Personal Journey into Naturism and Founding of NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta
Discover NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta – New Beginnings for Modern Naturism
NaturismRE is a new movement for people who see naturism not just as a leisure activity, but as a way of life – a path to connect with nature, foster body positivity, care for the environment, and build an inclusive community. Alongside it is Naturis Sancta, a branch of NaturismRE that embraces naturism as a deeper spiritual connection with the natural world. Both initiatives aim to revitalize and modernize naturism, breaking away from old prejudices and exclusions. Whether you’re completely new to clothes-free living or a seasoned naturist, NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta welcome you into a respectful, forward-thinking community where everyone can feel at home.
Introducing a New Era of Naturism: NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta
NaturismRE (short for Naturism Resurgence) represents a fresh approach to naturism in the 21st century. Founded by passionate naturists determined to push the movement into the mainstream, NaturismRE emphasizes inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and modern values. It’s about recapturing the simple joy of being naked in nature while also addressing contemporary issues like climate change and mental health. In parallel, Naturis Sancta serves as the movement’s spiritual or philosophical wing – an avenue for those who feel a sacred or profound bond with nature when they shed their clothes under open sky.
At their core, both NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta promote a naturist culture that is open-minded and welcoming. They seek to move past some traditional naturist club practices that were often restrictive or discriminatory (for example, biases against single people or non-members). Instead, the message is that naturism is for everyone: all genders, ages, backgrounds, body types, and beliefs. It’s a return to the original spirit of naturism – harmony with nature and acceptance of self and others – but with a modern, progressive twist.
Why Join NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta?
Inclusivity for All: A fresh approach that welcomes everyone equally and values diversity. NaturismRE stands against discrimination – no more cliquish gatekeeping or outdated prejudices. Whether young or old, male or female, LGBTQ+ or straight, all are embraced in a culture of respect and equality. The goal is a truly inclusive naturist community where everyone feels safe and accepted.
Environmental Respect: A lifestyle that reinforces our commitment to nature and sustainable living. Wearing less (or no) clothing isn’t just liberating – it’s eco-friendly. By minimizing textiles, naturists reduce their environmental footprint from clothing production and laundry. (The fashion industry is responsible for an estimated 4% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissionstime.com , and tens of millions of garments end up in landfills each year time.com, epa.gov
. Even a single cotton T-shirt takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce wri.org
!) NaturismRE encourages simpler, more natural living that works in harmony with the Earth.
Mind and Body Connection: Practicing naturism can foster a healthier relationship between your mind, body, and nature. Shedding clothes helps shed stress – you learn to appreciate your body for what it is, rather than through the distorted lens of fashion or social media. Studies have found that people who participate in naturist activities feel happier with their bodies and more satisfied with their lives gold.ac.uk
. In fact, even a single clothes-free gathering can lead to immediate boosts in self-esteem and life satisfaction gold.ac.uk
. NaturismRE builds on these benefits, encouraging a positive body image and using time in nature as a form of self-care. The feeling of the sun on your skin, the sand or grass underfoot, and the fresh air all contribute to reduced anxiety and improved mood. Many naturists report better sleep, improved circulation, and lower stress levels when they regularly spend time nude in a natural setting. In short, naturism can be a free and joyful wellness practice for both mind and body.
Spiritual Growth: For those who seek it, Naturis Sancta offers a non-traditional spiritual dimension to naturism. This isn’t about religion in the conventional sense – there are no dogmas or deities required – but rather about recognizing nature as a supreme force and source of meaning. Naturis Sancta members view being naked in nature as a form of communion with the Earth. The rustle of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, the rhythm of the ocean tides – these natural phenomena inspire awe and reverence. There’s a sense of the sacred in feeling so connected and free. In fact, some philosophers call this perspective “religious naturalism,” the idea that nature itself can be the focus of deep devotion and spiritual fulfillment. As one proponent, philosopher Donald Crosby, wrote: “Nature is every bit as mysterious and wonderful as traditional concepts of God… and has the power to inspire, enhance, and renew our lives” religiousnaturalism.org
. Naturis Sancta embraces this ethos. It’s a path for anyone who wants to explore personal growth or spirituality through nude immersion in the natural world – finding the divine in the world around us.
By combining these elements, NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta represent a new beginning for modern naturism. It’s naturism re-imagined: not only naked recreation, but also a vehicle for positivity, personal freedom, and even social change. Before diving deeper into the movement’s vision, let me share how I arrived here – from my first nervous foray into skinny-dipping as a child, to becoming an advocate for naturism today.
My Naturist Journey: From Forest Freedom to Future Advocacy
Early Discovery in France (1980s): My journey into naturism began in the most unexpected way – as a 12-year-old boy playing in the woods of southwest France. It was a hot August school holiday, and a group of us local kids (my cousins, neighbors, and friends) had built a secret wooden fort hidden among the trees on my uncle’s farm. One sweltering day, while we were splashing around in a shallow creek to cool off, we stumbled upon a deeper swimming hole with a little gravel beach. In our childish exuberance, we shoved each other into the water fully clothed and ended up completely soaked. As we laid out on the sunny bank to dry off, my 12-year-old female cousin joked that our clothes would dry faster if we hung them up – and that maybe we should strip off! We all laughed it off at first, but she boldly peeled off her wet clothes down to just a little pink underwear. In the bright sun and water, it was practically see-through, and we boys were both shocked and wide-eyed. Not to be outdone, I mustered the courage to do the same, down to my soaked briefs – which immediately drew giggles because they turned transparent too. The ice was broken with humor and dares, and within minutes all of us had shed our clothes to our undies. Then, fueled by a mix of adolescent bravado and curiosity, I decided to go fully nude and challenged the rest to follow. My cousin grinned and slipped off her last garment as well, joining me in bare freedom. In that innocent moment of childhood daring, something clicked: being naked outdoors with friends felt surprisingly natural. Once the initial blush and laughter passed, we actually forgot our embarrassment and just played – splashing around in the creek, feeling the sun on every inch of our skin. It was pure, youthful freedom.
That day sparked the birth of our own little naturist club of kids, though we didn’t know the term naturism at the time. We returned to our hidden forest fort again and again, eager to recreate that feeling of liberation. What began as a silly dare evolved into a cherished routine: every morning we’d meet at our “secret cabin,” immediately throw off our clothes, and roam the woods and meadows naked as little birds. We climbed trees, explored fields and even wandered through the rows of my uncle’s vineyard wearing nothing but our smiles. It felt magical and right – as if we were discovering how we were meant to be all along. The experience wasn’t sexual (despite our raging teenage hormones and occasional curious looks at each other’s changing bodies); it was about freedom and trust. We learned to be comfortable in our own skin in front of each other, without shame. We talked openly about the awkward changes of puberty, sharing the kind of “sex education” tidbits only curious teens in a pre-internet era could trade. In our secret naturist gang, we found acceptance and camaraderie. That formative experience – a bunch of 9 to 13-year-olds gaining body confidence and open minds in a hidden nook of nature – shaped our attitudes for life. We became more open-minded, more accepting of differences, and far less self-conscious than our peers. We had discovered a truth that many adults spend years to find: being nude can feel completely normal, given the right environment.
