Euphoria

It’s not unusual for participants in a Shibari scene—especially tops—to reach a point of euphoria. Psychological literature defines it as a state of extreme happiness and an elevated sense of well-being. This, in itself, is not bad. Actually, we spend most of our lives striving to reach such a state. Feeling good and powerful, transcending everyday problems, worries, and limitations is an experience we should treasure.

However, there is a dark side to euphoria. The same psychological literature warns us that euphoria might involve an exaggerated state of happiness that does not correspond to the reality of the person’s situation. In other words, euphoria can be quite deceiving. It can make us feel better than we should. It motivates us to act in a reckless way. And that’s a too-risky attitude for a participant in a Shibari scene.

So, should we quit euphoria? Should we try to prevent it by all means possible? Not at all. Euphoria is delicious, just like a shot of a powerful drink. You shouldn’t deny the experience, if you’re in a situation where you can reach it. Some people spend their whole lives without ever reaching this kind of state.

What we should do is realize that euphoria puts us in a dangerous situation. A euphoric person tends to downplay the risks involved in any activity. And, if you’re doing a bondage scene, that’s the wrong attitude.

The best answer to the dilemma is to rely on someone else to “bring you back to Earth.” Whether it is your partner or even an external observer, there should be someone who is not euphoric, and who can evaluate the situation and make decisive calls, if necessary.

Euphoria is not a bad thing in itself; you just have to handle it carefully.