We all evolve. In our philosophies, politics, child-rearing techniques. We all change our minds about things as we grow older, experience life, encounter challenging situations. Did my firstborn have the best of our parenting skills? Absolutely. The 2nd was a challenging sprite and absolutely debunked everything we thought we knew with number 1. Number 3 was just spoiled and had 2 older brothers to dote over her. Yes, we changed our parenting techniques significantly.
I was raised by my (apparently) conservative father and amazing step mom. My real mother, to the best of my memory and understanding, was a very free spirit. Maybe this is from where Flit was birthed. I was also raised Catholic. I was a God-fearing, well behaved kid who nearly always chose the straight and narrow, and still have a very strong moral compass. I didn't need the church or environmental influences to steer this part of my life.
I still don't. And no... this isn't about faith. That will be another day.
This is about culture. And the choices we make and the impressions we gain and the judgements we levy upon others.
Today's topic: Naturism and Nudism. Remember that disclaimer you clicked to get into this site? Long term friends, prepare to be shocked. We are all adults here. Or we should be. If you're under 18, leave the room HA!
I love nudism. I love the air and sun on my skin. I shed my clothes almost as soon as I lock the front door after getting home. It started with relinquishing the bra. That torture device was happily flung on the bedrail. Now? It's bare skin.
Okay, calm your overactive imaginations and exercise some mental discipline, please.
There is no shame in being naked. As a kid, I would steal away in the summers and go down to the river and go skinny dipping. Friends, if you have NEVER been skinny dipping, you are missing out on one of the most wondrous sensations you can ever know. Go, find a secluded river, lake, piece of ocean beach, strip to your birthday suit and get in the water! When I camped since being single, (or we, if I'm going to be honest) we would remote camp and -yeah- enjoy nature in all her beauty.
Some very dear friends, a wonderful couple, had belonged to an AANR (American Associate of Nudist Recreation) campground/resort in an undisclosed state somewhere in the Midwest of America. No, they couldn't go there in the winter. Yes, they owned a camper and it stayed parked there year round.
They absolutely beseeched me to try it. They LOVED it (much to my surprise when I first found out - this fella and his wife weren't the type to get so free, from what I knew of them). But we're good friends and talk about everything. And hardly 3 conversations would go by when they wouldn't ask me when I was going to go.
They loved the freedom of being in a community where all social statuses, classes, prejudices, stereotypes were shed along with the clothes. It's not Hollywood, it's not beautiful (but it CAN be), it's just normal, real, happy, peaceful fellowship with normal, real, happy and peaceful people.
And I decided to try it. I'm totally going back, with a tent and larger cooler in tow. $10 camp sites...why wouldn't I?
Here's the educational kick: Naturism is NOT Nudism. There is a subtle (or stark) contrast, depending who you ask. In a nutshell, Nudists don't mind wearing clothes when they need to. Naturists loathe it. Nudism is a lifestyle of choice, Naturism is a philosophy that resonates to the marrow of a person. The semantics may change around the world, but the gist of the meanings remain.
Okay, my dear conservative friends. Let's get this out of the way, I know it is NEVER okay for a man or woman to look at another person and lust. That's just moral common sense, especially in regards to a married person. I know this. I employ this. You don't have to worry about the condition of my soul. Hugs.
BUT! When it comes to AANR and nudity in general, there is nothing sexual about being natural. ((oh, I can hear the dissent through the universe)) Personal Choice. We're all adults. Can we admire? Aspire? Inspire? Absolutely. Nothing unhealthy about that.
There is no shame in nudity. Quite the contrary, it might seem. A person can shed the self loathing, poor self esteem, shame, embarrassment of their self image. Nobody cares what you look like.
It is the most liberating feeling one can experience. And who doesn't want to feel better about themselves?
Let's look at other cultures' viewpoints on nudity:
Wikipedia has a good article, wordy and historical, but still - a decent snapshot of how how the world has evolved with regards to nudity.
Oh lordy. An article that spotlights Christian Naturism. Good for them!! NO SHAME!
A timeline of non-sexual social nudity. Great read. Great history.
Are you a closet nudist? I want to encourage you that you are not alone, and to open yourself to a change, it's amazing.
PS, I own the domain wankerinthewind.com if anyone is inspired to build a movement.
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