On Mastery and Balance
M/s is fundamentally and overtly imbalanced. Master or Mistress commands, slave obeys; M's pleasure, slave's plain; slave endures much if it gives Owner even a little. But, I believe balance must be reflected in the M's control and care of a slave, so as to maintain the slave's well-being and ability to serve. There must also be balance between the need to keep the slave in his or her place, and the need to maintain their state of mind; the harsh with the gentle. I said this in a conversation recently: "I think the ideal Master/slave relationship is one in which He must be careful what He asks of her, because she will do it." When submission and obedience are deeply inspired and active, it is both wonderful and perilous. The slave will push herself or himself to be pleasing, sometimes past the point of mere discomfort into places that are potentially unsafe. The Owner of a slave has the duty to balance Their pleasure, the things They desire from the slave, against the slave's well-being. I see this as an absolute moral duty; it's also a pragmatic good from the perspective of a Slaveowner, as a broken-down slave is unable to serve as effectively! It's in the Owner's best interest that Their property be kept in good working order. So, balance. Weighing the enjoyment They as Owner take, against the harm to the slave. Permitting (or even relishing!) a short-term detriment to the slave's well-being for Master/Mistress's enjoyment, but only in the knowledge that They as Owner will ensure the slave's longer-term health and wholeness. Allowing the slave to push herself to please Him, to reach those deep spaces, to broaden herself and her capability for Him, but balanced with a strong safety net and sense of "I've got you." Saying "This is where I am taking you; you will follow and obey, even when it is hard. And when we get there, you will be alright, because I will make sure it is so." The slap and the caress. The harsh word, and the gentle.
All in balance.
