I’ve been called a weirdo, a freak and a pervert, but I’ve also been called brave, courageous and fearless! An eclectic mix of titles really, but what could it possibly be about me that gets such diverse reactions? Well, the reason is simple, it’s because I like to take my clothes off. I don’t just mean in my bedroom, or bathroom, but all around the house, and not just in my house. I take my clothes off, quite literally, anywhere I can, and I have done so almost all my life, because I am a naturist.
Do you know a naturist? The chances are that the answer is, probably, yes. But, because of those very different reactions, most of the community don’t tell anyone. If they do tell someone, it means that they are a very special friend so, if none of your friends have ever told you, it might be because they fear your reaction.
The idea behind this column is to invite you into this world that I love so dearly, to answer any questions that you may have always wanted to ask but have never known who to approach and to give you an insight into a lifestyle that is about so much more than just “getting your kit off”.
If it’s ok, I’ll start at the very beginning because I was born (several decades ago) into a nudist family. Ah, now I’ve created the first issue – is it naturist or nudist? What is the difference? Why two names? Well, put simply, a nudist is someone who prefers to be naked rather than dressed, a naturist is more likely to see a stronger connection between the state of being naked and the natural world, after all, everyone is born naked!
Personally, I see myself as a naturist. For me there is nothing more enjoyable than finding a remote woodland, on a warm and sunny day, and walking naked (except for my footwear) in the peace and tranquillity. Nothing but birdsong in the air and nothing but shoes on my feet. Sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend, or friends, but always blissfully happy that I have this incredible connection to the natural world, in my natural state.
I am often asked what it was like to grow up in a household where, predominantly, everyone was naked, and the answer is, I really don’t know. You see, I have nothing to compare it to. I have had conversations with people who grew up in houses where nudity was all but forbidden, and I find their upbringing just as “strange” as they find mine. I can tell you that it was very relaxed, with a great feeling of freedom. I find that clothes can be very restrictive, and constrictive. So, if I had to describe what it was like to grow up naked, I would say – comfortable.
And that is what my naturist life is all about, comfort. I have no desire to be “admired” by others (I’m in my 60’s and overweight, so that’s unlikely to happen anyway), I have no desire to “exhibit” myself (for the same reasons), but I do want to be comfortable.
In future articles I will deal with the mental health benefits of a naturist life, I’ll go more into my childhood and yes, I’ll even be discussing what could best be termed as “The Awkward Years”, when hormones start raging. I’ll tell you about some of the fantastic social events that take place for nudists and will highlight the places that offer naturist holidays as well.
I would also love to answer your questions. Nothing is “off limits” and I will do my best to reply as honestly and as openly as possible, in a family newspaper. Please comment on this article with your thoughts, observations and questions, I promise to reply to everything that I receive.
Paul Scott.