Introduction
Why go nude? What is the big deal? Others often ask naturists these kinds of questions. In fact, "clothes-compulsive" people often lack a positive attitude concerning naturism, because they *assume* wrong things...from simply thinking it is "weird" to thinking it must be harmful or sinful. Unfortunately, these same people have likely never taken the time to learn what naturism is really all about, much less consider its benefits.
In my own search for truth, I discovered that going nude socially is actually very healthy. That is, when you practice it correctly, and when you practice it with the right mindset. The truth is, the benefits are numerous. In fact, the benefits are far too many to list here concisely. If you are truly interested in an extensive list, see "205 Arguments and Observations In Support of Naturism." However, my own list, below, are the few that nearly all naturists seem to agree on...
When You Go Nude...
- You learn to separate nudity from sex, and thus you reduce your tendency to see others as "sex objects." Naturists keep nudity and sex in their proper contexts.
- You learn to accept others based on their character, instead of their image or appearance. Among naturists, your appearance is less an issue. This includes the size or condition of your body or its various parts.
- You begin focusing more on the whole person and less on their various parts. You start seeing the body as part of the whole person, and you accept their [nude] body regardless of its condition.
- You desire to improve or maintain your body as a matter of health and respect for your body, rather than as an attempt to be or feel acceptable.
- You start to have an improved self-image and greater confidence. No need to try to impress others with a certain appearance when others accept you just as you are.
- You experience more genuine and intimate relationships with others. Being nude around another is like saying, "I am willingly open, honest and trusting. Please accept the whole me, flaws and all." Think about the fact that, even in a clothes-compulsive society, nudity is usually always a time of intimacy, such as with sex, doctor visits, bathing, etc.
- You eliminate class distinctions that we all automatically recognize through clothing. You cannot tell the highly paid executive from some lower paid citizen when they're naked. There are no "gang colors" among naturists. Of course, all of this means relationship, that is, you must get to know the other person first.
- You see the physical differences between genders more easily. When nude, gender is generally undeniable and better understood. Children learn the physical differences between males and females very clearly and quickly. For example, they may no longer base their judgment on the length of ones hair, or on whether one plays with Barbie and the other with cars, or on whether one wears dresses and the other doesn't. Naturist children have greater opportunities to learn about sexuality in a healthy way, and thus they understand sexuality more clearly. In fact, I have never heard of a naturist transvestite! :) Even if such a person exists, you would not know it in the naturist environment unless they told you.
- You learn sexuality is more than just gender. You obtain greater awareness, acceptance and appreciation of your own maleness or femaleness, as well as that of others.
- You see just how comfortable, practical and healthy going nude is. You start asking... Do we really need swimsuits [or "costumes"] to swim? Why? Do we really need pajamas to sleep? Why? What purpose do these things really serve? Do they really help us or do they hurt us?
- Naturist children usually end up more well-adjusted than their non-naturist peers. Why? The reasons are likely varied, but consider these... Because naturist children learn the above. Because naturist parents are of a different caliber of people than most. Because naturists face challenges that others do not.
All these reasons for going nude socially boil down to one thing...health...a healthier mind, body and spirit. Health is the number one reason all true naturists are naturists, and the number one reason you should try it. Don't you think positive attitudes, thoughts and ways of living are healthy? Isn't it good to think and live that way? Isn't good to think and live that way regarding this important aspect of your life...your state of dress?
Besides the above, when you examine the facts, you will discover... Whether you believe in God or nature, or something else, it seems our bodies were meant to be nude. For instance, have you ever noticed what all of the other creatures wear? More importantly, when you go nude regularly, you allow your body to function the way it is supposed to function...the way it would function if out in nature the way we humans used to be. The truth is, your skin cannot "breathe" properly underneath all those clothes you wear, and your whole body benefits from the sunlight and air. All of you benefits; all of it helps you to feel healthier and be healthier.
Many people exercise because it is good for them, and this is the same reason so many naturists go nude daily, even, and especially, around others. The fact is, when the naturist movement began, its founders established it as a way to improve your health and yourself. Although some people do misuse nudity, even within naturism, naturists adopted the philosophy, "clothed when practical and nude when possible", because the benefits are many.