This is my story...

Recently I received a fantastic email from a reader of this blog in response to my article about attracting the younger generation. The writer gave insight from his own experience and that of his wife, whom he described as a reluctant naturist, about how young people think and what they are looking for - or equally important, what they aren't.

He wrote also about how "women often help other women out" in relation to the reluctant partner and making them feel more comfortable in nude social settings. And it is this point that I would like to take up and tell…my story...for gonatural Week!

Hi, my name is Donna and I am - but haven't always been - a naturist. 

My parents brought me up deeply religious and we went to church, until my mid teens, three times on a Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as youth group on a Saturday. The 12 or so years after that were spent almost as occupied with things Christian - church twice on a Sunday, youth group on a Saturday and music practice (being the church pianist) once a week.

As you can imagine, nude recreation would have been far far from my mind...it just wasn't a concept I was brought up with or even aware of. Televisions and even secular radio stations were frowned upon and we were separated from "the real world" immersing ourselves only with everything church - excluding all else.

My parents were clearly conservative, however around the home, they were always open...neither Mum or Dad hid away their nakedness or showed us that nudity was anything to be ashamed of - but we knew that was okay just for home.

During one family holiday to Cooks Beach (I was about 13 years old) and a day trip to Cathedral Cove our family was joined on the beach by what became apparent as European tourists who, much to my lovely father's horror, proceeded to undress and have awesome fun setting up their picnic, running in and out of the water, and throwing a frisby around. Dad tried to distract the attention of me, and my younger brother and sister...but there is only so much you can find interesting about the Hole in the Rock at that age! That was my first experience with social nudity.

So, fast-forward quite a few years...I'm newly married...we got married in Fiji so this was our wedding and our honeymoon. We organised to go on the Honeymoon Picnic where you get dropped at an isolated island (the one filmed in the movie Castaway) with food for the day, a first-aid kit, and a walkie-talkie in urgent assistance was required. Anyway, this is when and where I found that my husband had no problems going nude outside...and I did. 

After that experience we began going to nude or clothing optional beaches. I was the reluctant partner. Often I would finally be down to my underpants when it was time to leave! Each time however got a little easier...well, mostly it was that I didn't want to let him down by being the party pooper and likely creating a scene by taking so painfully long. My husband had spent time as a teen visiting his father - who was a naturist - even going to the 1979 Gisborne Rally so was quite comfortable without clothes. But he was very understanding and never pushed.

6 years ago we booked to stay at KatikatiNaturist Park for a few nights on our way back home after Christmas and New Year in Napier. Oh the nervousness! I drove the 3 hours there...I just needed to concentrate on something else and take my mind off what I was about to do. I'd warned my husband that I was just going to stay in the cabin and relax and not walk around anywhere with him. However, when we arrived I was truly taken by the place. It really wasn't long at all before we went for our first wander, exploring the grounds, nervously, almost terrifiedly waving at those we passed trying to put on a brave "I'm a seasoned naked person...nothing special to see here" smile. 

A couple of days later there were discussions of buying caravans, making the trip down from Auckland every weekend, and fully buying into the naturist lifestyle they provide. Then within days, of arriving home, we contacted the club we now belong to for a visit, became members and within a couple of months brought a caravan there which we now enjoy...every weekend.

Just being honest, I actually like clothes...even nice clothes. And I'm sometimes, okay often, cold. I don't feel like "oh I can't wait to get these clothes off" all the time!

But, I am no longer reluctant. Naturism and nudity are part of my life and I embrace the benefits I receive in my body, my mind and also in my soul. 

For me, the attraction first probably came with the setting...the privacy and safety of the club...the closeness to nature with native trees, birdlife, and even the weather. From there it didn't take long to realise I actually enjoyed the feel of the breeze on my entire body and gardening or working around the caravan without clothes. The awkwardness of talking to people without my clothes on left quickly - everyone was so genuine and welcoming - and I began to enjoy socialising more with fellow members in the nude. 

Today, my greatest enjoyment comes from introducing people to clothes-free(dom) living so they can experience the joys and benefits it holds for themselves. But I understand, having once been the reluctant partner myself, that it can take time for people to feel comfortable. So allow yourself time to truly experience the freedom and if at first you don't fully relax then give it another go. I'm sure you will soon wonder why you didn't enjoy it sooner. 

For more information and FAQ go to our website: http://gonatural.co.nz/