Is Naturism the cure for Depression?

Work, kids, housework, family drama, you name it and the stresses of life just keep coming. In my household we're not lucky enough to be full time nudists so the weekdays, and sometimes weekends, between visits to our local naturist resort can be truly long suffering. Moods are blue, voices can be snappy and grumpy. Depression is surely the prognosis of the deep funk some of us can sink into. So what's the one thing that we look forward to? The one thing that keeps us from pulling the trigger or jumping off a cliff? Yes, that's right it's our brief visits to our nudist resort where we can throw off our stresses, relax, and visit with our friends. Have I mentioned before that friends made in a naturist environment tend to become really great lifetime friends? Well, when you meet people who are stripped of their garments you get to know the real person inside. This may mean that you will need to keep an open mind and be very accepting of people for who they are, not being concerned with idiosyncrasies that may find your judgmental mind speaking up. Squelch that voice and like your friends who are completely exposed body and soul. That vulnerability and acceptance, I think also helps you to accept yourself which may be another key to overcoming Depression. I definitely find that the more time we spend naked, the happier we are.

Work Gets in the Way of "Naked Time"

Wow, work has been crazy lately. Not that it's ever not crazy, but between work and my personal "to do" list, I haven't had what my husband calls "naked time" in quite awhile and not nearly often enough. I'm definitely hoping that this weekend will allow for some "naked time." It's amazing how a weekend of "naked time" outdoors can truly help us slough off the stresses of work and life. I'm so glad we found this outlet for our stress. Not to mention all of the wonderful friends we have made in our "naked community." With travel for work and travel for family obligations, before you know it the summer is over and the warm days available to be naked outdoors start to diminish, so I need to schedule in my "naked time" these days. Those of you who can be naked full-time should consider yourselves very lucky. For the rest of us, we're counting down the days until our next naked weekend.

Peace & Tranquility in the California Desert at Living Waters Spa

We have spent many weekends in Palm Springs, but until this weekend we have never ventured out to Desert Hot Springs. If you want to experience hot mineral waters than Desert Hot Springs is the place to visit. The town is just minutes from Palm Springs, which is just over 100 miles East of Los Angeles, California. For the clothing optional experience in DHS, whether you are a single person or a couple, there are several options, but if you are looking for a place with a more holistic approach to nudism then visit Living Waters Spa. http://www.livingwatersspa.com/

As we drove up to Living Waters Spa from the Highway we were unimpressed by the surrounding neighborhoods and the outside of the building, which was originally the Kismet Lodge in the 1960's. However, as we were welcomed inside by Owner Judy we were transformed into an oasis within this desert oasis. As the new age music floated softly on the breeze, we walked past a few sunbathers lounging quietly by the pool looking towards a wall of glass framing the San Bernardino Mountains, we entered our simply Scandinavian style room and kitchen. The simple surroundings, the warm mineral pool and spa and the background music instantly put us into full relaxation mode.

After three days of quiet and pampering I still can't get out of the mediational mode and get myself in the working mode and I've been home for a week. I have so much to say, but honestly just can't seem to get all of the words out just yet. I promise I will later. In the meantime, please enjoy some of the pictures I took while at the spa.

It's important to note that Judy and Jeff

invite singles and couples, but they are not to be mistaken with any of the swinger's clubs/spas in the Desert Hot Springs area. Living Waters is about meditation, quiet, health, mineral waters, and true naturism (they are clothing optional for those of you not quite ready to reveal everything). You can visit for the day, enjoy a massage, a wrap, or a body scrub, or really pamper yourself and stay overnight or two or three.

Dog Days of Summer

This weekend we decided to visit the Terra Cotta Inn located in Palm Springs, California. We are frequent patrons and always enjoy the relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The owners of the Terra Cotta Inn are Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall. They are usually present and actively involved with their patrons which adds to the mom and pop feeling of this historic motel. If you ask why people tend to choose the Terra Cotta for their vacations, the usual answer will be the personal camaraderie they share with Tom and Mary Clare. Of course, everyone enjoys the Four O’clock appearance of Tom in his bow tie serving wine and strawberries. Sometimes the other staff members will assist with this daily activity, usually clothed or partially clothed, but Tom’s participation is always anticipated and met with a jovial spirit and adds to the light-hearted and whimsical environment. Sadly, Tom and Mary Clare recently lost their long time canine companion, Godiva. While she is truly missed and remembered fondly, Godiva’s legacy lives on with the new addition of Jude. The assumed to be German Shepherd and Labrador mixed puppy is quickly growing into her large paws. Of course, switching from a mature and laid back dog to a mischievous puppy is a bit of a challenge to both patrons and owners alike. However, Jude is winning hearts with her vivacious and playful love of her daily visitors and playmates.