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.

Naked Under Cover

Even in Southern California the weather is turning cooler and opportunities to be nude outdoors, other than for those die hards like my husband that love cooler weather, are becoming fewer and farther between. Yet another weekend will go by without being able to visit our local nudist club to enjoy the sunshine in the buff. So how do we nudists get by when the weather turns cold? For me, I spend a lot of time under the covers of the bed. I still can't bring myself to sleep in pajamas, too confining. I always get twisted in the fabric. But give me some nice clean sheets and a comforter and I'm a happy camper.

As for socializing with other nudists during Fall and Winter. Well, in Orange County the Naturists in the OC or NITOC have a family friendly nude swim once a month at an indoor pool. They also offer gym facilities where folks can play volleyball, basketball and some other indoor sports followed by a nice dinner and raffle. It's a great time to relax and make some new friends or visit with old friends. It's still not so frigid in So Cal that we couldn't still enjoy the nudist club and use the indoor pool and outdoor spa, plus just hang out with friends in a trailer or something, but for some of us our sunbathing activities will be curtailed. I'd love to hear from nudists in other parts of the world regarding their cooler weather naturist activities.

Does Your Spouse Know You Are A Nudist?

I’ve always thought it was interesting when meeting a fellow nudist who’s spouse is not in attendance. Everytime I’ve spoke to these seeming single nudists and found out they were actually married, I wondered, where are their spouses or significant others? Do they not approve of their spouse’s proclivity toward nudism? Are they understanding but don’t prefer the lifestyle themselves? Are  they simply unaware that their spouse or significant other is sunbathing nude on the beach or wherever? After speaking to one man who after several years of marriage was finally caught by his wife utilizing nude resorts for his business trips rather than traditional hotels I was struck by my own since of judgement towards this person for hiding his activities from his wife for so many years. I’m sure we can all imagine what her reaction must have been. Surprising to some, but not surprising to others, she actually embraced the nudist lifestyle and joined her husband on future trips, evidently forgiving him for his past indiscretions. With no more hidden truths between them and a new found shared activity I’m assuming their marriage has taken a new path of shared experiences and confidence.

So, what about you? Are you or is someone you know hiding their love of naturism from a loved one, ie children, parents, lover? Or do you enjoy nudism without your partner who stays away while you participate in nudist activities? Are you the spouse of a nudist who does not share the enjoyment of naturism or maybe you have a career related reason for avoiding the lifestyle? I’d love to hear from both sides to better understand how couples with differing opinions on the subject manage to coexist peacefully.

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.