Close Please enter your Username and Password
Reset Password
If you've forgotten your password, you can enter your email address below. An email will then be sent with a link to set up a new password.
Cancel
Reset Link Sent
Password reset link sent to
Check your email and enter the confirmation code:
Don't see the email?
  • Resend Confirmation Link
  • Start Over
Close
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service

aliljaded 53F
23860 posts
3/12/2024 5:16 am
Mastering the Mind

In the vast galaxy of BDSM, which is not a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the internet serves as a bustling marketplace where individuals proclaiming mastery are as numerous as stars in the night sky. Yet, amid this cacophony of self-proclaimed masters, there exists a profound distinction between those who merely speak of physical acts and those who understand the intricate dance of the mind within the BDSM dynamic.

For many, BDSM is not merely a physical indulgence but a multifaceted tapestry where the mental and emotional aspects intertwine with the physical. While some may revel solely in the physical sensations and power dynamics, others recognize that true mastery transcends mere physicality.

For many, the allure lies not only in the act of domination or submission but in the profound psychological exchange that occurs between partners. The consensual thrill of control, the surrender of power, and the exploration of boundaries are the threads that weave the fabric of BDSM into a rich and complex experience.

To a large number of people in the community physical play is but the icing on the cake, a tantalizing embellishment atop a foundation built upon trust, communication, and mutual understanding. It is the mental stimulation, the psychological journey shared between dominant and submissive, that forms the cornerstone of this lifestyle.

Mastery in BDSM is not simply measured by one's ability to wield a whip or bind with ropes but by their adeptness in navigating the intricate landscape of the mind. A true master or mistress recognizes the importance of psychological dominance, manipulating desire and anticipation, of delving into the deepest recesses of the psyche to unlock the true potential of their submissive.

In contrast, those who merely pay lip service to the title of master or mistress, focusing solely on the physical aspects of BDSM, often fail to grasp the true essence of the lifestyle. They may revel in the superficial trappings of power and control, but they lack the depth of understanding required to truly fulfill the needs of their submissive.

In the end, BDSM is a journey of self-discovery, a path that encompasses not only the body but the mind and soul as well. While physical play may provide gratification, it is the mental connection forged between partners that sustains and nourishes the true essence of BDSM. So, let us not be swayed by empty proclamations of mastery, but instead, let us seek those who understand that true dominance lies not in the whip, but in the mind.

©TLK2024


"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


EvolvedEdge 57M
301 posts
3/15/2024 8:36 am

You know, I wrote the reply above (below?) the other day and one word choice I made didn’t sit quite right with me- it was “surrender”. I wasn’t sure then how to do better to express the sense of it, but it kept rolling around in my head. Instead, I would write “embodying a profound, naked trust”. … and beyond empowered and voluntary, I should add that the decision should be well-informed, which speaks to the importance of, not just transparency, but given the stakes radical transparency.


Dreamcatcher__ 87M
7020 posts
3/14/2024 8:49 pm

If you would keep something, set it free.

Within the clay under your hand, the canvas before you, the marble block, the trunk of a tree, the page under your pen, the eyes that take your breath away, lies a spirit yearning for release. A master can find no greater joy than to hear the heartbeat and sense and liberate the enchanting sprite within.


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/14/2024 6:31 am

    Quoting EvolvedEdge:
    Every single thing we experience is in the mind (even for “pure” sense players). There are healthy sense players, those who seek power exchange in a temporary/transactional way and even amongst those of us for whom power exchange represents a 24/7 dynamic our mental models- what the exchange represents to us personally and how that surfaces as a matter of orientation, execution and style- vary tremendously. That’s partly why education, communication and vetting are so important.

    For example, my mental model of power exchange isn’t the least bit “dark” and never has been- it looks more like a sanctuary into which my submissive steps and which to me is dispelled by anything but an empowered and voluntary act of surrender, received with a firm embrace of the spirit, while even beyond I seek to build a submissive’s strength so that the recurring choice to kneel takes on more and more meaning to us both. That may not be altogether surprising for a “mentor-protector type”, but that approach is far from universal or universally desirable on either side of the slash. I know very healthy and happy couples with punisher/brat dynamics, for example, while brattiness doesn’t work for me, etc. … never mind all the different ways that rituals, in all their variety, can resonate with those on either side of an exchange.

    The key is to know what you seek, if not in all details then at least in terms of the heart around which and ground upon which a relationship is built. If sense play is all you truly care for, you shouldn’t feel pressure to do otherwise. I understand that some of the people who come out to catch on (educational) whips nights seek sensation outside the context of a 24/7 exchange, for example, and I’ve always been appreciative of a catcher’s service to my development of technique. For my part, outside of an exchange it’s a technical exercise, if one executed with caring and compassion for the wellbeing of the person at the other end (often a friend).

    A different issue altogether is the multitude of dangerous manifestations that are so pervasive in this world and against which many of the norms that have arisen around healthier (but still sadly rare) lifestyle communities attempt to present a check. We shouldn’t be surprised that BDSM attracts narcissists, the pathologically insecure, abusers, the domineering and those lacking in empathy- the surface trappings of power exchange seem purpose-built for making victimization easy for those types.

    Here again, the forum you provide by posting or reposting and providing a place for these discussions to occur is so valuable. We’re lucky to have great local resources is my area, but I suspect that for many in or just entering the lifestyle, online resources like those you surface here, along with the odd book, may be the only opportunities they get to encounter healthy perspectives for ways to approach fulfilling their desires or addressing their natures.

    Thanks, as always, for sharing.
Thank you, P for sharing such valuable info as well. I appreciate you and your experience.

