Thirty-nine years ago today, as the sun went down, I walked down to the edge of a ranch pond, took my clothes off, and waded into the water, while watching for snakes.
The water was warm, and I couldn't believe how different it felt to not wear a swimsuit. I enjoyed it for a few minutes, then got out, put my clothes back on, and went on with my life - but I was back the next day.
So what's the big deal? Many people have "skinny-dipped" and continued with their lives as usual. And so did I - almost...
A few days later, I had work to do, and no one with me. I took my clothes off (except for shoes) and fed the horses, cattle, and other animals as usual, filled their water, and enjoyed the feel of sunlight and breeze.
That fall I started college, living in the dorm, and I started sleeping nude.
The next spring I started swimming nude in the nearby lake; quasi-nude, really. I wore a swimsuit into the water, then took it off underwater, keeping it on one arm, and replacing it before coming out.
In the months and years to come, I would step completely out of my clothes and cultural expectations many times, to enjoy sunlight and water in the most-natural state. I have done this alone, with my family, and with strangers. I've done it out in the country, at lakes, at beaches, and at nudist resorts ("nudist camps" for the uninitiated). I still do. I especially do it at home, for no other reason than it is truly liberating. It's touching a tiny piece of Eden.
And if you think it's all about sex, you are totally in the dark. Read on; be enlightened!
The water was warm, and I couldn't believe how different it felt to not wear a swimsuit. I enjoyed it for a few minutes, then got out, put my clothes back on, and went on with my life - but I was back the next day.
So what's the big deal? Many people have "skinny-dipped" and continued with their lives as usual. And so did I - almost...
A few days later, I had work to do, and no one with me. I took my clothes off (except for shoes) and fed the horses, cattle, and other animals as usual, filled their water, and enjoyed the feel of sunlight and breeze.
That fall I started college, living in the dorm, and I started sleeping nude.
The next spring I started swimming nude in the nearby lake; quasi-nude, really. I wore a swimsuit into the water, then took it off underwater, keeping it on one arm, and replacing it before coming out.
In the months and years to come, I would step completely out of my clothes and cultural expectations many times, to enjoy sunlight and water in the most-natural state. I have done this alone, with my family, and with strangers. I've done it out in the country, at lakes, at beaches, and at nudist resorts ("nudist camps" for the uninitiated). I still do. I especially do it at home, for no other reason than it is truly liberating. It's touching a tiny piece of Eden.
And if you think it's all about sex, you are totally in the dark. Read on; be enlightened!