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I must confess to being a little irked. Now don’t panic, it isn’t anything bigger than that. Nothing like anger or full-blown discontent. I merely teeter on the edge of disgruntlement because of a slight difference of opinion. You see, whilst I believe naturists are some of the nicest and most genuine people in the world, I am dogged by a tedious and nonsensical argument. I have been assured, yet again, that: Naturism has nothing to do with sex!
Well, before you concur too heartily with this view (as I know some of you must), let me explain why this purist attitude gets my Y-fronts (so to speak) in a bit of a twist.
Firstly, it isn’t either necessary or honest to adopt a nearly pious regard for nudity. Doubtless we would all distance ourselves from the undesirable (or novice?) element who seem unduly interested in the ‘naughty bits’, but I think, perhaps, some of us protest our innocence too much. Does sex really have to be the furthest thought from the mind of any right-thinking naturist?
I think not. I should think it is one on many thoughts occurring to a natural, well-balanced person. The distinction is how we deal with it.
Now here the naturist may demonstrate a clear advantage over the less liberated. Naturists are not (in theory at least) ashamed of their sexuality, anatomically or emotionally. Nor do they necessarily find a state of undress synonymous with impending intimacy - it could just as easily be the obligatory kit for a boisterous game of volleyball. Instead, they regard sex as an integral and essential part of the human design, like eating or sleeping - if a little more involving. But, as with other basic bodily functions, they recognise it comes with a code of conduct, a certain etiquette worth observing for the benefit of others. Those with good manners practice discretion, modesty and a timely cooling off in the ocean if the occasion warrants it.
So we are not, after all, sexless lumps of meat whose consuming interest is only to appear evenly grilled on both sides. And frankly, who would want to be?
It is my contention then that naturism, far from having nothing to do with sex, actually has a great deal to say on the subject.
But before I continue with all this talk of the dreaded three-lettered word it might serve to ask ourselves just what the definition of naturism is. The answer seems obvious enough. And you might not expect me to resort to a dictionary, but I did! and found the result mildly surprising:
“Naturism Naturalism; the worship of natural objects; nudism; so ~ist.”
It is then the celebration, in form and function, of every natural thing; from sunshine and sea to animals and trees - not to mention the fascinating workings of ourselves (and our bodies are fascinating things aren’t they? Not always beautiful but always interesting).
And yet, before wrestling the might Oxford Dictionary from the shelf, I might have been forgiven a rather different perception of things. Indeed, I have frequently seen naturists avail themselves of conspicuously unnatural objects and habits (doubtless in the quest of their own true nature). Binoculars, baseball caps, sunglasses, sun-block, rucksacks, moon-boots/trainers etc. protect the intrepid explorer from all eventualities whilst contriving to leave his natural, if least conspicuous, appendage mercilessly exposed to the elements (or do I mean to our admiration?)
But I do not wish to deride even this approach to nudity. It is a means to an end. At the very least it shows a responsible attitude towards the hazards. And if I generally travel lighter and boast the hide of an elephant, I might yet rue the day I neglect to pack the mosquito repellent.
All things considered, how we come by naturism is not nearly so important as how we leave it. By this I mean: Is the environment left unspoiled by our visit? Did we respect the space of our neighbour? (Bearing in mind that, by definition, a tree whose roots unfold into an ideal receptacle for empty beer cans is also a neighbour). Was our conduct amenable to the environment and to the company of others?
These are questions that actually mean so much more than the trifling issues of: shaven or unshaven, circumcised or ‘un-cut’, voyeur or exhibitionist, swinger or volleyball champion. But note in passing where our interests invariably gravitate. Sex remains the common denominator, no matter how we juggle words of more numerous syllables.
Let us not be coy, hypocritical, or morally pretentious about it. As naturists we have demonstrated a capacity for free thought and we have a platform on which to build. Denial of human nature - warts and all - undermines this, and the imposition of rules and dogma within a movement based on free will and understanding is clearly not the way forward.
For some the journey to that first nudist beach is a small one measured in footsteps, but, in actuality, it becomes an enormous personal undertaking. Others leaping straight in, lured by the heady scent of sun and sexuality, find instead a haven, a rock pool to play in, and joyous rediscoveries of childhood. To many, however, naturism will always equate with an adult atmosphere of sexuality and intrigue; a place to meet new people, lovers and friends. For each journey there is no right or wrong motivation if, at the end of it, we find companionship, honesty and understanding.
Finally, for those still struggling in a world of transient pleasures and bewildering man-made things, I would remind: the dictionary definition of naturism provides a very good beginning for this fascinating adventure we call life.
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