Of course, in a small conservative village, a group of naked teenagers playing in the woods couldn’t stay secret forever. As our core group grew (eventually up to 15–20 local teens joined in over the next few years), rumors started swirling around town. Whispers of “those bad kids” and our “decadent” exploits spread, painting a far more lurid picture than the reality. We did have to deal with some troublemakers as the group expanded – a few older teens joined and started showing off or disrespecting the safe atmosphere we’d cultivated. We promptly expelled anyone who couldn’t honor our rules of respect. But the gossip mill had been fueled, and suddenly our innocent nude hangouts were the talk of the town (often exaggerated with outright lies). Astonishingly, no furious parents stormed in to break up our fun. Perhaps our parents knew more than they let on; maybe they recognized it for what it was – harmless youthful adventure – and decided to quietly tolerate it. In fact, one day I stumbled upon evidence that our naturist escapades were something of an open secret in my family. During a summer gathering at our house, all the men went out for a walk to my uncle’s farm, leaving the women at home. I got bored and headed back early, only to find my mother, aunts, sisters, and girl cousins lounging completely nude in the backyard, sunning themselves without a care! I was stunned (not least by the sight of maternal figures in their full au naturel glory). My face must have been a picture, because one aunt just laughed and said, “Why so surprised? We know you kids run around naked in the woods!” They all chuckled, and at that moment I realized: our parents did know, and in their own way, they approved. So I shrugged, dropped my clothes, and joined them on the lawn. It turned out naturism ran in the family! Instead of punishment, I got gentle advice (like my older brother reminding me about safe sex and respect), and even encouragement. That summer, with full family buy-in, we made a sort of naturist pilgrimage to the famous Cap d’Agde – a town in the south of France renowned for its large clothes-free community. There, for the first time, I saw society functioning entirely in the nude: families shopping, dining, biking, all stark naked under the sun. It was a revelation to witness that our little woodland utopia wasn’t unique – naturism was a real, thriving lifestyle for many.
Broadening Horizons (UK and Hong Kong): Fast-forward to young adulthood: at 18, I moved to England to work as a chef. Suddenly, I was back in a world of clothes, in a country where, at the time, naturism wasn’t exactly mainstream. I continued being a home nudist – spending my off days and nights nude in my flat – but I dearly missed the open-air freedom of France. Public nude beaches or clubs existed in the UK, but I was busy building a career and didn’t immediately seek them out. Still, that inner naturist spark stayed alive. A few years later, life took me even farther afield – to bustling Hong Kong. There, among the dense city crowds, I found myself yearning for nature and freedom again. So I sought out a like-minded circle of friends and we got creative. Hong Kong has some beautiful secluded beaches on the outlying islands. We would hike out to a remote cove on Lantau Island at night, set up a little campfire, and then strip down under the stars. The warm, tropical night air on bare skin was invigorating. We swam naked in the moonlit ocean and lay on the sand talking for hours. Even though public nudity was (and is) illegal in Hong Kong, we were cautious and respectful, choosing times and places we wouldn’t be seen. Those secret nocturnal beach nights became a cherished escape from the neon-lit intensity of city life. I even managed to “convert” a few previously non-nudist friends, simply by leading the way – peeling off my clothes on a balmy evening and showing them how amazing it felt to skinny-dip in the South China Sea. Many of them later thanked me for introducing them to naturism, as it became a relaxing outlet in an otherwise high-pressure environment. My takeaway from those years abroad was that naturism is universal – the exhilaration of being naked under open sky speaks to something fundamental in humans, no matter where in the world you are.
Finding Freedom Down Under (Australia): In 1996, I moved to Australia, which I now call home. Australia, with its sunny climate and endless beaches, seemed like a naturist paradise waiting to happen – and indeed, I rediscovered my passion for the lifestyle here. I started visiting some of the designated nude beaches and joined a couple of naturist clubs and retreats. The community was smaller and more under-the-radar than in Europe, but it was friendly and welcoming. For the first time since leaving France, I could legally hike and sunbathe naked in daylight again (at least in certain places) – and oh, what a relief! I remember my first visit to an official nude beach in New South Wales: walking over the dunes with my clothes in a bag, then seeing the ocean sprawled out before me and realizing I didn’t have to put my shorts back on. I ran down to the water, feeling like that giddy 12-year-old once more, waves splashing against every bare bit of me. Australia gave me back the simple joy of everyday naturism.
