Come As You Are

Poll#9 Would you work in a clothing optional office environment?

2010-05-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

No - it would induce too many complications (5%)
Maybe - I would have to hear more about it (19%)
Yes - Sign me up! (76%)

This poll may have been a stacked deck with a Naturist audience, but is interesting in the overwhelmingly positive response. I wonder how many of the positive responses would be willing to forward resumes…

As I sit now in my shirt and tie I would really like a job where I can be at work without clothing. It would be more relaxing and allow for more creativity than the business suit. Sitting in meetings of a dozen or so people I wonder what a clothes-free meeting would be like. With Naturists I expect the same as a clothed meeting. But, what complications may arise?

If you are hanging out with your local Naturist group and a few of you say, "Hey, we should go into business together…" That is a very easy start of a Naturist office. A small business would be simple to establish and maintain. Problems arise when the business begins to grow. Both legal and social issues would have to be considered when hiring and promoting. Even if all employees were true Naturists risk increases when potential candidates are not hired (no matter what the reason) and claim discrimination, and current employees become disgruntled and claim sexual harassment. A Naturist environment would become more difficult to maintain as the company grows.

The problem stems from the courts who seem to support anyone who claims to be 'offended' for any reason and will assume that Naturism is a requirement of employment and advancement, and will consider it harassment. I am concerned that a general Naturist office, no matter how air tight the policies, signed employment agreements, and zero-harassment tolerance stance, will be at the mercy of public perception.

Also, the opportunity would depend on the type of business. Clients of an accounting firm may not want to do business with such a company out of fear on many levels. A media company that runs a Naturist website and employs moderators, web developers, reporters, business development and financial personnel, etc. may more easily maintain the image, since it is a job related activity and expected based on the subject matter.

How do other sans-clothing industries, such as adult magazines, strippers, etc get away with being without clothing at work? Simply, because they are independent contractors and not employees of the company. Under the law they are being paid to model, which allows this. These protections do not apply to a Naturist office since regular employees are not modeling. Unfortunately for society, being without clothing is considered acceptable for the purposes of entertainment, but not just to be yourself, which reinforces my experience that much of society sees other people as existing for their own amusement.

However, I also expect that if this harassment/discrimination/client perception problem were solved and a hiring company were publicly known as having a clothing-optional work environment the line of potential candidates would be longer than an American Idol audition. This would be ideal and a significant victory for Naturism. I will not solve the issue here. I may have to start a Limited Liability Company and conduct an experiment. I will venture to my favorite clothes-free spot out in the wilds and meditate on this further…

One Thing About Naturism that Everyone Understands

2010-05-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

I'm at the point in my life where it is time to move out of an apartment and buy my own home to start some projects and have enough space to build what I can envision. Of course the new castle must include an element of privacy, so I and others can relax and feel free to be ourselves. I was shown several properties, and on three sides stood 2-3 story buildings only a few feet away with windows and balconies which looked directly down into the backyard. I learned that to a real-estate agent, a 'private backyard' means that access by non-residents is restricted within the boundaries of the 4-foot cinder-block wall legally demarcating the division of properties. So I looked at this agent and said, "No." When I say private backyard I mean private enough to have a Bar-B-Que with my nudist friends. Suddenly, the agent knew exactly what I meant…

Modified Opinion

2010-05-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

I've talked to a few people recently who have made me think. I and other Naturists often talk about Naturism being a strictly non-sexual family oriented activity, and that is a true statement. However, the counterpoint people have been bringing up is that when Naturist get togethers are strictly with adults they don't necessarily want to behave formally just because they are not wearing clothes. Some people, friends of mine included, have flirty personalities, tell off-color jokes, discuss things and behave in ways that are not child appropriate when the wild bunch is together. Does this mean that they are not Naturists? No, not at all. People go to social events to have a good time in ways that they enjoy. Naturists I know are dedicated to their significant others and are in no way swingers. However, we tell some nasty jokes, discuss adult topics and swat bottoms on occasion. Not the type of behavior we would undertake when children are around, but not a brothel either. We would behave exactly the same way with clothes on. However, other adult friends would not appreciate that kind of behavior in any environment.

The point is that we Naturists should not make Naturism sound boring or restrictive, but instead stress that, to Naturists, clothed or unclothed makes no difference. The proper etiquette is to behave in a situationally appropriate manner no matter what you have or don't have draped over your body.

Beyond the Skin

2010-05-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Many people I talk to and send me e-mail say something like, "I just enjoy being without clothing. What does that have to do with psychology, technology, society or the environment?" In a word, everything… As discussed elsewhere in this blog, if you look at 'why' Naturists go without clothing, that reasoning can be extended to other aspects of life for the same reasons and for the same effect as when you walk outside or socialize with a group of people without any clothing whatsoever; It's the overwhelming satisfaction you feel from the freedom to be yourself and enjoy the world on your own terms.

Clothes are used in modern society to define status (overalls vs business suits), judge your relative worth (fashion trends) and cover your true self so that people can blend in and don't stand out from fear (the unclothed body is as intimidating to people as free speech and new ideas). Naturists shed clothes because they would rather be defined by who they are instead of what clothing defines them to be.

There is a place for clothing in the Naturist world. Naturists might put on clothing to go out into the snow. However, when they are back in the warmth they can wear as much or as little as they like without concern for what they must wear to hide themselves even when not required for protection from the elements. It is also a good idea to wear protective clothing when the possibility of injury exists, such as when welding. However, when finished with the hazardous task Naturists need not concern themselves with being hidden for arbitrary reasons. To the Naturist, clothing is a tool to use as needed and not a screen to hide themselves or to provide identity because they are afraid of their own. They are free to enjoy themselves and the world around them without arbitrary barriers. That is the psychology of Naturism.

So how does this apply to technology? People hide behind and are defined by their 'things' even more so than clothing. Things are status symbols to prove to others that they are what people expect them to be, and people often get obsessed with things to the point where they are only happy if they have the latest gadget. People are controlled by technology in the same way that they are controlled and defined by clothing. Naturists should look at technology in the same way that they look at clothing. It is a relieving experience to be free from the control of technology in the same way as being free from clothing. You do not need to be without technology, but you should consider it to be a tool to aid you and not be controlled or defined by it.

For example, I had a large house and a garage filled with stuff I never used. All that stuff completely consumed my time and I judged my success level on what and how much stuff I had. Others that I know insist that I need a mansion and the latest gadgets because I was a professional and needed to look successful even though I don't spend much time at home and never use all that stuff. However, I changed my perspective upon embracing Naturism and streamlined my life to the right square footage, and now my primary 'things' are my iPhone, laptop computer, car and cookware. These are the tools I use everyday. They help me live my life better and more efficiently, and I don't allow them to define who I am and I don't judge my self worth by them. It was the same relief being free of 'things' as it was being free of clothes. I still have things as I still have clothes, but they work for me as tools and I do not work for and am not defined by them. I can enjoy the world around me without them.

Next, how Naturist ideals can be extended equally well to society and the environment...

New Poll: Clothing Optional Work Environment

2009-12-08T19:32:00.000-08:00

I was thinking while at work today, what if the office was clothing optional? Would you work in an environment where everyone was without clothing? I'm not talking about obvious Naturist venues such as resorts or clubs, but I mean an office environment at a company that sells products, has business meetings and works at desks. I know I would certainly believe what someone without clothing was telling me more than someone in a suit. Please vote in the poll and comment with your thoughts.

Frequently Asked Question

2009-11-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

A common theme in my writings and conversations is that Naturism is not sexual or voyeuristic in any way whatsoever. In response, I have been getting the question through email and personal contacts, "Are Naturists non-sexual or anti-sex?" This is how I have been answering the question. Let me know what you think.

