My Perceptions and Experience.
I have been involved with the �scene� for the better part of 15 years. What I found is not quite what I had fantasized about. Reading poorly written pulp fiction had given me a false impression of the true nature of Power Exchange. I tend to use the term �Power Exchange�, because I think that best describes the act. I have had the opportunity to work with some very skilled individuals. Through their techniques and outlooks I have been able to develop my own style and approach, which is different than many. Having been a member of various clubs and societies, I have seen many different �flavors� of power exchange. For many, the �scene� itself is what they desire, others are into various aspects of pain, bondage or humiliation. Then there are the individuals who are seeking personal discovery. This is the facet I ended up so intrigued with.
I began as a bottom. I worked with both men and women; some good, others not so good. I found that the tops who used psychological techniques that enabled me to surrender were the one�s that I enjoyed sessions with the most. A combination of fear and trust opened pathways into my personality that I never knew. Of course, technique is a very important part of play, especially with the application of pain. After a few years as a bottom, I found that I wanted to try the other side and find out what it felt like to be the �facilitator� so to speak. It was then that I found a true calling. I found early on that Kirsten was very dominant and her personality became a very strong presence in my life.
I have been interested and intrigued with shamanism and �holistic� approaches to spirituality. I ended up very drawn to Celtic mythology. I think part of the attraction is genetic: I am Scottish/Irish. Be that as it may, I found the mythos rich in androgynous overtones and just resonated with my being. I began to see that the trance states discussed in many of my readings described much of what I had experienced as a bottom. I started seeing power exchange as a venue for spiritual growth through sexual energy. With this mindset, I found that my relationship with those I was working with was changing also. I found that �edge play� was much more acute, do primarily to a deeper bond with the submissive. There was a deeper level of trust and just a much more powerful experience all around. Power exchange is a very potent venue for exploration of the self. The methods can take one beyond sexual arousal. It is also a very intense cleansing tool, allowing someone to release toxic energy stored in the body. I believe my approach is unique, but not original.
I hope this might provide insight those of you that are considering power exchange.
