the nudist psyche

[bernardc]

I belong to a group called society for barefoot living.And daily we recieve e-mails of people apposed to others walking barefoot in public places,and in many places,barefooting is seen as typical of low soscio economic status,or primative or just plainly unacceptable.
Now that made me ponder a point or few.What makes nudists the people they are?What is it in the nudist psycology that almost compells them to be naked?Are we just plain "anti-establishment" or anti norms?Look,lets face it.Society views clothes as the norm,and nudity as the "un-norm".
when I read through the postings on this site,i am struck with the determination of people to be naked,and wanting to be naked.I am not against nudity,on the contrary,I am all for nudity,in public,in schools,in churches all over,and if I could have my way,i'd legalise nudity internationally,in all places and at all times.I believe humans are supposed to be naked,its just right....but why?
Are nudists compelled by some or other hormone that gets secreted from the brain when they do get naked,and is it like some enzyme that we just cannot live without?I just wonder,what sensations do we all experience once we get naked,and how do we deal or entertain that sensation.
When i sometimes get to a forest or lake or river,I am overwhelmed by its tranquility,and I have to get naked to experience it against my flesh/skin.I sometimes get the odd erection as well out of pure pleasure.
I just wonder,is it perhaps something that we experienced in our childhood that makes us want to be naked,or is it just some other form of sexual gratification? Are nudists in a way,perhaps 'legal exhibitionists'?What is nudity essentially about...just getting naked,or taking the oppertunity to expose our genitals to others....a form of insecurity perhaps,or a desire to be noticed and accepted?That is essentially what nudism is...exposing our most private parts to others.All persons are born with an inherrent shyness in them,especially when it comes to the genitals...Is it realy all that bad to be shy?Is shyness not also a sense of protection?
Are we actually rebels in our own ways...and why is nudity important to us?
perhaps we want to prove something differently,that once contrasted our lives.Why are we nudists?
We can excuse ourselves and say our parents brought us up as nudists,but then the question is...Why was it important for them to see us as naked people?Why did they want to see us naked?
What of the person that was not brought up a nudist,and just one day decided to be a nudist?What compelled them?Is it not some sense of genital lust?What do we realy feel when we are naked?I pose the question,is it not a structured form of exhibitionism?What is it about the naked human form that is so mesmerising...perhaps its a yearning to innoscence...free of shame...a cry into the world not to be embaressed or feel ashamed...a desire to be shame free....But why was there innitialy shame...why is shame so relevant to the average persons genitals...what is it about the human genitals that needs to be exposed....?If nudism was a norm...a natural thing...why wont we go walking nude in a mall as an example...where does that shyness come from...
I know,using nudism as a way of life,healed my son from his traumatic molestation and sodomising by his step father.Do we as nudists want to prove something to ourselves by being naked?I never wanted to feel ashamed and guilt ridden because I was molested as a child and raped twice in the army...I wanted to be nude,to live nude to show that I am not that filthy thing my molesters made me out to be.!And after a few years,I loved being a nudist,love being naked....loved to .....
What is it in the nudist 's mind that compels them to be naked, to seek other nudists out and form a micro cosmos within a cosmos?
Please,these are just questions...like I said...I love being a nudist and being nude,and would not change it for the world...but why?Is it fair for me to pose this question?Please respond to this,and let me know how you experience nudity,and why you think nudism is almost unique,and what it is you think that makes the nudist psyche tick.

[lordshipmayhem]

I experience naturism as freedom, as comfort and as levelling. Nobody has a more expensive "uniform" than anyone else, and that means you're looking more to their personality than to the mask they want to hide behind.

As far as bare-foot goes, there are times when that's definitely appropriate. Walking on the grass or the beach (if not too hot) are appropriate times, walking across a home's floors should be OK, walking on concrete, a stable floor or anywhere else where your tootsies would face physical hazards or difficult-to-clean messes is probably not. I'd discourage it on a waxed floor (human oils and sweat do horrid things to a floor's wax finish).

I too would like to see social nudity acceptable and accepted worldwide in the workplace, the schoolyard and classroom, the street and the houses of worship, any place where protective gear wasn't required. Wouldn't such a world be a wonderful place to be?

[bernardc]

I experience naturism as freedom, as comfort and as levelling. Nobody has a more expensive "uniform" than anyone else, and that means you're looking more to their personality than to the mask they want to hide behind.

As far as bare-foot goes, there are times when that's definitely appropriate. Walking on the grass or the beach (if not too hot) are appropriate times, walking across a home's floors should be OK, walking on concrete, a stable floor or anywhere else where your tootsies would face physical hazards or difficult-to-clean messes is probably not. I'd discourage it on a waxed floor (human oils and sweat do horrid things to a floor's wax finish).