"Not at all. Naturists have the exact same drives, desires, preferences, beliefs, morals and habits as any other cross section or group of people in society. The non-sexual aspect applies only to behavior in a social setting. In Social Naturism the exact same expectation of conduct and etiquette apply as in any other family oriented activity. The only difference is a lack of clothing. Naturism also has no bias as to political, religious, or other beliefs. Naturism is simply the perspective that clothing is extraneous covering and not the essence of a person. Naturists are people who prefer to be, and relate to others, unencumbered by extraneous coverings, and accept people for who they are and not for what they wear."

In thinking about the answer I came to the realization that Naturism is a perspective more than a practice. Some people go without clothing on occasion, but they may not be Naturists because they have not adopted the perspective that clothing is extraneous to the person and do not accept people the way they really are. Naturists have this perspective whether they are wearing clothing or not.

Poll #8: What Kind of Naturist Are You?

2009-10-31T05:14:00.000-07:00

Reluctant Naturist: “I’m interested in Naturism, but am concerned about/don’t know how to get started.” (5%)
Casual Naturist: “I just prefer not to wear clothing.” (56%)
Social Naturist: “I like practicing with a social group.” (21%)
Proselytizing Naturist: “I want to spread the word, so everyone can enjoy Naturism.” (10%)
Activist Naturist: “I work to change laws, so people can legally practice Naturism wherever they want.” (2%)
Other: Please email comments (3%)

I'm very interested in how people actually practice Naturism. In hindsight I should have included an "All of the above" category. I don't think I was ever reluctant, but family did not understand it and I had a period where I did not know much about it. The real breakthrough was when I discovered social Naturism and really started to discover issues of self acceptance and being accepted by others for who I am. I started with beaches where I discovered that after about 10 minutes you forget that people are not wearing clothes and it becomes just as normal as any other activity. Later I started visiting social groups and found the people there to be the most accepting I have ever met and provided the most relaxed environment that I have yet found. After I discovered the joys of Naturism I began to talk to people about it, so they can enjoy it the way I do (some also need the benefits of higher self esteem), and so I would have more people to socialize with in a Naturist environment. I have not gone the extra mile to be an activist, but it could happen when laws or policies interfere.

If you answered "Reluctant Naturist" please email and tell me your story.

If you answered "Casual" I encourage you to give social Naturism a try.

If you answered "Social" let me know about your group or how you practice.

If you answered "Proselytizing Naturist" CAYAnet needs you, so please email and help spread the word.

If you answered "Activist" I'm interested in your initiatives.

Side Note: Fascinating

2009-10-31T04:24:00.000-07:00

Since I have removed photos from the blog, daily visitors immediately and consistently went down by a third. I like photos, but the point of all this is to discuss Naturism with actual Naturists. My expectation is that some people were here only for the photos. I removed the photos because the blog was labeled as "pornography" blocking it from many link locations, and I am trying to reach a wider audience. It's a shame that being yourself, a decent caring person, offends people. But, that is the society we live in.

New Initiative

2009-10-23T01:20:00.000-07:00

One of my personal goals is to introduce new people to Naturism. Since many people have a fear of the practice, to soften the message on the new website I'm building I have removed all images of people. Non-Naturist will not hear the message if images of the body upset them, or links to the site are banned because of "pornographic" imagery. Also, what I'm trying now is to eliminate the words "Naked" and "Nude", replacing them with the term "Without Clothing". This is because those words cause a negative reaction in the people I'm trying to reach, while practicing Naturists would hardly notice. My goal is to make non-Naturists as comfortable as possible while learning about it. This becomes particularly important when other Naturists point reluctant spouses and family members towards the page for information about something that is important to them.

Side Note: Un-Naturists

2009-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

I have friends who are Naturists, but they don't know it yet. They don't wear suits in their clothing-optional hot tub and don't care who is around. They get out, go to the kitchen to fix drinks and snacks, socialize a bit and will eventually get dressed when they finally get around to it. Sometimes the dressing part falls off the To-Do list. They don't know there is an activity called Naturism. They are simply not concerned with their personal textile status. I wonder how many of these people are out there not realizing there is a community that shares this common interest.

Ask the Oracle: Regulating Body Temperature

2009-10-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have heard from many people, "I couldn't be a Naturist because I get cold." no matter what the temperature. As a Naturist the temperature feels normal when I'm without clothing and I sweat when wearing clothes. Could it be that becoming a Naturist is not just a psychological leap, but requires the body to adapt physically? Does clothing interfere with the body's ability to regulate it's own temperature? It seems that the more clothing a person wears the more they require to remain warm. As a Naturist I feel more comfortable in my skin than in clothes in a wide range of temperatures probably because my body has adapted to it.

Side Note: Winter

2009-10-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's starting to get cold here. Since I'm not one of those polar bear types who wander around in the snow without clothing, I'm left with indoor clothes-free activity. Being without clothing outside is a fundamental joy of Naturism. Maybe I can travel to warmer climates. I envy the people in Florida and California who have warm weather year 'round.

Trouble with Naturism

2009-10-07T05:37:00.001-07:00

At home Naturism has become part of daily life. My daily routine centers around not wearing clothes and I don’t think much about it, nor do the members of the household. However, this week I had out of town relatives stay over who have a paralyzing fear of the human body. If they didn’t I would just go on with my daily routine not thinking about my clothing situation. Out of respect for their beliefs, which include heavy clothing wrapped tightly around the wrists, neck and ankles with a coat of some type to break up the bodies natural lines, I suspended my Naturist ways, but soon discovered that I had to rethink everything I did. Not being nude for everything I did, such as working in the yard, cleaning house and exercising was easy to change, but basic organization and routine was not as straightforward.

My laundry basket is not by my bathroom. Therefore, when I get home I take off clothes and walk across the house to the shower. Had to move the laundry basket. It is by the laundry room, so why wouldn’t I keep it there. Just makes a lot more work for me to move everything around.

I leave the doors open in the shower to vent the steam and keep the mold down. Also, the kids and significant other tend to talk to me while I’m taking a shower. Had to close the doors and leave the fans running because the relatives are uncomfortable with people milling around while I shower. They have their own getting ready to do, so why wouldn’t they be in the bathroom. It just wastes a lot of time when everyone has to do everything separately.

I realized when I was in the shower that I did not bring my clothes. Normally, I get ready after I shower and getting dressed is the last thing I do. I’m more dry by then and don’t stick to my clothes, don’t get deodorant on things I’m wearing at work and can keep my things where they go. Now I had to make a place for clean clothes in the bathroom and dry them out after I put them on.

Realizing that the clothes I was going to wear were still in the dryer I could not just walk across the house to get them. I had to put other clothes on get my clothes out and change again. That seems a little absurd.

Also, I had to find some type of sleepwear. I normally don’t bother, so I had to think what would I wear? I settled on sweats and a T-shirt, but it was a little hot. Not sure why I had to be uncomfortable and waste energy running the air conditioning.

Let's go to the pool and hot tub. Another problem, where did I put that old swimsuit and would I still even fit in it? I usually don't bother with that either. What is the point of wearing it? I'm 99% naked anyway, what difference does that last 1% make?

I wouldn't go camping with them. There is just not enough space to be hidden 100% of the time.

Many people think Naturism is removing clothing from your normal clothed routine, but after you have practiced Naturism as a normal part of life your routine is dictated by it, and creating a complex routine to ensure no one sees any part of your body is very cumbersome. I respect everyone's personal beliefs, but I tried to make the argument that there is nothing wrong with the human body and that once you are in a clothes free environment you quickly get used to it, stop seeing a body and see only the person. That didn't go over very well. As a Naturist I tend to forget how much energy is spent by the textile world hiding themselves. I think it is so much more efficient and relaxing just not to worry about it. However, from this experience I am adding one more rule to my Naturist etiquette; respect the comfort level of others - Only be nude in a setting that accepts it.

