Tips and information on sharing a body
If you're in the Plural community long enough, you'll eventually come across individuals with questions about sharing the body or "fronting". Sharing a body may not be possible for every group, but here are some tips that could help.
Know what it means to share a body
The term "fronting" refers to the process of having access to and being in control of the body. This can happen in several ways:
There are many variations of the above. Each are valid Plural experiences. One experience is not more or less Plural than the others.
- A single individual has complete control of the body, while others in the group are nearby. Having complete control may or may not be the choice of the single fronter. It's possible the sole host is unable to move away, making it difficult for others to switch in.
- A single individual uses the body, yet there are other presences around who influence situations in small ways. This person might refer to them as 'parts of me' or 'my different moods'. Or even hear their voices and speak with them.
- Several individuals share the body regularly in a co-conscious fashion. They can each use the body and then leave when they wish.
- Several individuals share the body, yet they are not co-conscious. They are not completely aware of one another or may experience moments of memory loss while a different person uses the body.
- Individuals may temporarily merge thoughts or consciousness while sharing the body together. When they step back from the body, they are separate once again.
There are many variations of the above. Each are valid Plural experiences. One experience is not more or less Plural than the others.
What is it like to "front" or body share?
Depending on who you talk with, the answer can vary. Fronting can feel:
- Familiar for a 'host' or 'main' who claims body ownership, knowing they belong in the body.
- Like borrowing someone's car and growing accustomed to the vehicle's differences.
- Fuzzy, foggy, surreal, like a dream, or not being completely present.
- Routine for individuals who have used their shared bio-body together for many years.
- Like nothing more than using a shell that belongs to no one.
- Important as a way for everyone to have access to life on this side of the body.
Wearing a mask
For some groups, "fronting" is the act of stepping into an identity that is not their own. Some liken it to wearing a costume or a mask. If the group is not out or public about their Plurality, their mask might involve taking on a Singlet identity. A Singlet identity is when a Fronter becomes the body's outward identity, no matter which individual is using the body. Some groups feel comfortable 'playing Singlet', since it helps maintain a single, consistent set of traits and actions to use while in class, at work, or around family and friends. A Singlet mask can be intentional or a filter might be in place that prevents group members from behaving in a Plural manner while around others.
Difficulties
Using a shared body can come with its own set of difficulties. Every group has their own personal hurdles to overcome. Here are a few of the most common:
- Dysphoria is a common uncomfortable experience for many. Using a body that does not match gender, age, appearance, or species creates stress and can keep many in a group away from using the body at all.
- Pretending to be someone you are not is a large part of hiding Plurality from others. It can be lonely when you are unable to share who you truly are - even with your own friends.
- Becoming "stuck" in the body. For various reasons (stress, medication), an individual may be unable to leave the body, even though it was easy for them previously.
- Unable to hide noticeable and unique traits, such as: accent, manner of speech (for a child), or obviously different likes/dislikes.
- Parceling enough time so everyone feels they are able to do what it is they wish.
- Being unable to discern who exactly is using the body in the moment. "Who am I right now?"
- Fronting solo can be lonely if someone is accustomed to sharing the body with another group mate.
What happens when someone is no longer "fronting"?
Where does a person go when they leave the body or "the front"? Here are a few possibilities. They may:
- Step back into a headspace that is the mind's own creation or the creation of another group member.
- Fall into a deep sleep or not recall their own actions while another uses the body.
- Merge together with a pool of other presences or minds.
- Temporarily 'unexist' until returning to the Front or until being called upon by someone else in their group.
- Return to a location entirely outside of the body, such as another dimension or realm, where their lives continue.
Myths and misconceptions
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Examples in media
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Sharing a body in Plurality is NOT...
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Plurality may not have been intended in these examples, yet here is a glimpse of what Plurality can be like.
Jadzia Dax & The Trill in Star Trek: DS9 (body sharing) Penric in Penric's Demon by Lois McMaster Bujold (body sharing) Melanie/Wanderer in The Host by Stephanie Meyer (body sharing) Communication Stones in Stargate series (switching/body use) Jenna Rink in 13 Going On 30 (child using an adult body) Josh Baskin in Big (child using an adult body) Yue/Yukito in CardCaptor Sakura (non co-conscious mind-sharing) |
Tips and suggestions on how to Front and body share
Now that you've learned more about body sharing and Fronting, what are some ways this can be accomplished? Here are a few ideas that may help with leaving the Front, becoming better able to share the body together (co-front), or possibly allowing another group mate to move closer so they are able to control the body themselves. Remember: Not every group member may have the capability to front, leave the front, or use the body. Some Plural types may find it a little more difficult than others. Ability to front or leave the front does not make one group more or less Plural than another.
