Recently, I brought Nimagras on his first adventure with me. He indicated that he had wanted to contact me for a long time but didn’t feel he was ready to submit to me — until now.

Nima is an experienced player. He had a lot to say about what he enjoyed and didn’t, and presented a level of self-awareness that I appreciate. However, in my typical fashion, probed him further in our pre-session conversation (almost twice what I allotted!) which revealed “things…that never crossed my mind”.

When he came for his session, our conversation flowed, but once we descended into my dungeon I perceived some reticence. I usually see such things as a challenge — which I gladly accept. 😉

Afterward, we were both spent.

The day after he wrote this to me:

“I left enveloped in a womb-like warmth, physically and mentally exhausted. I awoke pleasantly numb and famished.

I have a pair of day-after measures which have yet to fail.

1. It’s a great session if I felt safe enough to drop my guard, to give into the experience, and to GET OUT OF MY OWN WAY. It means that the walls enveloped us and that I trusted you to take care of everything. It means I did not have a care in the world because you were taking care of everything, and all I had to do was enjoy what you produced. It means it was a symbiotic relationship where we both got something. It’s akin to mental marriage for a few hours.

2. It’s said that a starving man will pay anything for a steak, but he has no interest in a second steak, even if it’s free. It’s a great session if I walk out so satisfied that I could not conceivably continue playing, even for free!

Together, we hit home runs on both. I’m certain I have never had a first session where both litmus tests were positive. That success is a testament to your ability to let me enjoy the roller coaster.”

Thank you, Nima. If I were to say anything, other than to thank you for your trust, it would be that while I created the roller coaster, you were the one who allowed yourself to enjoy it.

He then sent this follow-up message:

“It occurred to me last night that on a daily basis you produce such experiences to fulfill each client’s hopes and expectations. I’m awed at the mental and physical toll put upon you. Plus, you willingly carry the huge responsibility of guiding each client safely and successfully through their experience. 

I knew being a pro is hard work. Until this week, I did not have an appreciation for just how much you give of yourself. Saying thank you seems insufficient, but I sincerely thank you for putting forth such effort on the behalf of your clients.”

I appreciate this. You’re right: this is hard work. And the more you put yourself into it, the more exhausting it is — but also the more rewarding.

UPDATE: Nima sent me this a few days later:

“Still mellow and warm inside. Better than drugs. 

You have the touch.”

I’ve heard this before. 😉

Until next time…

Mistress Tissa