Why Be A Naturist Anyway? Part 1

Thanks @driptorchpress for use of your painting

This blog is primarily written for long time nudists/naturists, but I'm sure there are probably a few lurkers aound here that have no idea what nudism is really about.

It's going to sound cliche, but being a naturist is primarily about being free. there is something about being naked that is extremely freeing and comfortable. It's an exhilerating experience for newbs. The excitement may wane as you get further into your nudist life, but the freedom and comfort never leave.

Back when I was in college I printed out and posted some posters around campus looking to start a club. I had no responses, it was a very conservative campus, but I still think the message was a good one:

"You know that feeling when you take off your shoes at the end of the day? Now imagine that feeling ALL OVER!"

Elsewhere I have seen the phrase "go barefoot all over!" I think they both convey the message that nudism is primarily about being free from constrictive clothing.

Not only does this feeling envelop your body, it takes over your mind. You get this feeling of freedom and vulnerability. Not a bad vulnerability, an exciting one. I think we all long for the ability to be vulnerable with others. At least, extroverts do. I have not found too many introverts among the ranks of nudist club members. When you visit a club you find that everyone wants to talk to you, everyone is friendly, everyone wants to hear what you have to say.

People like my wife, who is both introverted and has social anxiety and a fear of vulnerability, will find it a terrifying thing. When she first tried it she loved it. But as she got older and her fears got a bit deeper she began to wane in her enjoyment. So, if you have a fear of vulnerability, nudism may not be for you at first. However, I think those that are most fearful of it are the ones who need it the most.

If you have issues with body image or fear of people, what better way to kill those issues than by confronting them in the most natural and easy going environment imaginable?

You don't have to worry about how you look, when you show up you realize that there are all body shapes and sizes. There are different sized breasts and penises. There are even inverted penises. I've seen amputees and women who had mastectomies. There are scars and tattoos. You begin to realize that there are a great number of variations to the human body and all are beautiful in their own way.

Why be a nudist? Because it's the ultimate in freedom, both from constrictive clothing and from constrictive body images.

Stay tuned, next post I'll discuss how nudism is the great equalizer.