Poll #7: Has your practice of Naturism influenced or has been influenced by other beliefs?

2009-09-21T10:01:00.001-07:00

No, being without clothing is just the way I like to be. (68%)
Yes, A Clean Environment (19%)
Yes, Renewable Energy (10%)
Yes, Health and Fitness (27%)
Yes, Peace and Social Harmony (34%)

Many people I talk to seem to get into Naturism because of a change in priorities and perspective on life. This is often why Naturism is seen as an “older persons hobby”. After the rat race is run in a person’s 20’s and 30’s the realization starts to set in that cloaking yourself, both in the business suit and in personal image can cause you to lose who you are. A rebellion often occurs where a person gets tired of the mask, strips down to who they really are and begins to get back to a more natural outlook on life. This perspective doesn’t only cause a move toward Naturism, but also changes priorities for many other points of view. I have listed some of the ones that I have discussed with people. Someone also pointed out that I missed a big one in this poll.

The vast majority stated that being without clothing has no influence on other beliefs. In my view, people who have been predisposed to Naturism all of their lives are that way because of their outlook on life as a whole. Therefore, no beliefs have changed. For the remaining 32%, I expect that, for those who have discovered Naturism later, their view of the world changed to match.

When a person starts to get outside with the sun and wind on their skin they tend to start appreciating the natural world more. This is why I use the term Naturism instead of Nudism. The practice is not just about being nude. It is getting back to a natural condition physically, psychologically and socially. Extending that perspective outside of yourself allows for an appreciation of others and the world around you.

Physical fitness and naturism is often a controversial topic. Getting in shape as a Naturist is often seen as vanity, but this is not correct. Health and physical fitness is important for everyone. However, Naturists can see the results more readily than those who cover their body with clothing. Naturism is about acceptance of ones self and others for who they are, but often Naturists get more in touch with their bodies and physical condition as they adopt the practice.

For those that Naturism has had an influence on other points of view the majority claimed Peace and Social Harmony was the biggest. For most people, the first experience with being socially nude is a time when the stress and pressure of maintaining an image and self-consciousness drain from the body. When people are free to be themselves and experience an accepting social environment, the negativity of inter-personal conflict becomes very distasteful. One primary draw of Naturism is that you can be yourself and be accepted by others. Naturism is an environment of relief from the walls formed by clothing in the textile world and the associated competitions and judgments that develop.

The big topic that I missed is religion/spirituality. I am surrounded by people who claim that Naturism is wrong because of original sin, modesty, coveting, etc, etc. However, these claims are based on false assumptions and miss the fact that Naturism gets you closer to how you are made and away from the concept of shame and judging others. That can be a separate post all by itself. However, in my view people change their perspective on spirituality because Naturism is a personal experience. Naturism is an activity people practice for themselves and not for others. Likewise, spirituality is a personal relationship with God. Getting comfortable with ones self often causes a change in perspective on spirituality.

Personally, if I were to build a Naturist community, I would incorporate all of the concepts listed in the poll, primarily because in my perspective they are all important to a sustainable society: Energy efficient homes, aggressive recycling programs, fitness programs, community activities, and as positive outlook on ones self and others. It may not change the world, but could be a small oasis.

Naturist Clothing

2009-08-04T04:49:00.000-07:00

From the previous poll, “Naturist Clothing” was the least likely thing that people would purchase related to Naturism. I viewed this as an ‘Emperor’s New Cloths’ type of category, or thought of ‘Go Nude’ type T-Shirts. However, after a weekend of free hiking I realized that the concept of naturist clothing might not be so far fetched. As one example, when I hike I like to carry a large waist pack with two water bottles, granola bars, first aid kit, Leatherman multi-tool, lighter, lights, space blanket, iPhone (GPS, compass, camera and notebook), wallet and keys.

After a short time of free hiking I wanted a product with more padding and softer material inside the straps. The nylon straps designed to fit over clothing digs into your skin. I end up fitting some homemade remedy cloth barrier. Also, a quickly accessible pocket with a pair of shorts, for encounters with Textiles that may not have embraced the concept of personal freedom, would be convenient. Also, a pocket to hold a small towel to wipe sweat off and sit on to protect bare skin from rocks would help and is something that the clothed hikers take for granted.

Perhaps more innovative concepts for Naturists would be packs that fit to other parts of the body besides the waist such as an arm or leg pack. I’m not sure how well that would work, but may be more comfortable when bare waisted for short trips. Larger backpacks are particularly uncomfortable and have room for bare skin innovation.

So, maybe the concept of “clothing” or equipment designed to be used clothes-free is not as far fetched as it may seem.

New Website

2009-07-31T11:33:00.001-07:00

To better organize information and provide a portal for interactivity I have begun building a Naturist Website. This website is focused towards providing resources and a place Naturists can use as a home page. It also is intended to provide information to non-Naturists. Many of us have family and friends that we are trying to get to accept Naturism or recruit into joining. This website gives them a place to go to get information about the practice and encourage them to participate. Even though I think photos add a lot, they scare people away initially and tend to get the site blocked. This site will be photo-free in order to get accepted in mainstream links, allow surfing from anywhere and make reluctant spouses and friends more comfortable becoming familiar with Naturism.

Please, check out the site. Send me e-mail as to what you think or what you would like to see. Just remember that it is under construction and new features will be added including more interactive content.

If you have web skills, content to contribute, or are interested in moderating please email. I would like to talk to someone experienced in setting up forums and social networking sites.

Site Link
http://sites.google.com/site/cayanet/

Poll #6: Do You Buy Naturist Products?

2009-07-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

No, I practice Naturism because no accessories are required 52%
Yes, Naturist books, signs, and other printed material 38%
Yes, DVDs and other multimedia 17%
Yes, Naturist “Clothing” 8%
Yes, web oriented subscriptions and memberships 38%

This poll was designed to see how many people go beyond just a simple state of being when it comes to Naturism. The beauty of Naturism is that you can just be yourself. It is one of the attractions and main reasons people practice. So, it is no surprise that 52% of people responded that they are content with being as they were made.

However, there is a significant percentage, myself included, which practice Naturism as a hobby. 48% of respondents are out on the Internet looking to socialize, philosophize, learn about others and research places to go and things to do without clothing. The popular items from the list above are printed material and memberships. A good number of people are looking to share and participate as in any other hobby. I thought this number would be more, but Naturism is often a private practice with many people. Naturist clothing was the least popular choice. I thought it was an odd category when I first saw it out on the web, but the results here show that Naturists do not advertise their practice to the general public.

A small percentage are interested in multimedia, but my thought is that this number would equalize if there was actually good Naturist media out there. Most is of very poor quality and/or exploitative. I think that people would be more interested if the Naturist media was more like any other hobby media focusing on places to go, things to do, people’s experiences, reviews, news and tips that mirror true Naturist beliefs.

I have received much e-mail from people praising and wanting to discuss the in-depth look at Naturism in this blog, which is when I realized that Naturism for many is a hobby and not just a state of being. I conclude from this poll that there is a strong interest to learn and participate, but the Naturist world needs quality media.