That said, I also noticed that Australia’s acceptance of naturism was (and is) decades behind parts of Europe. Culturally, there’s a bit of a wowser streak – public nudity here is largely taboo outside a few clearly marked “clothes optional” zones. The law in most of Australia reflects that conservatism: it’s generally an offence to be nude in public if anyone might be offended. (Technically, even being naked in your own home can be illegal if it’s visible to the public – for example, if a neighbor or someone on the street can see you through a window, you could be charged with indecent exposure in some states.) This was frustrating, because I knew from personal experience – and from places like France and Spain – that normalizing non-sexual nudity doesn’t harm society. On the contrary, it can make people more tolerant and comfortable. Spain, for instance, has taken a very progressive stance: public nudity is entirely legal in Spain and considered a basic personal freedom since 1988 reuters.com
. You can walk down the street naked in many parts of Spain without being arrested (though a few regions like Barcelona have local ordinances against it) reuters.com
. The sky hasn’t fallen over there; if anything, Spain attracts millions of tourists to its naturist beaches and resorts each year, and its citizens enjoy the liberty of clothing-optional recreation. Germany, too, has a long Freikörperkultur (free body culture) tradition and even designated naturist hiking trails. Knowing all this, I couldn’t help but see the untapped potential in Australia. Here we have some of the world’s best beaches and climate – a potential naturist’s dream – yet outdated laws and social stigma keep most places clothes-mandatory. I often thought, “If only Australia would loosen up like Spain, it could become a top naturist destination globally.” There’s clearly a growing interest: each year, more overseas visitors (especially from other parts of Asia where nudity is even more taboo) quietly seek out Australian nude beaches to experience that liberating feeling for the first time. Change has been slow, but I detect progress. Over the years, I’ve seen more young people getting into social nudity, and more events that normalize it (like the Sydney World Naked Bike Ride, nude art exhibitions, etc.). The culture is evolving, and I’ve been determined to help accelerate it.
Throughout my journey, one thing stayed constant – my personal commitment to living as much of my life as possible without clothes. It’s not an exaggeration to say naturism is part of who I am. I’ve never been shy about it either. My family and friends all know I’m a naturist. Neighbors, colleagues, even my employers know that on my own time I might be hiking or gardening nude. I long ago decided I wouldn’t hide this healthy lifestyle just to appease someone else’s prudishness. Sure, I exercise common sense and courtesy – I don’t flaunt my nudity in places where it would genuinely upset people. Naturism, for me, isn’t about shocking or exhibitionism (in fact, it’s decidedly not sexual in public contexts). It’s about not having to pretend or be ashamed of the human body. If someone discovers I’m a nudist and reacts poorly, that’s on them, not me. I’m fortunate that those closest to me have been accepting or at least indifferent. In fact, over the years I’ve helped convert quite a few friends to the naturist life simply by including them in nude activities and showing them there’s nothing weird about it. The more people around you who know and accept your naturism, the easier it gets to live freely. I often say I have nothing to hide – literally and figuratively! This openness also means I’ve not feared consequences like some do. For example, I’ve shared many photos and videos of my nude adventures online (on naturist forums, social media, etc.) to spread awareness and joy. Inevitably, some of those images have been misused or reposted on dodgy adult sites without my permission. Years ago I even had someone attempt to blackmail me over my own nude photos (threatening to “expose” me, ironically). I simply laughed it off – how can you blackmail a man with something he’s already openly embraced? I told them, “Go ahead, everyone already knows I’m naked!” That was the end of that. By owning my identity, I took away any power from those who would try to shame me. And that is a key message I want to send to others: there is no shame in simple nudity. Our bodies – each and every one – are natural. Once you truly believe that, you become bulletproof against the insults or judgments that society might hurl. This confidence, this liberation, is what I wish for everybody to experience at least once.
Health and Happiness Uncovered: The Benefits of a Naturist Lifestyle
Living life on a clothes-free basis isn’t just fun – it comes with a host of benefits for both individual well-being and the broader community. I’ve personally experienced many of these positives, and science is starting to back them up too. Let’s unpack a few:
Body Positivity and Self-Acceptance: Perhaps the most immediate benefit of naturism is how it transforms your relationship with your own body. In a naturist setting, you see real bodies – young and old, fit and fluffy, scarred and pristine – and you quickly realize the “perfect” bodies we see in media are a tiny minority (and often airbrushed illusions at that). This exposure to normal, diverse bodies (including your own in the mirror, accepted as-is) can dramatically improve body image. Research has confirmed what naturists have long claimed: spending time naked around others tends to make you like your body more and feel happier overall gold.ac.uk
. In one study, even one day at a naturist event gave participants a significant boost in self-esteem and life satisfaction by the end of the day gold.ac.uk
. It’s a powerful antidote to body shame. I can attest that after enough nude beach days, you simply stop fretting about “flaws” like cellulite or belly rolls – you see that everyone has imperfections, and it’s no big deal. That relief from body anxiety is like taking a weight off your shoulders (or a too-tight waistband off your stomach!).
