POWER FROM THE ROPE-

BOTTOM UP!by: Sarge_ aka Barb

Copywrite 2020

04/12/2018; revised 03/10/2020

a bit about me….

I love the feel, smell & tightness of rope, the thrill of lack of control & the excitement of flying…

Extremely rational, there are very few clouds in my world. The dichotomy between rationality & rope is huge for me…

Attended classes, rope cons, rope intensives & co-teach @APEX, from a Bottom’s perspective.

Why did I want to do this class?

A time to give back, especially now when we need to communicate, and to educate. Also, a time to assist the bottom & rigger in understanding that a better voice in communication makes for a more pleasing rope story. (Let’s talk titles!)

A time, through all of these, to help alleviate injuries -- afterall, rope play of any sort is definitely “edgey”.

Sorry, is the rope too tight?

Let’s begin ...Have you tied &/or suspended a weight, i.e., a stone, stuffed animal, a dummy?

Reactions from the weight? Any voice? Any happiness emanating from the object? Anything at all?

BUT…it serves as a great learning tool - in what ways? This is now the point where all of the above changes!

The Five “W’s” for rope & communication!

Who? Anyone -- top, bottom, model, or in some cases a spotter.

What? Responsibilities of top or bottom in rope tying arena. *

When? Always - and even more so for those who switch partners.

and...

Where? Anywhere - privately at home or in public space. Let’s chat about public space!

Why? To preserve the dignity of all parties; to learn, to listen, most importantly to avoid injury to either party, to enjoy each other without harmful side effects, be those of physical or emotional nature.

A QUIZ SO SOON, YOU THOUGHT?

1. For whom are you ultimately responsible? *

2. What attributes make a good rigger? *

3. What attributes make a good bottom? *

And yet more questions...

4. What can you do to find a good rigger? *

5. When & how do you communicate?*

Other thoughts for discussion...

Do you know your own body?

Flaws, limitations, flexibility, sensitivity to materials, spinning, heights, inverse position in suspension, breathing problems. *

Thoughts if a rigger...

If a bottom approaches for the first time & asks you to tie him/her, what would you do?

Chat with an experienced bottom

Can bottom tell you why he/she feels confident about your tying/suspending?

What if bottom challenges you in any way? Your reaction?

CONCERNS FOR BOTH PARTIES...

Parties should be in good, physical shape.

If mentally stressed out, not a good day for bondage.

No alcohol or drugs prior to/during any bondage.

What about subspace -- is that considered a form of impairment?

Points to remember...Unless bondage is applied with desire to cause pain, the bondage/rigger should not cause pain,

If rope pinches, ask rigger to adjust tie (tweak the rope).

Warm up always - do stretching exercises (both top & bottom). *

Check room temperature.

Points continued...

Have a rope kit: water, sugar, scissors, flashlight w/red setting, warm blanket - anything else that makes you comfortable.

Keep rope journal/diary -- identify rigger, tie(s), type of play, results -- anything that might improve the next session & SHARE it with the rigger.

Points continued...

Prepare physically / prepare mentally: changes due to age, weight, illness, injury, medications

Continuing education: websites, Fetlife (be careful here!), attend classes, attend “cons” if able. Talk with experienced bottoms & riggers if questions unanswered.

Break time…...

Let’s take five…..

What about models?

Have you ever wanted to be one?

What decisions about the “shoot” are necessary to remember?

Is consent still a big deal? *

FINAL THOUGHT FOR RIGGER/PHOTOGRAPHER:

The top(s) & bottom(s) all have responsibility to one

another. A bottom's safety comes before a rigger /

dominant's protocol. A model's safety comes before the

job.

JUST A REMINDER, WHICH WE ALL NEED OCCASIONALLY

A community which tolerates any behavior contradicting the sensitivity necessary to accept all on the basis of age, appearance, race, should in no way be tolerated. That community needs to understand that we won’t accept any philosophies such as theirs. In other words, be honest with others and accept freely.

LAST THOUGHT … RE TEACHING / ASSISTING….

“I understand that new rope tops and rope bottoms are in a hurry to learn but we are setting them up for failure, which can and does result in injury. We have a responsibility to teach properly. By giving in to new rope tops and rope bottoms, we have failed them.” *

by Kinbaku_Beth:

HOMEWORK -- OH YES!

● Writing by Fuoco (from FetLife)● Handout partial pages by WyckdMan on Safewords,

Stretching & Flexibility● Handout with suggestions for further readings -- they

are as follows:

THANKS TO:

alien_Jim -fuoco-, clover, Anna Bones, WyckdMan, Osada Steve - Sensei, Evie Vane, and others from different FetLife groups

& websites, for their viewpoints, input and expertise in different fields of the rope

community.

Remember...

Be honest with yourself about desires,

limitations, feelings, thoughts; & of a

rigger’s utmost importance, tell bottom what

you want to get out of the play. No one in a

rope bondage scene should be passive.

Each of you are 50% of the equation.

Without you as the other half,

There is no story to tell!

THANK YOU!