by Hermes Solenzol

Borrowing from the name of a popular website, I fucking love science! I fell in love with science when I was a pre-teen and have studied it ever since. These days I make a living doing scientific research on the physiology of pain, which is kind of convenient for a sadomasochist. I have written several articles on how neuroscience can be used to explain the altered states of consciousness, good or bad, that we reach when we practice BDSM.

However, a BDSM scene is a work of art, not science, not technology. A work of art is something unique that is created using special skills and reflects the personality and creativity of the artist. In contrast, technology is something that is done always the same way, that can be replicated, that can be performed by different people by following a given recipe. Likewise, a scientific experiment should be able to be replicated by any scientist following the methodology of the original experiment.

Awed by the challenge of managing a submissive in a complex scene, a beginner top is tempted to look for recipes, step-by-step formulas to do a scene. That is why when such formulas are given on the web they encounter an instant success… “First flog for 5 minutes a low intensity; wait 10 minutes and then flog at higher intensity for another 5 minutes… Your bottom will have a tremendous endorphin release!” Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. Even science says that. The brain of every person is wired in slightly different ways and releases different neurotransmitters in response to pain. Personal history matters. Communication matters. Emotional report matters. Every-fucking-thing matters!

Sorry, there are no shortcuts, no ready-made formulas to a good scene. It’s a fucking work of art!

Of course, skill does matter. Nobody can paint a masterpiece without knowing how to use the paints and the brushes. Nobody can write a decent novel without knowing grammar, character creation and plot development. Likewise, nobody can do a good scene without knowing how to use that flogger, how to tie that knot, how to mind-fuck that submissive. But technical skills are not enough. The top needs to weave the scene from negotiation to aftercare, being mindful of every small detail, putting all the focus on the bottom. The most valuable skill of all is to read the bottom, to know exactly what he is feeling. Not only that, but the top has to control her own mental state, which like the bottom’s is going to go through an altered state of consciousness (if things are done right, of course).

And, just like in any work of art, the most important thing is the beauty that comes out of all of it. A great scene is something to behold, it gives you goosebumps, puts a knot in your throat and brings tears to your eyes – even if you are just watching!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Based in Los Angeles, California, Hermes Solenzol is a neuroscientist, and has been doing research on pain for several decades. In particular, he has been investigating endorphin release in rats. He has been a sadist for as long as he can remember and active in the scene for several decades.

Much of his writing is published in Spanish at Sexo, ciencia y espíritu, but there’s a great collection of articles on his English site, Sex, science and spirit. Along with a lot of BDSM wisdom, you’ll find thoughts on polyamory, communication, psychology and love.

He’s currently translating his first erotic novel from Spanish to English.