To Be or Not To Be: A Naturist

On behalf of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), I’m presenting a number of thoughts on the subject of nakedness.

These points are presented to serve as thought-provokers for those who’ve yet to fully embrace the nudist movement.

The goal is to broaden your thoughts on the subject and encourage you to consider if you just might want to take the plunge and a Nakation vacation.  Here goes!

• Practicing nudism in the long term is an intensely freeing experience, ridding oneself of nudity taboos and the belief that the clothes worn are the best expression of who we are, rather than what comes from the heart and soul of an individual.  AANR’s North American Guide to Nude Recreation points out “one reason why a nude lifestyle is so refreshing is that it delivers us temporarily from the game of clothes. In shedding our daily uniform we also shed a weighty burden of anxieties.  Clothes-free you’ll find yourself relating more on the basis of who you really are instead of who your clothes say you are.”
• Nudism, by freeing the body, helps free the mind and spirit.
• A research study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that participation in naturist activities is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, body image, and self-esteem. So enjoy!
• In many cases nudity is more comfortable (and practical) than wearing clothes. Take for example while swimming. A bathing suit doesn’t keep one dry, warm or aid in underwater exercise.  In fact, it can actually restrict movement by slowing the swimmer down.
• Nudism promotes body positivity of one’s whole person, as opposed to identifying body parts that are “shameful” or to be insecure about as they differ from mass media marketed ideals.
• The belief that clothing is necessary for reasons of modesty is a cultural assumption; (many indigenous tribes go completely naked without shame) however, it’s an assumption not shared by all cultures, nor by all members of our own Western culture.
• Many anthropologists believe that 1) modesty about body exposure could be the result of wearing clothes as well as 2) the concepts of “decency” imposed by missionaries venturing into indigenous communities.
• Nudity is not erotic, and in mixed groups is not inherently sexual. Sexuality is a matter of intent, rather than a state of undress. In fact, in many instances partial clothing is more sexually stimulating than full body nudity.
• God created the natural beauty of the human body, why do we feel the need to hide it?

For more information on non-sexualized nude recreation, visit www.aanr.com. To find a nudist resort for a Nakation vacation visit www.aanr.com/club-locator/