Rooted in Japan, the art of rope bondage is a practice that requires skill, presence, and patience. Guided by Shibari Master Hajime Kinoko and the expert Marie-Sauvage, I had the privilege to attend a workshop where my partner learned to tie and suspend me. Hajime began by explaining the depth and challenges of this practice, which demands body awareness and precise knot-tying to meet aesthetic standards and safety requirements for suspensions.
In losing my physical freedom, I gained a greater freedom within.
As my partner tied my upper body, I indulged in the subtle sensation of the ropes tightening around my skin, rendering my arms immobile. Communication between partners is essential to ensure the right pressure of the ropes, building a beautiful complicity. The sensation of each rope running along my skin heightened my sensitivity and soft arousal. It was delightful to completely relax, giving up my freedom of movement and trusting my partner in this very sensual game.
By breathing and diving into a meditative state through my body sensations, I could overcome the discomfort and pressure of the ropes. In losing my physical freedom, I gained a greater freedom within. I also enjoyed watching the care, effort, and concentration of my partner as he tied me, which developed a deeper sense of intimacy and connection between us.
I felt an enjoyable dizzy feeling, which helped me fully surrender, abandon my mind, and experience the dance of subtle pain and pleasure within me.
The untying was even more pleasurable, as I loved feeling the slow liberation of my body with each rope that was removed.
After a short break, my partner tied me again for the suspension. Marie-Sauvage assisted us, as it is important to be quick. The weight of the body increases the pressure on the ropes, which tightens and blocks blood circulation in some areas. I felt an enjoyable dizzy feeling, which helped me fully surrender, abandon my mind, and experience the dance of subtle pain and pleasure within me. This release of tension and emotion was deliciously arousing.
In our sexuality, we often raise our sexual energy with the goal of orgasm, but the practice of Shibari cultivates sexual energy in a meditative state of pure trust and surrender.
While sexuality can be combined with the art of ropes, it is not the primary purpose. I had been tied by a professional before, which I enjoyed immensely and highly recommend for anyone to try. Doing it with my partner taught us communication, trust, and presence. I must admit that it is quite addictive, and I am now dreaming of installing a hook in my ceiling to continue exploring this beautiful practice at home!
Read: Gender Unbound: The Experience of a Female Shibari Rigger.
My Shibari Fantasy
A game of precision
An art of sensations
Through knots and ties
All senses come alive
A subtle caress on my skin
An invitation to find freedom within
Being held so tight
Any worry out of sight
Surrendering to the rigger
When pain and pleasure blur
Relaxing into the tightness
Feeling cherished and blessed
I abandon my mind
To this game so sublime
Anchored in the moment
Where stillness is impermanent
As I hang from the ceiling
I feel like a suspended Queen
My greatest freedom is to give it away
To fully trust you in this play
It’s not just knots and ropes
Not just marks and hopes
It’s something else entirely
A transcendental ecstasy
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Featured photo by Nobuyoshi Araki.
Pauline Marie-Antoinette
Pauline is a poetry writer, performer, experience creator, and intimacy and kinks workshop facilitator. She believes in the power of arts and creativity to be profound vehicles for change and loves to empower people to free their inner artist and turn sensuality into a real art form. Her solo-show, "An Erotic Poetry Odyssey" is an invitation to deepen intimacy, explore conscious kinks while challenging societal taboos. Pauline designs experiences for couples, retreats and workshops in Berlin and around the world!