I too would like to see social nudity acceptable and accepted worldwide in the workplace, the schoolyard and classroom, the street and the houses of worship, any place where protective gear wasn't required. Wouldn't such a world be a wonderful place to be?

Some years ago,I stumbled onto a site where it said something to this efect...The New Naked/nude world order..It was fantastic..I could not find it any more,but it had pics of people in stores,supermarkets,school,work,hospitals,parks,ri vers,all in the nude.It would be a wonderfull world.It makes me feel all happy to think of it.

[lordshipmayhem]

Some years ago,I stumbled onto a site where it said something to this efect...The New Naked/nude world order..It was fantastic..I could not find it any more,but it had pics of people in stores,supermarkets,school,work,hospitals,parks,ri vers,all in the nude.It would be a wonderfull world.It makes me feel all happy to think of it.

And I do wish you could find that link again, it sounds wonderful.

Unfortunately, you'd have to be either near the equator, or on a terraformed planet. This one's temperate zones just are too cold in the winter for that sort of lifestyle.

[NudonyII]

What is it about the naked human form that is so mesmerising...perhaps its a yearning to innoscence...free of shame...a cry into the world not to be embaressed or feel ashamed...a desire to be shame free....


That could sum up - very succinctly - why I got into nudism in the first place. An image that moved me very powerfully when I accidentally stumbled upon a nudist lake as a kid in Germany: a mother playing with her two kids - all completely nude. This image - in total contrast with my own reclusive and repressed childhood - resonated with me for years; and drove me to seeking out that purity and innocence.

In my experience, people become nudists for a variety of layered reasons. Certainly, at some level, there is a "titillation" component involved. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a from of "genital lust"; but the nudist community certainly struggles with qualifying it as "sensual" or "sexual"; I have no problem with "sensual". If one could monitor one's heartrate at all times, there is no doubt that the rate would accelerate upon the removal of a bra or briefs; likewise upon entering an area full of nude people. It's only human. But, at least for me, the genitals are not a focus; the uncovering of the genitals is merely a path towards the full body experience of "returning to innocence." Now, whether the "innocence" I mention is real or a creation of the mind is a much deeper philosophical question; to deep for me today.

The "shyness" you mention is taught/observed behavior. We become body-shy as a response to our environment. That's how we get there.

[Fitz1980]

As a long time reader/poster here I'd say that nudity is about the only thing that we have in common here, and we can't even agree on the how/when/why of that one. I read about every new post here every day and I can say that we have literally nothing else in common.

We certainly don't agree on a political ideology, an economic system or even a code of morality. Some here are conservative Christians who believe in no sex before marriage while I'm sure that others are polyamoris swingers, who I'm sure don't just come straight out and say it as this site's rules are against it. Same consider homosexuality a sin while others are proud homosexuals. Some of us consider things like the "World Naked Bike Ride" a great way to show the general public non-sexual nudity while others think it's just exhibitionists and political opportunists showing off to the textiles and making them uncomfortable. Some of us like to dress funny, do strange things with our hair and do anything to set us apart from the crowd; others get naked on the weekends (to blend with the crowd at a nudist venue) while dressing and blending with the textile crowd the rest of the week. Some of us have tattoos and piercings while others find them to be unattractive, or inappropriate. Some of us shave while others let the hair grow as nature intended. Some of us are exhibitionists while others would rather just blend in with the crowd.

[NudeAl]

Bernard man let me say you are one deep thinker. You always come up with some good ones. Well, I agree in that nudity in and of itself is a pure and noble thing. It is all about the mind set. You know the old saying beauty is in the eye of the beholder well I see it like that. If you have your mind in the gutter so to speak you will see vile things everywhere in everyone. Conversely if you have open mind and really see nudity as simple a lifestyle a way to enjoy the freedom it provides you will not view it that way.

As a side note on your barefoot living I believe there is a society of bare footers over here in the US as well. While I was visiting in Darwin, Australia I saw more barefooters walking around than anywhere I have ever been. It wasn't unusual to see barefoot walkers on the streets in shops and malls all over the place. I am more of a sandals guy if the weather permits. Here in the Northwest US Washington State we are going to be for a long hard winter last night it was 22F about -6C and we aren't even in winter yet.

[David77]

Bernard man let me say you are one deep thinker.How true!

I have also wondered what are all the motivations for myself and various others, to becoming nude. I believe that there can be multiple causations operating all in the same moment, and causations where just one motivation is operative at a time.

