Naturism, is the practice of
going unclothed in social and usually mixed gender groups. It sometimes occurs in secluded places in
countries where appearing naked in public is illegal. Those who practice naturism are called naturists. While some believe that being naked with other people
is always sexual, or that nudism is morally wrong or pornographic,
naturists reject these views, arguing that nudism is a natural state.
Typical naturist activities are relaxation, hiking, camping, sunbathing,
and many other outdoor sports.
naturists prefer to be nude, whenever the
temperature and the social situation allows it (including when one is alone).
Naturism
(pronounced "nature" + "ism") should not be confused with naturalism,
the study of nature.
General
Naturists
believe that the human body is not inherently shameful, being something that we
all possess and ought to cherish.
In the
traditional view, the
Naturist is traditionally defined as an individual who prefers to
seek a more natural setting for their clothing optional activities - such as
the beach, lake, woods, hiking trails or mountains. They do not consider their clothing optional activity
to be a remarkable thing, but rather simply a part of their normal lifestyle.
Many naturists are convinced that increased
exposure to the natural environment, made easier through naturism, can result in
numerous health benefits. Sunlight has been shown to be beneficial in some skin
conditions, and is required by the body to make vitamin D. However, wearing of sunblock or sun protection
lotions is now part of the naturist culture. Overall, naturists often claim that they are more
relaxed and in a better state of mind when they shed their clothes.
Many
people get their first exposure to the naturist movement through these kinds of
informal naturism: (e.g. a clothing optional beach, a friend's place in the woods,
a party on the shore, or the more common: skinny dipping.
Social
naturism is practiced in many cultures, especially in the context of social
bathing, often with mixed sexes.
Most, naturists
accept people of all sizes, shapes and types including those with surgical scars, tattoos, or piercings.
