Social Nudism

Jordan Blum | October 28, 2012 | 5 Comments

Social Nudism & Socializing While Naked

Social Nudism

Social Nudism - While some people prefer to practice naturism only in their own homes, many people enjoy spending time with other naturists. Social nudism is simply that: being nude in a social setting. For many people, social nudism is not only an enjoyable way to spend free time and make new friends, but also takes on philosophical elements of freedom, openness, and positive body image.

Nude Beaches and nudist resorts are the most common venues for social nudism. Many people who are curious about naturism gain their first exposure to the lifestyle at a nudist beach or resort. But there are many other organized venues for social nudity. Many naturists join clubs to take advantage of social events and build friendships with other fellow nudie friendly people who enjoy socializing while nude. Naturists often organize outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and canoeing. The World Naked Bike Ride is held annually in cities all over the world.

People participate in social nudist activities for a variety of reasons. Many visit their first nude beach or naked event because they are curious, and they discover that naturist destinations and nudist communities are welcoming. One blogger writes (http://jegography.tumblr.com/) of his first experience skinny-dipping at a nude swimming pool, “It all feels so natural and normal” to swim without clothing. Many people see social nudism as a way of building relationships and a community. Some believe that nudity makes people more honest and open with one another, which makes it easier to establish strong friendships. “It’s hard to be a phony when so much of you is visible to other people and the interaction that other people want is not with your facade but with you,” (constance2u says on Askville).

Indeed, the most commonly stated benefit of social nudism is the lack of judgment and that it helps people develop. Socializing in the nude is an excellent reminder that human bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and that no body is shameful because all are imperfect. Social nudism helps people accept their bodies and respect others’ bodies as well. As NudeScribe puts it, ”Do I wish I had grown up naturist? Definitely – I think that’s exactly the kind of body-positive orientation that would make for the best upbringing for just about everybody.”

But early exposure to social nudism is a concern for many – is it inappropriate to expose children to nude adult bodies? While social nudists understand the fear of sexual predators that lead to this type of concern, they are quick to point out that social nudity and nudism is not about sex. “My order of priority is to quickly set up the difference between sexual and non sexual nudity,” Julius writes on his blog: Nothing To Dread About Nudism. “Many people have trouble accepting the premise that we’re not all swingers.” While romance sometimes begins at naturist events, most people do not attend them in search of casual sex, and those who do often leave disappointed.

Julius writes that the most difficult thing for him about social nudism is keeping it from co-workers and family members who might judge it negatively. One of the most powerful reasons for naturists to become social nudists is the feeling of acceptance. In a social nudist community, nobody treats your body as unworthy or shameful, and everyone approves of your naturist lifestyle and philosophy.

Social Nudism (or Naturism) - Getting undressed in public and mixing among a crowd of other people doing the same, may, at first, seem unnatural. The fact is, such activity is the very definition of natural. Everyone came into this world unclothed. Societal norms, weather, tradition and other factors all contribute to our beliefs about public nudity and the nudist lifestyle.

There are those who associate social nudism with a sexual experience. There are those who are absolutely unable to accept the thought of disrobing in public. For the millions of naturists and would-be nudists, social nudism has great appeal.

When everyone is nude, suddenly many of the social barriers disappear. Many psychological studies have shown that when people are unclothed, their behavior changes markedly from when they were dressed. A high-powered executive has no perceived superiority over a janitor. Men become far less aggressive and women less vain. Young and old, skinny or fat, Black or White, everybody is on an equal footing. People let down their guard and can show their inner beauty. It is actually a wonderful state of being that makes the world a little nicer.

Social nudism appeals to different groups and individuals. Families that practice social nudism find it important for their young children to be introduced to the non-threatening lifestyle. Pretty much natural nudists, young children enjoy running around free of confining clothes. They are quick to interact with others and hardly notice the fact that everyone is without clothes. Parents enjoy the opportunity to be close to nature and being able to relate to others of the same mindset.

Couples and individuals may join an organization like the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) to get access to a large number of clubs and resorts where nudity is legal. While skinny dipping at a public beach or other forms of nudity might be prohibited by law, private clubs are perfectly legal for social nudism.

Removing social barriers and being able to freely express one’s self are a very appealing part of being a nudist. Protective acts of social interaction such as lying and exaggerating your importance, are practically non-existant. Once you get comfortable with social nudism, you will gain a whole new outlook on the world.

Social Nudism

Young Naturists & Nudists America – YNA

Category: Social Nudity

About the Author (Author Profile)

Jordan Blum is a lifelong nudie and co-founder of Young Naturists America.

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Naturists | What Are Naturists Really & Are they The Same As Nudists says:

January 22, 2012 at 11:35 pm

[...] or Nudists (as they are sometimes called), are people that practice being nude, especially in social settings. So, after reading this definition, most people would ask why. Why do some people choose to be [...]
Young Nudists Naturists America says:

April 17, 2012 at 5:43 pm

[...] have great self-esteem and effortlessly feel good about my body. I did spend many of my summers in social nudism, but the rest of the year I was living in the textile world. I read fashion and beauty magazines [...]
Public Nudity | Where can We Be Nude In Public | Naked In Public is OK says:

November 2, 2012 at 9:13 am

[...] Nudity - Where is it okay to be nude – completly naked in public? (Nudist Resorts | Social Nudism) Naked In [...]
Growing Up Nudist | Raising Kids Nudist | Nudist Children And Kids says:

November 2, 2012 at 9:23 am

[...] such an outlook, and for that I thank them. They did teach me that clothing is expected for most social engagements, but for our family, clothing was something you wore for other [...]
History of Nudism | Learn The History of Nudism & Naturism By YNA says:

November 2, 2012 at 9:27 am

[...] called Freikorperkultur (Free Body Culture) arose. This movement was the first real organization of social nudism. It was a time of the shedding of not only clothes, but also the hidebound values and thinkings [...]