Practicing Outdoor Nudism Added: 09/30/2006

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Nudism refers to the practice of wearing no clothes either in public or private settings. It is not sexualized in any way. It is belief system – a way of life – in which the naked body is viewed as something to be accepted, honored, adored, and enjoyed. Since we are born naked, nudity is viewed as being in our purest form. Although public displays of nudity are unlawful in many societies, there is a place for it. For instance, in South Beach, a neighborhood in Miami Beach, Florida in the United States, outdoor nudism in the form of topless sunbathing is acceptable and permitted. Other forms of outdoor nudism including swimming and participating in various sports such as volleyball are not necessarily viewed as extreme, either.

Many will argue that because most people live in societies where being clothed is a part of the culture and value system, nudity is sexual in nature and indecent. They may argue that it is not possible for individuals to view each other naked without feeling sexual. However, people who are fully clothed have sexual feelings toward one another all the time. In other words, whether people are practicing outdoor nudism or are fully clothed sexuality is a part of the human experience.

For serious followers of this cultural and political movement, nudism is a way of life. It is an integral component in their day-to-day living and their belief system. Outdoor nudism or any other display of nudism is not a fad, "walk on the wild side," or way to become sexually aroused. It is a philosophy and one of the ways in which they define themselves. They practice nudity for any number of reasons including the following:

1.They feel more relaxed and are in a better state of mind when they are nude.
2.They feel more accepted in body, mind, and spirit – regardless of age, body type, and other physical characteristics – when they are amongst other nudists.
3.They feel more united with others irrespective of social status, nationality, gender, or race.
4.They feel more in touch with nature and the physical world around them – more connected to the earth.
5.They are inhibited and restricted and freer to be who they are.

As nudism has become more socially accepted, communities and organizations have developed. It is no longer as taboo to be a nudist as it once was. This is certainly encouraging for true practitioners, novices, those who are curious, and others. It is now safer to practice amateur nudism in which people go nude to have the experience but it is not a way of life for them.

Nudism is nothing new. It has been practiced since ancient times. Many have practiced it for years in their own homes or in nudist communities of one sort or another. Whether it is outdoor nudism, indoor nudism, or public or private nudism, more people are beginning to accept the idea that the human body in all of its many shapes, sizes, and colors is beautiful and should be accepted, respected, and cherished – not covered and hidden in shame and fear.

Practicing nudism is not for everyone, some people find it to be indecent and immoral, others are simply too modest or ashamed of their bodies, and still others are simply too afraid of the repercussions (real or perceived) of freeing themselves of binding, stifling clothing. We must face the facts, nudism may have gained wider acceptance, but the practice of it is still not accepted in some areas of life such as business or religion.

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