EnMasse

[Tehanu]

Any fans?

One of four southern Ontario nudist camps is being sold.

[Raos]

I'm a big fan of running around in the buff, it's certainly a shame that this place is being lost.

[TS.]

I've changed the thread title, since naturalist =/= naturist.
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"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear." - Thomas Jefferson

[Raos]

It's true. Naturists run around in the nude; naturalists watch naturists running around in the nude.

[voice of the damned]

[F.]

I'm surprised to hear the word "movement" attached to nudist colonies. I always figured they weren't really based on any overarching ideology, I mean except as an outgrowth of the German fitness and back-to-nature fads.

The closest thing I've ever heard to a philosophy from a nudist is that clothes create some sort of unnecessary social barrier between people. If you'll allow me a Magoo Moment, I'd add that clothes, at least in Canada, also create a barrier between people and hypothermia.

When Diane Arbus visited a nudist camp in 1963 she indicated that the camp boasted of having a "moral tone" that was higher than what was found in the outside word. Apparently the two things that could get you kicked out of camp were: 1. getting an erection, or 2. staring.

[bshmr]

From another point of view, many outside of the UK and North America accept casual nudity -- public baths, swimming, beaches, etc. From my experiences at Esalen, it seemed that bravado typically masked insecurity, maladaptives were/are rare, and sexuality was driven by complexity as opposed to mere nudity.

[ I have observed un-weaned infants follow by scent threads of mother's milk in the sulfur-rich hottubs -- which was mind-numbing. ... Then there was a sole, unknown woman who favored attending workshops in May, AIR, and whose pheromones could make things awkward for me while at the baths/tubs. Plus, women tend to wear chill well while men suffer from it. Amazing what clothes and pretenses hide. <VBG> ]

[anne cameron]

Well, some people have some very different ideas and standards. I was absolutely gobstopped when several acquaintances questioned the fact that I have baths with the grandgrrrrrrls. We've had some good conversations in the bathtub! We've compared feet, shape and size, we've discussed the different kinds of bums people have, they've each said grandma's bum is flat, like a pancake, and they were very interested because my "nibbles" are pink and their moms are dark brown. We had a discussion about what their "nibbles" would be like when they had big boobies. We've washed each other's back, we've talked about elbows and knees and how you have to give them a good scrub or they turn into elephant hide and look yucky. They've snuggled close, we've talked about how skin feels different..and better...and nicer when it's wet, and any and all of the four have sprawled on top of me, belly to belly while we talked of skin and colour and size and shape and whether bubble bath makes your skin itch. They've used foam soap to add moustaches and beards to all of us, and we've washed and rinsed each others hair.

some folks, on hearing the kids talking about bathing with me, felt it wasn't quite right...

a couple of years ago I was very very ill, and my oldest son very casually and naturally lifted me out of bed, carried me to the bathroom, helped me strip to the buff and lifted me into the tub. Later on he lifted he out and helped dry me.

It didn't bother me then, it doesn't bother me now.

Mind you, if any git wants to get busy with a camera I'll glady ram it sideways up his most basic of fundaments.

We have sprawled in the tub and shared a cup of honey-sweetened tea. I expect those memories will be treasures I'll keep for the rest of my life.

My Em noticed the scar which starts at my belly button and goes down so far it almost starts to come back up again. She asked what had made the scar. I said I had two Caesareans. Then had to explain what they were. (she was five). She gaped. What? Lift the baby out THAT way? then she asked "was your bird broken or something so they couldn't come out the right way"

Oh, yeah, you bet I laughed. And when we told their mom she laughed, too.

Not every bath was that funny, but I did think the flat bum one went on the short list. Right up there with the discussion about nibbles.

People just get so hung up about some stuff.
On the other hand maybe I'm just too weird for words.

Or both.

[anne cameron]

P.S.

I spent a day at Esalen. With my then teen-aged daughter and the woman with whom I was having an affair.

My daughter went swimming. In her bathing suit. And a couple of adult men started to give her the gears about it.

To which she replied "fuck off and mind your own business".

After not quite a full day there I came to the considered opinion that most of the people I encountered were totally batshit and working overtime to pretend to be something other than what they really were.

we left. I wouldn't go back if someone offered to pay me to go.

[bshmr]

Anne, FWIW, the first day, day and half, at many seminars are aggravating, especially to those there for more than the 2 or 5 days that seminarians come in for. IMO, of course. Stuff like Anne related, folks still bitching, moaning, or gushing about home, the four (not 20) questions, etc. appears (to me) far more likely then.

What your daughter did, in how she swan and also how she responded, was what many (primarily seminarians) go there to find in themselves. I imagine that the staff, scholars (30++ day), and 'friend' would full heartily support her (and at least roll eyes skyward at the antagonists)

On the other hand, on the face of it, your response seems unfortunate though thoroughly empathized with.

NTYC: Easlen had been for me a sanctuary to practice in, not a magical kingdom. As such, persons are persons just like persons everywhere -- some repulsive, some attractive, some ignorable; most uneven; ... . And, workshops don't supply magic bullets (or spells) but MIGHT teach one to shoot straighter, safer, and appropriately. Again, NTYC.

[DSquared]

[DSquared]

Clothing no longer optional an Manitoba campground
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This is pre-eminently the time, to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-Franklin Delano Roosevelt

[DSquared]

Naturists adapt to new realities (Warning: image Not Safe For Work)

[DSquared]

Ontario court upholds nudity laws: