It's difficult to know exactly when or where my first nude experience was like except being very young playing in the water.
I used to be a member of a club where my favourite place and activity was to swim laps in the pool. It felt free being there without a swimsuit. Back then work consumed much of my time, however, those trips were well worth the drive since it was a place which allowed me to become more socially & spiritually connected with the few very special people there. It was nice to attend an event; although it was the nature and quiet times I enjoyed the best. Being there seemed like a 'little piece of heaven'.
Often there were times, while driving freely down the frontage road on hot summer days, the highway to the right was crowded with cars inching their way to the beach. I'd chuckle inside thinking . . . if only the people knew of this better place just around the bend! My philosophy of naturism is that all of us are born nude because this is nature’s way of saying it's completely natural to be nude. It is also the most comfortable way to be too. Being able to swim without clothing and to feel the cool water, the breezes, and open air, even the raindrops -- this has been one of the most freeing experiences I’ve ever known. It is especially nice in the shared company of special friends.
After reaching my 30’s I got a better sense of myself and began accepting my imperfections. When the 40’s came around, I quit caring so much about what other people might be saying or thinking. Being a part of the naturist community has taught me to be more accepting of myself and also of other people. I believe there is a great deal to be gained from this, i.e. shedding the masks of insecurity and showing there is nothing to hide. This has also made me a happier person.
If it weren't for a longtime mutual friend, I'd never known the Clothesfree site existed either. Since then I've learned a lot by reading the varied topics discussed here. The vast majority of folks here are open-minded, non-judgmental, informative, caring and supportive of naturism. Being here makes me feel part of an extended nudist family.