What's your Angle

Nudists like to be around other like minded people. That is just a fact. Much like footballs fans, NASCAR fans, people in the same line of work, ones having same interests like to be around others like them. Since there isn't yet laws on the books that permit public nudity in the USA as a whole, many of us nudists share our daily experiences, life events via social media. That involves chatting, posting in groups where our friends are, and yes that Does mean sharing our nude selves.

Being enthusiastic and excited to share with others, even the most seasoned nudist can forget a few things, let's call them protocols. Nudists are by and large wholesome minded, morally upstanding individuals. When making posts to social media especially, we do our best to share pics and posts that go hand in hand with a wholesome, non sexual/objectifying way. 

I thought it might be a nice idea to go over just a refresher course real quick as to how we should go about our postings.  For me, seeing something usually registers better and more long term than just being TOLD something. So, let's get started! REFRESHER 101.

Tripods are awesome. Selfie sticks are pretty great as well. When it comes to capturing our selves, our activities, we won't always have a friend there with us, so what can we do? Set up a tripod, sure. Pray out arm is long enough to use a selfie stick, sure. Prop our camera/cell against a tree, um, maybe. Like in any art form, film industry, photography in general, angles play a huge role in not only the subject matter but also the context that is trying to be portrayed.  Let's look at some examples.

To make this simpler, I'll post a number of nudist photos and in your own head, decide if it is a thumbs up (appropriate) or thumbs down (not appropriate.) Then below them all I'll weigh in on my take from being a nudist for over 25 years.

Got your opinions yet? How bout a few more.

Okay, that should be enough of the good and bad to make the point of what thing we SHOULD be posting and sharing as nudists. 

The first pic, although it does have the woman's vagina closer to the camera than other parts, I would say it is an appropriate pic. Here's why. In the context of where she is, with a selfie stick, no one there to take pic for her, that may be as far as she can reach. She also is simply enjoying her time there on what appears to be a beach. Her face is also IN the pic. 

The next 3 in that section are perfect for posting and sharing. They show activity or just a normal non sexually suggestive or objectified center in the pics. The 5th pic in the first section, you know the shot from Down below looking up the woman's body? Yes her face is visible and that's good. However, at that angle, her vaginal region is the central focus our eye naturally is drawn to. There is nothing sexual about her pic, but again, to those who are new, or do not fully understand nudism, context and all those variables, the 5th pic should not be one to post and share. 6th pic uses a selfie stick. Well shot, within arms reach but fully captures the surroundings enough that the viewer knows what is going on. 

In the 2nd set of pics, 1, 3 and 4 are fine. Number 2, def not. There is nothing wrong with a man's penis at all. It is simply another part of the body. But again, making that the focal point in the pic can send out the wrong signal. That angle should be avoided. For those who are astute, you may be saying, "um but #4 is questionable." You have a point. Let me break it down for you.  Although the way the woman is sitting, with legs spread a bit, looking at the whole picture, and it's context, we can understand that that is a normal way we sit in such a situation. Her hands are in a good place, not suggesting anything inappropriate, just posing for a pic probably taken by a friend at the beach. Yes, some would say there is a grey area. In my nudist groups I would not have a problem with that pic because I see the whole thing, the big picture if you will.

As nudists, both new in the lifestyle or seasoned nudists, it is important how we display ourselves. Bringing others on board, friends, family, co-workers, takes them understanding and embracing the wholesomeness, family friendliness of nudism. Leading by example is what works. Sure as adults we are well aware that a penis, or boobs, or vagina is just another body part. We aren't stupid or prudish. Context...that is the benchmark. What you share with another person away from a group setting, that is up to you. In ANY true, legit nudist social media group/page/platform, we should all work hard to foster the right message.  I have one more pic example I'd like to share with you.

Okay....

This woman is smiling, obviously happy in her state of undress and is showing what a normal nude female body looks like. Being it is not a totally vag shot, the lines on is it appropriate or not can be a little blurred. For most of us, I don't think we would have a huge objection to her pic. In my groups, I would likely message this lady, and ask if she had another that had less of an angle from down below. It can be a little tough trying to frame yourself when taking a pic propping your phone without aid of a tripod, selfie stick etc. It takes some trial and error. For me, if I was planning on sharing and posting some sort of pic and one like hers was in the ones I had taken, I would choose another to use.

Perhaps that's just me. You will never please everyone. That is just impossible. The old adage, better safe than sorry I think is a good one to follow. If there is any question how a pic you post may be construed or taken, just refrain. Choose wisely, and your online group experiences will not only never come into question, but will also represent all of US, in the best light possible. 

Hopefully this post has jogged your memory and reaffirmed what you are already doing.  Go enjoy your day. Enjoy your time nude as God intended, and let's keep being great advocates for normalizing nudism.

Sometimes being "naked" is what is required

This is typically a nudist centered blog. Today, there is a slight exception, a play on words if you will. This year has been among the most trying I have had to face for many many reasons. We often live our lives thinking we know somewhat of what to expect, what may be coming down the pipe and we aren't too surprised by certain outcomes. This year, I made some decisions to stand my ground, fighting for what I believed was best. Sadly, some of those things I fought so hard for, backfired right in my face.

