Emma is back with another image for you, which was intended just for this blog site. As she explained to me, at the time she was testing the water to see if it was the right time to take the plunge. There is no question, Emma is a significant supporter of my attempts to look at the psychological side of naturism and nudism. She is just one of a small group of about sixty who follow my blog site.
The idea of testing the water is more about trying naturism out before making a decision whether a person decided to continue exploring the possibilities or to retreat back into what I can only call, normal life. Quite a few tell me that naturism is normal life. The idea is that naturists, or call them whatever, do normal things just like normal people. The only difference is that they do some of those things while nude. Now, you know as well as I do that “normal” is defined as that which is the “norm. If you live in a naturist year-round community, being nude is normal in all senses of the word. However if you are significantly in the minority then you aren’t “normal.”
All of that aside, things change and what is normal at one point in time is abnormal in another era. Men in tights with wigs and makeup was normal for one class of people several hundred years ago – for a minority mind you, but the peasants opinions didn’t count. Along the upper reaches of the Amazon River, being nude was the norm. But, as much as National Geographic might try to persuade you, it isn’t the norm anymore. The kids now go to schools and wear clothes. The adults do get nude, especially if there is money to be made from tourists. I got to visit one of these small tribes. It is still rustic and primitive for the most part, but civilisation has begun to change them.
It is with this hope that with some effort and encouragement, we might just get more people to test the waters of naturism with the result that we finally reach the point where nude people are closer to normal status. Will there ever be a time when clothing will not be a significant part of our culture? Not in my lifetime or the lifetime of my “as of yet” born great-grandchildren. Being honest with oneself about this fact lets us accept that what little time and place and space we have for nude time, is to be treasured. To waste time on becoming missionaries is just that, “wasted time.”
Even those of us who are committed body, mind and soul to the mission of enjoying as much of our time, whether alone or amongst others while clothing free, need to continually test the waters, safely as we push our own boundaries, pushing the envelope of just what is possible. Who knows? Maybe one day, being nude might just become the norm. Just don’t hold your breath until then.
I love the parallels you draw Robert and this is so true “To waste time on becoming missionaries is just that, “wasted time.””
Involved this community, we all of us know those who constantly espouse, preach, debate and try to define the nude lifestyle, generally within the confines of our relatively small community and their network. Largely, beating a drum to those who are already converted is futile. Once the sun shines, I prefer to get out there and enjoy my nude recreation. Time and life is short enough 💃
Thank you, Emma
Robert, another very thoughtful piece. Yon and Emma have long been two people Mr.T and I have looked up to as promoters of social nudity even though the two of you have taken different paths to do it which is/has been a good thing. T and I no longer seek approval from others, we just do our own thing when it comes to social nudity or private nudity. If someone questions it, we try to educate vs trying to be a driving force.
Ms. K
Thanks, K.
Thank you, Robert. In whatever culture we might find ourselves, the norm, the mainstream, is the dominating factor. I personally am put off by the “missionary” in your face attempt at converting people to a specific way of life. Traveling the “road less traveled”, avoiding mainstreet, is the perfect way to meet like minded pilgrims who are seeking their own idea of normality.
Thanks, RH
Naturism will never be a mainstream reality without the “missionaries” as you call them. I doubt they think they are “wasting time” writing about the benefits of nudism/naturism. I am glad for them because I cannot be a champion for the cause due to my job. Without these people who are willing to get out there and speak about their experiences, we will fade into obscurity. My concern is more the people who tout themselves as nudists/naturists yet never show themselves nude. If body positivity is part of the package, why hide? I think this speaks more to the individual and their insecurities than it does as a bad reflection on nudism. As far as “singing to the choir” I think that is more for reinforcement of the challenge to talk to textiles than anything. Nudity is still considered a semi-taboo subject in a lot of circles so running out there espousing the benefits of nudity carries with it more hazards than say, trying to convert someone to read an odd book series. Sure, there is some amount of hero-worshipping but who wants to slay the dragons every day they get on to social media? I think it is more a waste to “push the boundaries and test the waters” by oneself because you are singing to the choir of one and that makes it a hollow victory at best.
I respect your opinion but don’t share it. But then again, you had your say here, and that is good for you. Thankfully, since this is my blog site, I can continue to “waste” my efforts. You know, freedom of expression and so on. 🙂