I really like the naturists that I regularly engage with online. It allows me to connect with like-minded people frequently throughout the day and helps me to feel part of a genuine and caring community. An author and naturist on Twitter Ted Bun does a weekly shout-out to all the people he has interacted with over the previous week, which must be a herculean task to compile. Im not sure if anyone else feels the same way, but once I got on Ted’s list, it became strangely addictive, and I found it disconcerting if I missed being mentioned in the following weeks. Maybe that’s just me and I am suffering from an unrealised need for validation and connection, but judging from the copious responses and comments to the weekly posts, I am not the only one.
Very well said. As a naturist, I am eager & waiting to explore social nudism & to enjoy nudism in the nature itself, however, the local laws & the rigid society won't allow me to do so. Hence I have to rely only with online naturists, thanks for the technology. I hope that it may happen IRL, however can't predict the timeline.
“Engagement”, naturist or just life in general, is something I tend to preach a bit. So, I enjoyed this write up quite a bit. For each person, what constitutes engagement can differ quite a bit. I think it’s important to understand and respect that. While one person may appear quite reserved and on the sidelines, that may be all they are comfortable with. So, we each have different comfort levels.
As a naturist, I do enjoy engaging on thoughtful, online naturist discussions. It’s one of the things I’ve tried to promote on my Tumblr feed after my departure from Twitter. But as enjoyable as that is, it doesn’t hold a candle to sharing naturist experiences with others, IRL as the saying goes.
Some good thoughts, Steve. When reading about naturism and other clothing-optional situations overseas, with their anti-nudity laws, it's entirely understandable why many folks rely on social media to feel part of the clothes-free community. I'm truly thankful for the relative freedom we enjoy in New Zealand, which is improving all the time, and I don't take that for granted. We don't have to seek out "nudist beaches" here and travel hundreds of miles to find an outdoor space to be naked. I really feel for those folks in countries with antiquated puritan attitudes where they have to find designated nudist places.
The value of social media, to me, is to provide an additional means of contact with others in our circle of friends when any of us wish to invite some company on an outing of some sort, or to communicate ideas, thoughts, and words of encouragement to those who still feel a little timid. But it's no substitute for real life! And although I do cherish some alone-time in the forest or local beach, sharing the experience with a friend or group of friends is very fulfilling - even if some choose not to be naked.
I often wonder about the best ways to encourage those who have never tried being "naked in nature" before to give it a go. I don't think there is any single "right" way. You have to find that something that pushes the right button! I had a dream last night where I was talking to some lady in an office about having to wear clothes in public. She wouldn't have a bar of what I was trying to say until I discovered in the conversation that she was a strong advocate for human rights. That was my cue! Who has any God-given right to dictate to you what pieces of fabric must touch your own body?! It's always best to converse and relate to people and get to know a little about them before trying to get them to be "at one with nature" with you.
I to use the online community regularly it does enable me to connect with like minded individuals and mostly I don't hide behind a handle my real name is out there as is the location I live in.
I do find in the real world it can be challenging partly for timing readonly, partly because we can be quite spread out but also because there does seem a reluctance when I've put invites out there.
I do have a group of textile acquaintances and friends that I regularly meet who are quite happy with my chosen lifestyle. Which I view as a plus.
Very well said. As a naturist, I am eager & waiting to explore social nudism & to enjoy nudism in the nature itself, however, the local laws & the rigid society won't allow me to do so. Hence I have to rely only with online naturists, thanks for the technology. I hope that it may happen IRL, however can't predict the timeline.
“Engagement”, naturist or just life in general, is something I tend to preach a bit. So, I enjoyed this write up quite a bit. For each person, what constitutes engagement can differ quite a bit. I think it’s important to understand and respect that. While one person may appear quite reserved and on the sidelines, that may be all they are comfortable with. So, we each have different comfort levels.
As a naturist, I do enjoy engaging on thoughtful, online naturist discussions. It’s one of the things I’ve tried to promote on my Tumblr feed after my departure from Twitter. But as enjoyable as that is, it doesn’t hold a candle to sharing naturist experiences with others, IRL as the saying goes.
Some good thoughts, Steve. When reading about naturism and other clothing-optional situations overseas, with their anti-nudity laws, it's entirely understandable why many folks rely on social media to feel part of the clothes-free community. I'm truly thankful for the relative freedom we enjoy in New Zealand, which is improving all the time, and I don't take that for granted. We don't have to seek out "nudist beaches" here and travel hundreds of miles to find an outdoor space to be naked. I really feel for those folks in countries with antiquated puritan attitudes where they have to find designated nudist places.
The value of social media, to me, is to provide an additional means of contact with others in our circle of friends when any of us wish to invite some company on an outing of some sort, or to communicate ideas, thoughts, and words of encouragement to those who still feel a little timid. But it's no substitute for real life! And although I do cherish some alone-time in the forest or local beach, sharing the experience with a friend or group of friends is very fulfilling - even if some choose not to be naked.
I often wonder about the best ways to encourage those who have never tried being "naked in nature" before to give it a go. I don't think there is any single "right" way. You have to find that something that pushes the right button! I had a dream last night where I was talking to some lady in an office about having to wear clothes in public. She wouldn't have a bar of what I was trying to say until I discovered in the conversation that she was a strong advocate for human rights. That was my cue! Who has any God-given right to dictate to you what pieces of fabric must touch your own body?! It's always best to converse and relate to people and get to know a little about them before trying to get them to be "at one with nature" with you.
I to use the online community regularly it does enable me to connect with like minded individuals and mostly I don't hide behind a handle my real name is out there as is the location I live in.
I do find in the real world it can be challenging partly for timing readonly, partly because we can be quite spread out but also because there does seem a reluctance when I've put invites out there.
I do have a group of textile acquaintances and friends that I regularly meet who are quite happy with my chosen lifestyle. Which I view as a plus.