Naturism
is a way of life in harmony with
nature characterised by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging
self-respect, respect for others and for the environment.
(International Naturist Federation)
We do not require protective clothing to face harmless wind gusts or rain showers. On
the contrary, a sound dosage of hardening increases health and resistance. If wheather is
not too bad, we can despense with clothing and allow for access of air and water to our
bodies. Only the agressive radiation of the high standing sun at noon calls for protective
measures. If the sun is lower, we can enjoy it without fear of harmful ultraviolet
radiation, and in its pleasant light we can do many sports that are suited for
textile-free practice.
In all times it was considered normal that children played unclothed. It was that normal, that even child Jesus was usually painted in the nude (like in this example of Raffael, 1507).
Even outside the naturist areas it is recommended
and allowable, that children enjoy the free life in their "birthday suit". Thus
they develop a positive relation to their bodies. This enables self-determination and
resistance against potential sexual abuse in the course of their lives. The arguments for
nudism of children are not new -- they are already described in this article (in
German language) of the magazine "ELTERN" of 1967.
But unfortunately this has been forgotten by many people. They have lost the ability to go barefoot and the knowledge that this is good for their well-being and health. A new trend to rediscover this is arising in some European countries, where some dozen barefoot parks have been founded within the last few years. This motivates millions of people to rediscover the pleasure of sensory experience with bare soles and to enjoy the healthy workout of unshoed walking on a variety of soil materials.
The respect for the
other sex is considered indispensable by the majority of naturists. They do not
follow a wide-spead opinion that artificially builds up a relation of nudity and sexiness.
The contrary is true: the look at textile-free people as an everyday experience ceases to
be arousing.
Ejection of sexists, secret photographers and shameless peepers is justified and the standard in well led nudist resorts and associations. At unofficial places occasionally civil courage can be demanded in order to prevent annoyance by these minorities. It can be taken as granted that a broad majority of naturists disgusts public sexuality as well as shameless photographers!
Natural nutrition was so important to the pioneers of the naturism that they recommended the vegetarianism and did without alcohol and nicotine. This should be regarded just as an idea and not as a demand!
Consideration for nature has greatest
importance for naturists, because they do not want to saw off the branch, on which they
sit. Our peferred places at the rivers and lakes grow us to the heart and we are willing
to sustain their original character.
Naturist vacations in all parts of the world are offered by the travel branch. Many of the offers correspond to the principles of gentle tourism. The offered leisure programs usually are artistic and nature-connected.
No goal of the naturism is spreading of glamour nude pics. Naturists know exactly, how undressed humans look like. The gigantic "meat-inspection" in the Internet has nothing to do with nature-connected way of life and enjoying a the free body feeling! Unfortunately the terms nudism, FKK etc, are abused again and again for this totally mismatsching celebration of primitive voyeurism.
The positive counterpart to hidden
voyeurism is the practice of more than 100 million of Europeans naturists, who use a good
part of their leisure and vacation time for living and going "barefoot up to the
neck", bathing, doing sports, enjoying arts etc. without clothing. Lots of nudist
places, erspecially in European countries, offer good opportunities. Most certainly the
guests of these areas will continuously increase in number.
