Submission

Submission is usually understood as a state of powerlessness or weakness. However, when developed within a context of consent, submission has a very different meaning. Actually, erotic submission, such as the one we find in Shibari scenes, requires great strength, for a weak person would never be able to assume a position of vulnerability, and yet, enjoy the experience.

Voluntary submission requires the maturity to recognize it as a gift. Therefore, only an emotionally stable, mature, and physically aware person can perform a submissive role in a Shibari scene. It is important to keep this in mind before assuming a submissive role, or letting anyone else assume it.

Submissive persons sometimes call themselves “slaves”. Nevertheless, these words are not synonyms. Remember that, in Shibari as well as in BDSM, there are specific terms for every role.

In Shibari, the submissive person is the one who is tied. It is important to point out that there is always consent behind this submissive attitude. Non Consensual submission is a form of abuse, and has nothing to do with the creativity and joy involved in Shibari.

Submissive does not mean passive. The submissive person is in constant communication with the dominant person. There is a power dynamic between them. Also, there is an emotional interaction between participants. And, last but not least, there is a shared responsibility for safety. So, if you are assuming a submissive role, do not lock yourself up into absent-mindedness, but rather participate, within the context of submission, into the development of the scene.

Dominance and submissions are exchangeable. Although some people prefer to remain in a role and consistently participate in a scene as either one or the other, there is no reason why they shouldn’t explore the opposite role. It can be an extremely enriching experience.