Where I am Led - Part 17 - Kindness (by Julala)

Kindness....

How do you see kindness fitting into D/s?  Some might say it is a sign of weakness for a Dominant to show kindness to their submissive.....but thankfully most recognise that it is a sign of strength and integrity in anyone...whether they be Dominant or submissive.

As a submissive...when your Owner/Dominant does something kind for you....do you feel empowered, elated, and cherished....or do you feel unworthy or like the dynamic is disturbed in some way? 

Are Dominants and submissives generally kind to each other? i.e. Dominants kind to other Dominants, submissives kind to other submissives.  Or perhaps it has nothing to do with roles or lifestyle (as with many other aspects) and just to do with individuals.  Is it harder to be kind when jealousy and/or insecurities surface?  Is it fear that forms a barrier to someone offering kindness? Or just the scars from past wounds suffered by the hand of someone else's unkindness?  Do you think people can be naturally and inherently cruel?  or can it only be an acquired affliction?

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.”

― Kahlil Gibran

How do you feel when someone is unkind to you? or someone around you?  Have you been guilty of being unkind to someone?  Do you wish you could show more kindness?

“How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.” 

― Steve Maraboli

Can you remember a time when someone showed you great kindness or perhaps you remember being kind to someone and how it made you feel.

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.” 

― Mother Teresa

As always, as time allows we will also ponder some "thoughts for the day" and this week we will consider how important is it for you to have similar ethical values as you partner? and time permitting we will also consider being honest with yourself.

These Monday discussions are using the service exploration workbook "Where I am Led" by Christina Parker as a point of reference. However, you do not need to have read or even seen the book to fully participate in the discussion.

Everyone welcome. Please do join us on Monday (21st January) at 12pm SLT at the Temple of Discussion on Respect sim. Discussion is voice led but text also very welcome.