Mental health can improve in other ways too. Naturism encourages you to live in the moment. When you’re naked under the sun, you aren’t obsessing over how you look in an outfit or what others think – you feel present and grounded. Many naturists describe a profound sense of relaxation and stress relief. For me, walking along a forest trail with nothing on, feeling the breeze and hearing birdsong, is as therapeutic as meditation. In fact, naturism pairs excellently with mindfulness practices. I sometimes do yoga or meditation in the nude outdoors, and it’s incredible how much more connected to my breath and body I feel. Without any clothing, there’s literally no barrier between me and my surroundings; I’m part of nature, not separate from it. This holistic mind-body connection can foster a healthier psyche. There’s less social anxiety (once you get past initial nerves) and a great deal more joy. Laughter comes easily when you’re not taking yourself too seriously – and trust me, a group of naked people doing something ordinary like cooking or playing volleyball tends to involve a lot of laughing! It’s just good for the soul.
Physical Comfort and Health: Practically speaking, being naked (when weather permits) is just comfortable. No sweaty shirts, no sand in your swimsuit, no bras digging in or pants cutting into your tummy – bliss! Your skin gets to breathe, and your whole body regulates temperature more naturally. There are even some health bonuses: sensible sun exposure helps your body produce vitamin D (though always be cautious and use sunscreen on sensitive areas to prevent burns). Naturists often report that they get sick less frequently, perhaps because of all the fresh air and the immune boost of sunshine. Additionally, nude recreation usually means being active – swimming, walking, hiking, gardening – all great for fitness. And because naturism reduces stress, it can have knock-on effects like lower blood pressure and better sleep. Personally, I find I sleep like a baby after a day spent naked at the beach or working in the garden. There’s something about fully “airing out” that resets your body’s rhythms.
I want to share a personal story that highlights the mind-body resilience naturism helped me find. In April 2010, I suffered a devastating back injury – multiple spinal discs in my lower back and neck were crushed, leaking, and pinching nerves. The pain was beyond excruciating; I lost feeling in both legs and feet and could barely walk. Over three years I went to doctor after doctor, specialist after specialist, and ended up on a slew of heavy medications (at one point 120mg of Oxycontin a day, plus other painkillers and nerve dullers). I was a zombie, and still in agony. Worst of all, I was told the damage was irreversible – that I’d likely be in a wheelchair in a few years. As an active person and avid hiker, I fell into despair.
What saved me, oddly enough, was partly mental and spiritual strength that I attribute to naturism and meditation. In my darkest hour, a family friend suggested I try sophrology and self-hypnosis (a form of deep relaxation, visualization, and positive mental programming). At first I was skeptical – how could “thinking” fix my shredded discs? And in my medicated haze, I couldn’t focus enough to try. But as desperation set in, I decided I had to change something. In a rather reckless move (which I do not recommend anyone replicate without medical guidance), I decided to wean myself off the heavy drugs cold turkey. I locked myself in a room and went through five hellish days of withdrawal – shaking, sweating, hallucinating, you name it. It was an awful experience, but I emerged on the other side clear-headed and determined. With the fog lifted, I threw myself into learning sophrology techniques and daily self-hypnosis sessions. Essentially, these are methods to relax deeply, visualize healing, and retrain how your brain perceives pain. It was not an overnight cure; at first, it felt like nothing was happening. But gradually, I noticed I was coping better. I began to accept the pain as a part of me, then learned to dial it down through breathing and visualization. In my mind, I often pictured myself hiking nude in nature, healthy and strong – using that joyful image as motivation. Over weeks and months, I went from bedridden to walking with a cane, then walking unassisted. I started doing gentle exercises, then light weight training. Six years after the injury, I was not only walking – I was hiking 30 kilometers in the bush without trouble! My doctors were astonished. I can’t say I “magically” regenerated my spine (I still have damaged discs, technically), but I effectively rewired my mind-body connection to overcome the chronic pain and regain function. To me, it feels like a miracle that I avoided the wheelchair. And one of the sweetest victories? I could hike nude again on my favorite trails, feeling the sun and wind on my skin as I trekked up hills that I once feared I’d never see. That first hike back in the nude, I cried tears of happiness. The experience reinforced something profound: the mind, when harnessed positively, can have tremendous healing power over the body. Naturism had always given me mental strength and stress-resilience; in this challenge, it gave me a goal to fight for (returning to the naturist activities I loved) and a calming practice (meditative nude time) to aid my recovery. While everyone’s situation is unique and I’m not suggesting to abandon medical treatment, my story shows that a holistic approach – connecting mind, body, and nature – can yield extraordinary results.
