Understanding Nudism

I created this section of the In The Buff Stuff Website to answer questions people may have about the nudist lifestyle.  I have been a nudist for over 20 years and could not imagine a better way of life.  In this time I have met some of the most wonderful people and visited some of the most beautiful places as a nudist. 

The nudist lifestyle has opened up so many doors to my outlook on life and as a result I feel like I have a healthier mind and body, I feel a greater sense of freedom, I am more comfortable and I feel healthier.  When I take off my clothes it's like going on vacation, I feel more relaxed, no stress and no pressures of life.   

I find it is easier to strike up a conversation with people I meet at nudist resorts because people seem friendlier and I believe it is because they are more relaxed.  Nudists do not prejudge you for what you look like short, tall, overweight, too thin, instead we are all the same.

Nudism and Naturism

You may find that as you search the web to learn about nudism people will use the term nudist or naturist but in my eyes they mean the same thing.  The word "Naturist" is more of a European term and "Nudist" is more of an American term.

Questions

Why are you a nudist? 

I am a nudist because I have found great joy in living in a clothes free environment.  I feel more relaxed and have a greater piece of mind when I take off my clothes.  When I take off my clothes it is similar to the feeling of taking off a uniform, when you take off a uniform it is taking off the stress of the day, you are freeing yourself and if feels like a vacation.  Once you put back on the uniform you feel like you have to get back to work.  I once heard someone say that if you spend a weekend at a nudist resort you will feel like you have been on vacation for a month.  I have found this to be true for myself too, any opportunity I can I try to getaway to a resort.

There are a variety of reasons on why people have become nudists.  Some people are at home nudists, they enjoy being nude in their own home but never experienced a resort or beach. 

I have met people who have become nudists because they wanted to overcome self esteem issues.  This one woman was overweight and her spouse encouraged her to go to a nudist resort.  He had been to resorts before and wanted her to go with him.  Once there she felt such an acceptance for who she was that she finally started to feel good about herself and her appearance.  As time went on she actually lost weight the natural way, by spending more time enjoying outdoor activities. 

I've met other people who had started out by skinny dipping on a secluded beach while on vacation.  They enjoyed it so much that upon returning home they sought out places on a local level that might offer the same opportunity to skinny dip.  Much to their surprise they found a nudist club only minutes from their home.

There are so many different reasons as to why and how people become nudists.  There are many online communities that discuss people's first experiences with nudism.

What was your first experience?

I first encountered nudists after graduating high school.  I was at the beach and went up a sand dune, unbeknownst to me the local nudist club was celebrating national nude weekend on the other side. So rather then turn back I figured "when in Rome" and took off my clothes!  By the end of the day I was hooked! 

I believe that if people would take the time to experience nudism for just one day that they would see the benefits of the lifestyle and want to become a part of it.

Don't you worry about health issues?

I actually feel healthier living the nudist lifestyle for a variety of reasons the Vitamin D from the sunshine and fresh air are good for the body but you should always wear sunscreen of course.  I feel that my body has better circulation by not being restricted by clothing, especially while enjoying any outdoor activity such as swimming or volleyball.  How many times I have heard women complain about their bathing suits!  One of the many perks of nudism is that you don't have to worry about those wet, soggy, tight, uncomfortable bathing suits that balloon up or  fall off when you dive in and swim.

I also feel cleaner nude than when I am in clothes all day.  It seems like the body can breathe and sweat properly.  Since moving to Florida I have gotten to enjoy the nudist lifestyle even more and I have found that I do not get sick as often.

If you are speaking of hygiene, you will find that nudists are more conscious of health issues than most people.  They have what is called "Nudist Etiquette."  Which encompasses many areas including carrying a towel for seating purposes.

If you are speaking of mental health, well, I have seen many people who have self esteem and self image problems but my nudist friends and I don't carry that burden.  We accept ourselves and each other for who we are as people on the inside.  In my opinion if you accept yourself for who you are on the inside you will have a beauty on the outside.  None of us have perfect bodies, it seems like everyone can find something wrong with themselves but nudists look past those imperfections and find that we are all beautiful regardless of our weight, height or physical imperfections.  In an age where magazines, TV shows and movies portray how people are supposed to look I believe that they are a major contributing force to self esteem issues in society today, especially upon the younger generation.  As a nudist, nudists don't get caught up in that world.

What about sexual arousal?

Many people have misconceptions about nudists and one of the biggest misconceptions is that they believe that nudity equals sex.  The naked body is not a dirty or sexual entity, you will find that a nudist environment is one of the least sexually arousing environments to be in.  If one went to a nudist resort thinking they were going to fulfill their sexual satisfaction then they will be greatly disappointed.  People in a nudist environment are not there to satisfy sexual urges!  You will find that they are going about their everyday activities, the difference being, they are unclothed.  In my opinion going to a regular beach is more sexually arousing than a nudist resort because of the mystery of what's underneath.  Many of today's bathing attire command a lot of attention that can cause sexual arousal because of the mystery. Does this mean that nudists are not sexually aroused?  No, it just means that they know there is a time and place for everything.

You don't find it distracting to talk with a nude stranger?

Nudists give each other due respect by maintaining eye contact.  We socialize in a nudist environment the same way as in a textile (non-nudist) environment.  The only difference is that we are all nude, comfortable and happy!  Truthfully, after being at the resorts I tend to forget that I am not wearing anything.  As a matter of fact one time I was in my car and about to leave the resort before I realized I forgot to put my clothes back on!

When I meet new people I get to know them for who they are on the inside rather than what they are wearing on the outside.

Nudism may not be for everyone but I believe that people should try to experience it or at least try to understand it rather than persecute others for it.