It all started with a photo... (Patreon)

Getting naked in nature has been a journey of self discovery and healing and sometimes I can't believe how the simple act of taking my clothes off and stepping into my vulnerability has allowed me to grow in the way it did.

But the question i get asked regularly is how did it all begin?

Well, it all started with a photo. 

I would get a quick snapshot at the summit of a hike or at a flowing waterfall before running back to my pile of clothes to cover up. It was a laugh amongst friends "suns out bums out" we would yell before getting dressed as fast as we could.

It was the adrenaline rush, doing something out of the norm. It was the most liberating thing I had ever felt! But that little voice remained in my head telling me me that what I was doing wasn't right... That being naked was a sexual act and that I was 'asking for it'. 

I kept this extracurricular activity hidden for a long time, embarrassed that I liked to get naked in my spare time. But it wasn't until I began to question these beliefs that I realised I felt embarrassment in many other aspects of my life as well. It was just easier to direct this feeling onto something that wasn't socially acceptable. 

Each time I stripped off my clothing and felt the sun on my bare skin, I continued to question these thoughts I had, these feelings of embarrassment. Where did they come from? What triggers it? And how do I change it? 

As continue to question these thoughts, I will always feel a warmth of gratitude for the community I created through social nudity and their support while I figure my shit out.  It's been a journey of self love and healing in the most unconventional way and I have loved every moment.