For me it would be Memoirs of a Geisha. The first time I read the book, it re-sparked the submissive fire in me that I thought I had snuffed out. There was a scene that struck me like a bolt of lightning and moved me profoundly. Sayuri was at a function at the Baron’s home and the Chairman was there. He was preparing to leave. She knelt down to assist him with his shoes. She was holding his sock covered foot in her hand and was completely thrilled with the ability to do this small service for him. She was enthralled as images of the two of them enjoying a quiet evening together while she served him tea flashed through her mind. It took a moment before she realized that she had not moved and that the Chairman was patiently waiting for her to continue. He was not annoyed or put out, but simply smiled down at her.


Her whole life was spent in training for the hopeful possibility to serve the one who her very being declared her One. The movie captured some of this, but like most movies, it is impossible to capture the depth of the desire and devotion that Sayuri had for the Chairman.

Mameha, her sister geisha, also said something to her that rang true with me. It seems to fit my mindset as a submissive because I often relate being a submissive to being a geisha.

“Remember, geisha are not courtesans. And we are not wives. We sell our skills, not our bodies. We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word "geisha" means artist and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.”

To be a submissive is to be a living, breathing work of art. Ever learning, ever molding. Meant to bring beauty, joy and peace to the one we serve.

That’s my inspiration, what’s yours?

(FYI - This in no way implies that those who are wives and submissives are not true submissives. Mameha was discussing geishas who rarely ever became wives.)

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