strong fragrances.
We are Michelle and Manuel — a couple from Cologne creating spaces for connection and self-exploration.
In 2025, we completed Buster Rådvik's and Mara Kölpin's Intimacy Training together – an intensive, seven-month training in embodied relational work. There we deepened what we had already begun to explore: How do we hold spaces where genuine encounter becomes possible?
My heart beats for authentic connection and the wisdom of the body.
In the Intimacy Training, I experienced how much precious intimacy lies in openly shared vulnerability. I've learned that true boundary-setting often only becomes possible when we face our shadows and begin to feel in our bodies that we're allowed to set boundaries. And that behind the fear of others often lies the longing to be seen – when we allow this, others can become a resource.
In my main profession, I work as a social worker with teenage girls. In my free time, I'm drawn to nature – wild herbs, forest rituals and exploring the wilderness with all senses.
I'm convinced: We can be different with each other. More natural, more alive, more real.
Whether dancing, doing yoga or collaborating on projects: I'm fascinated by what becomes possible when we act from the whole body instead of just the head. I want to bring this body intelligence into my work with groups.
In the training, I experienced the relaxation and trust that emerges between people when boundaries and desires are clearly communicated. True closeness can only emerge when we honor our "no" as much as our "yes" – and express both clearly. When we stay true to ourselves here, magic can happen.
In my main profession, I work as an engineer on the European energy transition.
We're planning 3–4 Primal Play workshops in Cologne for 2026, likely on Saturdays, 4 hours each.
Dates to be announced soon
A 4-hour workshop to dive into the world of Primal Play. With rotating guest facilitators from our network.
Join the mailing listSign up for our contact list to be the first to hear about new dates.