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.

Nudist Vacations - Expensive Luxury or Naturally Cheap?

When you think of going on a nudist vacation, what first comes to mind for you? Do you think of staying at a quality hotel in a far away locale dedicated to nudists where you can sip frozen cocktails by the pool? Instead, do you picture yourself backpacking down a steep goat trail to a hidden portion of a beach with no facilities and only what camping gear you brought with you? Is there a favorite vacation of yours that falls in between these two scenarios? Many options are available to vacationing nudists. First you have to determine what kind of nudist you are.

http://writingasjoe.blogspot.com/2007/10/all-them-naked-women.html

The true nature lover.
You want to be one with nature and you are physically fit so hiking, rock scrambling, and packing in supplies long distances are not a challenge but a welcome adventure. You are the naturist that can get by fairly inexpensively by visiting beautiful, yet remote, beaches, lakes, forests, and deserts where you can let it all hang out in natural surroundings, as long as you don't get injured and need to be evacuated via helicopter to the nearest hospital.

http://www.hiddenbeachresort.com/en/

The laid back in luxury nudist.
Your idea of getting close to nature is just being naked. Your inner athlete is on vacation too, so while you may indulge in team sports such as tennis or volleyball, your main priority is easy access to amenities, a comfortable mattress at night, and a lounge chair with your name on it. You work hard during the week and have earned the money to spend on vacations that take you to someplace far away, but still allows you to be nude by the pool or on the beach. You want gourmet cuisine, mixed drinks, and hotel staff to cater to your every need. The longest walk you might experience is from your room to the pool where you can nap on a lounge chair to your hearts content.

These vacationers are extreme examples, but none the less, true to life characters. There are different types of vacationers and vacation options that fall in between these. But I'm finding that the opportunity to vacation naked is becoming increasingly a wealthy person's prerogative. Especially since I'm not part billy goat and I don't have a stand alone house with a private backyard where I can lounge freely at my own discretion.

Nudist Clubs require a membership fee, plus a daily use fee, plus a nightly fee.  Wow the fees are starting to stack up just to lounge around naked by a pool without offending anyone. What if I want to visit a different nudist club. While a first visit is usually offered at no charge, don't expect to be able to frequent various clubs without paying some astronomical fees to each.
Examples:
http://gleneden.com/fees/
http://www.lupin.com/members.html#choices
http://www.lagunadelsol.com/membership__daily_rates.html


Nudist Hotels can vary in price and amenities but many offer all inclusive options at again astronomical rates per person per night. Beware too, that you need to check if the hotel encourages behavior that might not be your cup of tea. It's definitely worthwhile to discuss with previous vacationers, your Nudist Travel Agents, or directly with the hotel what types of adult activities will be available and/or what events may be planned for the time frame of your visit? You could be in for a big surprise if you show up with the kids in tow and there's some friendly love swapping going on in the pool.
http://travelbuff.net/
http://www.castawaystravel.com/

http://www.escape-bvi.com/content/Charters_Crewed/Endless_Summer_II.png

Nude Cruises can be a fun option. But sign up fast. Those less expensive cabins go fast, usually before you even get the advertisement. Even the expensive cabins go quickly as this is a popular vacation alternative and the number of people included is typically kept to a smaller number. Again, check first before signing up for one of these vacations so you know what type of activities to expect and the level of party hearty attitude to bring with you.

Personally, I'm looking forward to my own upcoming vacation. I don't have to get on a plane, just a two hour drive. There's a kitchen so I can prepare my own meals or eat out as I please. No hiking required, although I would like to participate in some physical activity other than walking from my lounge chair to the pool for a cooling respite from the heat. Bathrooms, fresh towels, and a shower are nearby and all for the trade of some of my hard earned money. But then, that's why I'm going on vacation in the first place. That and I don't have to wear any clothes.

Spring Forward Naked

http://yourstru.ly/2010/05/11/elite-gymnastic/

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and it's time to set our clocks forward again to enjoy a little more sunshine during the day. A little more sunshine? Yes, that's what we nudists really love. More time to relax outdoors with the warm sun on bare skin. Time to shed our winter coats and begin introducing ourselves to some rays in preparation for summer. Ah yes, spring is here, so set your clocks, take off your clothes, get outside and spring forward naked.

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.

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.

Let's Talk About Boob Jobs

This discussion might be a bit controversial, but I think it’s a topic worth discussing.