Examples of multiple motivation to become nude - in hot weather it is cooler to take off our clothes, the rest of the people at the resort are nude and we want to blend in, we wish to become nude for an all-over tan, we want to comply with the rules to only swim in the nude, we have lost weight and have gained muscles from our exercising and we wish to show off our improved, nice body, we wish to feel free and unnecessarily unrestricted by society, some sleep nude not wanting to be restricted by PJs, we want to conquer shame about our body and accept our body as it is, we feel more in harmony with the natural world around us by being au-natural, (a few wish to make a strongly held spiritual humanistic statement in demonstrating that nature, including the nude body, is to be deeply respected), etc.

A less plausible motivation to get nude at resorts or beaches is merely to have an opportunity to view (and possibly photograph) nude women, and to spend the whole time in sexual fanticising.

[Peter B]

I have been reading posts for many years now and from this and from my own ideas, I think we are "hard wired " for this kind of lifestyle.

Then we start to advocate this deviation from the norm and some people we can "educate" in this mode of behaviour.

The benefits are obvious to nudists, but then, here, we are preaching to the choir

My wife would never give nudism any consideration was it not for my gentle nagging. Now she is happy to go to swim nights, she sleeps naked most of the time and with the coming summer she will not put on a performance when we go to the beach

Also, it has to do with age: children have no problem with nudity, teenagers cannot be convinced,adults can be educated.

But whatever, we will always be a minority; an unusual habit.

But then, habits change. Men no longer wear hats or smoke like chimneys.

Just as much as smoking has fallen from grace, general non sexual nudity could become more prevalent, but when?

[nudeM]

Though there are those who were 'motivated' or have motivation to be nude, I believe the ability to be nude is one we cherish. If those who are able to practice social nudity on a regular basis, then the motivation would be to try to look our best through diet and exercise. Although many don't bother, but for the most part, many try and with success. For that, the motivation has been achieved and now they want to 'show' their achievements. and share with others. Is this motivation or a psycological factor in that we feel better about ourselves and have a positive outlook?

This motivational factor could be in reverse as well. Many are able to be nude 24/7 but not able to enjoy social nudity. In this example, I tend to believe the motivation would be to try to make ouselves look "presentable" if a trip to a resort is being planned. Although they are nude 24/7 at home, they (not all), live their lives as many textiles and tend to 'let themselves go'. But they are ready to 'take the plunge' into social nudity, so they feel they have to take extra steps to get prepared, thus go on a diet and exercise kick before the big visit.

I tend to be in the group that simply enjoys the nude life, although I can't be nude 24/7 nor able to enjoy social nudity. But I don't care what I look like. I do exercise on a regular basis, but it's not because of looking 'presentable'. It's more of a health issue, which I believe is another factor we tend to overlook. I feel more positive about my body after I went on diet. But lately, things have gotten out of hand and now I have to diet again, but not as much as before. So, am I going to diet as a motivaional factor to nudism or am I dieting for health reasons? Personally, a little of both. Just my opinion.:smoking:

[Josh-here]

In my experience, people become nudists for a variety of layered reasons. Certainly, at some level, there is a "titillation" component involved. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a from of "genital lust"; but the nudist community certainly struggles with qualifying it as "sensual" or "sexual"; I have no problem with "sensual". If one could monitor one's heartrate at all times, there is no doubt that the rate would accelerate upon the removal of a bra or briefs; likewise upon entering an area full of nude people. It's only human. But, at least for me, the genitals are not a focus; the uncovering of the genitals is merely a path towards the full body experience of "returning to innocence." Now, whether the "innocence" I mention is real or a creation of the mind is a much deeper philosophical question; to deep for me today.

The "shyness" you mention is taught/observed behavior. We become body-shy as a response to our environment. That's how we get there.

This is my experience too. People have a variety of "layered reasons" as you put it.
Beginning with just for the simple reason that it feels good and a whole host of other things. It is a "sensual" experience on many levels because that's just how we're made "visually" and how our bodies (skin) are made.

[bill2me]

The best way to describe how I feel naked is honest. Nothing to be ashamed of or hide, just me the way my parents and God made me.

[NudonyII]

The best way to describe how I feel naked is honest. Nothing to be ashamed of or hide, just me the way my parents and God made me.

That sense of honesty is a beautiful thing. A sort of by-product of the equalizing aspect of nudism.

