For some, this involves impact play like spanking or flogging. Often, subspace is triggered by the intensity of a scene. It really depends! It’s kind of like having an orgasm: It’s a little different for everyone, but there are some common ways to get there. If you aren’t able to or have no desire to get into subspace, that’s totally OK! Try not to let anyone guilt you into thinking you’re doing it “wrong” when you’re participating in consensual play that makes YOU feel happy. Some people don’t experience subspace at all. PSA: Being submissive or taking on a more submissive role doesn’t mean that you absolutely must experience or aim for subspace. Subspace can be a form of escapism that allows many to release societies’ preconceived notions of self. This process can happen in a number of ways, but subspace, in particular, can help you release the constant pressure to maintain an identity. What’s more, research suggests that shedding your identity for a moment can be a stress reliever. To sum this all up: Through kink, subspace can help submissives turn their brains off for a moment. In other words, you can turn the thinking part off. By peeling back the layers containing your more complicated cognitive abilities, you may be able to slow down your brain for a period of time. This theory suggests that your levels of consciousness are layered, like an onion. Researchers found that the same may be true of subspace, but that it’s more aligned with the transient hypofrontality theory. Topspace was identified as akin to flow state (a.k.a. Preliminary research found that subspace - and, by extension, topspace - may align with different altered states of consciousness. Some research from 2017 suggests that subspace can evoke an “altered state of consciousness,” similar to hypnosis, mindfulness, or drug-induced calm. And so-called kinky sex can be a way to pursue that stress relief in more intense ways. Well, mostly that it feels good! Sex in general can be a stress reliever. The aim is to be clear as possible so nobody leaves the scene feeling like they were taken advantage of. Partners will discuss how they want the scene to play out so there are no surprises (unless there are supposed to be!).ĭuring negotiation, partners often discuss desires, safe words, aftercare, and other sexual safety protocols, as well as hard (something you won’t do) and soft (something you might be down to try) limits. In kink, a negotiation is a conversation between partners that happens prior to the scene. “Most importantly, never negotiate or renegotiate any aspect of a scene when the submissive is in subspace.” “In general, all parties should take note of that submissive’s specific subspace behaviors and make adjustments to the scene to continue to ensure consent, communication, and safety,” she adds. While in subspace, many people agree or ask for things that are out of their “sober” comfort zone. This means subspace - like being high or drunk - can affect your judgment. “Both of you should be aware that subspace can significantly affect the submissive’s ability to communicate and interpret their limits,” says kink educator Quinn B., founder of Unearthed Pleasures, an online coaching and kink education platform. It’s important to note one thing, though: You can’t give consent while in subspace.
It’s just your neurochemicals feeding you some happy hormones!
You might even take a workshop online or at your local sex shop.Īll that said, there isn’t anything to suggest that subspace is inherently unsafe. That’s why it’s important to do your research before attempting any new kinks or engaging in otherwise unfamiliar play.
“Safe” is a funny word when it comes to BDSM.Īctivities like breath play or knife play, for example, aren’t really “safe.” If you don’t take precautions and play responsibly, activities like these can be dangerous.
#Subspace definition series
Although more research on BDSM and kink is needed, there are a number of theories about why subspace happens.Ī 2008 review of two studies found that cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) levels rose significantly for participants who were bound, receiving stimulation, or following orders during consensual sadomasochistic (SM) play.Īdrenaline, also known as the fight-or-flight hormone, can be released by the body in response to a stressful, threatening, or even exciting situation.Īnother type of hormone, endorphins, are known to boost pleasure and lessen pain.Įndorphins are generally released when the body experiences pain or stress, or when its natural reward center is activated by things like working out, eating, or - you guessed it - having sex.įor some, the combination of pain and pleasure experienced during a BDSM scene can result in reaching subspace.Ī scene is a series of pre-negotiated acts/sex acts/BDSM activities that have been fully discussed and agreed upon from beginning to middle to end by all participants.
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