WHAT IS BONDASSAGE® SUBSPACE? (PART I)
Subspace is also a term coined by the BDSM community meaning an altered state of consciousness, mainly achieved by a bottom/submissive through physical sensory pleasure or pain, psychological scene play or both.
Subspace Origin
Where did the word subspace come from? Subspace is a scientific and mathematical term but interestingly, was later popularized by the writers of Star Trek. In the series Star Trek subspace is a form of interstellar travel or way of transmitting information via faster than light travel technology.
Later, Courtney Brown, Ph.D., professor of political science and statistics at the University of Georgia in Atlanta redefined the term as, “separating the physical from the nonphysical realms without imposing a more rigorous view of dimensional complexity on either of those realms.” (p. 22, Remote Viewing: The Science and Theory of Nonphysical Perception)
To expand further on Brown’s definition, he then implies that while in subspace one can not only reach higher states of consciousness in different realms but that one can also reach other dimensional beings. “An aspect of each of us exists in subspace, as do other beings. People who no longer reside in our physical space “live” in subspace. It is not accurate to say that these are “dead” people, since they are very much alive.” (p. 43, Cosmic Voyage) Basically Brown is saying that subspace is the space between the physical and the non-physical world. Trippy right!?
Other words relating to subspace
Akasha
There are many other relative words that can be described as a similar space to subspace, one being Akasha. The Akashic records are a widely known dimension in which all of the records of the past are imprinted. However, the origin of Akasha basically translates to “subtle space.” It is a place accessible by the mind, in between realms, where higher consciousness and knowledge can be obtained.
Floating World
Another word that I am drawn to in this regard is Ukiyo. The Japanese word Ukiyo translates to “Floating World” and was popularized in the Edo-period Japan (1600–1867). Ukiyo was not only a concept but also a district that inhabited the most erotic and hedonist brothels of the time.
But the origin of the word, as it insinuates, translates further to "transient world" of Buddhist tradition. It became of word known to describe a hedonistic, carefree, extravagant, naughty type of lifestyle; a space between reality and fantasy.
"Living only for the moment, savouring the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms, and the maple leaves, singing songs, drinking sake, and diverting oneself just in floating, unconcerned by the prospect of imminent poverty, buoyant and carefree, like a gourd carried along with the river current: this is what we call ukiyo." ("Tales of the Floating World", c. 1661)
Eroto-comatose lucidity
One term that particularly fascinates me, Eroto-comatose lucidity, is a sex magic ritual originally created by Aleister Crowley in 1912. The book Modern Sex Magick: Secrets of Erotic Spirituality describes the ritual and how to reach Eroto-comatose lucidity:
“A common form of the ritual uses repeated sexual stimulation (but not to physical orgasm) to place the individual in a state between full sleep and full wakefulness as well as exhaustion, allowing the practitioner to commune with their god.”
“In the first part of the ritual, the aides seek repeatedly both to arouse the ritualist sexually as well as to exhaust him.”
“In the second part of the ritual, the aides seek to come close to awakening the ritualist through sexual stimulation alone. Most practitioners agree with Crowley that every means of arousal may be used, such as physical stimulation, genital stimulation, psychological stimulation, devices (such as sex toys), or drugs (an entheogen like hashish, marijuana, or other aphrodisiacs).”
“The goal is not to fully awaken her or him, but rather to bring them to the brink of wakefulness.”
“This step is repeated indefinitely until the ritualist reaches a state between sleep and wakefulness in which communing with a higher power may occur. The ritualist may also conduct spiritual work while in this state, or witness mystical events.”
THE VERSION RELATIVE TO YOU-Submissive SUBSPACE Definition
Okay, now that a little historical background has been given, I will get into the meaning of the subspace that I primarily will be referring to. Subspace is also a term coined by the BDSM community meaning an altered state of consciousness, mainly achieved by a bottom/submissive through physical sensory pleasure or pain, psychological scene play or both.
So why does subspace occur?
It is quite scientific when fully examined. When the body is overloaded with a host of different sensations, whether pleasurable or painful, the body goes into a state of fight or flight. When our body perceives this sort of overload it triggers a sympathetic nervous system response which releases numerous chemicals. These chemicals mainly consist of adrenaline, endorphins, and enkephalins (primarily released during painful scenes and acts as a natural pain reliever).
