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Definition: "Naturism is a way of life
characterised by the practice of social nudity, with the aim of
encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the
environment." (International Naturist Federation)
The Benefits of Naturism
Naturism Encourages Mutual Respect
Naturism is characterised by the practice of
communal nudity. Nudity is seen by most people as being the most obvious
aspect of naturism. While it is true that nudity is central to naturism,
it is also a means of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and
for the environment. To approach another person completely naked is an
act of trust. You are saying, in effect, "Here I am, completely
unpretentious, with all my physical imperfections on view. Accept me for
what I am, and I will accept you as you are. What you see is the whole
"me" as I really am." Such an attitude can only engender
mutual respect.
Naturism brings you closer to Nature
You feel really close to nature when you discard your clothes and feel
warm sunshine, fresh air or cool water on the whole of your body. Being
naked outdoors gives you a great sense of freedom.
Nudity is Enjoyable
Being naked in the presence of others is a pleasurable experience, but
it is pleasure in the nicest sense of the word. It is very relaxing and
enjoyable. You won't find naturists nervously leering at each other -
they are open and trusting of each other, accepting each other's
imperfections, and respecting each other's personalities.
Nudity is Healthy and Natural
Clothes restrict the flow of air over the skin and prevent the
evaporation of perspiration. Clothes encourage the proliferation of
bacteria and microscopic fungi, especially in humid and warm conditions.
They interfere with the body's natural temperature control mechanisms,
making some parts hotter than others. Naked people rarely smell bad, but
sweaty clothes do. Tight shorts and trousers, raise the temperature of
the testicles in the male, thus interfering with the development of
sperm and male hormones and reducing fertility. Nakedness is the human
animal's natural condition and contributes to physical and emotional
health.
Educational Value
A most important aspect of naturism is its educational effect on growing
children. In the clothed world, where everyone goes to great lengths to
hide their "private parts", children become ashamed of their
own bodies and curious about the bodies of others, especially of the
opposite sex. Sex becomes "forbidden fruit", and this leads to
unnaturally intense curiosity and often undesirable behaviour.
In the naturist setting, naked bodies are no big deal. There is no
prurient curiosity; no need to be ashamed of one's own body since others
are obviously developing in the same way. Adolescents can see exactly
how their bodies are going to change as they grow older.
It would be extremely unlikely for a person who has been raised in a
naturist family to become a sexual deviant or pedophile. The practice of
naturism automatically engenders a healthy attitude towards people of
the opposite sex. They are seen as whole personalities, and not merely
as sex-objects.
Sunlight is Beneficial (In moderation)
Man has evolved in the presence of natural sunlight, and while it cannot
be denied that a surfiet of solar radiation on the skin can be harmful,
especially if the skin is lily-white, it is nevertheless true that a
moderate amount of sunlight is beneficial and natural. It promotes good
health a sense of well-being. It also promotes the synthesis of vitamin
D in the skin. The best way to take the sun is in moderate doses and
with a slowly acquired all-over tan.
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