1. How were you introduced to the world of Shibari?

I first saw Shibari in an Andrew Blake film when I was a teenager and the beauty and sensuality had me Curious. Avalon introduced me to shibari at a festival where I was teaching yoga and he was sharing rope. After my first tie I was hooked by the feeling of surrender, a complete letting go which was facilitated in such a present and loving way. I actually wrote about it. It was so exciting and I wanted more. I was completely seduced my the mystery of the way Avalon does rope and loved exploring trust with it. I guess I also enjoyed the fear or heightened excitement by not being in control for once. 

2. To many of us, being trussed up just looks plain uncomfortable. What do enjoy about it?

Well, rope is not a hammock. There is a sweet pleasure in the discomfort. Kind of like holding a challenging yoga pose. The release of adrenaline and endorphins come into play and can make a tie euphoric along with the mental play. I enjoy so much about shibari. It’s difficult to be brief. I love the connection and intimacy that can be explored through the rope. It can be really profound. I love that the experience of being tied is different every time because how I feel changes every day. My mood and his mood, physicality and energy changes everyday so there is always something new to explore. I cannot lie with rope. Anything I am feeling will come to the surface and if I try and resist it the tie just hurts. The more I relax, let go and breath the more enjoyable it is. It’s really fun!! The floaty rope bliss feeling after is also euphoric! 

I’m a switch, so I like tying too and facilitating experiences!!

3. What has Shibari taught you about yourself?

Shibari has taught me I am stronger than I think. The physical challenge makes me feel mentally strong. I’ve learned I am like a ‘kinder surprise’ in rope. I never know what I am going to be like. It’s always a surprise. I may think I feel a certain way at the beginning but something else will arise such as laughter or tears. Shibari has taught me a new level of vulnerability and I quite enjoy being witnessed in it. I feel like I have matured and relaxed into it after years in rope. Shibari has taught me

to listen to my body in a certain way, I know what will work and what won’t work when rope is on my body.

  • 4. Shibari has a beautiful aesthetic with the intricate knots and weaving. How does it enhance sexual activity?
  • Shibari is a tool to awake and amplify an erotic charge for sure and can be very sensual. I actually think rope is the best foreplay but when it comes to sex it just gets in the way! I can tell you from practice!!

    5. Dogs or cats?

    I’m absolutely a crazy cat lady! If I was an animal I’d be a cat! Purrr xx

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