It’s funny that nudists are all about body acceptance, but tummy tucks and boob jobs are rampant in the nudist community, at least here in California. Of course, some alterations are due to medical necessity but many are simply aesthetic. I must admit that the idea of defying age and gravity with a little help from my local plastic surgeon is tempting, but after seeing some very unnatural looking post surgery breasts along with the various scar designs my temptation level has waned to a fear of having breasts that look like they are 20 while the rest of my body looks elderly. Natural breasts come in various shapes and sizes, some are full and rounded at the bottom, some dangle languorously pointing towards the ground, and some are small and pert. All natural breasts however share the characteristics of a gentle droop and a happy jiggle and bounce when unbound and traveling. Augmented breasts also come in various shapes and sizes, often dependent on the skills of the surgeon and the elasticity of the woman’s skin at the time of the surgery. Some are full and round, but seem to have the skin stretched so tight over the breast they look as though they might pop if they were touched. Some are disproportionately large compared to the physique of the woman. Some have natural looking breasts, but the nipples are positioned awkwardly as though they were placed to high above center and look surprised at the view. Every so often there are some breasts that look so magnificent that it’s difficult to determine if they are real or enhanced. They have the fullness expected when a woman is young and has not experienced childbirth, or breastfeeding, and they have that gentle droop that natural breasts experience. The only sign that can truly identify this wonderful breast enhancement is the think scar neatly hidden under the curve of the breasts that may only be seen if the woman raises her arms enough to expose the hidden area. I’ve not had the nerve just yet to approach a woman with this rarest of excellent surgical procedures and ask her the name of the surgeon. If I were to consider a breast augmentation I would certainly use a doctor with references such as these. For now, and maybe forever, I’ll stick with what nature gave me and enjoy living my naturist life.

Can you tell the difference? Fake or Real? Test Yourself

48 Reasons Not To Get A Boob Job

Social Nudity, Why?

I have had friends ask me, “Why are you a nudist?” I’ve been asked if I’m an exhibitionist, a swinger, a voyeur, or simply just weird. Maybe I am deluding myself, but I don’t think I’m any of those adjectives.

When I was a child I was a notorious stripper. Back then everyone just thought it was cute. “There she is again, naked as a Jay bird.” I’m sure the heat had a lot to do with the shedding of clothes. Also, as a child there were no concerns about how society would react to my nakedness, regardless of my resemblance to a Jay bird or any other bird for that matter. My only concern was for my own comfort, coolness, and freedom from the confines of my clothing. As I grew a little older, say my early teen years, skinny dipping became a more acceptable opportunity for being naked outside of my bedroom or bathroom. By then the pressures of society were upon me and so skinny dipping took on a new feeling of clandestine naughtiness. My friends and I would slip off our bathing suits and jump into the water blushing and giggling. Still, the desire to be naked outdoors stemmed from the feeling of freedom attained by throwing off our clothes which seemed to represent rules that our families, schools, churches, and the rest of society had thrust upon us. Adulthood seemed to bring with it tighter societal restrictions rather than the liberation I expected. In my mind cleavage and other bodily attributes needed to be well hidden under loose fitting clothes, especially while at work. Otherwise, eyebrows may raise, tongues may wag, and I would be presumed as nothing more than office eye candy rather than a business woman with a brain. So I remained covered up, in and out of the office, for decades. Then I discovered social nudism and rediscovered that childhood feeling of abandon. No clothes to weigh me down. Free from my burdens, even if only symbolically. I’m liberated.

But why public nudity, you may ask? Yes, I could certainly be naked in my home. But there is a different feeling when you are naked in nature rather than hiding indoors. The sun and wind caressing every inch of your skin is tantalizing and you can feel one with nature.

“Ok,” you may say, “I can understand being naked in nature, but why would anyone want to be around other naked people?” Well, there is something to be said about being around like minded people. I certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable walking around naked on a beach or at a party where everyone else is fully clothed. I would stick out like a sore thumb. Plus, the clothed people might be horrified and offended because they might not understand the reasoning behind my nudity. However, if everyone else were also naked then I would fit in and the others would share my viewpoint. Are you beginning to see where I’m coming from? Now let me ask you this question. When was the last time you went somewhere and made friends with fellow travelers or beach goers? I’m not saying it isn’t possible, but from my experience the greetings and conversations have been more temporary and superficial than those I’ve experienced when conversing with fellow nudists.  I think Tom Tiemann, from Bare Necessities Tour and Travel, summed it up perfectly when he wrote, “People who can shed their clothes in public (imperfections and all)---are also able to discard their emotional coverings as well. When they do this, their real self shines through and, they are ready for genuine friendship.”

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.