Techniques and suggestions:
Techniques and suggestions:
- Meditation - meditation relaxes the body and relieves stress, making it easier to perhaps step up and out of the body.
- Visualization - during mediation, attempt to reach outward to see if there are others, objects or places you can explore.
- Envision - co-fronters can use the body together, like sitting in the front seat of a car, sharing the same windshield.
- Step back - when leaving the body, imagine standing from a chair and moving to the side, while the other sits.
- Favorites - discover what other group mates enjoy (music, foods), which can help bring them closer to the Front.
- Image search - finding images that are reminders of other group mates (appearance, places, symbols) can bring you closer.
- Music playlists - many groups enjoy collecting favorite music for one another (8tracks).
- Typing together - some have found communication easier while typing back and forth or leaving notes to each other.
Related terminology
A few related definitions from the Glossary.
Back - This is when someone is away from the Front, and has moved 'back' to another location.
Being Out - Being out is when an individual is currently in control of the body.
Blurring - Blurring is when several individuals are near the Front together, making it difficult for them to distinguish between each other. They will have the feeling of not entirely knowing who they are in that particular moment. Those at the Front can become blended. It is possible to not even know what name to go by, or who they really are. It can feel like one big messy puddle with eyes. It isn't always clear why this happens to some groups and not to others.
Co-conscious - Co-conscious refers to an awareness of each other. More than one individual has access to the body at the same time. Possibly so they can read together, participate in a conversation, watch television or any other activity. Some individuals are not aware of one another. They would not be co-conscious.
Co-Fronting/Co-Present - Co-Fronting is when two or more individuals are able to Front at the same time. One speaks through another Fronter while they share the body simultaneously. Or they Front together in order to take part in an event at the Front like reading, eating or having a conversation.
Cycling - Cycling occurs when many individuals switch at the the Front in a short time span. This could take place intentionally when individuals wish to write a conversation to one another or it can happen unintentionally due to a highly stressful situation.
*Also used: revolving door, being switchy
Filters - Filters are what some Plurals put in place to keep minimal contact with the others within their group while one is Fronting. This can prevent thoughts or emotions from leaking to those nearby. Filters can also be used to prevent members from behaving in a Plural way around non-Plurals. Sometimes these are unintentional filters that are difficult to bypass, because they were put in place for protection.
Back - This is when someone is away from the Front, and has moved 'back' to another location.
Being Out - Being out is when an individual is currently in control of the body.
Blurring - Blurring is when several individuals are near the Front together, making it difficult for them to distinguish between each other. They will have the feeling of not entirely knowing who they are in that particular moment. Those at the Front can become blended. It is possible to not even know what name to go by, or who they really are. It can feel like one big messy puddle with eyes. It isn't always clear why this happens to some groups and not to others.
Co-conscious - Co-conscious refers to an awareness of each other. More than one individual has access to the body at the same time. Possibly so they can read together, participate in a conversation, watch television or any other activity. Some individuals are not aware of one another. They would not be co-conscious.
Co-Fronting/Co-Present - Co-Fronting is when two or more individuals are able to Front at the same time. One speaks through another Fronter while they share the body simultaneously. Or they Front together in order to take part in an event at the Front like reading, eating or having a conversation.
Cycling - Cycling occurs when many individuals switch at the the Front in a short time span. This could take place intentionally when individuals wish to write a conversation to one another or it can happen unintentionally due to a highly stressful situation.
*Also used: revolving door, being switchy
Filters - Filters are what some Plurals put in place to keep minimal contact with the others within their group while one is Fronting. This can prevent thoughts or emotions from leaking to those nearby. Filters can also be used to prevent members from behaving in a Plural way around non-Plurals. Sometimes these are unintentional filters that are difficult to bypass, because they were put in place for protection.
Related links
How to Meditate - easy and relaxing meditation techniques for beginners
Guide to Fronting - suggestions on Fronting by Fuzzyjayling
Guide to Fronting - suggestions on Fronting by Fuzzyjayling
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