Because these chemicals can act on the brain in the same way as morphine or psychedelic drugs, it can induce a trance like state. During this trance one may feel many different things including:
Out of body experience
Enhanced sensory perception
Decreased sensory perception
Feeling of floating
Feeling of a connection with a higher consciousness
Ability to recall past memories or past lives
Ability to connect with deceased loved ones
Any of these states can produce a huge shift in consciousness as well as feelings of great euphoria and bliss. However, as the high subsides (this can occur immediately or hours or days later) the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in which can induce exhaustion, lethargy and even temporary depression. *This reaction called subdrop and is discussed in this blog post.
Why are we discussing this??
This state of consciousness is very relevant to the sessions that I offer, especially when it comes to my Bondassage and Elysium sessions. To easily reach subspace the use of headphones and a blindfold, which is standard in any Bondassage session, is essential! By creating an atmosphere free of distraction, through the use of specifically selected musical beats and sensory deprivation, the mind and body are free to let go into a world rarely experienced.
However, not everyone can reach this state. It is not guaranteed nor should it be an expectation.
Spiritual Subspace
As Aleister Crowley wrote, as well as other mystics and shamans throughout time, sex magic or intense sensory stimulation has been used for centuries to reach higher states of consciousness.
Subspace can be a very spiritual experience. Depending on the participant, subspace can either be simply a chemically induced body response or it could be small proof that indeed there is more than the small existence that we know to be our reality.
There are several aspects that are necessary in order to fall deep into a subspace realm. Whether through conscious thoughts/actions or a subconscious awareness one must:
Be grounded and relaxed (I take time to do basic energy work prior to starting a session in an effort to ground and relax my subs)
Feel like they are in a safe space (I have spent much time and effort creating a space that is beautifully magically. I also take the time to do clearings to create an energetically safe environment.)
Feel safe with a partner or practitioner (One of my main jobs is to ensure that all of my subs feel safe and loved during their time with me)
Be willing to let go (The need to have control is the leading cause that inhibits clients from reaching subspace, especially the first time. However after several sessions the process becomes easier.)
Keep an open mind (Those that have some sort of awareness that certainly there are dimensions beyond our 3D world are more likely to feel comfortable navigating beyond our reality. Those having experience with any sort of hallucinogen are familiar with this concept. From a shaman point of view, the belief is that there is a lower world, a middle world (that in which we reside) and an upper world. Experienced travelers are better able to navigate between worlds.)
However, I have seen anxious, logical minded, inexperienced subs, to my surprise, go into subspace. This is always exciting for me because they come out of a session with a shift in consciousness that can leave them questioning the world around us for the better.
Whether you see subspace as simply a chemically influenced body response or you see it as small proof that indeed there is something beyond our perceived reality, it can be fucking awesome! So what are you waiting for? Let’s give it a try!
Binaural Beats and Solfeggio Frequencies to induce Subspace and decrease Subdrop during BONDASSAGE® (PART III)
In this day and age, technology can be an amazing tool to aid in the progression of our evolutionary state. Throughout ancient times scientists and mystics alike have preached the benefits of certain frequencies and beats, claiming that once we have tuned our own frequency to the original state of resonance, we are then capable of coming into our god-like beings, finding the key to the universe.
Binaural Beats and Solfeggio Frequencies to induce Subspace and decrease Subdrop
In my own meditative practices I have used many methods to reach higher states of consciousness including sex magick, plant medicines, neurofeedback, dance, drumming, and more recently, binaural beats and solfeggio frequencies.
In this day and age, technology can be an amazing tool to aid in the progression of our evolutionary state. Throughout ancient times scientists and mystics alike have preached the benefits of certain frequencies and beats, claiming that once we have tuned our own frequency to the original state of resonance, we are then capable of coming into our god-like beings, finding the key to the universe.
What are binaural beats?
The Immrama Institute states:
“Binaural beats were originally discovered in 1839 by physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove. He discovered when signals of two different frequencies are presented separately, one to each ear, your brain detects the phase variation between the frequencies and tries to reconcile that difference.
"In doing so, as the two frequencies mesh in and out of phase, your brain creates its own third signal — called a binaural beat — which is equal to the difference between those two frequencies.”
