Body Positivity and Shibari

Body positivity is one of today’s buzzwords. It is part of a wider tendency toward acceptance of diversity. Now, since Shibari is evidently a physical activity, it is pertinent to ask if there is a relationship between body positivity and Shibari. And the short answer is yes.

Shibari welcomes all kinds of bodies. Of course, participants need some specific skills in order to accomplish a scene. And that’s more evident in the case of a suspension scene or a scene that involves complex positions. However, this basic level of skill is within the reach of practically anybody, regardless of the characteristics of their body.

For example, although being overweight might make suspension more difficult, there are still plenty of options for well-built participants. Many bondage practitioners show an excess of weight without it being a problem for their enjoyment.

Short people don’t have a problem, either. Quite the opposite, a small body frame might make certain maneuvers—like suspension—more easy to accomplish. Likewise, people with small hands may find it easier to tie the knots that Shibari requires.

Shortsightedness doesn’t matter, since participants are at a short distance from each other during a Shibari scene. Deafness might complicate communication to a certain point, but there are other means of exchanging information and emotions, as any bondage enthusiast knows.

Stronger people might take advantage of their condition and try more difficult scenes, like suspensions. On the other hand, people with less strength can focus instead on the aesthetic value of their scene.

As you can see, the options are endless. Body positivity and Shibari are both welcoming to everybody, literally. So, if you’re planning to do a scene, don’t worry about your physical characteristics. Each body will find its own way through the ropes and the knots. And you can count on that!