Hello all! My name is Austin and I'm obviously new here! Nudism seems to be quite relaxing and invigorating at the same time! I love the idea of acceptance and just the meaning of nudism in general but, I've always been a very modest person. (I don't even take my shirt off when I go swimming! haha) Is this something one can overcome? Like I said before, I love the idea of nudism and I long for the feeling of naturalism and oneness.
I'm wondering if anybody else here ever had this problem? If so, what did you do to overcome it?
Replies
- DE
DesertHikerNov 21, 2010Well, overcoming our fears is always a challenge for anyone. There are 2 basic approaches to this, which are comparable to getting in a pool--you need to get used to the water. Some people prefer to wade slowly into the shallow water, and gradually become accustomed it. Others like to throw caution to the wind and just dive in head first. Which ever method is prefered is fine.
If you would prefer to "wade" first, then I suggest you become accustomed to being nude, or even semi nude on your own first. At home, when you are alone, is the best place to start. Just do as you normally do--only do it naked. The more time you spend naked, the more you get used to it. The next step is to find a secluded area outdoors somewhere, on a nice warm day, and spend some time alone there enjoying the outdoors naked. Do this for awhile, and before you know it you will find that being naked will be your preferred state of dress. At a point when you feel ready, just schedule a visit to a nude beach, club, resort, or venue--I personally reccomend a club, or resort/camp that is AANR, or TNS affiliated.
Now, if you are the type that prefers to dive right in--then what are you waiting for, find a club/resort/camp and go for it.
ReactReply - GE
George_in_WVNov 21, 2010Before I made my first visit to a nudist resort I determined that I would never become comfortable going around nude in front of other people if I was not comfortable being nude by myself. Growing up it was not unusual for me to be nude in front of other boys when changing into/out of bathing suits or other clothing, but the idea of just going around completely nude for no reason at all was a problem. After you feel comfortable with yourself nude try It with other people. Has your roommate seen you nude? Some time when he is out go nude and act surprised when he walks into your apartment and finds you nude.
How does he feel about nudity? Ask him if he has ever been skinny-dipping and see what his reaction is. For all you know right now he may well be interested in nudism himself and does not want to frighten you off by mentioning that he, too, would like to go around the apartment nude.
I once heard of two brothers who, after they grew up, joined separate nudist groups and never let the other one know that they were nudists.ReactReply - MI
MidGaNudistNov 21, 2010Hello Austin and welcome to TN and the wonderful world of nudism. I have talked to many of my friends and associates about being a nudist and going to nudist resorts. Many have told me that they would never go because they feel that their bodies are not good enough, for example they need to lose weight, gain weight, or that they are not "endowed enough". True nudism is about total body acceptance and relaxation. It has nothing to do with having a "perfect" body because there is no such thing. Perhaps you are modest because you feel you don't have a perfect body. Once you feel comfortable in your own skin, the rest comes very naturally and easy. I am a 55 year old 225 pound man that looks more like Santa Claus than a model, but I feel good about myself inside and out and love being nude either alone or in a group setting. I hope this helps.
ReactReply - KA
karhuukNov 21, 2010I know it sounds like a real sound-bite, but I firmly believe that modesty comes from the heart, not from the wardrobe. It doesn't matter what you wear, or what you don't wear, it's what's inside that matters. The fact that you're a little concerned about nudity tells us all that what's inside has a strong sense of propriety and that won't change when you take off your clothes.
I'm sure we all know plenty of people who delight in lewd and obnoxious behavior and seem to do that perfectly well when fully clothed, there really is no connection between being clothed/naked and being modest. Such people often mistake nudity for something salacious but that's entirely due to their sexual mindset.ReactReply - CD
Cheri Donna DawsonNov 21, 2010Nudism is definitely a wonderful way to de-stress, relax, and return to innocence. As others have stated it some times isn't easy, but you will become comfortable in your own skin very quickly. Modesty as previously said, is not something that is outside of us. When I sit down and am clothed or not, I sit with my ankles crossed and always treat others with courtesy.
Unfortunately, there are no ND official nudist clubs, but there may be hot springs. Bring a friend and possibly skinnydip for a bit.
We re all nudists to some degree. I assume you bathe or shower w/o clothes. Nudists or naturists as some prefer, do so more often.
Welcome to this site. You will learn a lot.
CheriReactReply - TR
Trav17Nov 21, 2010i completely understand....i really would like to accept myself and become a nudist but i just cant and i have to settle for being nude in my house.....the most adventurous thing ive done is go about 50ft outside my house completely nude at about midday....it was pretty exciting...
ReactReply - BB
Bill BowserNov 21, 2010Modesty, like anger or fear, is nothing more than an emotion, which is actually under your control. Of course it takes some mental discipline to prevent unwanted emotional responses to a given situation, but once you master it you'll wonder why you hadn't done so much sooner. Just tell yourself that you're not going to be concerned about modesty. The problem is all in your mind. You are the only one who perceives it.
ReactReply - AUaustin_l91Original PosterNov 21, 2010
Thank you all so much for your great responses! I will take all of your suggestions into consideration. They are much appreciated. :)
ReactReply - DEDesertHikerNov 22, 2010
here is a link to a list of AANR camps, clubs, and resorts within driving distance to you.
http://www.aanr.com/aanr-clubs/#zip
ReactReply - GEGeorge_in_WVNov 24, 2010
Little did I know when I made my first visit over 15 years ago to a nudist resort because I wanted to go skinny-dipping that one day I would be living in a clothing optional community where I can spend most of my time comfortably nude. Now the only times I am dressed are when it is too cold to be outside nude or I am going into town for shopping and other errands. Here we all go around nude whenever we can and to us it is the norm.
ReactReply - CO
Curt, or CowboyJan 18, 2011[quote]Humans alone have the curiosity and thirst for knowledge to seek God,[/quote] On every OTHER point we agree. On this one, I have no evidence to suggest either way, but I do know my cat loves me, and I know that squirrel in the street loved his/her smashed spouse.ReactReply - PV
Paul VoglerJan 20, 2011[quote][quote]Humans alone have the curiosity and thirst for knowledge to seek God,[/quote] On every OTHER point we agree. On this one, I have no evidence to suggest either way, but I do know my cat loves me, and I know that squirrel in the street loved his/her smashed spouse.[/quote] But do they ever go to church? Oh, and to the OP, I used to be one who could not even take his shirt off in public. Now I'm naked around EVERYBODY! And today I even thought that when I die, I would like to be naked in an open casket for the ceremony. Feelings follow actions - get naked - fun will follow!ReactReply