“For example, if a frequency of 100 Hz is presented to your left ear, and a frequency of 105 Hz is presented to your right ear, your brain “hears” a third frequency pulsing at 5 Hz, the exact difference between the two frequencies.”
“Research has proven that introducing a binaural beat will cause the brain to begin resonating in tune with that beat. By creating a binaural beat at 10 Hz — an Alpha frequency — you can trigger your brain to resonate at that same 10 Hz frequency, automatically inducing brain activity in the Alpha range. This same technique can be used to quickly and easily guide your mind into any state.” (Immrama Institute)
“By matching the maps with the changes that occur with [binaural beats], they can, quite literally at the flick of a switch, make one’s mind resonate mechanically like that of a great seer or mystic who has spent a lifetime exploring the boundaries of consciousness. The Monroe Institute’s most interesting achievement is the discovery of a set of frequencies that allows individuals to perceive an area of nonphysical existence where life thrives.” (p. 43, Cosmic Voyage)
What are Solfeggio Frequencies?
Attuned Vibrations states:
“Solfeggio frequencies make up the ancient 6-tone scale thought to have been used in sacred music, including the beautiful and well known Gregorian Chants. The chants and their special tones were believed to impart spiritual blessings when sung in harmony. Each Solfeggio tone is comprised of a frequency required to balance your energy and keep your body, mind and spirit in perfect harmony.”
“Our modern day musical scale is out of sync when compared with the original Solfeggio scale. According to Joachim Ernst-Berendt, the 12-Tone Equal Temperament mistunes all consonant intervals except the octave. Our modern scale can create situations such ‘boxed-in’ thinking, stuffed and suppressed emotions, fear-based or lack consciousness, all of which then tend to manifest into physical symptoms called ‘dis-ease’ or disease.” (Attuned Vibrations)
“According to entries from the original Apocrypha, these original frequencies are believed to be effective in; turning grief to joy, undoing situations and facilitating change, helping a person connect with Source to bring forth miracles, repairing DNA, connecting with spiritual family and understanding relationships, becoming more expressive to solve problem situations, and finally, awakening intuition to return to spiritual order. Through sound, these tones can assist energy channels to stay open and keep the life force (Chi) flowing freely through the chakra system.” (Sol Awakening)
How do I apply these tones to my sessions?
Sensory deprivation, with the use of a blindfold and headphones plays an important role in the ability for my subs to let go and go into a magical, pleasure produced subspace. Music through the delivery of high-end headphones goes a long way in this process.
To get the benefit of binaural beats one must use headphones as it produces different frequencies in each ear, enabling the brain to adjust to the alpha frequency range. With the addition of solfeggio frequencies the results may take you to a different state of consciousness as well as being capable of producing numerous physical and psychological healing benefits.
“According to neuroscientists, the effect of decreasing the brain rhythm from beta to alpha via deep relaxation techniques and the use of binaural beats brain entrainment, changes the levels of certain beneficial brain chemicals significantly increasing beta-endorphin, norepinephrine and dopamine.” (Zen Lama)
As adrenaline, endorphins and enkephalins are depleted from the body during subspace, the increase of beta-endorphin, norepinephrine and dopamine during a binaural beat induced alpha state could contribute to the greater occurrence of subspace and lower occurrence of subdrop.
Other benefits include:
Features and Benefits of an Alpha State
Brain hemispheres becoming naturally synchronized, or in-phase with each other
Less absent-minded awareness and daydreaming
Remembrance of our dreams and meditative states
Conscious and subconscious link-- gateway to meditation.
Receptivity to casual and auto-suggestions (hypnosis state)
Increased vividness enhancing creative visualization and imagination
Increased memory retention, concentration & focus for super learning
Health benefits include:
Reduction of anxiety
Reduction of stress and depression
Reduction of chronic pain
Lowers high blood pressure
Increase in athletic performance
Increase in cerebral blood flow
Increase in motivation, energy, and happiness
Whether the use of binaural beats and solfeggio frequencies can beneficially affect your subspace is not guaranteed as everybody is different and no scientific studies have been conducted to conclusively prove this. This is simply a theory of mine through the observation of those that I have had the pleasure of working with. All I know for sure is that technology, like most things, can be used for good or bad. This is one example of how technology can lend a helping hand towards the accelerated advancement of our consciousness. But there is only one way to find out for sure...give it a try!
