My first experience of being nude outdoors was in my early 20’s. I was walking the Kent downs on an unusually warm autumn day in October. At the time, I was suffering from a deep depressive phase and walking in nature was my therapy. I walked and walked, visiting a local Neolithic long barrow (coldrum stones). The peace and tranquillity here and a childhood memory of being in this place some 10 years earlier, lead to me breaking down in tears. I wanted to feel alive again, or not be alive at all! I headed back up the downs and into the woods. Totally absorbed in the russets and yellows of the leaves of oak, ash, hazel, birch, the mighty aged yews. When suddenly a fox appeared in the path before me, stopped and looked deep into my eyes, as though she was calling me to follow, as she turned and padded away, I followed the fox lead path. She led me to the most beautiful, calm, secluded grove within these woods, off the beaten track. I sat down here and just absorbed all around me, the bird song, and the dappled light through autumn leaves that were gently falling. Suddenly I wanted to be totally and utterly a part of that natural wonder and took off my clothes. Sat naked in the autumn sun, with my back against an oak tree, I felt free, I felt alive, I felt my depression seep away. I stayed here till sunset, naked and simply being with nature. So nonthreatening, that I saw badgers, a sparrow hawk, the vixen that led me here. I laid on the earth, I stretched in the air. Being naked I felt free, alive and importantly on the road to healing. And so for many years I had my own naked retreat in this space, I found the joy of being naked in nature. My intimate knowledge of these woods actually helped me to get a job at the country park, to which they belong. Allowing me to care for them and talk to folk about their ecology, management and history. Today I live far from these woods but have found my secluded places to skinny dip, spend time naked in nature, but feel ready to meet like-minded folk to give me the confidence to partake in a naked ramble through the countryside.
Soul Naked and True
Rob - thanks for telling this moving story. Many will relate to the freedom of being in nature, and the healing from being naked in the woods. You certainly have some beautiful woods near you now, and also wonderful rivers to skinny dip and remote hillsides to walk.
Nature is a great teacher and healer. I often find myself running early mornings in the woods, where I commonly come extremely close to wildlife, which seem less afraid when I am naked. Sometimes I will climb a tree, and simply meditate in the branches.
Tread lightly upon the earth
Thanks MartinM, Meditating in a tree sounds amazing
Soul Naked and True
Sometimes we read something quite moving on these pages. DruidRob's is one of them. During my life I've walked hundreds of miles but in recent years the majority have involved free range walking. More and more a walk with clothes on seems to really be a really poor choice. I do let go of stress during my naked walks
Thank you for your story
Davie 8)
Thanks Davie, looking forward to finding the confidence to do a naked walk
Soul Naked and True
You sound like a kindred spirit for sure, without a car I can no longer get to the woods where I first started to get naked and feel the power of nature.
Quite apart from nudity there is a lot being written at the moment about the healing power of nature and woodland in particular for people with mental health problems, and I too suffer much from depression and anxiety in my daily life. I do think though it is an experience best felt naked.
There is something I cannot say much about in detail yet as it is all subject to confidentiality, but I am hoping in a couple of months to be in a position of local influence promoting the power of woodland for both mental and physical health, unfortunatley I shall have to remain clothed for public meetings and such like, however I shall try and work naturism into it somehow. I did actually go so far recently as to post a nude selfie on Facebook with a strategically placed obect as you do. It does not seem to have done any harm to my prospects for this position I hope to fill in the near future.
Woodland wanderer, yes kindred spirits.
Healing power of nature and specifically woodlands is starting to filter into science so it getting the acknowledgement it deserves.
Your project sound amazing, and I too have wanted to find ways of bring naturism into the forest bathing, being in nature for health and well-being, but unfortunately I think my current job isn't ready for that, but I do talk about it openly as a personal practice. Good luck with the project sounds amazing.
Soul Naked and True
I more and more prefer being in local woods to going to beaches. It isn't just that there are fewer folk and so more peaceful, there is definitely something about being closer to nature. Walking slowly helps you look more closely at what it around you, and there is an inner peace that is more than the absence of noise.
I totally agree, I have never been a beach lover. The woods is where I feel more at home. Walking slowly naked in the woods is very special indeed
Soul Naked and True
I need to try woodland walking one day. I don't really enjoy beaches that much as you're always being disturbed by textile dog walkers. Woodlands sound a lot more peaceful.
I like woodland at night. Very peaceful. Im not too keen during the day because sharp bends in the track and junctions means that people come across you very quickly.
I like wild camping on the woods so I can have a naked meander at nighttime then come back a sit around a campfire magical
Soul Naked and True
I need to try woodland walking one day. I don't really enjoy beaches that much as you're always being disturbed by textile dog walkers. Woodlands sound a lot more peaceful.
Some have walked in Bishop Wood near Selby, but when I went recently, a family appeared just as I was taking my shorts off! Should be quieter after the school holidays. I go out with a group of naturist walkers if you're interested, and have joined David in Sherwood Forest. PM me if you want more info.
Life’s too short. Do it today!
I need to try woodland walking one day. I don't really enjoy beaches that much as you're always being disturbed by textile dog walkers. Woodlands sound a lot more peaceful.
Some have walked in Bishop Wood near Selby, but when I went recently, a family appeared just as I was taking my shorts off! Should be quieter after the school holidays. I go out with a group of naturist walkers if you're interested, and have joined David in Sherwood Forest. PM me if you want more info.
Thanks for the tip!
sharp bends in the track and junctions means that people come across you very quickly.
That's the great thing about woodlands - neither side has the chance to get worried or excited about the meeting, it's over in a ... flash (?) ... and a brief "hello" and everyone goes on about their business.
Noli illegitimi te carborundum