More Zen: Naturist Ego

2009-06-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

A coworker asked me what I was going to do for the long 4th of July weekend. I said I was planning to go to Valley View Hot Springs. Apparently she looked the location up on the Internet and came back and said in a loud whisper, “That’s a nudist place!” I replied in an equally loud whisper, “So!” Taken a bit off guard she said things like, “THEY will see you with out clothes! you will see THEM without clothes! what will THEY think?” I matched her crouching posture and replied, “I practice naturism for ME because I enjoy it. I don’t care what anyone else chooses to wear or not wear. it only matters what I think about ME…”

Looking back on this conversation I realized that Naturism is a fundamentally personal activity. The only way it can be successfully practiced with others is if one enjoys it alone because they get something out of it personally, their actions are unaffected by what other people choose to do, and is concerned with what they think of themselves instead of what other think of them. That seems to be very egotistical outlook, but in reality it is a healthy way to be in this instance. Self esteem is critically important and probably nothing challenges one’s self esteem more than social Naturism. A Naturist must be self-defining instead of defined by others. Psychologists struggle to get their therapy patients to that level and Naturism is a road to that destination. Naturists define themselves instead of being defined by others.

Social Science 320: Naturism in Society

2009-06-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

So I was at the coffee shop with my MacBook the other day and ran into a casual acquaintance. This person made some small talk and asked what I was working on. I said an article for my blog. Oh, what is it about? I said Naturism. He was somewhat surprised, but thought it was cool if not a little bold. I asked him to read my blog and let me know what he thought. Later that week I heard back from him and his response was interesting.

“Dude! Your blog reads like a Social Science class. I mean, like, why can’t you just strip off, go outside, lie in the sun, swim, play volleyball and grill shish kabobs or whatever and just enjoy being nude? Why do you need to psychoanalyze and philosophize and stuff?”

Simple answer is, because it’s there… As a science type, I enjoy the extra dimensions that science provides to a subject, and the seemingly simple act of being without clothing has a much deeper story than it would first appear. I also like pointing these added dimensions out to people and getting their feedback. The Naturist ideal is that being without clothing is taken for granted by everyone in the world and is as natural as eating. However, this is not the case in society today. A prevailing fear of the human body drives many factors worthy of study: Self-esteem, body image, emotional liberation, social interactions, legalities, the media, recreation, society reaction, were to go, what to do, etiquette, legal issues, family reactions, how to organize a group, how to communicate the practice with others, etc, etc. These aspects are interesting to study. As with any science, studying something leads to understanding and being able to effectively work with it. For example, understanding why some people fear to be without clothing can help them to get over that fear and correct deeper self-esteem issues. It also can help convert others to Naturism and provide a larger pool of people to share a common interest with if we understand why they are resistant to it, and provide the freedom to practice Naturism.

So yes, you can just run around like God made you, enjoy it and leave it at that, but I find it interesting to study Naturism. And from the amount of email I have received I think many of you do too. And, if there was a class on Naturism I would take it.

Zen and Naturism

2009-06-07T05:53:00.001-07:00

Posts have been few and far between recently because I have been journeying through life collecting experiences. It was not a Naturist journey, like some type of nude Kung Fu walking across Asia in a birthday suit liberating villages with Naturist philosophy, but the subject arose in normal life situations. It arose because people bring up surprise at my comfort level and start the conversation. These conversations may drive me to take a more Zen-like approach to Naturism than the straightforward approach I had before.

In these pages, I talk about becoming comfortable with Naturism by taking an inside-out approach. A person would become comfortable being nude around family first, who I saw as a safe environment and progressively into a more anonymous social environment as comfort level grew and issues with self-esteem are resolved. A person I was talking to had no problem with being nude in public, so I thought they were of like mind. However, it came out that they thought it highly inappropriate around family. I was surprised by this view. This person was shocked that I was so casual showering and changing around the kids. They were taken aback by the thought of my children, who are not small children anymore, in the same room with their mother or me when we are without clothing. The words “inappropriate” and “Oedipus” was used.

The conversation made it clear to me that the fundamental epiphany a Naturist must experience is to disconnect the state of being without clothing to sexuality and voyeurism. Only then can one become a true Naturist, and also be at peace with their body image and self-esteem. Even though a person may venture forth in a socially nude environment, inadequacies around family reflect that the practice is still tied with sex. This is not the Naturist way. To achieve true Naturism one must disconnect these concepts in their own minds. Only then will you experience the freedom and liberation that Naturism provides. This experience will in some way affect my teachings of Naturism to help others come to this realization.

I shall meditate on this further…

Poll #5: Are You Openly Naturist?

2009-05-22T04:52:00.001-07:00

I’m sure there would be dire consequences if anyone knew. 7%
I don’t talk about it with anyone 16%
I tell a select few people who understand 60%
I am openly naturist. 15%

Telling people that you practice Naturism is a very hard leap to make. Most have a fear that it would not be accepted and they would be permanently marked as some type of deviant. However, most Naturists want to practiced as a social activity, so how do you reconcile the fact that it is hard to tell people yet you want them to know. It is not surprising from the poll results that there are a few practicing Naturists that are uncomfortable telling anyone often because they feel there would be dire consequences. The vast majority only tells like-minded people. I highly recommend this approach because you want to interact with people about your interests, but there can be backlash from people who do not understand. I feel that people who answered that they don’t tell anyone would talk more about it if they knew more like-minded people. Also, some people consider the practice private and that is ok too. I salute those who are openly Naturist. I wish we could all be that way. Maybe someday…

Poll #4 Results: Would you join a Naturist social networking website?

2009-04-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

Naturism is somewhat of an underground activity. Most Naturists cannot discuss their practice openly with others in person. So, if you can’t talk about it with anyone, how do you find other people to share your interest? One answer is anonymously on the Internet. You can set up an alter ego and converse openly with others. People, especially those who don’t share your interest will not be able to identify you personally unless you tell them who you are. A way to get in contact with other naturists in your area to make new friends to share your common interest is through social networking websites.

It seems simple on the web; you create a profile and get matched with other Naturists in your area and start to chat. However, that might not be as desirable for some. Some people would rather remain anonymous and socialize online only. Some are fearful of online predators and would not want to be vulnerable. Still others wish to keep Naturism a private matter and not socialize about it.

The results of the poll were a little surprising. Granted that this is not a large sample or scientific, but shows a trend. The majority 69% would like to meet people in person that they meet on the web. I think this reflects the problem of Naturists not being able to discuss it openly and they would have a common meeting place for believers. 23% would just like to chat with others and not meet. 5% would not join for fear of predators. I thought this would be higher, but I suppose many people have faith in the anonymity of their profiles and safe surfing. 2% prefer to keep Naturism a private practice. Perhaps this number is low because people who prefer Naturism to be personal are probably not out on the web unless they are just looking for information. Overall, I think this poll shows that Naturists are eager to seek out and share their ideas and interest with like-minded people.

Naturism and Fitness

2009-04-19T10:51:00.001-07:00

Although the Naturist philosophy is to accept everyone for who they are, health and fitness is important for everyone, Naturist and Non-Naturist alike. The question for the Naturist is, “How can I exercise nude?”

I’ve seen many people try to justify why it is better to workout in the nude than in clothes, including reasons such as increased freedom of movement, better vitamin-D production and increased streamlining. However, none of these arguments are valid; a pair of lycra shorts and a T-shirt provide plenty of freedom of movement, skin exposure for more than enough vitamin-D production and excellent streamlining for high speed workouts. The real reasons are the same reasons that people practice Naturism in the first place; it feels good, is emotionally liberating and Naturists tend to be more accepting of diverse people.

But, where can a person workout in the nude? This can be difficult because in society today you can’t just go down to your local public gym and opt out of clothing. This was the norm in ancient Greece, but not today. Below is a general list of what can be done, but please comment for any other suggestions you may have.