Environmental and Social Benefits: Naturism also nudges us toward sustainable living in surprising ways. Obviously, wearing fewer clothes means you buy fewer clothes and do less laundry – a win for the planet. (Think of all the water, energy, and chemicals used in constantly washing garments, not to mention the waste when we discard them. In the U.S. alone, over 11 million tons of textile waste end up in landfills each year epa.gov
. If more people embraced clothing-optional lifestyles even part-time, we could significantly cut down on fast-fashion waste.) Naturists also tend to be nature lovers, and many adopt other eco-friendly habits: solar panels on their homes, gardening or permaculture, minimalist consumption in general. The NaturismRE movement explicitly ties naturism to environmentalism, encouraging practices that lighten our ecological footprint. Even something as simple as feeling the grass under bare feet can deepen your appreciation for the earth and motivate you to protect it.
Socially, naturism can break down barriers. When you’re chatting with someone naked, there are no status symbols – no fancy suits or designer dresses, no uniforms, no judgments about who’s dressed “appropriately.” It puts everyone on equal footing, which is deeply humanizing. I’ve witnessed people from very different walks of life become friends on a nude beach, who probably would never even strike up a conversation if they met at a clothed event. There’s a certain honesty and vulnerability that encourages real interaction. I truly believe if more people tried naturism, we’d see greater social acceptance, less prejudice, and happier communities. After all, when you’ve literally seen it all, there’s not much left to hate or fear about others.
Challenging Taboos and Changing Minds
Despite all these benefits, many societies still treat naturism as something outrageous or deviant. This is slowly changing, and I’m proud to be part of that change. A big part of NaturismRE’s mission is advocacy – to educate the public, challenge unfair laws, and normalize body freedom. Here are some ways we’re pushing the envelope:
Public Awareness and Events: One effective way to destigmatize nudity is through positive public events. I personally took part in a remarkable event on 26 November 2022 at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. International artist Spencer Tunick organized a large-scale nude photoshoot in collaboration with a charity to raise awareness for skin cancer. At dawn, 2,500 of us gathered and stripped naked on Bondi’s sandsabc.net.au
. It was a chilly, windy morning, but the energy was incredible. We weren’t there as “naturists” per se – many participants were first-timers – but everyone was united by the cause and the thrill of creating art. Spencer arranged us in various poses (at one point we all lay down in the foamy tide, arm to arm, forming a human sea). The symbolism was powerful: those 2,500 bare bodies represented the roughly 2,500 Australians who die of skin cancer each yearabc.net.au
. By getting naked, we literally put our skin in the game – reminding everyone how vital it is to get your skin checked and stay safe under the sun. As a naturist, this event was doubly meaningful for me. I got to enjoy communal nudity in a normally forbidden public space, and do it for an important health message. The sense of unity and liberation was overwhelming. There were people of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds standing there without clothes, smiling and laughing in the early light. Any initial nerves vanished within minutes – we realized we were part of something beautiful. Media coverage of the event was very positive; it showed millions of viewers that nudity can be joyful, artistic, and completely non-sexual. I loved every minute of it and left feeling more hopeful than ever that mainstream society can embrace naturism bit by bit. Events like this – as well as the World Naked Bike Ride and other nude charity drives – are normalizing nudity and breaking the ice in the public consciousness.