Since we're in the midst of Presidential heated debates, picture this analogy if you will. You're sitting by the pool at a nudist resort. Sitting by you, completely nude, are - you're going to have stretch your imagination on this one - Barack and Michelle on one side, and Sarah and Todd on the other (John can't be directly exposed to the sun for health reasons; so I'll at least be slightly realistic in that regards!).
Just think about how differently you would be relating to them. What would you think of when seeing Sarah playing with baby Trigg next to you? Troopergate? The Bridge to Nowhere? If you're like me, none of the above; I'd just be seeing a beautiful nude mother playing with her child. And how would I feel sitting nude next to nude Barack? Certainly much different that if he was in an Armani suit and I was wearing my cheap suit. Regardless of political views and affiliations, I'd just be seeing "kindred spirits."

This equalizing aspect of nudism (i.e: you and I are more similar than we are different; and therefore we have nothing to hide from each other - or vice-versa) is what brings this sense of honesty and trust to nudist interractions.

[Rick_42]

I can't recall anything in my childhood that predisposed me to become a nudist. As an adult I never really had a problem with being nude or seeing others nude. When I traveled, I'd often take opportunities to be nude in my hotel room or make use of a sauna or spa facilities in Europe. I eventually took to being nude at home when alone and at first there was a titilation factor in it. After a while that went away as I became more comfortable with being nude.

A few years ago, I began to seriously do some research on nudism, seeking out legitimate sites and fourms such as this one. As I learned more about nudism and its core philiosophies, I found they were a good fit into the core beliefs that I already held. I began to think of myself more and more as a nudist and when I finally visited some nudist venues, I was convinced that nudism/naturism was, indeed, part of my lifestyle.

I enjoy the freedom, comfort, and relaxation of being nude.

[bernardc]

"That could sum up - very succinctly - why I got into nudism in the first place. An image that moved me very powerfully when I accidentally stumbled upon a nudist lake as a kid in Germany: a mother playing with her two kids - all completely nude. This image - in total contrast with my own reclusive and repressed childhood - resonated with me for years; and drove me to seeking out that purity and innocence."

When I was a teenager,just turned 12,I visited my one friend in the morning,and I saw that he had slept naked,and apparently,payamas in their house was not allowed.And if you slept over,you had to sleep in the nude as well.
When Hugo went in after dark,their house had one rule. Take of your clothes!...Hugos father always said...."Get undressed,youre a boy,you dont need clothes..."I always were so amased at this friend of mine that could walk around naked,and that was a very great influence on me.He had a lot to do with me...a)becomming a brefooter , and (b)...I gues a nudist as well.

[bernardc]

This is my experience too. People have a variety of "layered reasons" as you put it.
Beginning with just for the simple reason that it feels good and a whole host of other things. It is a "sensual" experience on many levels because that's just how we're made "visually" and how our bodies (skin) are made.

I agree..it feels very good.But I am still fascinated with it....One does feel a nice feeling.I think also,the mere fact that you dont have to be shy any more,or hide your most secret organ,is very liberating.When one looks at a baby...how they respond when their nappies are changed and they are naked...they kick and laugh and giggle....that has to speak for itself!;)

[bernardc]

That sense of honesty is a beautiful thing. A sort of by-product of the equalizing aspect of nudism.

Since we're in the midst of Presidential heated debates, picture this analogy if you will. You're sitting by the pool at a nudist resort. Sitting by you, completely nude, are - you're going to have stretch your imagination on this one - Barack and Michelle on one side, and Sarah and Todd on the other (John can't be directly exposed to the sun for health reasons; so I'll at least be slightly realistic in that regards!).
Just think about how differently you would be relating to them. What would you think of when seeing Sarah playing with baby Trigg next to you? Troopergate? The Bridge to Nowhere? If you're like me, none of the above; I'd just be seeing a beautiful nude mother playing with her child. And how would I feel sitting nude next to nude Barack? Certainly much different that if he was in an Armani suit and I was wearing my cheap suit. Regardless of political views and affiliations, I'd just be seeing "kindred spirits."

This equalizing aspect of nudism (i.e: you and I are more similar than we are different; and therefore we have nothing to hide from each other - or vice-versa) is what brings this sense of honesty and trust to nudist interractions.


