Short Format Seminars (1 1/2 to 2 hours)

Direction, Discipline and Service: The Heart of a Master/slave Relationship

Master/slave relationships come in all sizes and shapes, but nearly all successful ones have something in common: a basic structure and philosophy that guides the relationship. Join Master Jim and slave marsha as they discuss the basics of structuring and living in a Master/slave relationship, and offer real-world advice for keeping the heart of a M/s relationship beating strong.

The Perfect Storm: Problem Solving in Master/slave Relationships

The waves rise, the winds howl -- suddenly, your Master/slave relationship is awash with problems. What do you do? Abandon ship? Batten down the hatches? In this seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha will address the kinds of problems commonly faced by those living in M/s relationships and will suggest strategies for riding out the storms. Come ready to ask about your own "perfect storms" -- significant time will be spent on your written or oral questions.

Edgeliving: Would you Die for Me?

Those who live in Master/slave relationships often find themselves on the edges of our leather/BDSM communities. Are these relationships "safe, sane and consensual?" Are they abusive? Can you go to the edge and beyond? Join Master Jim and slave marsha for a very personal discussion of the kind of relationship that often makes our community uncomfortable -- and makes all of us think about what it means to be Master and slave.

If You Meet the Master on the Road, Kill Him!

What are Masters to slaves --owner, trainer, teacher, guide, developer, self-actualizer, studen, link to the divine? What are slaves to Masters -- property, student, trainee, leader, disciple? In this seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha discuss the questions surrounding who we are and examine practical ways both the Master and the slave can move along their chosen paths. And you'll learn the answer to the question of why if you meet the Master on the road, you should "kill" him!

Protocol: A Changing of the Guard

Protocol -- is it only for the "Old Guard?" Is there a rulebook somewhere that will tell you the "right" protocol? Can developing your own protocol help support your M/s relationship? If you've ever wondered what protocol is or what it can do (and cannot do) for you, join Master Jim and slave marsha as they discuss the role and relevance of protocol in our community today.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About a Master/slave Relationship But Were Afraid to Ask

Who are these people who call themselves Masters and slaves? What is it like to live in consensual slavery? What kind of person wants to own another human being? For the first 30 minutes of this seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha will give an overview of their experience with living in a Master/slave relationship. After that, what the seminar is about is up to you! This seminar is all about your questions, so come prepared to ask and Master Jim and slave marsha will come prepared to tell.

Who Am I?: Internalizing the Master or slave Identity

For some, being a Master or slave is not role-play, but instead is a fundamental identity lived every day. Master Jim and slave marsha will lead this discussion on what it means to identify as a Master or a slave, and how to fully develop and live your identity. The seminar includes time for attendees to begin developing their own "identity statement" of who they are.

My Pleasure to Serve -- Or to be Served: The Role of Service in D/s or M/s Relationships

The idea of service strikes a chord in the hearts of many in our leather/SM community, especially those who are interested in Master/slave and Dominant/submissive relationships. This seminar addresses the reality versus the fantasy of service, why service is an essential part of a D/s or M/s relationship and some of the issues that arise around serving and being served.

The Calling: Ritual, Ceremony and Spirituality in Master/slave Relationships

Do the words ritual, ceremony and spirituality conjure up images of church for you? In fact, these concepts aren't just for church anymore! This seminar addresses how to integrate spirituality into a Master/slave or Dominant/submissive relationship and how incorporating ritual and ceremony can help strengthen, grow and bring a special depth to these relationships.   [Note:  Due to the subject matter, this seminar is not always available.  Please inquire regarding availability for your event/group.]

There's Power in the Blood: Cutting as a Part of Ritual, Ceremony and Spirituality in M/s and D/s Relationships

Throughout history, blood has been viewed as powerful and magical, a symbol of life and death. Many spiritual paths place blood and the drawing of blood at the center of their spiritual practices. "There's Power in the Blood" examines the SM practice of cutting and the very special -- even spiritual -- aspects of cutting rituals and ceremonies. While the seminar will include discussion of how to do a cutting, it also will include in-depth discussion on why to do it. You are invited to experience the power in the blood first hand by observing Master Jim and slave marsha as they conclude the seminar with a very personal ceremony that will include a ritual cutting.   [Note:  Due to the subject matter, this seminar is not always available.  Please inquire regarding availability for your event/group.]

Life on the Edges: Including Master/slave Relationships in the Greater Leather/SM Community

Many in the leather/SM community have little experience with people who live in healthy, real-life Master/slave relationships. As a result, a number of myths and misconceptions about M/s relationships have taken root in our community. Master Jim and slave marsha will explore the myths of M/s and will challenge many of the accepted views on these relationships. A central part of the discussion will address the difficulty our community has in distinguishing SM from abuse without painting M/s relationships as inherently abusive.

