How does subspace occur, and what is it?

“How does subspace occur and what is it?” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

Subspace is a term that describes a mental state the sub enters during (or as a result of) play. You can compare it to a kind of trance. A strong sense of trust forms a solid foundation for this – on both sides.

Subspace

Subspace is a particular state of being in which the sub may feel “high” or “floaty.” It is sometimes even described as “out-of-body.” It can occur during a play session in which pain is gradually built up and the tension and intensity increase. The gradual build-up and increase in pain allow the sub enough time to fully engage in the play, both physically and mentally.

A mild experience of subspace can even arise while the sub is preparing at home for their reunion with their dominant. As the play progresses, the trance-like state deepens. Sometimes it goes so deep that a sub has trouble thinking clearly, speaking, walking, or even responding properly. At such a moment, it is especially important for the Dom to be alert and to monitor the limits themselves to know when “enough” is enough. After all, the sub is no longer capable of judging this properly on their own.

Characteristics of subspace

Symptoms of subspace may include: If you observe these in a sub, it is doubly important for the Dom to monitor the sub’s limits. The combination of a “higher pain threshold” and “lack of response” is particularly dangerous. It can also happen that a sub, from a deeper subspace, begins lashing out violently. It is therefore important to secure the sub properly to ensure your own safety.

• Intense feeling of happiness
• Difficulty moving
• Difficulty thinking and speaking clearly
• Loss of bodily control
• Confusion
• Strong emotional reactions
• No reaction (in a bubble)
• Higher pain threshold

Endorphins

Hormones play an important role in this mental state. During a pain play session with the sub, for example, the sub’s body will produce endorphins. Endorphins play a key role in reducing pain. They are, as it were, a painkiller (or natural drug) produced by the body itself. They induce a feeling of happiness and ecstasy. A link has been established between endorphins and various behavioral and mood disorders, including addictions (such as to drugs and gambling), clinical depression, schizophrenia, and other chronic conditions.

A sudden surge in endorphin levels can lead to various types of euphoric behavior, such as the intense joy athletes experience after extreme exertion, the well-known “runner’s high” among long-distance runners, or the exhilaration following participation in adventurous activities like bungee jumping.

More information

In the mind of the sub or submissive (slave)
Relationships & Roles – Theme page
Safety & hygiene – Theme page

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Photography: 123rf.com