That is a very important point you are stressing there.When you are nude,you have nothing to hide,and cant hide.I have another theory....of sorts...when a male sees another male,in the nude for the first time...what are the thoughts that race through his mind....now as a person that has done a bit of research on this,not to much though,I have decided that one factor could play a part.That guy has a penis...and so do i...does he do with his like I do with mine?
Does this shyness I mentioned that some of the people have,perhaps spring from this thought?
What is so liberating in being a nudist....?Look.research has shown that about 90 - 95% of all males masturbate in their life...now hang in there with me here...
When the shy male sees the nudist male,his focus immediately goes to the exposed penis,and I think he is somewhat challenged....that seeing another male also having a penis.Those males,I have found out in my research,that are shy and not of the nudist persuation,suddenly have this surge of thoughts spilling through their minds....Does he do with his like I do with mine?
Immediately the thought goes to sexual thought and speculation....and then he sees that he is not the only one that has a penis.Suddenly he shares common ground...not on performing as a robust male,but on a body level.
I had a very conservative friend,that never realy visited others,but he liked visiting me.At first,I would get dressed when he came,and it was allright...he still visited occasionally,and one day,he came again,and I was naked,had just woken up when he came in,and as usual,i had a morning wood.I did not conceal it,and just acted normaly and made coffee for us,sat down with him,and started sipping my coffee.He kept on stealing glances at the crotch,and I just acted normal....and then,after that first encounter,he visited more often,and was very open towards me in our discussions....he suddenly found common ground by means of the penis....Could that not perhaps be the key to the psyche of the nudist...I see what happens to me,happens to you....
You see,once the male encounters another male...in the nude...they reach some common ground on the penile point...I dont have to boast about my performance,i dont have to be shy....I can just be a simple plain natural masculine/male human being....the genitals (NOT IN A SEXUAL WAY) becomes the common ground and in each others nudity (as nudists) we perhaps feel common ground and accepted,and I feel I can share in your space...nudity has no boundries,wheras clothing causes a huge boundry........just a thought...

[NudonyII]

A very..."Freudian" analysis. Don't get me wrong; I'm not criticizing. My take on it is merely a tad different.

I have been around many nude men (and an equal mount of nude women). Not much conscious thought has gone into the practical similarities of our genitals. Here's my psychology behind the uncovering of the so-called "private areas."
The genitals are - physically and psychologically - our most vulnerable organ. They mostly remain hidden for a bit of both reasons. When we uncover our genitals, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we "open ourselves" (in Buddhist parlance) to the world around us. For me, it's not so much the occular perception of the genitals; it's the emotional and psychological perception of the nudity (if that makes any sense). When a completely nude person adresses me, it's not about whether their genitals are in plain, unrestricted view; it's about the fact that the person has "opened up" to me, completely and honestly - that's both very touching and very human. As I stated before, the genitals are merely a "gateway" to a much broader experience. When you visually see or perceive them, this is a confirmation that the situation, the interraction is "real and true."

Again, I'll reiterate that I'm not putting down your analysis. Everyone's perception is different; and it's always great to discuss personal philosophies!:)

[bernardc]

"For me, it's not so much the occular perception of the genitals; it's the emotional and psychological perception of the nudity (if that makes any sense). When a completely nude person adresses me, it's not about whether their genitals are in plain, unrestricted view; it's about the fact that the person has "opened up" to me, completely and honestly - that's both very touching and very human."

Exactly my line of thought as well,just a bit more detailed.That is what i call.."Common ground".The point that i am trying to put is this...speaking from a nudist point of view,and a non nudist meeting me for the first time.The thought of the 'textile' person could perhaps be that he sees that the tendency to be secretive about the genitals is of unimportance.
refering again to that friend of mine...he said later that it was sobering to see that others also get erections in the morning,even though it is common knowledge,and you see it in movies and pictures,to see it in real life was more "crued".
He said it was very liberating,and many times,males associate nudity with sex,and erections with sex.What I was trying to bring across,was that seeing one naked as atextile person,gives a sense of trust and security.I was just using the genitals as a point of discussion.We know nudity is not about the genitals,but the nere thought of not having to hide that vulnarability any more is very refreshing,and yet very sobering.I appreciate your response,and I like what you said.What just facinates me,is the fact that we as nudists prefer nudity to clothes and experience energising sensations when we are nude.I just wonder if this can be traced back to the first primative man romping around naked.
Its amasing that nudists love being nude in nature especially,and somehow,that also tickles my fancy....the feeling of being naked in nature is totally different than being naked around the house.
My sons best experiences in nature (nude),is feeling grass caress his body and over his genitals...rolling in mud and sand,climbing trees.
any way,back to the point of discussion.As a formar sex therapist of sort,I had many people tell me that seeing others nude and free,was very liberating,and thought provoking.
One patient I had clearly stated that he always wondred when seeing other naked males if they also masturbated,and he always wondered about it....he had always thought that the genitals being exposed was something unnatural,until he encountred nudists,and saw that it was plain and normal,and nudity was not sex related.
Once I was at a nudist beach,relaxing in the sun,and i heard the bushes close to me move,and I looked and found a guy masturbating,while whatching me chill in the sun.he immediately felt very awkward because I caught him red handed,and he expected that i was going to bash his face in.I just assured him that I was not going to,and he had no reason to be scared.I invited him to take courage and do it openly,and see how he felt.Afterwards he also said that it was very liberating,and felt that what he did was not so unnatural as he always percieved it to be. Knowing what he did,others also did,and didnt condemn him,gave him immense freedom.That was one of the reasons that sparked this thought process. .."The Nudist Psyche".
That brings us back to your vulnarability presupposition...Yes ,we do feel very vulnarable...but why?Why connect the exposure of the genitals to vulnarability...I have a few thoughts....and soon i will open another thread,and where we can truly philosofy about it...whatch this space....Just remember,I am not allighning nudism only to the genitals,I am trying to see a broader picture.

