(INTRODUCTION)

While I was not fortunate as some in the lifestyle to be raised with family from the beginning in naturism, I discovered naturism/nudism nearly 12 years ago, and have happily been living life nude as a naturist ever since. I discovered the lifestyle near the end of high school by discovering a love for nude hiking. Growing up, I’d always enjoyed outdoor recreation and had skinny dipped a time or two. One day while hiking, I simply remembered the joy and freedom of skinny dipping and wondered if the same feelings would happen with hiking. I simply wanted to enjoy a walk outdoors while nude, nothing sexual or exhibitionist, just simply nude. My expectations were met, though better. Yes, it felt odd at first, but soon I felt so free and liberated, relaxed, natural, and at ease. I’d never felt so close with nature, and after a while of hiking nude it began to feel right to be nude and wrong to be dressed. Of course I was careful and respectful of others, but for the nearly 3-5 mile hike I was able to be nude the entire time and not encounter a single person.

(DISCOVERING THE LIFESTYLE)

While reading up further on nude hiking online, that is how I stumbled into the subject of naturism/nudism. Before then I didn’t even know there was a word for it. I then went from strictly nude hiking research to research on naturism/nudism. I read up on its philosophy, its principles, its values, its history, nude social etiquette, and what it is and is not about. Articles, documentaries, blogs, vlogs, and podcasts all helped me in my naturist education. Resources from AANR (the American Association for Nude Recreation), TNS (the Naturist Society), Clothesfree Inc., and the Naturist Living Show Podcast (Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park), just to name a few, all were extremely helpful and resources I would recommend to any newcomer.

(FIRST NUDIST RESORT VISIT)

After a few years and into my first years of college of living as a closet naturist and continuing to go on nude hikes, I finally decided to venture deeper into my naturist journey and take the first step into social nudity. Tennessee’s only nudist park is Rock Haven Lodge in Murfreesboro, TN. It is a family-friendly, true nudist (nude mandatory/ non-clothing optional), AANR affiliated park (resort). I remember emailing them and sharing my story and interest in visiting. They were very understanding and encouraging. I was so nervous the whole trip over, and almost turned around once I got there. While pulling up to the office, I was weirded out a bit by the first nude person I saw, regardless of my reason for being there, though I suppose it was just a natural response anyone would have initially. After nervously checking in, I was kindly reminded of the park’s policies and was asked to disrobe before going about the grounds.

I was a nervous wreck but at the same time felt wonderful being nude and free with the sun on me. It was not long before I encountered others and engaged in conversation. After a while of socializing with strangers, men and women, completely nude, it all of a sudden felt so natural, normal, and right to be nude with others. Overtime I forgot I was nude and the experience became about much more than just the nudity. I felt shameless in front of others, and I felt as if I was for once and at last my true authentic self. I’d never felt so confident and comfortable in my skin in front of others. I realized there were no social barriers, everyone was accepting and genuine, and we all shared a strong sense of belonging among each other. Everyone was equal, regardless of age, race, gender, marital status, height, weight, etc. Aside from conversation, I got to enjoy swimming, volleyball, walking, dining, and other normal recreational activities…all while nude…and it felt completely normal, non-sexual, and natural the whole time. When I had to get dressed to leave, it felt so incredibly wrong, unnatural, and weird to put clothes on. If I could have, I would have driven home nude it was that uncomfortable to put clothes on. I ended up later with both a good tan and sunburn.

(ALL IN ON BEING A NATURIST)

From that day and first socially nude experience, I knew then and there I wanted to be a naturist and fully embrace and adopt naturism in my everyday life. I enjoyed more trips to Rock Haven, joined a non-landed naturist group, attended nude social gatherings (cookouts, parties, dinners), and made some great friends. I also later joined AANR (the American Association for Nude Recreation) and have been a proud card carrying member since 2022. I even ended up finding a Christian naturist group of fellow men and women of faith who also believe in and enjoy living as God intended us to be from the beginning, “naked & unashamed”. (Genesis 2:25). 

(IN CLOSING) 

Today I continue to enjoy my life as a proud naturist, and will never go back to textile living. I believe in and promote true traditional naturist philosophy, so I am always nude when possible and clothed when practical. Naturism to me is almost like a second religion. It’s not just about being nude, rather it’s the benefits (physical and mental health) from being nude that are worthwhile. Through naturism I’ve come to realize and accept that nudity is natural, beautiful, healthy, and right, and shame is a social construct thrust upon us from childhood and is not natural. Why should we be so worried and ashamed of being the way we are born and in our natural state? Clothes only serve two purposes: protection and warmth. Other than these reasons, there’s really no useful reason for clothes if you think about it. For example, aside from bringing attention to the parts they cover, what purpose does a bathing suit serve?

(LOOKING FORWARD)

I will always unashamedly and unapologetically be a naturist, and if possible I hope to share it with my family and friends in the future. Naturists and nudists are the most genuine, accepting, and welcoming people you will ever meet. If/when the day comes that society and culture accepts ourselves and non-sexual nudity to where our laws are changed to be able to safely practice naturism publicly without fear of criminal prosecution, I know I and many other naturists across the country will gladly welcome that day. It should be our human right to be human.

(GO FOR IT! GET NAKED!) 

To those who read this and are curious themselves, what are you waiting for? Naturism is not about sex. It’s about being unashamed to be yourself and having respect and acceptance for yourself and others by practicing non-sexual, family-friendly, nude recreation and social nudity. Go ahead and discover, experience, and enjoy the freedom, life, and community that naturism/nudism has to offer! Be free to be you! 

Living as Nature Intended (How, When, and Why I Became a Naturist) [Nudist]