The general Winter '98

Inspiration: ?Why do we have a subculture of dominance. To give us a place to give up responsibility. Mute the issue of success or failure. Be a tool in someone else's workshop. The general first appeared in September ’98 because someone was needed to sport the epaulettes

What the general (tG) sees

The need for training- a good little wizard on shoulders checking out how we might improve our lives by doing things better.

What the general wears

Epaulettes are quite significant. Maybe it is the rank, or some pre-sumptuous fashion statement. Wakefield consultant Margaret Barker has some theories about the General's (G’s) attire.

Submitting to the G

There is always an important element of giving something up during the G's training. This usually implies giving up in the service of someone else. The general appreciates good service (Gs). But don't flaunt your kneepads - the g also emphasizes humility, and being in the background.

Having your day

Sometimes it is appropriate to serve very publicly. Or at least give the appearance of doing so. The G has one specialty in which a woman entrepreneur learns how to stroke a client's ego - a worthy service in itself - and then convinces the client to sign a contract that allows her a few days off.

Practice in real life

The G, with great respect for various religions, encourages the development of a practice of service. A morning mantra, looking for opportunities throughout the day, and some evening reflection. These can all help.

Staying up

Visit the general from time to time. Look for some innovative opportunity to serve. Seek ideas for the right invocation - the g can train you to ask most invitingly.

Understanding why

Sometimes it’s a mystery - humans seem to function best at the level of 2 mysteries per day. Don't ask why - unless the General encourages you to speculate. You will probably enjoy being told what to say for a change.

Staying

The G's training can be painful. You will feel boundaries threatened on occasion. Sometimes the G may seem to be too insistent on the same path. Understand that with daily practice you will be able to swallow more.

Metaphor

The G makes extensive use of fantasy and encourages the exploration of metaphor. Universally, trainees agree that oral sex is a very helpful focus. Most people have a vast amount of unexplored oral territory - check out the chackras.

What does the stereotype mean

The G often challenges us to examine our picture. In oral service I am encouraged to be sitting on my knees with my mouth ready. ?Any thoughts on that one. Later on I might be on top, working hard, opening up. ?What does that remind you of.

Attention

Focus on your objective of service, and how your mouth can please. Hear your instructions. Perform diligently. Suck here now.

Handling it

Sometime in the course of service we get carried away - the danger of the sexual metaphor is the arousal of the server. Sometimes our worship is fueling our own needs - we forget who we are serving. Sometimes we want to use our hands. The G encourages us to think rebelliously, and on occasion to rebel.

Discipline

The choice to include one or more modules on discipline can only be made during or after a private consultation with the G. Discipline - and here we mean punishment as a training tool - is beneficial to most people in at least small doses. The trainee needs to trust the G explicitly. The G will almost certainly penetrate some limits during each session. "Mock discipline", such as recreational bondage, is more widely used.

It is right to serve

The G encourages us to be mindful of the eight precepts of the Buddha. The precept of right livelihood is an important one these days. Right service can also transform. ?Are we prepared to be humble.

Copyright Notice © 1998 Peter Gillies