Preface:
First off, I have to tell you that my hackles go up just thinking about
the concept that one can "want" to be a master. It riles me
even more so than submissives who think they can wish themselves into
instant slavery without a master to serve. At least, the latter know
they are submissive. I have encountered some "dominants" whose
thinking includes the notion that capitalizing their screen names is
the only price of admission into Club Dominance.
The harsh reality, as I have come
to live it, is that one can develop the native qualities of mastery
or submission which lay within them, but those qualities cannot be created
out of nothing, or by wishing them into being. In other words, they
can only be nurtured if they are there to start with!
Therefore, this article is directed
to those who have already discerned their need to dominate. This is
not a roadmap to "overnight mastery."
Developing the "Master Within"
Achieving Mastery involves self-development
more so than the ability to manipulate weapons of mass instruction,
or being able to bark orders and otherwise intimidate the slaves in
your life. This self-development is a never-ending "continuing
education" process. Several schools of philosophy teach that in
order for one to master others, one must master oneself.
Some straightforward guidelines
to continuing to grow in your self-mastery include, but are not limited
to:
Never stop learning.
Network with other dominants.
Identify your own needs.
Bind your slave with lines of communication.
Don't assume you can or need to know it all.
Take charge!
Allow yourself and your slave to grow.
Be real!
Return to Step One.
1. Never stop learning
As society becomes more open and
aware, the opportunities for informing yourself are more available than
ever. A simple web search can yield many good sources of information
on the wide spectrum of fetishes and practices in BDSM in general, and
the master-slave relationship specifically. Talk to others at munches,
study others at clubs, and attend demos and seminars if you are able.
2. Network with other dominants
While there might be a tendency
to think that your way is the only way, talking to others or checking
out their websites are simple and effective ways of saving yourself
reinvention of the St. Andrew's cross. Those who struggled before have
blazed the path you follow. I haven't met a master yet who was unwilling
to brag-err-um-talk about himself.
3. Identify your own needs
Before you can have an effective
BDSM relationship, you should know what YOU want to get out of it. How
controlling will you be? How finely will you manage (or micro-manage)
your slave's life? What fetishes are you hoping to explore? Think about
making yourself a checklist of the qualities in a submissive/slave that
you find desirable, and stick to your guns. And while it is true that
nobody is perfect, there is someone (or maybe two or more!) for you
out there somewhere.
4. Bind your slave with lines of
communication
I cannot stress this one enough.
Have clear discussions with your sub/slave on what you will want and
expect of them. Let them talk plainly about their needs and expectations
so you can see if they (still) mesh.
5. Don't assume you can or need
to know it all
No one is infallible. Nobody has
all the answers, not even masters! There is nothing wrong with saying
"I don't know." A corollary: Snap judgments are not required
in all situations. If a slave throws you a curve in her inquiry, you
can always say, "I'm not sure, but I'll consider it and let you
know later."
6. Take charge!
I've written whole articles about
the issues raised in this step. This is, after all, what your slave
longs for you to do -- to direct her and lay down rules for her. It
is incumbent on you to follow up on your pronouncements and make sure
she is obeying you. The more dominant you are, the more you will cultivate
her submission.
7. Allow yourself and your slave
to grow
As your M/s relationship grows,
you will get more in touch with your needs as a master. You may find
your need to control deepening, your requirements for her becoming more
exacting. You may also discover that things you thought were important
to you no longer are, or vice versa. Be aware and responsive to the
changes in you and your slave. When the grapes of enslavement are first
crushed the juice is sweet. Depending on how it is handled, it can become
a fine vintage--improving with age, or a sharp and tart vinegar. You
are the vintner in the process. Ultimately, quality control is solely
your responsibility.
8. Be real!
Work to debunk the myths and foster
an understanding of the reality of the M/s lifestyle. As you discover
new insights, never forget to instill them in your slave.
9. Return to Step One
This is a cycle. Keep going through
this process. Don't let her ability to serve be stagnated by obsolete
and unproductive notions carried forward from her past. Don't let your
ability to master be hindered by your own complacency. Keep tearing
down the walls that obscure your mastery and her slavery. Continuously
tweak and fine-tune your relationship. Insist on the best from your
slave. Continue to inspire that performance by always striving for the
best in yourself.
by
Lord Bjorn
Seekers
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