Workshops For Protecting the Ties That Bind
Being True to Yourself - Being Authentic
Presented by Daddy Sal and boyjean.
Our weekend begins with explorations and discoveries. In our first workshop we will explore what we each, as individuals, value. We will talk about our passions and our goals and we will begin to ask questions. What is the path that is right for me? What does it take to find the real me? Why bother? And, what does this all have to do with making a good D/s relationship?
Our weekend begins with explorations and discoveries. In our first workshop we will explore what we each, as individuals, value. We will talk about our passions and our goals and we will begin to ask questions. What is the path that is right for me? What does it take to find the real me? Why bother? And, what does this all have to do with making a good D/s relationship?
The Art of Communication in a D/s Dynamic
Staying cool when things get tricky, presented by Allie Gatto.
This workshop will encourage us to understand the mechanics of effective communication in D/s relationships. We will experience and show how assumptions can derail communication, how to approach difficult conversations without being angry or defensive, practice deep listening skills, and understand a process for resolving conflicts.
This session will be highly interactive as well as reflective. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of times when communication has been difficult or unsatisfying in the past
This workshop will encourage us to understand the mechanics of effective communication in D/s relationships. We will experience and show how assumptions can derail communication, how to approach difficult conversations without being angry or defensive, practice deep listening skills, and understand a process for resolving conflicts.
This session will be highly interactive as well as reflective. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of times when communication has been difficult or unsatisfying in the past
D/s Disasters and How to Avoid Them
Presented by Guy Baldwin and Patrick Mulcahey.
Masters: You’ve got the boots. The slave is collared. She’s got her orders. How come she’s so surly? slaves: You’ve got your slave heart, your high and low protocol, your "Sir, yes Sir, thank you Sir!" How come Master doesn’t appreciate anything you do? You come together to discuss it and without warning you’re looking at the end of everything. How did that happen? Is there a way back?
Nothing can be more rewarding than the D/s – M/s relationship, but there’s no operating manual to consult when somebody lies, when somebody’s sick, when a scene goes terribly wrong; when the household is uprooted, or enlarged; when Master can’t seem to be bothered; when a slave says "No", or worse.
This will be a discussion of the presenters relationship disasters and yours, looking at practical strategies for setting ourselves right again, when it can be done. Alas, sometimes the ship sinks. Since pain is perhaps the greatest teacher, the discussion may also look at the shipwrecks we’ve learned from and never want to repeat.
Masters: You’ve got the boots. The slave is collared. She’s got her orders. How come she’s so surly? slaves: You’ve got your slave heart, your high and low protocol, your "Sir, yes Sir, thank you Sir!" How come Master doesn’t appreciate anything you do? You come together to discuss it and without warning you’re looking at the end of everything. How did that happen? Is there a way back?
Nothing can be more rewarding than the D/s – M/s relationship, but there’s no operating manual to consult when somebody lies, when somebody’s sick, when a scene goes terribly wrong; when the household is uprooted, or enlarged; when Master can’t seem to be bothered; when a slave says "No", or worse.
This will be a discussion of the presenters relationship disasters and yours, looking at practical strategies for setting ourselves right again, when it can be done. Alas, sometimes the ship sinks. Since pain is perhaps the greatest teacher, the discussion may also look at the shipwrecks we’ve learned from and never want to repeat.
Dealing with Change in the D/s Dynamic
Presented by Race Bannon.
Relationships are not static. Change is inevitable whether it is
because we change as individuals or our circumstances change or
something dramatic happens to change our lives in ways we can't
predict. How do we deal with change in the context of D/s
relationships when the assumptions of structure and authority may no
longer be valid? This workshop will explore ways to negotiate the
sometimes muddy waters of changing dynamics within our D/s relationships.
Relationships are not static. Change is inevitable whether it is
because we change as individuals or our circumstances change or
something dramatic happens to change our lives in ways we can't
predict. How do we deal with change in the context of D/s
relationships when the assumptions of structure and authority may no
longer be valid? This workshop will explore ways to negotiate the
sometimes muddy waters of changing dynamics within our D/s relationships.
Talking Circles
An interactive discussion where the attendees will have the opportunity to annonymously ask whatever question on whatever topic of the panelists. Questions can be submitted on notecards throughout the day. The attendees will be responsible for organizing the questions, appointing a moderator, and asking the questions in whatever order they decide.
The panelists will include the presenters and the Leather Traditions staff.
The panelists will include the presenters and the Leather Traditions staff.
Protecting Each Other - Before, During and After
Our relationships do not enjoy the legal protections of more
mainstream relationships, which means that we must take
responsibility for protecting ourselves. This panel will explore
potential solutions and coping mechanisms for some of the more
intricate issues of how we can protect ourselves and each other while
negotiating a new relationship, while in one, or in the event of
dramatic change such as illness or death, or simply the end of a relationship.
mainstream relationships, which means that we must take
responsibility for protecting ourselves. This panel will explore
potential solutions and coping mechanisms for some of the more
intricate issues of how we can protect ourselves and each other while
negotiating a new relationship, while in one, or in the event of
dramatic change such as illness or death, or simply the end of a relationship.