Naturism as an evolving lifestyle?
Australian 'movement' taking it beyond the recreational freedom of nudism
Meanwhile, since we are all still here . . .
An article with the headline NRE’s 11 levels of Naturism appeared in my email box recently that boldly stated this:
Naturism is not Nudism. While nudism focuses on simply being nude for recreational purpose and feeling free — often without deeper context — naturism, as embraced by NaturismRE, is a conscious, respectful and evolving lifestyle. It is based on: body positivity and acceptance; reconnection with the natural world; mental clarity and emotional wellbeing; respect for others and the law; personal growth and environmental mindfulness. At NaturismRE, you do not need to be nude to be a naturist.
NaturismRE, based in Australia, describes itself as a global movement with a noble mission “to challenge outdated norms and build a future where nudity is natural, body acceptance is universal, and nature is revered.” Check out their website for more information — there is plenty of it there, along with a series of steps for budding naturists.
I want to pick up here on what is quoted above. How many of you see naturism as “a conscious, respectful and evolving lifestyle” in which you don’t necessarily need to be nude?
We’ve touched on some of this in past posts in this group, and many other naturism blogs and newsletters have discussed the difference between naturism and nudism. But what I’ve seen over the years I’ve been involved with naturism is that most practitioners probably fall under the “nudism” category, with varying degrees of “body positivity and acceptance; reconnection with the natural world; mental clarity and emotional wellbeing; respect for others and the law; personal growth and environmental mindfulness.”
For example, for sure we all believe in body positivity and acceptance, but I still fret about extra pounds on my waistline — even though I know everyone will accept me regardless. I care about nature and the environment, but I still eat some meat (i.e, chicken, fish) when I could be a total vegetarian, burn wood (and pollute the air) with my woodstove on frigid Quebec winter days when the electric heating can’t do the job properly, and use plastic coffee pods sometimes in my Keurig machine that can’t be recycled in my province.
I would love to be able to live up to the full naturism credo being promoted by NaturismRE and others, but I’m not sure it is possible in a modern world that depends on oil and gas and so many other non-environmentally-friendly things to function. I do live in the forest, so I am pretty connected with the natural world in that sense, but most people live in concrete jungles in cities and suburbs. Connecting with the natural world may be weekend getaways and summer vacations, but daily life is pretty much car fumes and noise for most people who venture outdoors.
Which is not to say we don’t see some “deeper context” in naturism, though. We all do, to varying degrees. But living up to the idealism of naturism is just as difficult as living up to the tenets of most spiritual faiths around the world, perhaps more so given obvious impracticalities. It is pretty darn difficult to be a total textile rebel when the temperature is plunging below the freezing mark, eh? But I can still practise the golden rule no matter the temperature outside.
I put up this post for two reasons: to spark discussion, and to point you to the NaturismRE site, where you can learn more about their mission.
Cheers
My problem with NaturismRE is that it is set up as a proprietary enterprise, claiming its concepts to be its own intellectual property when, in fact, all of the concepts are derived from longstanding naturist traditions. All that is new is that it breaks the concepts down into 11 levels. Categorization has its benefits, but trying to claim the underlying concepts as proprietary and threatening legal action to anyone who uses those concepts without permission is disturbing.
Most people blend nudism, naturism, concern for the environment, and diet, but, as you say, have to take into consideration their specific locations and preferences. It really isn't necessary to draw strict lines.
I consider myself to be at one and the same time a nudist, a naturist, and an environmentalist. All have deep childhood roots. All are different from one another, yet have common elements.
As an environmentalist, I try to protect the natural elements of land, water and air, to the best of my abilities, time and finances.
As a naturist, I am clothing free when in close contact with those elements of land, water and air. I believe that my naturism possess a significant spiritual element by allowing me a close and continuing intimate relationship with my Creator. I am nude in my environment, whether indoors or outdoors. I neither need nor require any priest or mediator between myself and my Creator. Our communication is direct and personal. Prayer for things and outcomes is non-existent. Rather, prayer is a means of giving thanks and opening up one’s self to enlightenment.
As a nudist, further defined as ‘social’ nudist, I am nude in the company of others so inclined. Being nude with others allows a greater intimacy and ability to communicate and interact without artificial barriers.