A recent trip to Spain was eye-opening for me as a naturist. While public nudity is generally accepted at beaches across Spain, I found myself at one particular beach where I was the only naked person, surrounded by clothed “textiles.” At first, I hesitated to disrobe and felt uncomfortable and vulnerable being the sole nude sunbather. But as minutes rolled along, something shifted internally.

I realized I should not be fearful nor should I cover up simply because those around me were clothed. It came as an evidence, as nobody cared that I was naked. My comfort grew and I could enjoy my nudity fully. That experience led to profound personal growth in how I view naturism and public nudity. It reinforced my perception that nudity is normal, natural and something we should all feel at ease with, regardless of whether others are nude or clothed.

As a naturist, I believe that being comfortable in your own skin is one of the most freeing feelings in the world. However, I also understand that it takes courage to be nude when everyone around you is clothed. In this post, I want to explore the normalcy of nudity, summoning the bravery to be the only nude one, and recognizing that being naked is not about being seen, but about being comfortable.

Normalcy of Nudity

Nudity is the most natural state of being for humans. We are born nude into this world, and it is only societal norms and conventions that teach us to cover up. In many parts of the world, nudity is not shamed or hidden, but rather seen as normal and natural. Even in places where nudity is taboo, attitudes are gradually shifting, with more people recognizing the wholesomeness of the naked human form.

One reason I advocate for naturism is to continue normalizing nudity in society. While public nudity may take time to become widely accepted, we can start by letting go of the notion that our bodies are somehow shameful or obscene. Shedding our clothes does not automatically sexualize us or make us vulgarly exposed. Nude bodies are not inherently sexual – they are natural and normal.

I also firmly believe that teaching body positivity starts with teaching nudity positivity. Children should grow up understanding that nakedness is normal, and that all bodies – regardless of shape, size, color, ability, or gender identity – are worthy of respect. Learning to be comfortable nude from a young age fosters self-confidence, self-acceptance, and respect for others.

Of course, respecting societal norms is important, and I don’t advocate public nudity where it is prohibited by law. But in appropriate spaces, including nature, there is nothing wrong with being comfortably nude. More people are recognizing this, as evidenced by the growing popularity of naturism around the world.

Courage to Be the Only One

I won’t pretend it’s easy to be the only naked person when everyone around you is clothed. It takes immense courage and confidence to go against social conditioning and bare your body when others are covered up. Especially in public settings, it’s natural to feel vulnerable or exposed being the only nude person.

So why do it? For me, it’s about proving – to myself and to others – that nudity is nothing to be ashamed of. My nude body is not offensive or inappropriate. And if going naked in a clothed crowd helps even one other person reconsider their attitudes about nudity and body image, it’s worthwhile.

There will always be critics and judgmental eyes. But the more we normalize nudity, the more comfortable people will become seeing nudists in their midst. My nudity is not meant to shock or provoke; it’s a mindfully positive political statement promoting body acceptance.

Of course, I don’t advocate forcing nudity upon unsuspecting audiences. Naturists understand the importance of reading the room and choosing our nude moments wisely. If I’m someplace that is clearly not appropriate for nudity, I’ll reconsider. But in environments that should be nudity-friendly, I have now the courage to be the only bare body – because that’s how societal change happens.

Being Nude is About Comfort, Not Being Seen

This leads me to my final point: being naked is not about being seen nude; it’s about the comfort and joy that comes from existing in your natural state. Some misconstrue nudism as exhibitionism, but that could not be further from the truth.

When I’m comfortably nude, I’m not seeking to be a spectacle. I’m reveling in the feeling of sun and air on my bare skin, free from the confinement of clothes. I’m enjoying a new sense of connection – to myself, to nature, and to other naturists who understand this shared experience. My nudity is mindfully intentional, meant to be healing, cathartic and meditative.

Of course, I can’t control who sees me nude or what their reactions may be. But I do not engage in nudism to shock or seek attention. I participate because it feels wonderful to greet the world in my birthday suit, without barriers or judgment between my body and the natural environment. Clothing has its purposes, but should not be mandatory 24/7.

In appropriate times and places, nudity can be incredibly self-actualizing. It builds confidence and self-love. The comfort of nudity lives inside one’s own skin. While the road to societal acceptance is long, it starts with individuals like us being comfortable naked even when others are not.

Where This Leads Me

This experience changed me and made me move forward on my naturism journey. Although. I’ve been a naturist for years, it reinforced my belief in being naked when no one else is. I hope this post has provided some perspective on what it’s like being comfortably nude in environments where clothing is expected.

While baring it all requires courage, nudity is natural and should not be shamed. With more practice, nudity can be normalized, becoming more accepted by society over time. But even when you’re the only nude person, if you’re comfortable in your skin, that’s what matters most. Nudity is not about spectacle – it’s about feeling your best in your most natural state.

It’s in naturists’ hands to demonstrate that nudity is normal and natural. As a famous sport’s brand says, just do it. Just bare it all, behave normally, and live your life! This is what I do now, with increased confidence and happiness.

Get Nude, Stay Nude, Live Nude and Share the Nude Love!

Image generated by Stable Diffusion with the prompt “pebble mediterranean beach with one nudist”.