As I was meditating using the Calm app, the lady who was guiding the session, while talking about mindfulness, introduced three core concepts to increase the power of mindfulness: clarity, acceptance and empathy. My mind started to immediately draw lines between those dots and naturism. They were not only core to mindfulness, they were core to naturism. They appear as the missing links I was looking for to explain why naturism is such a liberating and powerful life philosophy.
I kept repeating those three words as a mantra and as soon as my meditation session was over, flipped open my computer and wrote this post.
As all naturists know, naturism, often referred to as nudism, is a lifestyle and philosophy that embraces nudity in social and recreational settings. It promotes body acceptance, freedom, and a connection to nature. While nudity is the most visible aspect of naturism, naturists know it encompasses much more than just being without clothes. In that moment of meditation, clarity, acceptance, and empathy appeared as key to the essence of naturism. Those three aspects of our lives are crucial for the continued growth and relevance of naturism in today's society.
Clarity
Clarity in naturism involves open and honest communication, both with oneself and with others. It starts with a clear understanding of the reasons why we choose to embrace the naturist lifestyle. For many, naturism provides a way to shed societal expectations, cultivate self-acceptance, and appreciate the human body in its natural state. For others, it’s just a way to become at peace with ourselves and others.
Clarity of choice, of intent and of actions are central to accepting what naturism has to offer. With it, naturists can establish a solid foundation for their beliefs, ensuring that their choices align with their values.
Clarity also extends to the communication within naturist communities. Open dialogue about boundaries, consent, and personal comfort is essential for creating a safe and respectful environment. Clear guidelines and rules help maintain harmony and ensure that everyone's needs are considered. When individuals have a shared understanding of expectations, misunderstandings and discomfort can be minimized, fostering a positive naturist experience for all.
Acceptance
I believe that acceptance lies at the heart of naturism. It goes beyond embracing one's own body and extends to accepting others without judgment. Naturism promotes inclusivity and welcomes individuals of all body shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. By embracing acceptance, naturists celebrate the beauty and diversity of the human form, challenging societal norms and stereotypes that can contribute to body shaming and low self-esteem.
Acceptance in naturism also encompasses the acknowledgment that everyone's journey is unique. Some individuals may feel more comfortable being fully nude, while others may prefer partial nudity or naturist activities with clothing options. The key is to respect individual choices and recognize that everyone's comfort levels may vary. By fostering an accepting environment, naturists create spaces where individuals can feel valued and supported, ultimately promoting a positive body image and self-confidence.
Of course, acceptance does not mean permanent agreement. Some naturists are more passionate than others. Some want naturism to exist outside of the borders of naturists sites and places. Some are just holiday naturists. Some are daily naturists who push the limits farther. Acceptance is agreeing to disagree while sharing wonderful moments with other naturists and textiles alike.
Empathy
Empathy is another fundamental aspect of naturism, as it encourages individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. Naturist communities thrive on empathy, creating spaces where individuals feel heard, respected, and supported. By cultivating empathy, naturists develop a deep sense of connection and unity, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.
Empathy in naturism involves actively listening to others, considering their perspectives, and responding with kindness and understanding. It helps create a culture of trust and compassion, where individuals can freely express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Practicing empathy enables naturists to build meaningful relationships, form strong bonds, and support one another on their personal journeys.
Empathy allows also to consider textiles points of view, particularly when they disagree with our own nudity. Empathy helps in staying comfortably naked while others are clothed. It’s said that a smile costs nothing and brings back a lot, smiling and being empathetic while naked will bring you a long way on your naturist journey!
Clarity, acceptance, and empathy are the pillars onto which I’m structuring my naturist life. By embracing these principles, naturism offers a unique way to celebrate the human body, promote body acceptance, and establish deep connections with nature and fellow naturists. As the naturist movement continues to grow, I feel essential to prioritize these core values to ensure that naturist spaces remain inclusive, respectful, and welcoming for all individuals. By fostering clarity, acceptance, and empathy, naturism empowers individuals, challenges societal norms, and contributes to a more body-positive and compassionate world.
Get Naked, Stay Naked, Live Naked, and Share the Naked Love!
Years ago, the late Paul Penhallow was the driving force of The Syracuse (New York) Naturist Group. His mantra was long ago adopted by me: "Accept Yourself. Respect Others. Live Simply. Relax Daily." I try to follow those points each and every day.
Nice thoughts. Glad your meditation session spurred your creative juices and allowed you to share. Clarity, empathy, and acceptance are undoubtedly values at the core of naturism. I often refer to these as naturism’s gifts, values it helped develop at my core, shaping my true self. Of course, you can have the chicken and egg discussion -- which came first. Did the values attract me to naturism or did my attraction to naturism being these out in me? My answer -- both! They are part of naturism. They are part of me. What’s important is to see such values as central to naturism, reinforcing it as a philosophy and lifestyle vs something you just do now and again. Like you highlight, it goes all beyond simply being nude.