Articles written by ShannonReilly

What is Helium

About me - ShannonReilly

I'm a 30-something college English professor with a drive to experience life and write about it.

I've recently published two books on the leather lifestyle.
Separating Fact from Fiction: The Life of a Consensual Slave in the 21st Century
Creating a Personal Protocol

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Relationships & Family > Online Dating The impact of online dating on traditional courtship: 4 of 25
The Internet has had a profound affect on nearly every aspect of our lives. Courtship and dating have been changed forever by the advent on online dating services.In the days before the Internet's pervasive hold on our lives people went out and met other people in person. It was difficult to pretend you were someone you weren... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Pagan & Earth-Based Religions Creating Abundance: 2 of 11
As economic times get tougher all around, many people come to me to ask how to create an environment of abundance in their lives. I usually remind them, first, that abundance can take many forms. It isn't just money that creates abundance, but also friends, family and colleagues. Before you seek abundance in your life, be sur... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Astrology & Prophecy Testimonies: Conducting a tarot reading: 1 of 5
Conducting a tarot reading is a different experience for every reader, and sometimes for every client for the same reader. Because so much of the reading is reading the client, you need to start each reading by being open to the client and his or her needs and expectations.I am an intuitive tarot reader in more than one way. ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: His chair: 26 of 82
His ChairThe sight of it brings memories of days long pastThe feel of it, a comfort in the nowHis chair stands emptyFilled only with his spiritYet how often can I glanceOr walk past it quicklyAnd see him sitting thereHis smile broadHis arms open in welcomeOne hand pats his lapI sit slowly, carefullyAbsorbed in his chair More..
Relationships & Family > Romance & Sexuality Assessing the BDSM lifestyle: 5 of 11
Relationship DynamicsThe contemporary leather community has nearly as many relationship dynamics as it has individual members. There are, however, three generally recognized dynamics commonly found in the community. The top/bottom dynamic is often a play-based relationship dynamic. The dominant/submissive relationship dynamic... More..
Education > Distance Learning Online education: Tips for success: 3 of 6
Prior to taking an online course, it is important to consider the following. First, online courses are often more difficult than face-to-face courses. Second, online courses will often take more of your time than a face-to-face course. And third, online course will require you to be self-motivated and self-disciplined in ways... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Ethnicity & Gender (Other) Defining and understanding the importance of slavery: 1 of 1
What is a Slave?A question came up on an email list to which I belong regarding whether or not I define myself as a slave. The querrent who asked the question did so, not in a confrontational manner, but in a way that did set my teeth on edge. Specifically, they were questioning their own definition of slave and commented tha... More..
Relationships & Family > Relationships & Family (Other) The power exchange in the BDSM lifestyle: 1 of 1
What is a Power SlaveElcca, a community leader, mentioned the term "power slave" to me as she edited my book, Separating Fact from Fiction: The Life of a Consensual Slave in the 21st Century. The idea behind the term has stayed with me since that time.A power slave is a man or woman who identifies as slave while maintaining a... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Chain reactions: 29 of 54
Chain ReactionsThe phone rings, you check to see who callsIt's Mom, she probably wants to chatYou check the clock, confirm you have time and answer the phoneNo moment after this will ever be the sameThe test was wrong, the doctors rushThings are worse than we knewWe don't know for sureThey won't tell us moreMore tests, more n... More..
Relationships & Family > Couple Communication Why thinking before you speak is important in a relationship: 25 of 42
I am sure that at some point in your life you spoke before thinking and wished to be able to take back those words. If the thoughtless speech was done in the presence of someone you care for, I'm sure you learned the damage such speech can do.Clear, concise communication takes time and effort. I know that often my first respo... More..