Private Parts Unknown: Sex & Love Around the World The Power, Politics & Freedom of Shibari Rope Bondage with Marika Leila Roux
Apr 14, 2021
Marika Leila Roux, a Berlin-based Shibari practitioner and co-founder of Shibari Study, dives into the fascinating world of rope bondage. She discusses Shibari's origins, debunking myths of ancient roots, and its evolution into a contemporary art form. Marika highlights the psychological benefits of Shibari, including mindfulness and healing, and explains key roles within the practice. She emphasizes the importance of consent and safety in rope play, and shares her personal journey from a curious learner to a passionate educator.
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Shibari Extends Beyond Sexual Play
- Shibari blends with mindfulness, circus, dance, and performance arts across styles.
- Self-tying is common for practice, acrobatic needs, or as a sensory/self-care experience.
Rope Can Be Deeply Meditative And Grounding
- Many people experience shibari like meditation: heightened focus, grounding, and emotional connection.
- It helps neurodivergent people and those with anxiety return to their body through focused touch and collaboration.
Words Matter In Rope Roles
- Vocabulary varies: rigger/rope top for the person tying and rope model/rope bottom for the tied person.
- Language choice matters because terms like "bunny" can feel exclusionary or degrading to some.