Liberator asks "Can Sex Become Your Spiritual Practice?"

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Spiritual BDSM on the Interwebs

Would you'd like to learn even more about our exploration of Spiritual BDSM?

Perhaps you want to share more of our journey through love, devotion and surrender?

Can't get enough of Michael and Serafina? (this one could easily tip into unhealthy obsession - been there done that - just don't go there, ok?)

Our friends and family, as well as assorted acquaintances, former lovers, buddies, pals, girlfriends, boyfriends,  and last but certainly not least, our readers (really anybody but one of our stalkers - you know who you are) are all welcome to keep up with  the folks behind SpiritualBDSM.com wherever we have a presence on these wonderful Interwebs.

We are doing our best to make that easy . . .

1. Spiritual BDSM on Tumblr
2. Spiritual BDSM on Twitter
3. Spiritual BDSM Facebook Page
4. Michael Samadhi on Facebook
5. Serafina Samadhi on Facebook
6. Spiritual BDSM on Picasa

Now please realize that I'm an old geezer, having turned two score and eight years of age earlier this year, so some of this newfangled technology is still a little bit foreign.  That's much more the case for Twitter than it is for Facebook, Picasa or Tumblr.  

Facebook I know too well.  I got talked into playing Mafia Wars on Facebook back when the game was first released.  It took me a while before I realized what a tremendous waste of time that game can become, I had a character built up to level 2000+.   Eventually, realizing I'd never write if I continued to play, I swore off Mafia Wars and deleted the account.  

C'est la guerre!

Tumblr is intuitive even for the technologically challenged, I've got no real problems there either.  For months now I've been following the Gucci Slut and Lil' Miss Spanky Pants and a couple of other tumbloggers.  

Picasa is automatically linked to my original blogger account, so that part of the setup couldn't be easier.  I do feel a little chagrined to admit, however, that it took me a month of blogging before I realized Picasa was where my blogger pictures were being uploaded, or that I already had an account there. Doh!

Although the majority of words are obviously enough in my native tongue, theoretically that is English, some posts on Twitter are beyond simple intuitive comprehension.  When it seems like every fifth letter is an @ or a # - that's when I start to zone out and go into Charlie Brown mode - "Blah blah blah blah, blah blah blah, BLAH!"

rope sample packs from TwistedMonk.com

Are you just getting started playing with Shibari or Love Bondage, but having a hard time deciding what kind of rope to use?

Perhaps you are worried about natural fiber ropes and their potential to set off skin allergies?

Maybe you've noticed that natural fiber rope for Shibari/Love Bondage is expensive, and you want to be sure it's what you want before committing to a significant purchase?

What about folks who already own some nice rope for playful restraint, but are looking to add some specialized or exotic rope to their toybag?

There's one simple answer for all those questions - grab some rope sample packs from either one of a pair of the BDSM world's most respected rope makers - Twisted Monk and Maui Kink.  Problem solved!

TwistedMonk.com's Hemp Rope Samples 

For today's posting, we will detail the contents of the two sample packs offered by TwistedMonk.com - the Classic Hemp Rope Sample Pack, and the Exotic Rope Sample Pack.  Each sells for the nominal price of $2.49.

The classic sample pack has every size and standard color of Monk's own premium hand conditioned hemp rope offerings, garnering you multiple 6" lengths of his 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm diameter rope.

Those hemp rope samples will come in a variety of colors: Natural, Black, Crimson, Statutory Grape, and finally Sex and Violet.  I looked but could find neither Statutory Grape nor Sex and Violet on the artist's standard issue color wheel, but I can assure you the rope produced in those colors look stunning.

When I recently discarded of all the bondage rope collected and used in past relationships, I purchased the Monk's Kit to give my toychest a good basic selection of quality hemp rope.   I will be detailing and reviewing that purchase in the very near future here at SpiritualBDSM.com, but it shouldn't be too much of a spoiler to announce here that Serafina and I choose Sex and Violet for our rope's color.

Silk, Bamboo, and "OMG this is Hemp" Exotic Rope Samples from TwistedMonk.com

Twisted Monk's exotic kit has samples of his other more unusual rope products.  I would have said the exotic kit contains his non-hemp offerings, but among the exotics are yet two more varieties of hemp, "Bavarian Blonde" and "OMG this is Hemp?"