"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/14/2024 3:21 am

    Quoting grywolf2:
    You cover this subject thoroughly. Very true.

    Thanx for being a prolific poster on these blogs.
Thank you so much.

"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/14/2024 3:17 am

    Quoting uncommon1:
    There is a difference between those
    who come to the websites wanting to
    experience kink and those that are on
    the websites because of a dark calling
    within them.
    As there is a difference between those
    that come to find someone to dominate
    or to submit to and those that are here
    to liberate some part of themselves that
    is making them restless.
    It is as simple, or as complicated, as the
    difference between want and need.
    But in the end, it could feel like a journey of
    self discovery . . or it could feel like coming
    home.
    It depends on whether you want, or you
    need.


"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/14/2024 3:17 am

    Quoting likeithot19:
    When one wants to BE something, you have to go all in...
    Standing on a bank with a cane pole, is considered fishing
    Just not the same as
    having a 42 foot contender heading out to the middle grounds
Good analogy.

"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/14/2024 2:46 am

    Quoting Plzrmeister:
    True dominance lies not in the whip, but in the mind.

    This pretty much puts the discussion in a nutshell.

    With a bow tied around it.
You're absolutely correct.

"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/14/2024 2:45 am

I thought so too, Ryder.

"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”


EvolvedEdge 57M
301 posts
3/12/2024 9:47 pm

Every single thing we experience is in the mind (even for “pure” sense players). There are healthy sense players, those who seek power exchange in a temporary/transactional way and even amongst those of us for whom power exchange represents a 24/7 dynamic our mental models- what the exchange represents to us personally and how that surfaces as a matter of orientation, execution and style- vary tremendously. That’s partly why education, communication and vetting are so important.

For example, my mental model of power exchange isn’t the least bit “dark” and never has been- it looks more like a sanctuary into which my submissive steps and which to me is dispelled by anything but an empowered and voluntary act of surrender, received with a firm embrace of the spirit, while even beyond I seek to build a submissive’s strength so that the recurring choice to kneel takes on more and more meaning to us both. That may not be altogether surprising for a “mentor-protector type”, but that approach is far from universal or universally desirable on either side of the slash. I know very healthy and happy couples with punisher/brat dynamics, for example, while brattiness doesn’t work for me, etc. … never mind all the different ways that rituals, in all their variety, can resonate with those on either side of an exchange.

The key is to know what you seek, if not in all details then at least in terms of the heart around which and ground upon which a relationship is built. If sense play is all you truly care for, you shouldn’t feel pressure to do otherwise. I understand that some of the people who come out to catch on (educational) whips nights seek sensation outside the context of a 24/7 exchange, for example, and I’ve always been appreciative of a catcher’s service to my development of technique. For my part, outside of an exchange it’s a technical exercise, if one executed with caring and compassion for the wellbeing of the person at the other end (often a friend).

A different issue altogether is the multitude of dangerous manifestations that are so pervasive in this world and against which many of the norms that have arisen around healthier (but still sadly rare) lifestyle communities attempt to present a check. We shouldn’t be surprised that BDSM attracts narcissists, the pathologically insecure, abusers, the domineering and those lacking in empathy- the surface trappings of power exchange seem purpose-built for making victimization easy for those types.

Here again, the forum you provide by posting or reposting and providing a place for these discussions to occur is so valuable. We’re lucky to have great local resources is my area, but I suspect that for many in or just entering the lifestyle, online resources like those you surface here, along with the odd book, may be the only opportunities they get to encounter healthy perspectives for ways to approach fulfilling their desires or addressing their natures.

Thanks, as always, for sharing.


schlingel61 63M
14 posts
3/12/2024 9:30 am

man sollte echt nicht glauben wie viele Leute an Demenz leiden wenn sie auch noch vergessen den slip hoch zu ziehen einfach unmoeglich


grywolf2 73M
3082 posts
3/12/2024 8:28 am

You cover this subject thoroughly. Very true.

Thanx for being a prolific poster on these blogs.


rondiri 65M
11149 posts
3/12/2024 8:14 am


DwtG 49M
13 posts
3/12/2024 7:00 am

mind is the most important thing


uncommon1 66M  
1405 posts
3/12/2024 6:46 am

There is a difference between those
who come to the websites wanting to
experience kink and those that are on
the websites because of a dark calling
within them.
As there is a difference between those
that come to find someone to dominate
or to submit to and those that are here
to liberate some part of themselves that
is making them restless.
It is as simple, or as complicated, as the
difference between want and need.
But in the end, it could feel like a journey of
self discovery . . or it could feel like coming
home.
It depends on whether you want, or you
need.


likeithot19 62M
5968 posts
3/12/2024 6:30 am

When one wants to BE something, you have to go all in...
Standing on a bank with a cane pole, is considered fishing
Just not the same as
having a 42 foot contender heading out to the middle grounds


NoNonsenseFromU 74M  
155 posts
3/12/2024 6:27 am

Well said - very well said. And yet you'd be surprised - or maybe not - how many Doms and Subs don't understand this and are interested only in the physical. My feeling was always engage the mind and the body will follow.


Plzrmeister 67M  
10360 posts
3/12/2024 5:42 am

True dominance lies not in the whip, but in the mind.

This pretty much puts the discussion in a nutshell.

With a bow tied around it.

Make Women Female Again


rydermantel 69M
24966 posts
3/12/2024 5:18 am

Deeply insightful.


aliljaded 53F
8915 posts
3/12/2024 5:17 am

In my opinion, it all starts and ends in the mind.

"Men need to hunt. She obviously understands this. She’s offering herself as prey. Not easy prey. But willing.”



Become a member to comment on this blog