- At Home – This is the staple of Naturists workouts. You can put on an exercise DVD in the privacy of your own home. You can even invite friends over for Naturists yoga or Pilates if you have the space, and a private backyard is perfect for outdoor workouts.
- Skinny Dipping – This is also a staple, not just for Naturists, but for just about everyone at some point in their lives. A good nude night swim in a lake can’t be beat.
- At the Beach – If you have a convenient clothing-optional beach you can run along the waves or go for a swim. You may find a volleyball game or other sport to join in on.
- Resorts – Many Naturists resorts have workout equipment or sports activities.
- Free Hiking – Much more difficult depending on your area, but many people practice free-hiking.
- Naturist Social Groups – When your local Naturist group gets together, plan on some type of active sport, such as volleyball, basketball, tennis, swimming, etc.
- Rented Facilities – Many Naturist groups rent out facilities during off hours for private events. Check local gyms for the opportunity to sponsor an hour a week for a private Naturist group workout. Recruit members to participate and have everyone pitch in to cover the fee.

Generally speaking, you can workout anywhere you feel comfortable being nude. The more places you can find to be nude the more opportunities you will have. However, you may want to organize your own workout events with other Naturists to make your own opportunities. You can workout by yourself, but like all activities, can be more rewarding with an organized group.

Educating Non-Naturists

2009-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

The concept of Naturism confuses many people. I have tried to have in depth conversations about the subject with Textiles (non-Naturists), but they are typically confused by the concept, mostly because they have preconceptions about it. So, I have tried to be direct and to the point about what Naturism is. Perhaps, if you have trouble explaining Naturism to people you can use the reasons below. The more people who understand the practice of Naturism the better.

What Naturism Is
1) Naturism is simply the practice of being without clothing.
2) People generally practice Naturism for three reasons; they enjoy the way being nude feels (physical), being nude is very emotionally liberating (psychological), and the Naturist culture is typically more honest, accepting and friendly than society’s norm of hiding behind clothing (social).
3) Naturism is a social activity. You can practice alone, but like most everything else, is more rewarding when done with others.
4) Naturists accept everyone for who they are regardless of shape, size or any physical attributes.
5) Naturists do the same things everyone else does. They just do them without the restrictions of clothing.

What Naturism is Not
1) Naturism is not sexual in any way whatsoever
2) Naturism is not voyeuristic in any way whatsoever
3) Naturism is not only for adults – See #1 and #2, Naturism is a family oriented activity
4) Naturists are not Exhibitionists – See #2. Naturists are not showing off their bodies
5) Naturists events are not meat markets – See #1
6) Naturism is not only for the attractive or fit – See #1 and #2

The bottom line is that many people think Naturists are either swingers or exhibitionists. It may be difficult to convince them why you would want to socialize nude with people if not for those reasons. You can quote #2 above of what Naturism is, and simply say:

--- Naturists enjoy sharing a common interest with others just like everyone else does for any activity.

All of this begs the question of the Textiles you may be talking to, “So, why don’t you practice Naturism?” I have received all of the answers below, which seem to be common for people who don’t practice. You cannot talk someone into trying it by countering the answers below. The best you can do is talk about it frequently and leave the door open for them to try it. Although, when most people try it they love it and see exactly what you are talking about, but they must come to the realization themselves.

1) “I don’t believe that Naturism is not sexual or voyeuristic.” – This is a preconception many people have that is placed by society, and is difficult for most to get over.
2) “I’m not a cover model.” – This is a basic self-esteem issue. Even though you state that the point is acceptance and it does not matter what you look like because people are not Naturists to see what you look like, it is difficult to get over being self-conscious about some aspect of body image.
3) “But, people will see me and especially my spouse naked!” The idea is to transcend this way of thinking and realize that it is ok to see you or your spouse the way you are. It is no different than going to the beach with a group of people, but the concept of openness can be difficult to get over.
4) “I’m a very private modest person.” That’s ok. You can be nude alone and still enjoy it, but typically this type of answer comes down to a lack of self-esteem also.
5) “Why should I let people see me nude?” – This is a fundamentally egotistical outlook. Why would people have the privilege of seeing you nude? You can stress that Naturism is not voyeuristic and the point is that you are sharing a common interest in liberating freedom and not your body. This also reflects that some people hide behind the image clothing portrays. Instead of a self-esteem issue about body image, this is typically an issue regarding personality insecurities.
6) “It’s gross! Why would I want to go see other people nude?” – Again, you are not socializing nude to look at other people, but the fact that people are without clothes can be distracting at first. People can get over this outlook if they go to a Naturist event or a nude beach. They will quickly get over the “gross” aspect.
7) “Other people may react negatively towards me.” – Even practicing Naturists have this issue. Prejudices at work or at home prevent many from discussing it. The simple solution is that you can practice it without discussing it. If you go to a Naturist function or beach, everyone else is nude too, so you will not get any negative reactions. Just practice it with like-minded people.
8) “I’m highly offended by seeing people without clothing.” – This stems from the false view that being without clothing is only sexual or exhibitionist in nature. Usually, people who feel this way cannot see being nude as simply an enjoyable and positive experience. Often this view is because of some negative experience surrounding being nude or society generated fear. This blog has a mandated warning page and Google will not allow the photo gallery to be public because it “offends” some people.

I’ve heard all of these reasons and sometimes all from the same person. Not everyone needs to be a Naturist, but I encourage everyone to have open conversations about it, so non-Naturists are educated on what it is. Just leave the door open just in case they change their minds and decide to try it.

Poll #3 Results: Do you have a convenient outdoor place to be nude near you?

2009-04-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

Yes - I have a local beach, hot spring, secluded spot, resort etc. 47%
No - There is no convenient outdoor place to be nude near me. 44%
I can't even be nude at home. 8%

The results of this poll show that almost half of the respondents do not have a convenient outdoor place to be nude. The reasons for this can be many, they live in a densely populated city etc, but indicate that half of the people visiting this blog are interested in Naturism yet don’t have a good way to practice it. This shows that one of the most important things a person can do to further the cause of Naturism in not necessarily lobbying to get laws changed, but finding good places to practice it or forming a Naturist group to give people a place to be socially nude. Opening up your private backyard for a clothing-optional bar-b-que may do more for Naturism than anything else could.

8% of respondents cannot even be nude at home. This is a different problem of, for example either being too young and living with parents, having a reluctant spouse, or critical roommates. In any case, the personal freedom that Naturism provides is an important mental health factor to many people. For these people you may want to consider changing your situation so you can have that emotional freedom. If you are young try telling your parents. If they just do not understand, you will eventually be on your own and can consider nude recreation when deciding what you are going to do next. For those with reluctant spouses, you should attempt to get them involved or at least accept your practice. For those with critical roommates, you may want to think about changing your situation in the future. You can place an ad looking for Naturist roommates or communicate that to your Naturist social group.

Young Naturists - Telling the Parents

2009-03-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

There are many naturists out there under 18 years old. However, they often remain closet naturists because they are afraid that their parents will not understand. The big challenge these teens have is how to tell their parents, so they can be free to practice Naturism. Naturism needs younger people to participate, but telling parents can be very intimidating. Here are a few recommendations based on parent personality types, but you will have to judge your own personal situation. No one approach is appropriate for all situations.

Naturist Parents – If your parents are Naturists you probably have no issues, they expect it and you grew up with family and family friends casually nude.

Pseudo-Naturist Parents – Parents who are not proclaimed Naturists, but have no issue being nude in front of the family in terms of showering or changing clothes. In this situation you can most likely do the same and spend increasing amounts of time nude at home and be accepted. Eventually, you can start discussing skinny-dipping and the concept of Naturism.

Non-Nude Open Minded Parents – Many parents are not openly nude, but are progressive in thinking. They tend to accept new ideas. With these parents you can typically start by not hiding for normal nude activity like showering and changing. If they comment on it you can address it philosophically by stating that the body is natural and you see nothing wrong with it. This can open up the door to discussion and acceptance.

