It will likely come as no surprise that I am writing this post while comfortably ensconced in a hammock that is gently swaying. I think the post’s title gave it away. It’s mid afternoon, siesta time for many, but not for me. There’s something about sleeping in the daytime that I resist. Rarely do I take my laptop to the hammock, instead I use my tablet.
We returned from a 10km beach walk not too long ago, a walk which included some naturist sunbathing time. As usual, I was able to get a beach photo. However, since I have posted more than my fair share of bare beach bum photos, I decided to pass on adding yet another such photo, at least for the time being.
The neighbours with whom we shared the yard, have gone. Until a new set arrives, we have the whole property to ourselves. Naturally, that means a few different photo locations for my archives. Again, I find myself questioning why I take these photos, the vast majority of which I never share with anyone.
What is the purpose if not for sharing? Obviously, they aren’t about being an exhibitionist, these archived photos. The occasional image makes its appearance here, usually cropped so as to fly under the radar and interest of porn hounds – yes, they do collect photos of old men such as myself, daddy issues. Different photos will make it into my personal, off-line journal. The rest, saved onto an external hard drive. Why? I don’t really know, you’ll have to ask my shadow.
Today, I didn’t do any cropping. No porn hound worth his reputation as a connoisseur of male anatomy photos would see any sexual merit in adding this photo to their collection. Yet, the fact that a penis is visible reduces the possibility of sharing this post via a number of social media options. When I crop my photos, I get some feedback about caving in. It’s as though every photo MUST include a prominent penis if I am to legitimately call myself a naturist.
Of course, that is their problem. Since they don’t make up the board of directors for policing naturist photos, I ignore these comments and injunctions. Most, thankfully, offer no comment about the photos and censorship. Nudity is implied in such a manner, that no one has the faintest thought that I might be faking it and not really be a naturist/nudist.
So why? Why the photos in the first place? For me, it is part of my therapy. There is a reason that I use the term skyclad therapy in so many places. Naturism was an integral part of discovering enough value in myself to avoid seeking an early exit from existence. It had nothing to do with my part-time practice as a mental-health counsellor over twenty plus years. Counselling and therapy sessions were conducted with both client and counsellor wearing clothing.
Why do you have pictures of yourself, naked? Why do you sometimes share them? What is your story? I am listening and waiting to hear from you.