Legal and Civic Action: NaturismRE isn’t just about happy feelings; we are also pushing for concrete changes in law and policy. A core belief of ours is that simple nudity should not be criminalized when it’s not harming anyone. The fact that one can be fined or arrested just for the sight of their unclothed body (when no lewd behavior is involved) is, frankly, an outdated taboo codified into law. We want to work with authorities to update “public decency” statutes so they distinguish clearly between naturism and indecent exposure. It is possible – other countries have done it. For example, Spain’s legal code has effectively decriminalized public nudity nationwidereuters.com
, and places like New Zealand have also taken tolerant approaches (public nudity there isn’t illegal unless someone is acting obscene or causing distress). As mentioned earlier, Germany and others allow nude recreation in designated areas like parks or trails. NaturismRE is campaigning for similar recognition in more countries, including here in Australia. We’ve even drafted model legislation – a Naturist Rights Act – that defines and protects naturist activity, prevents discrimination against naturists (e.g. no firing someone just because their legal nude photos appeared online), and empowers local councils to create clothing-optional zones. We’re at the stage of building public support and seeking lawmakers willing to sponsor such changes. It may take time, but every civil rights advancement does. And make no mistake, I see body freedom as a civil right – the right to choose one’s attire (or lack thereof) and not be treated as a criminal for mere nudity. One bold idea we’ve floated (and I personally wrote about extensively) is to consider naturism as a form of religion or belief – at least legally. Here in Australia, religion is a protected category: you cannot be discriminated against for your religious practices. If one holds naturism as a sincere, “life followed with devotion” kind of belief (which many of us do), there’s an argument that it could be treated akin to a faith. It’s a controversial notion, I know. But imagine if one day a court accepted that for some people naturism is a genuine spiritual expression – then being naked would be protected under freedom of religion provisions! It’s admittedly a long shot and would likely spark fierce debate, but it shows how passionately we feel about our lifestyle. We are ready to use creative strategies to gain social acceptance and legal protection.
Community Building: At the grassroots level, NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta are all about building community. We’ve launched online forums and local meetup groups to help naturists (and the naturist-curious) connect with each other. For instance, the Naturis Sancta Meetup Group is now live, providing a space for people interested in the spiritual-natural side of naturism to discuss and organize gatherings. Through such groups, we host everything from philosophy discussion circles (often virtual, to include folks from anywhere) to group hikes, beach days, and retreats where members can experience naturism together in a welcoming environment. By creating more social outlets, we make it easier for newcomers to take that first step – which can be the hardest part. If the idea of getting naked around others feels intimidating, having a supportive, diverse group of friendly faces makes all the difference. We emphasize consent and comfort: nobody is pressured to undress until they are ready, and photography or any sexual overtures are strictly prohibited at our meets. The result is a safe space where people often say, “Within 10 minutes, I forgot I was naked – it just felt normal being around everyone.” That is music to my ears, because it means we’ve succeeded in showing them the normality of naturism.
One of the most encouraging trends I’ve seen is the growth of naturism worldwide in recent years. Despite lingering stigma, more people are trying it and more are identifying openly as naturists or nudists. Surveys in several countries show an increase in acceptance. For example, a 2022 poll in the UK found that 14% of adults there have practiced naturism or would call themselves naturists – that’s about 6.75 million Britons, a significant jump from prior years static1.squarespace.com
. Globally, the numbers are even more striking: it’s estimated that around 300 million people around the world engage in some form of clothes-free recreation or naturist lifestyle static1.squarespace.com
. In other words, hundreds of millions of ordinary folks enjoy being naked when appropriate – hardly a fringe phenomenon! Naturism is practiced by all cultures, across age groups, and is gradually shedding (pardon the pun) its unjust reputation. We are approaching a tipping point where social nudity could become mainstream mindfulness. Much like yoga or meditation moved from the hippie margins to everyday health practices, I foresee naturism being recognized as a valid, beneficial way of life rather than a peculiarity.