[bernardc]

To all those that responded so far,tanx...I like it.Maybe I should call myself the..."Phillosopher of nudism..."Please carry on responding and sharing your views.

[redrocksnudist]

For me being nude equals freedom, as I am sure most will agree...

I found I preferred to sleep nude at the very early age of 7 years old...

What reason? I don't know, just more comfortable I guess...

Starting about 13 or 14, I wanted to be nude during waking hours, whenever I had the chance... Why? It just felt good to be nude...

At about 16 or 17, I took any opportunity I could to be nude, on the desert, or any remote place I could find...

When I was about 22 or 23, my wife and I would spend most days nude at home... Why? Because we could...

When I was a little older, 29 or 30 I took walks by moonlight (nude) down the remote powerline roads in Arizona...

Due to previous religious constraints, I never joined an organized nude venue, and haven't been to one even now...

In the intervening years (I am 49 now), my only nudity was at home in my bedroom, or in the home while the kids were at school...

But in the past 2 or 3 years, I finally realized "I are a nudist"...

And a born nudist at that... Despite my upbringing to the contrary...

Since the summer of 2006, the wife and I are always nude at home...

And occasionally get a chance to be nude elsewhere...

Haven't done the mixed nudity thing yet...

Want to enjoy it with my wife, and she is not sure about it yet...

Sexuality and nudity?

Obviously you can't deny that being nude is at least sensual...

And in certain contexts is certainly sexual...

One must be cautious not to confuse the two...

Actually it is "context" that makes the difference between "sexual" and "non-sexual" nudity...

But it is also "background" and "habits"....

i.e. If you come from a background where nudity is akin to "sin", you may find it difficult to not feel shame at your own nudity...

or even to feel as if by being nude with others, you are partaking in "sinful" behavior...

Or if you habitually view sexually explicit materials, that warp your view of the (purity) of the human body, you may find it difficult to be nude without equating that to sex, or viewing your fellow nude enthusiasts in a sexual way...

Would being nude all the time make a person "dead" to seeing the sensuality of other's bodies?...

I used to think so, but in actuality it doesn't...

Being unclothed removes barriers due to dress, and differing economic levels...

It eliminates undue "speculation" about other people (and their bodies)...

And doggone it, it just feels good!

Take Care,

Daniel and Brenda

[bernardc]

" Would being nude all the time make a person "dead" to seeing the sensuality of other's bodies?..."

But that is what I was asking.But to expand a bit more...in what type of sensuality do you view the body?Is sensuality then sexual-ness?
I was just wondering.Can a person only see sensuality in nudism,even eroticism?Does looking at the naked form in a sensual way,make it sexual,or is there a difference in perception?Is nudity,pornographic?Many people have that view,that being a nudist,makes one immoral and pornographic.And the further point to ponder,when does,or does nudity ever become only pornographic,or do we see deeper than just the exposure of the genitals.
I said,porn focusses only on the performance of the genitals,and people from a non nudist persuation,do they see it as pornographic,and can we make it pornographic to the textillian/do we feed that suspicion of /stigma of porn/eroticism....?If I as a nudist,(and I am an adamant nudist!) know that could be the local perception of the textillian of the nudist,do I feed that suspicion?
Lets take that question a level deeper...The textile person,when seeing a nudist...why do some of them allighn it with immorality and see it as pornograohic?I can look at my child in the bath naked,but the moment you take a picture,its percieved as ...PORNOGRAPHIC...Why?Do we as nudists then encourage their perception,should we refrain from being naked,and if we desire not to be clothed,do we find some gratification in it?If we see nudism as sensual....what does that sensuality trigger in us?Just pondering......

[WriteNaked]

I find this thread fascinating. BernhardC raises a lot of questions that I think we do well to sort through, and I've appreciated his frankness, as I've appreciated the comments of those who have responded earlier. I sort of wish he hadn't placed the topic under the "nudism and sexuality" category, because I think being naked has to do with much more than sexuality: but I don't know where it would necessarily fit better.

