aspects - the development of a
wholesome mind and body and the encouragement of mutual
and honest respect between people.Why are we so very fixated upon concealing our bodies ? This is very much learned, not natural, behaviour and it seems to arise from insecurity - dissatisfaction with our own self-image and our relation with others who are themselves beset by the same fears and phobias. And so the process snowballs, being compounded by the emotional and physical difficulties which most of us have encountered as teenagers. A few, we realise, simply cannot overcome the effect of years of this sort of repression but for those many who can and do, the experience becomes a truly liberating one.
"Aren't you just a bunch of exhibitionists ?" No, naturism is not about exhibitionism, voyeurism or any of the sexually-oriented activities often associated with nudism by the ill-informed. Naturists are family-oriented people who, by shedding the artificial encumbrance of unnecessary clothing, encourage the appreciation of the body as an integral part of their environment.
"Why be nude ?" The counter to that question is "Why not ?" Naturists wear clothing when appropriate - when it's cold - when there's a possibility of injury - for many formal and/or ceremonial occasions. But it's impossible to present a valid argument for skimpy swimsuits while swimming or engaging in recreation on a warm summer day. Naturists accept that many are offended by nudity just as many are offended by the colour of a person's skin - nevertheless they do believe that people should be free to do as they please excepting only activities which cause harm to others.
"What do you do at a naturist/nudist resort ?"
Pretty much the same things as at any other resort - you
just find people 
doing
them nude - however, you won't find them doing much
picking of blackberries, frying of bacon or downhill
skiing without appropriate protective clothing !
Naturists are as similar and as different one from another as any other group of people. They often find interests and activities in common - some being active, some sedentary. There will be differences of opinion but it seems that the practice of nudism invokes a respect for oneself and for others.
And I guarantee this, that naturists will do their best to make you as comfortable as they are with the naked body.
| Try it for yourself - if you want more information then visit these sites: |
| FCN Federation of Canadian Naturists |
| ONNO Ottawa Naturists/Naturistes de l'Outaouais |