When disappointment comes, especially out of the blue when you think it has NO right to even be there, well, that's tough to deal with and overcome. This year I've had my life turned upside down, literally. Family trouble, health issues, 2 random small fires at the house, car trouble, job upheaval, you name it. It has really pushed me to the brink. Beyond my unwelcomed problems, my poor mother has had an equally full plate to contend with. My grandmother is 94 years of age and her health has been rapidly declining this year. My mother has been her caregiver and also caregiver to my grandfather who passed away a couple of years ago. Her life has been put totally on hold for the better part of 10 years now. She stays with my grandmother a good 22 hours per day, 7 days a week, with no help, no break. She is exhausted mentally, physically, emotionally, wondering constantly, "am I doing enough." Of course she is! Days get better, then worse, then way worse with no end in sight. My mother has had to keep up a big house for the past 20 yrs since my Dad passed. It is a huge undertaking. Since moving to the current house, our old house has sat vacant. I've worked on it quite a lot this year preparing it for Mom to move there sometime in the near future. She can't or won't totally move until Grandma passes out of respect for her situation. I get that and admire her loyalty. So in addition to her big house, being caregiver, working at our old house doing things she wants to have done, my mother is spread way too thin. 

What can you expect when you are doing way too much? Exhaustion, depression, divided interests?

All of the above. There is a beauty in having expectations. Where we fail is in not knowing when it is okay to step aside and regroup, ask for help, and be willing to change our expectations. My mother is a very stubborn, prideful woman. Good hearted to a fault. She will literally kill herself trying to please and help others. I am much the same way. So back to my year. Without going into detail, I now live alone for the time being, am not working, bills are very tight, health issues still are a daily concern. Cars are both older and falling apart with daily use, dogs are having issues with health and well being. It is a mess. So what can I do about any or all of this?  Well, here is where being naked is what is required. Now you guys and gals are smart. You know that I am not referring to an actually naked state of undress, right? Ha. As much as I do live that way, I am speaking of being naked, vulnerable, susceptible to changes, humility, saying I'm sorry, welcoming positive change. 

Just as a person can by timid, shy or hesitant in literally being naked, so are we when it comes to our behavior, attitude, and accepting the need for changes. It is uncomfortable the first few times you have to do it or when you haven't had to make those type of changes and admittances in years and years. That is where I have found myself the past several months. Errors in judgment, being stagnant and resistant to opinions and ideas that were not mine, and just being a stubborn ass have haunted me. Over the past month or so, I have realized my need to make positive changes in my life. From eating better, being more active again, exercising, opening my mind and heart to new ideas/concepts, admitting wrong and failure, all of these have led to a true change in my personal demeanor. People around me have begun to notice these changes for the good and are happy along with me. 

The whole point of becoming naked in these ways, is to expand yourself beyond borders of your own making. Moving being the limitations you yourself have created over the years can and likely will expose you to new things that can truly be healing and joyous. I am there now. I've had to say I'm sorry to some people. I have had to admit I don't know it all every day. I have had to accept criticism, counsel and chastising. Now I'm not saying just bow down and take any beating that comes from people who disagree with you. Not at all! It is paramount to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. BUT at the same time, learn to recognize those who are on your side, who want you to succeed and be an even better you. Those are the people who you should be open to their wisdom and spankings.

It is perfectly okay as human being to BE wrong now and then. What you do with that is up to you. I have chosen to swallow pride and admit that I can be wrong, I have been wrong, and to work hard to improve and learn from my being wrong this year. In doing this, I have begun to relearn who I am and what is truly important. It is amazing what we can learn when we open ourselves up in a naked way emotionally, physically, psychologically, spiritually. The path ahead becomes limitless  and full of untapped potential and blessing. Just today, I was able to meet with a company representative with a company that buys homes. Within 3 hours of meeting this very educated, professional younger woman, she sent my mother a cash offer for her big house. Contract has been signed and her house will be closed on in February. The stress, delay, worry is now over for her. I could not be happier. Sure there is a sadness saying goodbye to a home with rich history, memories and decades of life within its walls, but there is also the welcoming of a new chapter to yet be written. 

Not only am I thrilled for my mother right now with this off of her plate, I am also excited for me as well. You see, mother had told me, once her house sells, she is going to pay me for our old house. So with that money, I get to shop for a new truck which I desperately need! I know, that may not be as important to some, but for me, nursing a 16 year old vehicle along is exhausting and expensive. Having reliable, nice, appropriate for my needs truck is pretty darn important. Yes, I admit, I'm a little selfish wishing I didn't have to wait another 2 months but in reality, I am very blessed she is willing to pay me for the old house. 

To wrap this post up, let me say a couple of things. I can stand bare before most people whom I trust and admit things, be totally honest and transparent. Is it always easy? Heck no it's not. But it is necessary in not only maintaining those relationships, but also in fostering, growing and allowing those relationships new opportunities to deepen. We all need people in our lives who are on our side through thick and thin. Granted some people don't have that in their life. To them I say, stay the course, remain positive and be the best you that you can be. They will come. Like in the movie The Field of Dreams, Ray was told, "if you build it they will come" and come they did. Same applies. 

No one knows what tomorrow will bring. It could be disaster or it could be unparalleled blessing. Be willing to be "naked" and open to all that life affords, the bad and the good. Attitude determines our Altitude!!  Go be well, be the real you, cast off any mask that you wear, and embrace the goodness within you and those who love you.