I remember a friend of mine talking about the experience (his first, I think) of walking naked on a Caribbean beach early in the morning: "It's so freeing." His wife, on the other hand, feels threatened by the idea of the experience.

I remember another friend talking about the experience as one of "heightened sensuality." I think that means that the body is touched by sun and wind in places that don't get much access to sun and wind. Of course that makes one aware of one's genitals: and I think the genitals never quite get desensitized. But that's not the reason most of us get naked, I think: not for long. There is just something really liberating about the experience.

But I think it is different for a person who has been taught from one's youth that there is something verboten about getting naked in mixed company, as opposed to for one who has been raised to be naked with one's parents, with one's siblings, and with other adults. My experience is much closer to Redrocks, writing above: discovering that I liked being naked but having no one with whom to share the pleasure; of having been shamed when caught naked by parents; of daring to "push the envelope" more and more and stilll, having the presence of an awful lot of people in one's life who just would not approve. I think for those of us who have that history, the psyche is pushing for greater and greater freedom of expression in a culture that one has found oppressive. Then, getting naked, at first alone, and then with the approval of one or two, and finally in wider and wider circles of companionship, is one way of showing one's freedom, one's "individuation" (which is a psychoanalytic term).

I've corresponded with people on this forum for whom that freedom is expressed most greatly by daring to "pray naked" and even more so, when one is free to join, naked, in public worship with other naked Christians (or whatever one's religious faith might be). That's why I wish this were on another thread than "Nudism and Sexuality", because to be naked hits on other dimensions of life. I've posted on other threads in the forum about "dreaming naked": I do that a lot, and sometimes the situations in the dreams are friendly to my nakedness and sometimes they are not: but then, that's the psyche; it confronts the waking self or it supports the waking self, but one thing that it seems to show me is both my real delight and my occasional discomfort just with being naked.

But praying naked and being naked in dreams does make one wonder about what BernhardC has called the "nudist psyche": is there something in the psyche of some more than in the psyche of others that predisposes one to get naked with others? I don't know. It's a good question. My family has a funny story of me as a child getting naked: I know it's been passed around the family when I haven't been there to hear it, because a nephew asked me about it one Christmas a few years ago -- to which my sister blushed and said, "Oh, that's more like a dirty joke."

So one's propensity for getting naked is complicated and it's complicated the more because of early training: training that may go against one's natural grain, and have to be unlearned. And as BernhardC has pointed out, it may be further complicated by experiences of having been "objectified" and having been abused as a sexual object. I remember being in a men's group in which the leader finally said, "We walk around in concrete boots." To become whole, conscious individuals is not an easy thing: it's not for the timid. For some of us, certainly, daring to learn to be comfortable as naked individuals with other naked individuals has been a powerful part of that journey.

I'm sure this is not the last word on the topic; I'm sure this will not be my last word on the topic. It hits on a lot of nerves.

But, BernhardC, thanks for raising it: the "Nudist Psyche" deserves good, honest discussion.

WriteNaked

[redrocksnudist]

I think we have discovered the next source of alternative energy. There is so much brainpower on this site, we should be set for life.

As somewhat of a novice, I speak from my "limited" experience. To me nudity in and of itself is not sexual. But it can be, depending on your background and perspective, and of course the context of the situation. Yes it is sensual in the regard that you feel and sense your surroundings in a new way, one not experienced while under the constraint of textile "enhancements". And yes I imagine there are a lot of people who would judge this choice in a negative way, largely due to their own misconceptions, and "guilt by association".

Just google the word "nude" and see what you get. Sadly you can google the words "nudist" and "naturist" and get much of the same. So you can take pics of your naked baby in the bath, show it to family or friends, and they think it's just a cute baby pic, but if you posted it on a "social" website or something, most would see you as a "child pornographer". This is most likely because there ARE so many out there, and we are constantly seeing and hearing about it. Again, guilt by association, or really misdirected suspicion.

So it's not exactly like you can feel free to tell everyone you know you are a nudist. Obviously we must be careful not to contribute to tarnishing the image of nudism/naturism. And much more education is needed, though I am telling you nothing new here.

[Larry Sam]

When considering a nude wedding we got some feedback that it could be seen as sexual whatever? Basicly a clothing optional service, a private service where as we feel saying our vows nude before God and all that it is more meaningful not sexual. In a real church not on a naturalist resort.

[David77]

I have a very different viewpoint. That is, I consider that it is useless, futile and even senseless to need to analyse and try to separate, or try to finely differentiate, our being sensual, sexual vs. non-sexual, lustful/non-lustful, or a feeling a "merely" aesthetic appreciation for various persons physical form, etc. - as I, for one, don't give a darn about the fine analysis and separation. If taken separately, they could easily be considered to overlap. No one should feel shame for these natural feelings.

