Rubberism, Rubberization, and Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays- Rubber-Space

Rubberism, Rubberization, and Rubber-Space: A Series Of Critical Essays
Rubber-Space

This part has been a long time in coming, and I apologize for the delay in producing it. That being said, on with finishing these essays up!

As I mentioned in the previous essay, the process of rubberization is one of slow, gradual, and incremental acclimation and eventual transformation. The ultimate end to all of this, is something that I like to call "Rubber-Space".

Before I get into the specifics of "Rubber-Space", and the meat of this essay, I do want to take some time to make a few things clear. While I will explain the concept of "Rubber-Space", be advised that the explanation comes from my own personal experiences and the research I have done in regards to conversing with other Rubberists. I also don't mean to insinuate a sense of elitism inasmuch that "THIS is what Rubber-Space is. And, THIS is the ULTIMATE goal of any TRUE Rubberist. If you don't see it that way, then YOU are WRONG."

As I mentioned before, the goals of each fetishist differ from person to person, as does the steps they take to achieve that goal. I am merely stating that in any fetishistic endeavor undertaken by those that see it as a "lifestyle" as opposed to "just kinky sex", there exists this desire to push and expand one's own limits, and to achieve some sort of "other-planar" experience or state of mind. Most know the term as "Sub-Space" (for submissives), "Dom/me-Space" (for Dominants), or "Head-Space" (a more or less all-encompassing term). Again, while each of these "spaces" are exclusive to each person, and different across the fetish board- there exists some similarity between them all.

As evident by both the title of this series of essays, and the directions they have taken I am choosing to focus on the concept of "Rubber-Space" as opposed to its description. This concept is explained as I define it, not only through my own personal experiences but also the experiences that have been recounted to me by other Rubberists.

I see Rubber-Space as more than a simple "state of mind". Or rather, I see one's "state of mind" as merely a facet, more specifically a transition or series of transitions to a state of being. The state of mind is important, and the transition between these states are important and deeply meaningful and powerful- but still it is not the ultimate aim. These changes in mental states, or mental perceptions are the stepping stones toward a state of being.

Perhaps now would be a good time to differentiate between my definition of a "state of mind" and a "state of being". To me, a "state of mind" is nothing more than a mood, or a feeling, or an altered perception. It is more akin to a person becoming apprehensive, or frightened when watching a horror movie; feeling upbeat and content on a bright sunny day. Essentially, some sort of external stimulus results in an altered "state of mind".

It is these states of mind that result in an individual being more receptive to their surroundings which in turn affect their physical urges, their emotions. In short, these changes in states of mind can be seen as the process of Rubberization. Perhaps the best way to explain it would be to offer an example:

A rubber-submissive begins to be progressively layered in rubber; first a catsuit, then the gloves and hood, next a gasmask. They are then placed in bondage; a simple 'self-hugging' straitjacket, a slip on leg binder. Next comes the inner layer of an inflatable sleepsack, then the inflation.

With each addition, the submissive moves farther and farther away from 'itself' but still maintains a degree of consciousness about its true identity. It merely becomes more receptive of its feelings of submission, its feelings of sexuality and becomes increasingly accepting of these feelings. It becomes more aware of the Rubber; the tightness, the feel, how it must look. Each new level of realization is the direct result of a higher ascension, the mark of another transition from, between, and to another state of mind.

A "state of being" is similar to a "state of mind", only much more... comprehensive, much more all encompassing. A change in one's 'state of being' is an entire departure from the realization of what one was, a total transformation to what one is. It is akin to... a state of suspended disbelief. One becomes totally immersed into the scene, into one's own self. Everything else falls away. The submissive is no longer a "person in a rubber suit, made to look like a rubber doll", they are the rubber doll. The Dominant is no longer "a person dressed in rubber attire, playing with their partner, playing the part of bizarre, twisted Rubber Dom/me. They simply are.

If changes in states of mind (rubberization) is the journey, then the total change in being (Rubber-Space) is the destination. Again, perhaps an all encompassing example, from my (the submissive's) point of view, would better explain the notion.

(Picking up where the last example left off):
An indeterminate time has passed. The submissive has progressed through various states of mind. The discomfort of stringent bondage has set in. The frustration of being unable to relieve that discomfort grows. The frustration feeds a feeling of both hopelessness and anger. Somewhere along the line, these two emotions mix with the pure, dripping, sexuality of it all and morph into another feeling altogether. The inevitable paradox of bondage. The submissive wants release... while still relishing in the frustration of getting that desire denied.

Eventually, the cycle begins to blur. At first at a slow speed, as one transitions from one state of mind to another. But, at some point these transitions no longer occur. No longer can emotions and feelings be distinguished from one another. Everything melds together into a blur, and coalesces. No longer are feelings, or emotions, or perceptions "triggered", and then passed. They are summed together to create a new existence, creating something else entirely, a new "state of being".

In this altered state of being, everything simply melts away. All that is left is acceptance (reluctant or willing) of what they have become, and ultimately being perfectly content with it.

Of course, this altered state of being is temporary. At some point, it slowly begins to fade; either out of necessity (time constraints when playing, physical things which must be attended to, etc) or simply because the mind and body slowly experience disconnect. No longer are they one, together, holding this new existence together, but are instead slowly moving apart. It is this movement, that defines Rubber-Space's temporality.

Of course-the goal is to remain in this altered state of being for as long as possible. And, why shouldn't it? Why should one want to move from an entirely different, new state of being back to the hum-drum, ho-hum person they were before?

The question is... how? How does one prolong that feeling? How long can it be obtained?

I feel that, with hard work and personal sacrifice it can be obtained constantly. No longer will the change in the state of being, occupation of this Rubber-Space be temporary. Instead, it will overwhelm and trump the "old existence", and replace it.