Under The Umbrella
We’ve already mentioned that many dynamics adopt a D/s (Dominant/submissive) or M/s (Master/slave) heirarchy, and the purpose is to provide stability and training for the submissive to allow them to better serve their Dominant. To achieve this goal requires discipline and disciplinary action. Today we’re going to break down some of those actions and consequences.
To establish discipline in a dynamic, you need to establish rules and guidelines for the submissive to follow as well as positive and negative consequences based on their behavior. Here’s a short list of what we’ll be discussing today:
- Protocols
- Rituals
- Tasks/Chores
- Punishments
- Praise
These are all examples of key elements to establishing and maintaining discipline in a dynamic, and can be set in place to varying degrees. Some go all out and go for a 24/7 TPE (Total Power Exchange) where the dynamic is a central part of their day to day lives, and they may spend limited time outside of the boundaries set for that dynamic. Others may not find the time or energy to maintain this kind of dynamic, and will instead adopt high or low protocols for the times they decide it will be in effect such as at home or events.
Protocols – are a set of rules and guidelines to establish discipline in the dynamic, and they are to be followed whenever they are in place. High protocol refers to a very strict set of protocols, typically requiring the submissive to require permission from the Dominant to do anything. Low protocol tends to be a little more flexible and more friendly to vanilla atmospheres, so there will be situations in many dynamics where low protocol will be adopted.
Rituals – are certain practices that are established that are routine in nature, and come in various forms. This can vary from daily tasks, to the way services are rendered, and how the submissive is expected to react to the Dominant in specific circumstances, like arriving home.
Tasks/Chores – are fairly self explanatory, and can also be ritual in nature. These are more common staples in domestic discipline oriented dynamics, but are still present in most dynamics. They are simply tasks that a submissive is expected to complete on a regular basis, like maintaining the home and other services to the Dominant.
Punishment – is a very important factor when maintaining discipline, and is meant to help correct behavior more than it is to scold the submissive. It’s meant as a deterrent from bad behavior, or poor service. This can be administered in numerous ways, and as a Dominant myself, I like the punishment to ‘fit the crime’, lol.
Praise – is often overlooked when discussing discipline, but is just as important as punishments. A submissive still needs some positive affirmation when they are performing well, and especially when they perform beyond expectations. This also helps to provide incentive for them to continue to perform well, and can be as simple as an occasional “good girl/boy”.
In D/s-M/s dynamics it’s part of the Dominant’s responsibilities to establish and maintain discipline, and the submissive is to follow those guidelines set forth. This all must be consensual, particularly when it comes to protocols and punishments, and must not exceed anyone’s limitations. All that said, maintaining discipline in a dynamic can be greatly rewarding for both sides of the slash, helping with growth and strengthening bonds of trust.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s topic, and next week we’ll be talking about Domination. This will include the many responsibilities of the Dominant in the dynamic, to both their submissive and themself.
Have a great week, have fun and play safe, folx!