If Monk's regular offerings are considered to be premium quality hand conditioned hemp rope, the Bavarian Blonde rope would have to be called a super premium rope.  Instead of three twisted strands of hemp cordage, this German made rope has four strands, and it's twisted more tightly.  I'd guess it's stronger than an equivalent three strand rope, and it's tight four strand twist gives it a slightly different look and feel.  Very nice!

"OMG this is Hemp?" is unique to my personal experience, a lovely white hemp rope that is somewhat reminiscent of the white cotton clothesline I used for bondage back in the 1980's, at least in it's looks. The rope has a very touchable quality, it's soft and supple with a smooth feel.  Far superior to any cotton rope I've ever handled.  I'll be adding a few lengths of this rope to the Samadhi House toychest soon, so an in depth review should follow here in the not too distant future.

When speaking of a "touchable" rope for Shibari and bondage, the Handspun Bamboo sample from Monk is, without a doubt, the softest and most sensual rope I've ever handled.  Serafina enjoys just running her fingers up and down the length of the sample, it's really that good.  It's my understanding that bamboo fibers have a natural antibiotic property, and that bamboo rope washes well, making this the perfect tool for use in more intimate ties.  Another sure future purchase!

Rounding out the array of exotics from Twisted Monk's sample set are Handspun Silk and Handspun Silk and Bamboo ropes.

Surprisingly, the silk rope isn't as soft as the Handspun Bamboo, although it's a bit softer than the "OMG this is Hemp?" sample.  The Handspun Silk seems to have a bit more stretch than the other rope, and there is a sponge like feel, more give under compression, making this another interesting and unique offering.  It may also be one of the better choices for individuals with very sensitive skin, or skin allergies.

As might be expected, the Handspun Silk and Bamboo rope feels and handles exactly like the hybrid it is.  Not as stretchy or spongy as the pure silk rope, and not quite as soft to the touch as the pure bamboo sample, it's a unique offering in it's own right.

All of a rope's different characteristics can effect their best intended use, and no single rope is best for all uses, so what might seem at first to be an overwhelming variety is really in practice something more akin to an artist's palette.  To the bondage or Shibari master, each is a potential tool for them to work their own rope art and magic, with their desirability dependent on the artist's unique vision.

If the look of white rope is important for aesthetics, or for taking pictures in the style of vintage bondage and fetish artists like Irving Klaw, neither the Silk or the Silk and Bamboo are as bright a white as the OMG Hemp or the Bamboo ropes.  Traditional Shibari artists will probably want natural toned hemp rope, or they may even opt for another manufacturer's jute rope offering for even greater authenticity.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all of these ropes are beautiful to me in their own way.

made in China?

When purchasing adult toys there are few guarantees.  

For public health reasons, returns are almost always forbidden by local law.  I believe that even the most staunch of my libertarian friends would nod at this as an acceptable role for government regulation.  I mean who wants a used dildo? (btw - don't answer that . . . you don't want to go there . . . there are people who pay for used panties after all!)

There aren't many adult toy makers who offer any kind of meaningful warranty for their goods either, although there are a few higher end manufacturers these days offering a year or two worth of limited protection against failure.  

This also makes good sense to me, as I'd be ashamed to try and return some cheap "Johnson" made by Doc Johnson.  I'd like to think toys like that are like a really bad one night stand where it's best to cringe, walk away, and try to pretend the whole thing never happened.  Some things aren't worth returning . . . 

My wife Serafina and I recently had an experience with a warranty return on one of those higher end products.  It's a really nice piece from an established and respected European company in the $100+ price range.  The toy's name sounds a lot like a role once played by Keanu Reeves.

Please note that this particular company proudly advertises manufacturing all of it's products "in house."   That leads me to believe, for instance, that if this particular company is headquartered in Sweden, then it's gear would also be manufactured in Sweden.

Imagine my surprise then when the FedEx tracking for my warranty replacement originates in Suzhou, China.  That's not a typographical error either, as my package then transited through Shanghai to Ancorage before making it to the mainland USA and towards the humble abode we call Samadhi House.