That's One, Sir, Thank You Sir!: The Role of Correction, Punishment and Penance in M/s Relationships

"Spank me, Sir -- i've been bad!" -- how often have we heard this, or something like it, at a dungeon party? But what about real punishment in the context of a Master/slave relationship -- punishment that is not for fun or erotic sensation, but is designed to strengthen both the slave and the Master? In this seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha address the role of punishment and the related, but different, concepts of correction ad penance as tools for growing and developing a Master/slave relationship.

Signing on the Dotted Line: Developing Petitions and Contracts for M/s and D/s Relationships

One of the keys to success in Master/slave and Dominant/submissive relationships is to insure that all parties are clear on what they're getting into. Petitions and contracts are one tool for communicating and clarifying expectations in M/s and D/s relationships. In this seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha will address the use of petitions and contracts in building a M/s or D/s relationship. slave marsha will bring her background as a practicing attorney to the discussion, to help you recognize some of the potential pitfalls in drafting contracts for your relationships.

Black and White and Shades of Gray: Ethics and Philosophy in Master/slave Relationships

LIving in a Master/slave relationship is one of the most challenging, rewarding and dangerous ways to live. Whenever one person agrees to give up control over his or her life, the possibility of life shattering experiences lurks in the shadows. Developing a philosophy as well as an ethical code is one approach to keeping your M/s relationship on track. Join Master Jim and slave marsha to discuss the whys and hows of developing a philosophy of Mastery and slavery, and an ethical code to guide you in your relationship.

Where You Go, I Will Follow: The Central Role of Obedience in Master/slave Relationships

At the core of Master/slave relationships is the promise by the slave that he or she will obey, that his or her will, heart and spirit will align with the Master's. But what does that mean? Is external obedience sufficient? How can a slave develop a heart that longs to obey? And what happens when the vow to obey conflicts with what the slave believes is "right?" "Where You Go, I Will Follow" explores these issues and more that surround the concept of obedience and that impact Master/slave relationships in everyday living.

Zen and the Art of Master/slave Maintenance

Back in the early 1970s, in the landmark book "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," Robert Pirsig explored the idea of making the pursuit of "quality" in all things the touchstone of his life. For Master Jim and slave marsha, that pursuit of quality drives their Master/slave relationship. Join them in a discussion of how to develop a philosophy for your M/s relationship, what it means to pursue "quality," how this concept can support the growth of a M/s relationship, and the rational v. romantic approach to M/s.

What You Think You Heard Is Not What I Think I Said:  Developing Functional Communication in Master/slave Relationships

Communication is the key to a healthy relationship – but what does that mean when the relationship is that of an Owner and a slave?  Is it possible to communicate openly and honestly while still maintaining your role as an Owner or a slave?  Can a slave have an opinion – or even disagree with the Owner?  How can you deal with anger and arguments in the context of a Master/slave relationship?  Through trial and error – and not a few tears -- Master Jim and slave marsha have uncovered some approaches and techniques to help those in M/s relationships communicate better, and in ways that support, rather than detract from, the M/s dynamic.

Long Format Seminars

Edgeliving: The Journey of a Master and a slave (3-4 hours)

The Journey: Walking the Path of a M/s or D/s Relationship (5 hours to 2 days)

"The Journey" offers a unique, integrated learning experience for those seeking to walk the path of Mastery and slavery or Dominance and submission. "The Journey" explores the real-life issues of structuring a Master/slave relationship, solving problems in these relationships, integrating protocol, spirituality and ritual, and the role of service. If you believe you are called to follow the path of M/s or D/s, join Master Jim and slave marsha as they embark on "The Journey."   [Note:  Due to the length and intensity of this presentation, it must be requested and planned with Master Jim and slave marsha well in advance.  Please inquire if you are interested in having "The Journey" presented in your community.]

Dreaming the Dream, Living the Reality: Building and Maintaining a Master/slave Relationship (3 hours)

You've dreamed of living in a Master/slave relationship, and now you're ready to make your dream a reality -- but how? Or perhaps you've been living in a M/s relationship for some time -- what can you do to help the relationship grow and thrive? Join Master Jim and slave marsha as they discuss these issues in "Dreaming the Dream, Living the Reality," a three hour seminar designed to help you explore the reality, the difficulty and the joy of living in a Master/slave relationship.

The first half of "Dreaming the Dream, Living the Reality" covers the need to lay a foundation for a strong M/s relationship by developing a M/s philosophy and by using tools such a contracts and protocol to bring your philosophy to life. In the second half of the seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha focus on growing and maintaining a Master/slave relationship, including the idea of ethical ownership , punishment, spirituality, and Master Jim's concept of "edgeliving." Throughout the presentation, Master Jim and slave marsha will candidly discuss the successes and setbacks, both large and small, they have experienced in building and maintaining a Master/slave relationship over the past 8 years. Be sure to bring your questions!

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