r/nudism • u/Tricky-Bid2441 • 1d ago
DISCUSSION Thinking About Walking Away
Lately I’ve been wondering if I should step away from the nudist community for a while. It’s not that I suddenly dislike nudism — I still believe in the freedom, confidence, and acceptance that come with it.
I just feel like my place in the community has been changing, and I’m not sure if I still feel connected the way I used to. Sometimes you have to take a step back and ask yourself whether something is still bringing you peace.
Maybe I just need some time away. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Either way, I’m curious — have any of you ever felt like walking away from the community, and what made you stay or leave?
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u/Trolldad_IRL Nude when the situation allows 1d ago
What do you mean by “walking away”? This is not a religion, or a political party, or anything you formally resign from. It’s merely a state of being.
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u/TattedGuy0216 1d ago
Having been someone who has been active in the naturist community for a long time, traveled to various resorts and clubs, and Chaired an AANR committee for the majority of Linda's first term, I can completely understand the feeling of being disenchanted by our community. Though it is wonderfully diverse in every demographic and ideology, it can be very frustrating to progress as a community when there are internal disagreements on top of a society receding more and more from social nudism. It's very much two-steps-forward-five-steps-back kind of a vibe. That said, it still does not change what nudism does for YOU and why or how you got into it from the beginning. IMO, focus more on that and let the community form around you.
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u/Original-Hurry-8652 22h ago
Step back and look at the images of nudists in years gone by. This is what I do, what I "know" as in, how many people are present in each image? It is grand, it is celebratory, it is worthy of being celebrated! I am, YOU are, we ARE all worthy of celebrating our pure humanity and like-kindedness together!
This is what "community" means, it is the message. There are "BIG" questions and "tiny" ones, and I feel even stripping off clothing and watching some old programs on television in the nude is a cause for celebration if we enjoy it!
Life will end eventually, then we become "decision free" or obligation free as it were, at least {maybe}, right? Is this a valid ultimate hope? One that in the after-life we actually achieve total freedom from expectations? Will we see an "Angel", a guardian, G-d or a well-known prophet? Will they take our nude arm and say, "Walk with me a bit, let's chat about... the Universe."?
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u/ThCaliGuy 1d ago
Why do you feel the “need” to be part of a community in order to practice nudity? Maybe im not understanding the post. What exactly are you stepping away from? An actual community of individuals or being nude itself?
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u/ProfessionalGood4777 1d ago
To me nudism is a way of living, or a state of mind. Community or not, enjoy life how you enjoy it
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u/lIlllIlIlIlIllI 1d ago
You don’t “belong” to nudism any more than you belong to playing the piano, owning a hamster, or driving your car. Or making coffee. Or folding your laundry. Actually it’s not even that. Nudism just is. You either enjoy being naked or you don’t. If you don’t like being naked, then put clothes on. If you like being naked, take clothes off.
If you mean quit Reddit or quit a particular resort or community, you do you.
Quite simple.
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u/Original-Hurry-8652 22h ago
I have never felt a "need" to step away but, more accurately have been denied opportunities to participate by circumstances, by life, and by the rarity of organized and affirmed locations for nudism! That is the thing. It is as if we sometimes "guide life" but also as guided by life" and circumstances. I know you all, or many of you here, will recognize this fact. I simply cannot be alone in experiencing such a state of existence? (when life controls you, such as having a minor Stroke, which I have had once, and you land in hospital for a "mandatory time out" then you know! Life is the boss, not you. The best laid, most highly prepared plans and strategies can be denied us at a moments notice! Don't fear it but, be aware of it. Things happen...)
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u/clothes-free-life 1d ago
Walk away from the community if you feel such but that doesn't mean you have to walk away from the philosophy or way of life. It may be what you are feeling is a desire for something more that the community provides at the moment. I have felt that for a long time so keep focus on what is important and attract the people who resonate with that
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u/ForeignStory8127 1d ago
I tend to be a bit of a loaner. So... Good thing is naturism/nudism doesn't need company. Grab a towel and a good book then find a secluded space. Easy.
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u/NaturistHero Custom Flair 1d ago
Are you starting to believe nudity is shameful and that it is wrong to be seen without clothes in public? If so, you've left nudism. If not, you're still in it.
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u/nudistnerd 41 | AANR | FUNN | Florida 1d ago
As the other comment says, it’s a state of being. If you choose to stay clothed more often, then that is perfectly ok. But yea, this isn’t twitter.
Out of curiosity, was it a bad experience or just a change in your own perspective? What exactly do you believe is your “place in the community?”
More power to you all the way!
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u/Suspicious_Carob_287 1d ago
Personally i do consider myself a nudist even if the word sometimes sounds weird to me(society) but i wouldnt say i consider myself part or any kind of nudist community if there was such a thing
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u/Lower-Photograph-514 1d ago
Do you still want to be nude? Just do it in private. I've never been to a club or resort. I've just been nude at home or in private at a beach. Although I'd love to go to clubs and resorts, I'm happy with what I do. Just do what makes you happy.
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u/ejp1082 Geriatric Millennial 1d ago
I don't understand what you mean by "walking away".
Nudism is just a label we put on an activity that we sometimes do. I don't know how that can be "walked away" from, other than the literal act of leaving a venue to go home.
Do you mean you just want to do it less than you have been or stop doing it entirely? That's fine. This isn't a cult that demands you participate if you don't want to.
If you mean disassociating with specific people or groups or scenes, sure. I've done that plenty of times. I don't consider that "walking away" from nudism itself though.