General Discussions

It's almost 5 years to the day since I stepped into the world of naturism. I love working stuff out, analyzing, absorbing as much information and perspectives as I can get. So to discover a whole new (to me) community of enthusiastic sun lovers pushed my happy buttons. And so did running around in the nuddie again after all those adult years conforming to social norms. For me the mix of adrenaline and all the other happy hormones that the freedom of naturism invokes was addictive, I couldn't wait for my next hit, my next natural high.

I have since discovered too the benefit of "grounding", having skin to skin contact with the earth, especially in areas with flowing water, has been shown scientifically to be very beneficial, and I found that I always came away from visiting Katikati Naturist Park feeling much better than I arrived. So I am a confirmed addict, almost evangelistic in my enthusiasm :)

ROK has commented recently, asking what is naturism? And in response to another post I referred to "naturist ethos". While working at KNP we had to define what the park was to be used primarily for, what it would focus on providing and what needed to be discouraged. From what I understand the original creators of the park worked hard to establish an environment that was very much about just enjoying being naked in nature, they sought gender balance and actively removed those who displayed ulterior motives. The next couple seemed to have the opposite view and had an open gate policy, one that gave freedom to come for more than just the pleasure of a safe place to be naked, yet still under the guise of being a naturist park. So I totally agree with anyone that says it is a very malleable definition. Everyone has a different reason they love and practice their nude lifestyles. For what it's worth, here are some of my thoughts on what is naturism to me...

Most things that we do voluntarily, we do for the pleasure of it, and for me this is the core of my ethos-the sheer enjoyment of being naked, and that in a way that has no negative motive or wrong intentions, or negative impact on other people. I practice my ethos differently to others as I don't like making others uncomfortable either clothed or not. I'm happiest when I am naked somewhere that others don't mind, or where they expect it, like clothing optional beaches etc. That's just me.

I enjoy being naked with other people. I think everyone looks better naked, just real and natural, and I love how naturism dissolves social barriers as it is almost impossible to tell peoples vocations and status while wearing their birthday suits. I find you need to dig more and listen more instead of presume someones station from their costumes. Makes for much more interesting conversations. And I find naturist organisations are great places to get to know people, most are really friendly and just want to get to know you. For the right reasons.

I love that naturist clubs, activities, beaches etc actively try to keep it about everyone enjoying being nude. Everyone!

I like that most are active in encouraging respectful behavior, letting others, particularly the opposite sex, enjoy the freedom without them feeling like they are the entertainment.

If you are still with me, well done! I won't elongate this too much :) I love naturism as compared to general nudity, because it makes me happy, feels really good, has healthy side effects, has no ulterior motive, introduces me to interesting people, and encourages me to be connected, to be outside enjoying creation in all its natural beauty.

What does it mean to you? :)