No-Philosophy Parents – Some parents go to work, come home, eat dinner and have no ideals, affiliations or personal convictions. If these are your parents, you can probably do much the same as above. You can start out being openly nude at home. They may give you some grief for it, but be confident and let them know you see nothing wrong with it. They most likely will not challenge you and you can gradually get them to get used to your practice of Naturism instead of accepting it on a philosophical level. You may be surprised to find out that they will accept it more than you think.

Low Self-Esteem Parents – Many parents are so uncomfortable with themselves that they project their own insecurities on everyone else. When they shower or change clothes they practically lock, board up and move furniture in front of the door because it would surely mean their deaths if anyone saw their body. Some are so bad that they will not go to see doctors or be nude in front of their spouses. This extreme fear of the human body is a deep psychological self-esteem issue and you will not be able to solve it. Some parents will faint, start shaking, and/or break out into a cold sweat when the topic of the body comes up. Best advice if you can’t find a way to bring up the topic casually and gradually work it into conversation is to wait until you are out of the house and practice at your leisure. Until then, if you have a group of friends you can skinny dip with, best to keep it to yourself.

Misguided Religious Parents – Some parents, even though they proclaim that God created you in God’s image, still also state that the human body is a “dirty” “disgusting” thing to be ashamed of. Being in a state without clothing is seen as some type of deviant sexual behavior worthy of God’s wrath. They are unable to understand that people can socialize nude no differently than people can socialize clothed. The misguided religious view is closely tied with the low self-esteem issues above, but use God as an excuse. Unless your parents have openly made statements like the ones above you may want to test the waters by talking about social nudity in the third person. That way you will not have to endure any retribution because the conversation is not about you. Talk about other Naturists and see how they react. Just because they are religious does not mean that they are anti-nude. Many religious people view the body as a creation of God and source of pride and not shame, so it is worth bringing up the topic.

Most likely your parents are some shade in-between. Judge the situation for yourself, but the best way to open up the subject is by talking about Naturism in others; read allowed a news article about a Naturist event and judge the reaction. However, realize that many parents will react the way they think they are supposed to around kids and condemn the activity. If they do, ask them why and start the philosophical conversation. If they approve, you have opened the door for them. Either way you can test the waters without projecting anything on yourself. If there is no way to break down the wall you may just need to wait until you are out of the house before you come out of the Naturist closet.

Have you broken, or tried to break, the news to your parents? If so, please tell your story by commenting here or sending it through email.

It's Spring!

2009-03-24T07:40:00.001-07:00

The weather is getting warmer and time to start wandering outdoors wearing nothing but sunscreen. The next question is, what to do. The best friend of the naturist is the private backyard. Lie out in the sun, garden, play outdoor games, have a Bar-B-Que, jump in the pool, or practice Tai Chi for starters. Also, this is a perfect time to make good on your New Years resolution to join a Naturist social group and visit a public naturist area, such as a beach, hot spring or resort. Another option, if you are into hiking, is to visit a secluded area such as a national park. El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico is a well maintained, but relatively deserted 115,000 acres of ancient lava flows. You have free rein to hike and camp anywhere in the monument free of charge. Be aware of applicable laws, but there are miles of secluded areas where you can enjoy nature in a setting fit for a dinosaur. Just wear some protective gear when you are on the actual flows because they are very sharp. Big parks, such as Yosemite, may be crowded with tourists, but some of these lesser-known national preserves are secluded and allow you to enjoy nature as it was intended.

Poll #2 Results

2009-03-07T12:52:00.001-08:00

Poll #2: How Old Are You
Results
0-20 yo 10%
21-40 yo 21%
41-60 57%
61+ 10%

This may seem like a strange question to ask, but age has a significant impact on Naturism. The state of being without clothing is not an age issue. People of all ages from infants to the elderly enjoy being nude. However, younger people often shy away from social nudity because they feel that most people who practice are older people and they do not fit in. This may be true, but there are reasons many social Naturists are older and fit within the 41-60 age group, which are also, dominant on this site as well. When people are in the teenage years, body changes make them feel awkward and reluctant to be without clothing around others. Society carries this stigma into a person’s 20’s and 30’s attaching sexuality to nudity. After about 40, people tend to transcend these stigmas and get tired of the restrictions of a repressive society as they reevaluate life's priorities. Taking off your clothes with other people in a non-sexual social setting is extremely liberating. This liberation is a feeling that is often not appreciated until people have reached a certain stage in life.

However, this poll did indicate a significant number of younger people stopping by and reading about naturism. This is a good sign. Younger people should learn the liberating experience of social nudity earlier in life and cast off the narrow mindedness of society. Naturism is an activity people of all ages can enjoy, and if you are one of these 41-60 Naturists encourage younger people to participate in your social group. All will benefit from the mix of youth and experience.

Poll Results

2009-02-15T14:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you, to everyone who voted in this blog's first poll. I found the results very interesting and would like to discuss the answers people gave. Overall, it looks like mostly Naturists are reading this blog. I would like non-Naturists to read it and at least become more knowledgeable about the practice if not recruit new participants. If you know non-Naturists who you think should learn more about it, please send them the link to this blog.

How Comfortable Are You With Being Nude?
1) Not at all - 1 (1%)
The person who is not at all comfortable being nude, I would like you to write in and let me know why.

2) I like being nude alone or with immediate family at home - 8 (9%)
Being nude alone at home is great. However, I urge these 8 people to try stepping out of their comfort zone and take the next step. Step outside and feel the sun and breeze on your skin. You'll be glad you did.

3) I will be nude outside in the privacy of my backyard - 2 (2%)
Also, to these 2 people, try stepping outside your comfort zone and go to a nude beach or try to get into a hot tub with a small group.

4) I'll skinny-dip with a small group of close friends - 4 (4%)
Since you get together with a small group already, try a beach or resort once to see how you like it.

5) I'll participate in a nude social group - 31 (37%)
These 31 people are the bread and butter of Naturism. They enjoy social nudity, but keep it limited to like-minded people. This is a comfort level that I wish everyone could aspire to.

6) I don't care who happens to see me nude - 32 (38%)
This is a healthy outlook and indicates rock solid self-esteem. For these 32 people, have you ever considered nude photography?

7) I'll be nude on a billboard in Times Square - 5 (6%)
I would like these 5 people to contact me at cayanet@gmail.com. I need new sets of photos for the blog and would like to photograph you.

Benefits of Naturism

2009-01-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

“I’m doing fine with clothes on. Why should I be nude?”
People who enjoy being nude are naturally predisposed to Naturism. However, people resistant to Naturism (known as “Textiles”) don’t understand that there are tangible benefits to the practice and why everyone should participate. Understanding these benefits may be inspirational for practicing Naturists, but may also provide information for family members to accept Naturism, get more people involved, change overly restrictive “decency” laws, and illustrate the benefits to someone you know who needs them. Some of the benefits include:

1) Positive Self Image
2) Open Communication
4) Bonding Experience with Others
5) Positive Outlook on Life
6) Eliminate Dependence on Clothing
7) Acceptance Benefits to Society
8) Acceptance Benefits to Other People
9) Social Opportunities

These items are just benefits of Naturism. The overarching reason for practicing is that you enjoy being nude. However, some people need these benefits and are worth bringing up to them. For example, many people experience challenges with life and Naturism may help in the same way that a doctor would recommend taking an exercise class to a patient to relieve stress or lower blood pressure. Typical issues that practicing Naturism can relieve are:

1) Negative self-image
2) Being overly introverted
3) Negative outlook on life
4) Lack of trust of others
5) Communication walls
6) High stress level
7) Anxiety
8) Over reliance on artificial image
9) Fear of being yourself

Besides just being an enjoyable experience, Naturism provides tangible benefits that many people in society can use. There are instances of people refusing medical treatment because they were afraid of a doctor seeing them nude. Acceptance of your body and other’s bodies are key to mental, physical and social health.