Ooops!  In a day and age when good numbers of Chinese exports are discovered to be tainted with toxic chemicals, heavy metals, or poisons like diethylene glycol, I really do my best to avoid purchasing most products that wear the "Made in China" label.  

I'm also concerned about the common use of forced labor (i.e. political and religious prisoners) in Chinese manufacturing.  Estimates of the total number of Chinese political and religious prisoners run as high as six or eight million.  Some of those folks are imprisoned simply for their faith, a disturbing thought for a blog author who believes that BDSM can be a spiritual activity.

I knew a girl who wouldn't accept a $10,000 engagement ring without certification.  She had to know it was not a "blood diamond" used to fund some evil insurgent or warlord before ever wearing it.  Her poor naive fiance had to return the first ring he bought her!

Do you really think  folks like her are going to take kindly to the possibility that the "Sweedish" toy humming in their vagina was "Made in China", let alone that it might be some kind of "prisoner dildo" fostering Communist repression?

Somebody's got some 'splainin to do!

vendor - WyredSlave.com

In the BDSM community a submissive's collar is a very potent and meaningful symbol.

Some would equate the collar's meaning as being similar to a wedding ring in significance.  It could be argued that a submissive's collar is, in fact, more significant than a wedding band, as it signals a level of commitment far beyond what is experienced or expected in most traditional marriages.

So why is it that wedding bands are made to be a permanent symbol of a couple's love, but there's no similar standard for the collars that adorn a submissive?

When will we see collars that reflect the importance of their symbolism, with an equal measure of permanence, beauty, and quality in their construction?

Yes, I've discovered there is a real answer to what previously would have been rhetorical questions.  The answer is - Wyred Slave.

The fine folks over at Wyred Slave produce slave collars that are both beautiful and permanent.  Just like a wedding band, a Wyred Slave Collar can be worn everyday, all the time.  Their collars look great, lock securely, and are still discrete enough to wear out and about in front of family, neighbors, and friends.

Did I mention that Wyred Slave collars are also made of hypoallergenic materials?  Yes, that is true too.

We really have discovered a beautiful collar that's not afraid of showers and shampoos.  It won't discolor, or corrode.  Those are not details to be overlooked lightly, especially for an individual like my Serafina who's skin reacts poorly with most metals.  

We are talking uber cool slave collars . . .

So, here's the Wyred Slave story in their own words:

Wyred Slave is run by a life-style couple who have many combined years experience in our chosen world.

Wyred Slave started life when we searched thoroughly but failed to find a collar to suit our needs.  We were looking for a locking metal collar that not only didn't cost a mortgage payment, but if it was affordable didn't then fall apart within minutes.

It had to not only look good and be functional as a collar, but also be discrete enough to wear on a daily basis in front of family and friends.

Finally it also had to be kind to skin and not bring out a nasty rash when worn for long periods of time... I usually only have to look at some metals and can react badly! 

Obviously we struggled... so we made one of our own.

We realised there must be other people out there looking for the same thing... so we started with the basic criteria: good looking, affordable, wearable designs that have an excellent reputation for being well-made.... and up to the job.

The first collar design to be made was the 4mm Plain Band... which was picked up by one of our (now) regular customers who showed it to a southern lifestyle company called Him n Hers.

They liked the product so much they ordered some for their website. 

At that point we didn't even have a business name let alone a name for the range despite them already selling on ebay and through word of mouth.

After much discussion and a spark of creativity we decided to call ourselves Wyred Slave. The wyred is two-fold... our original design was using metal rope - or wire - and we live on the Wyre Coast - so here we are

The couple that are Wyred Slave, Jason and Lorii, are a true joy to work with when making a purchase.

A metal collar of this sort is a piece of precision jewelry, proper fit is essential, and it was very clear from our own shopping experience that Lorii will check and double check an order's details to make sure it is 100% correct before it goes to Jason's workbench.

In addition to a number of different styles of collars, Wyred Slave also offers wrist and ankle cuffs, as well as beautiful waist belts, that are a perfect match for their collars.

Want a matching leash or lead?  They make those too.

There's even a line of delicately engraved items, presentation tins, and other accessories, all of it very beautiful, custom designed, and made to order.

