Naked for the first time
Jess and I were watching some videos on YouTube yesterday when we came across a channel we really enjoyed called Discover Connection (you should check them out they are awesome). Anyway, as we were going through their collection of videos, we came across one titled “
We Tried Naked Yoga for the First Time”
I wanted to share this video because it really shows the stages that new nudist, or those that want to try it without having a title “nudist” go through when getting naked around others.
Watch the video below and pay attention to the following stages:
1. Nervousness.
It is not uncommon to be nervous thinking about getting naked in front of others. Most of the time people will tell me “well you are a guy so it is easier”. We ALL get nervous our first time, and hell, after 21 years of getting naked with others I still get a bit of excitement and butterflies when driving to the place we are going. Also, notice the nervous laugh as they try to play it off.
2. Made up internal stories.
Watch them as they talk to each other and each one comes up a story(s) of what they think it will be like. While the original gathering was going to be a men’s only naked yoga, it even came out with the thought of them not being “gay” being naked around just men. However, to calm their nerves, they actually set up a time to meet with the yoga instructor to talk about it. You will see in many of my previous blogs, I address doing your research before going if you are really nervous. This will help you to understand more about it, therefore, gaining some comfort about what your mind is telling you it “will” be like (which is usually never the case).
3. The fear of erection.
All of them have this fear of “what if I get an erection”. Erections are not a bad thing and happen to all of us. An erection doesn’t occur because you are sexually stimulated, they can occur at any time and the nudist community understands this. I would venture to say, most erections occur not because you are turned on, but because the body is at a state of relaxation. If you get one, that is okay, act like nothing happening and simply cover yourself. No need to run and hide, and certainly don’t entertain touching yourself. If you are really concerned about it, masturbate before you go and that may help.
4. Thought of cancelling.
There is always excitement to try new things, then the day of (or day before) your brain will begin to try to talk you out of trying it. It will go back to #1, internal story telling. Control the story in your mind and don’t allow it to dissuade you from trying.
Once you watch the before event talk, I really want you to pay attention to what happens at the event.
Due to some cancelations they open the event to women, this was a game changer to them and really cranked up the stories they made up and the “what if” monster was taking control.
The Event
When the evening of the event comes, they show up a little early and you will see everyone meeting on the porch. All of them were introducing themselves to each other and making small talk. Does this happen at yoga studios or do people keep to themselves other than the friendly “hello”?
Also, pay attention to how they are treated when they say it is their first time. Watch the acceptance from the group. This is normal in the nudist community, and when people find it is your first time, or first time at the resort you will normally get several people welcoming you…so be ready!
Disrobing
Once they began to disrobe, one article at a time, it all started out easy. That is until it came to taking off the final layer and being completely naked. Watch the nervous smiles, this is not uncommon.
However, with the slow disrobing instead it all at once, it allowed them to work themselves in comfortably. If you go to a clothing optional, or all nudist resort, don’t feel like you have to rip the band aid off at once.
Take YOUR time until you are comfortable, and when you are, simply take off one piece at a time.
If they make you get naked immediately, don’t worry, get a sarong and cover up. Jess does this every time we go and when she works to being comfortable, she will change it to another position or take it off.
Never feel like you have to be naked to be around others. After all, this is all about YOU, and how YOU can enjoy the experience.
Settling in.
What you will notice in them talking is about 3 minutes after being naked in a room full of strangers for the first time (doing yoga in revealing positions) they settle in.
Once they settle in (like at most nudist experiences), it doesn’t seem odd or strange. At one point, they mention that you didn’t even think of being nude with others.
There were just, well doing yoga without any clothes on.
The stories they told themselves turned out to be nothing even remotely close to the real thing. It was a story.
I think you will find that once you get naked, make it through the first 3-5 minutes, you will notice that you are relaxed and your body has quit tensing up and the butterflies are gone.
I remember my first nude experience (which you can read here), I was naked on a beach with 500 other nude people. Now, mind you I was probably 8 beers into it but it was time for me to break my cherry and get naked for the first time in front of others. Funny, I was terrified only to find out, not one even paid attention to me.
Hell it was so comfortable, when I went to buy more, I was talking to the beer vendor dude for like 5 minutes and had zero reminder that I was naked a jaybird. Not that I was drunk, I was so relaxed I didn’t even think about it. It was, well, natural.
The naked hug
Here is where the shocker came in…the point they were to give a random, naked stranger a hug for 10 seconds.
Man ‘o man the fear of “hugging another person naked” was a shocker. Probably one that would have them run if they had their clothes in hand. Then the “what if I get an erection hugging a man” quick thought showed back up.
But listen them explain the feeling. Once they were in it for 3 seconds, walla, the fear was gone.
Even if they had gotten an erection, doesn’t mean they are gay or bi. Skin on skin connection releases all the feel good hormones and the body gets a dump of joy. Also, notice the 10 second hug and not quick “bro hug”. The 10 seconds allows for the body to release the hormones and truly enjoy the contact.
Note: don’t take that as going around hugging people at a nudist resort for 10 seconds, that will probably get you kicked out unless it is agreed up.
After the session
When the yoga was done, notice how they all sit together in a circle naked and talk.
Listen to all the stories from both men and women and how they felt either this time, or their first time doing it.
It is almost EXACTLY to a T what everyone will feel their first one, two, five time.
Nervousness, body comparison fears, made up stories of what it will be like to find out it is nothing like that in real life. Ultimately, a great first experience around a group of people that made them feel at home keep them coming back.
This is the nudist world.
Watch the video below:
Now is your time
It is incumbent upon us as nudist to welcome all those that are new (newer) to resorts and events. To make them feel comfortable, at home, and not make them feel as if they have to get naked.
This is what builds community. Brings people back to love the life and not have an experience they will remember…for the worst. I have seen that happen, and know they will probably never do it again.
Don’t be “that guy/woman” that causes someone to never come back.
Be an ambassador for the nudist community!
And for those that have never tried it but want to: Now is your time to get naked for the first time in front of others!
In your corner,
Ryan