Would you Adam and Eve it?

[Stu2630]

I am always accused of only posting negative stories here, so I am now posting one which is much more positive. A British Daily Mail reporter visits a gardens clothing optional event and describes her experience:

"The thought of getting her kit off fills Liz Jones with horror – so could a naturist afternoon in these Eden-esque Wiltshire gardens inspire her to shed her inhibitions (and clothes)?"

Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/...#ixzz24eFGPaje

Stu

[natureboy1776]

That was such a sad story. I feel poor Liz's pain, I too was once so repressed. But once I realized I had such an irrational fear, I worked to overcome it. Now I have beaten my fear, repaired my self image, and learned to love myself. Naturism has done wonders for my confidents. I hope poor Liz never goes back to read the horible, insensative comments to her heartfelt experience. I hope she learns to accept herself and enjoy the body she lives in. She has taken the first step, now just learn from it.

Stu, how is this not a negative post?

[nudeM]

Sure I would, but then again, almost everyone on this site would. I can understand the question being asked on a web site that isn't "clothesfree", but on here, the chances are pretty good that almost everyone on here would. Great article, thanks for sharing.

[nudeyooper]

I've read more positive articles by writers who were chronicling their first experience with naturism. Most found it more comfortable and some could not wait for the opportunity to revisit. This is a bit of a jump into the deep end intro as many of us if not most who have not grown up with nudity being comfortable, try it like you did. On a day when we were alone or we begin sleeping nude and just do not get dressed that day. My nude swims in PE class were really a jump into the deep end, and I gradually became more comfortable as I grew older. I'm not a social nudist, not much of a social textile either, but if I had a more convenient opportunity, I would not feel uncomfortable nude in the presence of others of either sex. I've had brief occasions of that already where I was the only one nude or among only a few others. There are so many flaws on my body, the biggest my oversized belly, that are regularly on display that what remains to be seen is of no worry.

[luvnaturism]

Touching article. Thanks for letting us all see it.

[jasenj]

That was such a sad story. I feel poor Liz's pain, I too was once so repressed. But once I realized I had such an irrational fear, I worked to overcome it. Now I have beaten my fear, repaired my self image, and learned to love myself. Naturism has done wonders for my confidents. I hope poor Liz never goes back to read the horible, insensative comments to her heartfelt experience. I hope she learns to accept herself and enjoy the body she lives in. She has taken the first step, now just learn from it.

Stu, how is this not a negative post?

I think the answer to your question is in your response. This sad, neurotic woman got to see others at peace and enjoying themselves in a way she longs for, but can't bring herself to. The nudists were portrayed as happy folks enjoying an intimacy that the author could not quite understand or embrace. I think that is a very positive message for nudism - but not for the textile obsessed.

The comments are sad, though. Whenever I read the comments from a news story I am reminded and saddened at the state of the general public. There are usually a few positive comments, but the vast majority are usually negative and juvenile.

- Jasen.

[Stu2630]

Can I add a little context to this? Liz Jones is regarded by very many Daily Mail readers as both an attention-seeker and a rather beligerent feminist. Readers tend to either love her or hate her.

Nevertheless, I thought that the article overall painted a rather kindly picture of the place and those who attended, and she was clear that the issues she has with nakedness are her own, so I picked up that it was, on the whole, quite positive for nudists. It also showed that nudists are able to use a mainstream, generally non-nudist venue, and that all are welcome to enjoy it. Many people only perceive nudism as something which occurs on some foreign beaches or in clubs with high fences, so there is some education happening there.

The comments show that people are mostly unwilling to view nudism as something which would interest them in any way - but we already know that. Nudism is very much a specialist interest - it is not mainstream and is unlikely ever to be so. That has disadvantages for nudists, specifically that it reinforces the need for segregation, and that nudists will have to fight for their fair share of public spaces. On the other hand, it also has some advantages. For example, I am often told on here about the community spirit of naturists and the fact that they look out for each other - that would simply not exist if nudism became mainstream.

The Abbey House clothing optional days are brilliant! They allow nudists to enjoy a day with textiles who are clearly comfortable being around nudists, and that will include a few textiles who might be vaguely contemplating trying nudism. These days offer an example to other possible venues to follow suit. They will see that they can be organised and do not turn into orgies or have other problems - and also that nudists offer a largely under exploited market because they have money and are willing to spend it!

I didn't intend this to be a negative post and, while there are some negatives in it, I believe that overall it shines a positive light on naturism.

Stu

[eagle59]

of course I would! It would be great if there was an event like this near me that me and my wife could go to. I could be naked and enjoy a lovely day and my wife could be free to enjoy whatever state of dress or undress she chose without fear of being forced into something that she does not want to do. I thought the article was great. Liz did a good job of relaying to the readers her fears about being naked and we got to see her try to conquer those fears. It is ok that she realized that nudism is not for her, it is not for everyone, if it was then there would be no issues and we all would be naked all the time anyway and we wouldnt be nudists; we would be the norm. She got to see that nudism is about personal freedom and not about being good looking and perfect. I liked the statement that said the woman lost her husband in the crowd because she couldn't find him in all the naked men. Just goes to show that underneath we are all the same.

[jasenj]

This is the same publication that ran "The dangers of 'letting it all hang out'" a few weeks ago; CFF thread on that article here. And both articles use the phrase "letting it all hang out". This article seems to be a counter-point to that article.

I also found it interesting that despite her professed discomfort with being naked EVER, she was willing to strip down for the photo shoot. So you're so neurotic you won't even let your husband see you naked, but you'll drop trou for your employer, for a little throw away human interest article? Oh well, at least it portrayed the nudists positively.

- Jasen.

[Bob S.]

You can tell she is not a nudist, she isn't sitting on a towel! Shame on her!

Otherwise, I agree it is a good article.

Bob S.