Practically all I care about is a person's behavior.


Contrary to semi-popular belief, I don't think that lust is truely one of the "seven deadly sins". Some persons go to the doctor because they do not have, or have lost, this wonderfully natural quality.
However, I will accept persons who believe the bible when it says that to lust after a person is the same as having intercourse with that person.

Again, I put paramount emphasis on a person's behavior. I think that he does not need to sublimate these inner feelings out of guilt, but needs to be aware of them so that he can deal with them to (hopefully) behave ethically. This is part of "Knowing thyself".

I will honor other person's viewpoints on this forum.

[bernardc]

Well said David,andi agree fully with your point of behaviour.What i was trying to point out was the perception of the textile person to that of the nudist.In my class at varsity,I have a few class mates,that,the minute you mention penis,nudism,porn or erotic,tghey go into a fit of opposition.Iwas just pondering...Why are they like that,and if we have something to do with it?And further more,not to debate...but I like hearing opinnions....I was just wondering why we as nudists just love being naked...its much deeper than just ...liking to be without clothes...and people seem to get another thread mixed up in this one...

[nakedstudent]

I'm not quite sure how this topic fits in the poll category so I didn't vote.

I'd have to say that a few things connect us:

1. Experience- We have all experienced nudity either in a personal setting or a social one.
2. Acceptance- We all accept the nudity of others as a natural preference on at the very least a comfort level.
3. Socialization- We have all made the effort to network. Are there naturists who choose not to network? Probably.

There are many more facets to how we are connected.

In truth, our connection on this site is probably less about our nudiist/naturist tendencies and more about our acceptance of the lifestyle and desire to network to learn more and connect with like minded people.

I'd venture to say that most of us network outside of the context of naturism.

As far as nudists in general go, it probably comes down to a true sense of comfort and a keen ability to listen to your body when it screams "Let me breathe!!!" which develops into a mind that asks "Why would I ever think about suffocating my skin?"

Although many of us deny it, I wouldn't doubt that at some level, there IS a sexual nature to nudity as well. I have discussed this with some other members numerous times. I think the more you experience the lifestyle the less this sexual factor is evident but at the very beginning, I think it could be a common factor at least subliminally.

[Naturist Zoar]

david, once again you've got my vote for capturing the right words for a great response.

[David77]

david, once again you've got my vote for capturing the right words for a great response.

Thank you for your nice comment.

[hommenudist]

Cannot identify this as a worthy contribution to this discussion it is just my feelings on my experience on being nude.

It started with me in child hood about the age of 10 or 12. I noticed a much more freer feeling after a bath or shower before putting on clothes or pjays. I wanted very much to prolong the interval of nudity before getting clothed. When home alone and certain of the time when my parents would return I would roam the house nude and do everything I would normal do clothed such as cleaning my room washing dishes and alike.

Well, I am happily married now and although my wife is not a nudist she makes no protests about my being nude practically 100% of the time at home. I get a feeling of freedom when not clothed and find it especially liberating to face a new day fresh from the shower and remaining nude. There is an energizing effect from being nude. I seem to get more work done around the house. I am also motivated to watch my weight and exercise to maintain a decent appearance; even thought I do not practice social nudity, yet. When I return home from some outing shedding of the cloth is so liberating. I get such an excited feeling - a nonsexual feeling of excitement. The feeling at times goes much deeper than feedom it just feels .....well.......aaaaahhhhh.....okay....natural!!! Just as if this is the way, weather permitting, it is suppose to be. I feel as if I should be able to go outside on a sunny day retrieve the paper or mail, say good day to the neighbors, breath in the fresh air, and return inside all in the nude without it being viewed as something outside the norm.
Long story short, I do not know why I enjoy being nude, now that I try to put it into words, other than to just say it feels good and normal.

[atalanta]

Cannot identify this as a worthy contribution to this discussion it is just my feelings on my experience on being nude.


Very well expressed actually. I go along with that fully.

[bernardc]

Thanks for your responses so far.Perhaps the nudist has it in their genes....its amazing how nudists,myself included feel about being naked.Its liberating,I agree....But this prompts me....everyone somewhere in the world is figting for equal rights....there is is SBL...fighting to get american kids to go to school barefoot and allowing barefooting in stores...but I am sad to say,that in South Africa...we dont have nudists fighting for nudist rights on beaches,and in parks....I think,the nudist psyche comes down to this one thing...its an all over sense of welness....but to get others to see it the samme way,that is the challenge.