Dennis
Najee is an accomplished author and speaker. He advocates freedom above all
else. I enjoy reading his articles and have decided to include some, from time to time, on this Blog.
This post was originally written on 29th February 2012:
Author: Dennis Najee
What do you like about BDSM? Why are you involved? What is
it that attracted you and what do you want to get out of it? Questions such as
these will determine the direction one opts to take with this genre known as
BDSM. As with most things in life, the answers will be individual in nature.
Each person is different with goals and aspirations that are personal. That
being said, the arena we are in is large enough to fit everyone.
BDSM Scenes
Most find this way of life through the imagery presented on
the Internet. We all have noticed the "porn" based pictures and
videos promoted by the X-rated industry. Intending to sell more of their
product, the World Wide Web is flooded with images depicting the BDSM lifestyle
as a sex and bondage show. While there is some realism to what is presented in
that some of us implement parts of what is seen, few of us live that way on a
daily basis. The truth is we have lives to live.
There are many whose sole interest in BDSM is to "wake
things up in the bedroom". If one enters this arena for the main purpose
of enhancing the sex in one's relationship, then that is the answer the person
is seeking. Many utilize BDSM for role playing and some of the other fetishes
offered. These people seek nothing more than play and should not be considered
in the "lifestyle". However, they should not be degraded for their
decisions either.
At the same time, there are those who engage in BDSM for the
"scening" only. What this means is the person wants to be involved in
non-committed power exchange scenes. Some will utilize the services of a
professional while others will attend munches or clubs where this activity is
commonplace. Again, the sole purpose is some short-term satisfaction usually,
but not always, on a physical level. Even those who follow this course for some
emotional or mental benefit do so on a limited basis.
Please hear me when I tell you there is nothing wrong with
adapting aspects of BDSM for play only. This is a wonderful way to enhance
one's sex life and if things got a bit stale, BDSM is a way to liven things up.
Bondage, power exchange, and impact play are done by millions of couples even
without the foreknowledge that they are involving themselves with BDSM. The
goal is to follow whatever makes one happy.
BDSM Lifestyle
The word lifestyle is a term that I never truly liked.
Nevertheless, it is fitting in the sense that it denotes those people who have
a deeper commitment to this way of life than just scening. When I look at BDSM,
it is not a lifestyle I chose as much as it is my life. This is what I live
each day. I do not awaken and opt for a dominant role but, rather, simply fall
into it. Interacting with one who is submissive is natural to me because of
what is within me. This is not something that is created or developed as much
as it is uncovered. It took a while and was a bit of a process. And it is
something that most who pursue this path deeply undergo.
To me, those who choose this as a lifestyle have a power
exchange relationship at the core of their lives (or desire one). This is a
distinction from those who want to add a little spice to their lives. Many are
perfectly content with a relationship based upon equality. However, those of us
who found our way here realized at some point that was not for us. A dominant
wishes to have the power tilted in his/her favor while a submissive is desiring
that same dynamic. While the areas that power exchange pertains to varied from
each person, the common ground with all is that it exists.
Another thing that I noticed is the level of commitment that
people have to this way of life. Now, I will admit that not everyone is an
advocate nor willing to engage in behavior that promotes the lifestyle as a
whole. However, because of the Internet, we seem more and more people voicing
their opinions about matters that are important to them. There are now patches
of people all over the world who hold BDSM in high regard and are willing to
defend it against the nitwits out there. More of the abusers are being
challenged and brought to light by those who take things seriously. This is a
positive sign.
BDSM is about respect.
It matters little whether one is hard
core into the lifestyle or just one who likes some light bondage. Every person
has a place as long as they are respectful of others and what we are about.
Sadly, this is not the case for many in the online world. Yet as time passes,
people are learning the tricks of these nitwits. With information and knowledge
comes protection. This is a positive sign for the genre overall. So, if you are
interested, enter into our world and explore whatever strikes you. It is an
open arena for anyone to try.