Wyred Slave may be located in the U.K., but international orders aren't any problem either.  A good percentage of their business comes from "across the pond", so they are experienced and efficient in shipping orders to the U.S. and worldwide.

Serafina absolutely loves her Wyred Slave collar.  We put it on for a test fit three months ago, and it never made it back off of her neck until she had to travel internationally last week.  Not knowing how authorities might react to an item that can't easily be removed, she reluctantly removed the collar.

Now, before I lock it back around her neck, I can have my slave/wife shoot some of our own pictures to accompany it's upcoming toychest review here at Spiritual BDSM.

DISCLAIMER - Michael and Serafina Samadhi are not associated or affiliated with Wyred Slave in any manner, shape, or form.  We have not, and do not expect to receive any compensation or consideration in return for this posting.  We are simply satisfied customers who wish to share our experiences with friends and readers of this blog.  

All images associated with this post are property of Wyred Slave.  Images are used here for demonstration and review purposes only.

What is Darlex?

Darlex holds you tight and keeps you that way.

Although commonly spelled Darlex, the fabric more properly known as Darlexx® is a Shawmut Mills sports performance fabric originally designed for use in products such as gloves, boots, hoods and ski apparel.  It's specifically designed to keep a person, "Warm when the environment is cold and cool when the environment is hot." 

Now also used for a nice range of fetish and bondage garments, Darlex is a versatile fabric made up of two layers of Spandex fused together around a very thin layer of synthetic rubber (also known as a proprietary thermoplastic film laminate.)  

Here's the product description courtesy of Shawmut Corporation's website:

Darlexx® Stretch Barrier Laminates
Darlexx® is an omni-directional spandex warp knit with a layer of a highly breathable elastic monolithic membrane. Windproof, waterproof, and breathable, Darlexx® provides solutions across a broad spectrum of end-product applications, such as warm water diving suits, ski racing suits, clean room hoods, boots, and gloves.

How did I ever live without a "monolithic membrane"?  

I certainly hope the Shawmut Corporation's research and development department was behind that description.  If it was the company's advertising department, I suspect that a Don Draper like character would have all belongings from their desks packed into a cardboard box.

Let's try again, this time quoting darlexx.com:

NEXT GENERATION DARLEXX CAN TAKE YOU BEYOND THE LIMITS OF YOUR IMAGINATION.

Experience the feelings of being covered from head to toe with superior elasticity, recovery and comfort. With gloves, boots, hoods, ski apparel, wet suits and more -- Darlexx does it all.

You probably already know Darlexx as the "miracle" stretch fabric that keeps you warm when the environment is cold and cool when the environment is hot. Next generation Darlexx Fabrics is four times more breathable and consistently more elastic.

Never before has there been a sports performance fabric with such unmatched diversity. So dive, pedal, ski and sweat to your heart's content.

New Darlexx - it's the only performance fabric that won't quit before you do.

Now that's some terrific ad copy worthy of the old wizards of Madison Avenue.

No, that's not a can of tennis balls in my pants pocket.  Yes, I'm already excited just thinking about buying some Darlexx, aren't you?

All kidding aside, Darlex can be an attractive fabric for fetish wear. It's performance is somewhere between leather and spandex, and so is it's price.

The fabric is cooler and more breathable than leather, neoprene, or latex. It's elasticity, recovery and durability are all significantly superior when compared to spandex.

Darlex can feel very restrictive for the submissive encased in it's tight grasp, yet still be comfortable enough for extended wear.

The Darlex Hood we recently purchased from WinterFetish.com is really much nicer than the lace up leather hood that has inhabited my toychest for more than a decade.

I'm very excited about adding several more Darlex items to the collection of fetish and BDSM gear here at Samadhi House.  Next on my wishlist, the Darlex Straightjacket Dress as illustrated to the right of this post.

It's a stylish straightjacket and a restrictive hobble skirt put together in a single package.  

Va-va-voom!

PS - Don't you want to tickle those toes?

All images associated with this post are property of Darlexx and/or Winter Fetish.  Images and Trademarks are used here for education, demonstration, and review purposes only..

vendor - WinterFetish.com

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