Embracing the Future: Join the Movement
As I reflect on my decades in the naturist world – from that first wide-eyed skinny dip as a child, to organizing modern naturist initiatives – I am filled with optimism. NaturismRE and Naturis Sancta are more than personal projects; they are part of a broader resurgence of body freedom happening around the globe. The ethos is simple: humanity is better off when we accept our natural state, when we respect our bodies (and each other’s bodies) without shame, and when we live lightly on the Earth. We’ve spent so much of recent history disconnected – hiding under clothes, cut off from nature, and at odds with our own reflection. It’s time to reconnect and heal that relationship. Imagine a society where seeing a nude person causes no scandal, because everyone understands the context and intent. A society that saves millions in clothing waste and healthcare costs because people are happier, more confident, and more eco-conscious – all from something as basic as embracing nudity in appropriate settings. It might sound idealistic, but every big change starts with bold ideas.
NaturismRE invites you to be a part of this change. How can you participate? Start small, if you like: spend a quiet afternoon in your garden or another private outdoor space clothing-free and just notice how you feel. Or join one of our meetups or online forums to ask questions and share thoughts. If you’re ready to dive in, visit a local nude beach or resort – you’ll likely be surprised at how normal and pleasant it all is. Support efforts to establish more naturist-friendly spaces; for example, petition your local authorities for a clothing-optional section at a beach or park. And importantly, help spread accurate information. When naturism is discussed in your circles, speak up to dispel myths (“No, naturism isn’t a sexual free-for-all; it’s about relaxation and nature”). Education and familiarity are our best allies.
For those who feel a calling, Naturis Sancta is there to explore the deeper significance of our connection with nature. In a world that often feels spiritually empty or materialistic, finding meaning in the wonder of the natural world can be profoundly fulfilling. Standing naked under a starlit sky, feeling humbled by the universe, can be as awe-inspiring as any experience in a church or temple. We like to say in Naturis Sancta: Nature itself is our temple. If that resonates with you, you’re not alone – and we’d love to hear your insights and practices as we shape this gentle, earth-centered spirituality together.
In conclusion, naturism is flourishing in many forms: as a lifestyle, as a movement, as a community, even as a form of personal enlightenment. What was once on society’s fringes is steadily moving toward the center – because it offers real solutions for modern problems. From reducing textile waste and pollution time.com
, to improving mental health and body positivity gold.ac.uk to building empathy and equality, naturism addresses issues that concern us all. And it does so in a way that is joyful, freeing, and fundamentally human
I am excited to see what the future holds. Perhaps laws will change and one day it won’t be a “big deal” to see a nude hiker or a topless commuter (one can hope!). Perhaps our Operation Disrobe campaign – urging governments to modernize decency laws – will bear fruit, and we’ll get official recognition that nude does not equal lewd. Until then, change happens one person at a time. I encourage you to give naturism a try, or if you’re already a naturist, to come connect with NaturismRE and share your passion. Together, we can create a world where being naked is no more remarkable than wearing any other “outfit” – a world where we can all live a bit lighter, freer, and closer to nature.
Thank you for reading my story and vision. I look forward to welcoming you to the movement. And as I always like to say: stay nude, stay safe, and have fun! 😊
Sources:
Goldsmiths, University of London – naturist activities and improved body image & life satisfactiongold.ac.uk
TIME Magazine – environmental impact of clothing (fashion industry 4–10% of emissions; clothing waste)time.com
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – textile waste statistics (over 11 million tons landfilled in 2018)epa.gov
World Resources Institute – water usage for cotton (2,700 liters for one T-shirt)wri.org
Reuters – legality of public nudity in Spain (legal since 1988, with regional exceptions)reuters.com
ABC News (Australia) – Spencer Tunick Bondi Beach event (2,500 participants for skin cancer awareness, November 2022)abc.net.au
Donald A. Crosby, A Religion of Nature – perspective on nature as sacred (religious naturalism)religiousnaturalism.org
NaturismRE Press Kit (2025) – global naturist statistics (approx. 299 million naturists worldwide)static1.squarespace.com