Getting Started in Naturism

2009-01-11T20:32:00.001-08:00

“I enjoy being nude and want to be socially nude, but I’m very intimidated and can’t bring myself to start.”

The reality is that most, if not all, people enjoy being nude. It is in our nature to enjoy it. Some people can just strip off their clothes and not think anything of it. However, a great many people are terrified to take the step of being naked, even with themselves much less around others socially. If you are intrigued by the Naturist way, but can’t bring yourself to do it, try these steps to become comfortable. You will not regret it, and probably consider it one of the best things you have ever done.

First thing to remember when practicing Naturism is to follow the laws of the land. Anti-nudity or “decency” laws, especially in the United States, are ignorant and oppressive, but they are the law. Other countries are more accepting of the human body and are not as restrictive. These steps will work within common local laws in the U.S.

Second, take baby steps. The following guidance is designed to gradually introduce you to Naturism. Only proceed with the next step when you are ready to do so, but going outside your comfort zone will pay rewards.

Third, practice Naturism with like-minded people. Trying to be nude around uptight or anti-nude people will only invite problems and ruin the relaxing nature of the activity. With than in mind, let’s proceed with learning to live free. If you are already comfortable with the initial steps go to the next one. This is entirely self-paced. You can also do these steps together with a significant other as a couple.

Step 1) Being nude alone at home – First thing you must do is become comfortable with your own body. That in itself is a big leap for some people. When you have the opportunity to be alone with the shades drawn or with just a significant other, take off your clothes and do whatever you would normally do at home for at least 4 hours; longer if you can. The point is to become comfortable and enjoy the feeling of being nude in a safe environment. If you can, as soon as you get home for the day, strip off your clothes and don’t put them on again until morning. Don’t look in a mirror initially. When you are comfortable with the feeling of being without clothing then you should look at yourself in a mirror. You must come to accept yourself for the way you are before you can go to the next step. Just remember that there is nothing wrong with you no matter what you look like. Your body is as individual as your personality, and accepting yourself is the first major step forward.

Step 2) Venturing out – If you have a private backyard wander out and be in the yard nude. This is a significant step forward and feels great. If this intimidates you, try wandering out after dark. You will get the same feeling with the cover of darkness. Gradually, you should start wandering out into the light of day. Again, do nude what you would normally do clothed in the yard, gardening, sunbathing, exercising, reading, playing with the dog, drinking tea, etc. If you don’t have a private backyard find a secluded spot outdoors.

Step 3) Out in public – This is a big step, but easier than you think. If available, go to a public place where nudity is common and expected, such as a busy designated nude beach. “Wouldn’t it be easier to be nude first around a close friend than in front of so many people?” No. A public nude beach has several benefits that make it much less intimidating. First, being nude around friends, you may feel judged on a personal level. It is very intimidating because you see these people all the time. On a beach with many people, they don’t know you, you don’t know them, and you can be a little daring and not be afraid of facing these people tomorrow at work. Second, there will be many people nude and no one will be focused on you. You will blend in with the crowd and feel a bit safer. Third, you can keep your clothes on. Beaches are “Clothing Optional”. This gives you the luxury of being surrounded by nude people and keeping your clothes on, allowing you to become comfortable in the environment. Wear a swimsuit and hang out like you normally would. In no time you will tune out the fact that most people are nude and not think anything of it. When you reach the point that you no longer think about the fact that people around you are nude, accept nude people around you as normal and feel comfortable, strip off your suit. It is a big step, but remember that most people around you are nude, no one is focusing on you and you are safely anonymous. Bask in glow of being nude around other people for a while, even if you keep to yourself. You will become so comfortable after several visits that you will think nothing of stripping off your clothes when you get there and probably start making small talk with other people. This practice should get to be very comfortable quickly. And you will soon realize that you are comfortably nude around other people.

Step 4) Find a Naturist group – Now is the time to graduate from being privately nude, to anonymously nude, to being nude around people who know you. Don’t just ask a friend to hang out with you nude. The reaction could set you back to the beginning and cause you to abandon Naturism. There are ways to introduce people to Naturism, but we will explore these ways in a different post. Your best option is to search the Internet for local Naturist (or Nudist) groups and contact one of them. Talk to or email the contact person listed on the website and tell them that you are interesting in participating in their group. They will chat with you about the group and let you know what they do and where and when they meet. Look back at the previous post on etiquette. Also, bring a small gym bag for your clothes to keep all of your stuff together. You may be intimidated going to your first meeting. However, Naturists are about the friendliest people there are. Also, keep in mind that if you are nervous about being nude in front of people in such a close personal environment, keep your clothes on. Everyone was a first timer once, so people will understand and should not even say anything about it. Take your clothes off when you feel you are ready. It probably won’t take you long to get comfortable because everyone else there will be nude. Usually, the host will have a back room where you can take your clothes off and store your stuff. The important thing is to go. You will not regret it.

Step 5) Nudist Resorts – Now that you are a full fledged Naturist you may want to try a Naturist resort. These are places like country clubs except that everyone is nude. You can swim, play games and sports, and meet other Naturists. You may not choose to be a regular at Naturist resorts, but you should try one at least once.

Step 6) Naturist Events – If you feel comfortable meeting new people in the nude at a resort you may be brave enough to attend a Naturist event such as nude bike rides, demonstrations or marathons. These events are public with no control over who attends and no policing of cameras. You may attend and have a lot of fun, but realize that there should be no expectation of privacy.

As you can see, getting into Naturism is a process of feeling progressively more comfortable with your body. Hopefully, you can follow these steps and gradually work up to enjoying being nude around others. I guarantee that you will consider it one of the best things you have ever done.

Naturist Etiquette

2009-01-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

So, how should a person behave when being socially nude? There are commonly accepted practices when you are in a non-sexual Naturist environment.

1) Bring a towel to sit on – You may want to bring two if you will be swimming, but at least have one to sit on.
2) Be polite, friendly and accepting – Naturists want to be in a relaxed environment. If you are feeling confrontational it is best not to participate socially on that day.
3) Don’t make others uncomfortable – Looking at people normally is fine, but staring, sexual body language and personal comments are completely inappropriate. Keep in mind that Naturism is not sexual or voyeuristic. Such behavior will shut down everyone’s enjoyment and people will cover up and go home. It is of the highest importance that the people you are socially nude with trust you enough to be vulnerable with you. A Naturist gathering is not a meat market. If that is what you are looking for Social Naturism is not what you want.
4) Follow the hosts rules – You can have your own rules when you host a Naturist event at your house.
5) No Cameras – A camera at a Naturist gathering is like waving a gun around. It will clear a room quick and you will lose trust with everyone. If you want to participate in nude photography host an event specifically for that purpose where everyone knows what your intentions are.
6) Don’t show off or strut – No one likes that either nude or clothed and is considered to be rude and arrogant.
7) Don’t pressure others – Naturist events are most often “Clothing Optional”. Never, ever pressure anyone to be nude. It is best to ignore the clothing level of an individual completely and accept their personal choice. Pressuring someone to be nude or even commenting on it in any way will alienate people who are uncomfortable with it and is self-defeating. It will also frustrate people who are covered up for a reason, such as to protect sunburned skin. Just enjoy their company.
8) Be social – Talk to people, participate in events, and bring food (Naturists gatherings are typically potluck style).

What To Do Nude

2009-01-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

So what do people do while they are nude? Simply the same thing people do when they are clothed. Most things you do with clothes on you can do while you are nude. You will just feel more free when you are doing them. However, common sense says that the only exceptions are activities that require protective clothing, such as climbing Mt. Everest, welding and tackle football. Below is a sample list of things people commonly do nude. Most of these can be done either alone or with others.

