body conscious evolution
Return to DiscussionsTrying to share a bit more of a conversation starter.
how have people had their body image evolve over time (with nudism or without)? As a big/husy guy who has always been this way i think i have always felt it was my responsibility to shield people from seeing my body so they wouldn't be offended. I had always been told (by media, body standards, etc.) that my body being big, fat, hairy, etc. was ugly and would cause offense so, being the caring and conscientious person I am, I chose to hide it (and to some extent still do).
Sometime in my late 20s, hand in hand with my increasing exposure to nudism thanks to my buddies R&R, I started saying no and letting my body exist free and uncovered where appropriate. this was liberating and meant i could be a little more free and in the moment rather than policing every second to ensure no-one got grossed out by an accidental peak of my hairy shoulder.
I feel that I wasted many years thinking I was too heavy to go to a nude beach and instead found secluded spots to strip down. My weight has been like a rollercoaster going up and down. My high just over 270. Adult low 180 (that didn't last long). Currently trying to hold it between 195 and 200. Not easy. I've decided I'm nude for me. If people want to look go ahead. If they don't, they move on by. I'm no longer relocating myself on the beach because I don't fit the look of those that arrived after me. I'm 69 now. Who knows how many years I have that I'm going to be getting myself to a nude beach or the hike it takes to get to some of them. I'm going to enjoy it while I can.
Great observations @Brutus123! Bodies transform throughout our lives weight changes, gaining wrinkles, losing hair, acquiring scars. The beauty of nudist spaces lies in their accommodation of every possible physical variation. From seasoned nudists to anxious newcomers, every body in a nudist space carries its own quiet dignity in all shapes and sizes. I've noticed men also struggle with body image, though we rarely discuss it openly. My own journey began with self-consciousness about my own weight/body shape and being uncircumcised often a major difference in the majority of men in the US. Mentors from my early nudist days helped me see differently. Through their guidance and friendship, I discovered the profound liberation of being seen completely and accepted unconditionally. Now, standing naked among others feels like the most natural state of existence where I've found unexpected serenity and self-acceptance. I always tell those with concerns, remember that nudist communities welcome your authentic self, exactly as you are. I agree with @PC_sun, get out and enjoy life while you can!
I was raised as a nudist with mom and dad. My dad had a micro penis with a lot of body hair. I'm just the opposite, almost hairless with an above average penis. My dad was never shy or ashamed to be nude around other people, whether friends, family or strangers. I was fortunate to be exposed to other nudists from a young age and grew up believing that the nude human body is beautiful, regardless of size, shape or color. I've always encouraged everyone to try nudism, even if it's just at home. Then go to a beach or resort and see that other nudists don't judge you because of your body.
I don't mind my being overweight and seen by others when I'm naked but when I have to wear a bathing suit, I usually wear a speedo type. Just more comfortable and I like the quick drying aspect. On my last cruise, I felt too self conscious to wear my usual tan-thru brief suit and wore a square cut one instead. I call this my speedo attitude, not caring what others think, but when I'm feeling a bit too big, I'm not comfortable with myself.
Nudism, specifically social nudism, has definitely helped me with my overall body image issues. I used to be the guy that wore a T-shirt to go swimming. After making nudist friends, visiting nude beaches, resorts and campgrounds, I feel more at-home in my body. In return, I also admire the variety of shapes and sizes of other people's nude bodies. Nudism has helped me embrace all of my imperfections and parts of me I've been self conscious about for years. It's less about peacock-ing and more about just being.
I definitely agree about enjoying it now. I just have to remember to make space for me in all my other obligations and attempts to look after others.
Tos1966 I definitely appreciate your speedo attitude and try to incorporate that into my own approach. sometimes it is so easy to get derailed in your confidence by something small but as a believer in the "fake it till you make it" theory of confidence sometimes its just about saying "f**k-it" and going for it anyway regardless of if your confidence is there or not.
I really appreciate all the responses here. its an interesting subject.
Saw your comment in the topic Body Conscious Evolution, do you find the "tan through suits" actually work? I have a few and don't really see the difference in getting a tan there. I do like the way they feel when wet or laying out in the sun. I live near a non-nude beach area with a beach club (stuffy at that) so wearing nothing is not an option.
Having chatted before Brutus, to me nudism is all about being comfortable and accepting as to how things are and not how we want things to be.
Its a question of self acceptance. Having being to nude beaches outside the North America zone and experiencing beaches around the world, l have seen many shape and sizes, let alone age, your come to realize it is "how" comfortable the person is. Sure we cannot all be super models, Venuses and Adonises, its being an "individual" that makes everyone unique. So if you can come to some sort of reasoning or acceptance then kudos to you
My issue with nudism is how some people treat as an open reason to have sex or expect sex. I tend when l go now, to go off on my own and away from the crowd and put up a personal wall. l am there to enjoy myself for a day of freedom. Its this concept that some people have that it is an open orgy (completely different topic) that has irked me
Anyhow enjoy or freedom and nudity!