Read a book - watch a movie - household chores - surf the internet - workout DVD – sunbathing – hot tubbing - gardening - play cards and games - crafts and hobbies – swimming - bar-b-queuing – volleyball – basketball – jogging – archery – golf – bicycling – rollerblading – tennis – skateboarding – fishing – bowling – softball – wrestling - canoeing/kayaking – weightlifting - horseback riding – gymnastics – yoga – Pilates - martial arts – sailing - ping pong - ice skating – ballet - camping – surfing – dancing – walking – photography – picnicking – painting – sewing – hiking – sculpting – writing – scrapbooking - theater – cooking – playing music – video games - sleeping - talking

That list should at least give you an idea. Please, comment and leave any other ideas not listed here. Those are common activities, but how do you do them nude? Below are 6 common ways people participate in Naturism:

1) Be nude at home, either by yourself, with family members, or invite other Naturists over, both inside and out in the yard
2) Go to a nude beach, hot spring or other Naturist friendly area (click the Naturist Map link for a listing)
3) Find a secluded spot in the wild
4) Join a Naturist group
5) Go to a Naturist resort
6) Participate in Naturist events

So, what you do nude is mostly a matter of what you like to do clothed. As long as you have a place to be nude, and perhaps people to be nude with, the idea is to be free to enjoy yourself no matter what you do.

Social Nudity

2009-01-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

So people walk around nude in the privacy of their own homes, how is that different than everyone else? The most significant experience in Naturism is being nude with others or Social Nudity. Social Nudity is simply being nude with other people in a non-sexual situation. One of the most familiar types of social nudity for most people is skinny-dipping. You get together with a group of people, take off your clothes, get into a lake, hot spring, hot tub or pool, and swim, chat, sit on the rocks and soak in the sun, etc. Social Nudity is just like skinny-dipping, but you can apply the practice to anything else you might like to do, such as picnicking, poker, camping, hiking, watching movies, sports, games, etc.

“Why would I hang out with friends nude? Why not just be clothed?”
Simply, because many people enjoy being nude, so why not share a common interest with others and be nude together in a social environment? Also, being nude with other people is an extremely liberating experience. You free your inhibitions and self-consciousness, people accept you for who you are not the image you may normally portray, other people are who they really are back to you without the mask and pretense that clothing provides, and everyone can share a common interest of enjoying the feeling of being nude with the sun and breeze on your skin.

“I can’t imagine myself being nude around other people.”
Translating from being nude at home to being socially nude is one of the biggest life changing leaps for most people. In a later post I’ll recommend how to make the transition, but the reason most people have a difficult time taking their clothes off around others for the first time is that they are self-conscious about their body. Many people dismiss social nudity because they don’t have the body of a super model. The reality is that no one at a Naturist gathering is perfect. The point is not to show off, compare bodies or judge others. The idea of Naturism is that you can be who you are in a free, open and accepting environment.

“But everyone will be naked…”
It is common for people to think that a Naturist gathering will be a voyeur show. It may be weird to see at first, but after you are in a Naturist environment it will only take about 10 minutes to forget that everyone is nude and you accept it as normal. You will begin socializing like it is any other event and won’t think anything of it. There is also a natural aversion when people think about seeing nude people who are far from perfect or even “gross”. This also passes quickly and you get to know them as people. The “gross” aspect of seeing other nude people also passes quickly and you focus on the people and not the nude.

So, why take the leap from being nude alone to nude with others? Because it is one of the most liberating and energizing experiences you will have in life. Once you become comfortable with it you will feel a freedom that you have not experienced before and wearing clothing will feel restrictive and suffocating. Many people enjoy being nude, so why not share a common interest with others and be nude together?

What is Naturism?

2009-01-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

Naturism (or Nudism) is the practice of being without clothing. One should not read more into it than that. Naturists (or Nudists) are people who enjoy doing things common to daily life without wearing clothes. Naturists are not exhibitionists or swingers. They are normal people who enjoy the feeling of the sun and wind on their skin and the freedom to be content with who they are. Naturists are not bound by fear of the human body, but view it as a true reflection of ones self.

Why be nude?
Because a better question is, “Why wear clothes?” Ignoring any legal considerations, you were born nude and quickly made the transition to wearing clothing because it was a social norm. People wear clothes for 3 reasons:

1) Protection from the elements - Naturists realize that, except for extremes, the elements of sun, wind, water and earth feel good against the skin. Clothing blocks all of those sensations depriving your body of healthy and enjoyable senses. Most people who insist on being non-nude use the elements as an excuse, but most of the time the climate is not so severe that you must protect your body from damage, and the real reason is #2 or #3. Protection from the elements is a good reason to wear clothing, but the next two reasons are very unhealthy co-dependencies on clothing.

2) To hide from others - People often substitute the word nude with the word “exposed”. Yes, who you really are is exposed, and to those who are insecure about who they are, being nude can be a very frightening experience. Naturists are secure with who they are, and being comfortable nude is an extremely liberating experience. People are much more content and emotionally healthy when they realize that it is ok to be completely themselves. Some people are so insecure with who they are that they are uncomfortable being nude with themselves. Social persecution is a leading cause of aversion to being nude around others. However, social persecution stems from an insecurity with ones self, therefore they must ridicule others for being themselves. This happens when clothed also. Being yourself by being nude is just another form. To the naturist, there is nothing to be ashamed of being who you are.

3) To portray and image - When clothing is used to portray an image it is most often a false image. The popular saying, “The clothes make the man.” is true. However, if you don’t succeed on your own merits you often become an empty suit. Naturists are often more genuine personalities because they don’t feel the need to portray a false image.

From the Naturist point of view the first reason is the only legitimate reason. You should protect your body from the elements, and although naturists prefer to be completely without clothing, protection from excessive cold, heat, sun, and sharp objects is a good idea to protect your health. Common protective clothing for naturists out in the elements are sunscreen, shoes and hats.

“To hide from others” is mostly dictated by society. People are commonly told that their bodies are disgusting, inadequate or obscene. This is a way for society to control individuals and maintain the group just as society condemns free thinkers. Not to denigrate society, but from a psychological stand point it is more effective to organize a group with low self-esteem. Examples include cult leaders targeting loners and social outcasts and the military referring to new recruits in basic training as worthless or “maggots”. Imagine the reaction of the general populace to a person practicing Tai Chi completely nude in an open public park. What would the reaction be? Initial shock because that is not normally seen in public. Then why would people be outraged? Many excuses would be given, but fundamentally it would come down to the fact that the individual expresses a personal freedom that others do not have: freedom to be who they are and that personal freedom is intimidating to most people.

“To portray an image” is also dictated by society subject to the restrictions of reason #2. Clothing is often used to either express individuality, hide who you are, or change who you are. Business suits are the classic example of dressing up your personal presentation to look professional and somewhat conformist. A clean look is helpful in business, but a suit can often cover up the truth. Someone who is nude and not hiding themselves is less likely to be hiding any other form of the truth also.

Naturists simply free themselves of reasons 2 and 3 by being secure with who they are and not requiring an artificial identity, but being content with their natural identity. There are three fundamental beliefs of Naturists:

1) They enjoy being without clothes.
2) There is nothing disgusting, inadequate, or obscene about the human body.
3) They are mentally free to be completely themselves either alone or around others.

So, from the Naturist point of view, you can be 100% clothed as an astronaut, 70% clothed at work, 30% clothed in the back yard, 5% clothed at the beach, or 0% clothed and it is all the same. There is no stigma to any percentage of clothing or on specific body parts. The idea is to have the freedom to enjoy being as you are, to feel the sensations on your skin and to accept others for who they are.

Being nude is being who you are. Once you are comfortable being nude, putting clothes back on feels restrictive and suffocating both mentally and physically. Therefore, the perspective becomes, “Why be clothed?”