Today I finally decided to take the plunge and went to a regular crowded beach in Palanga with the firm intention of getting completely naked.
I thought I would hesitate for a long time, wondering whether to leave at least something on as my last protection or take it all off. I imagined that once I undressed, I would be overwhelmed by a profound feeling of freedom and inner enlightenment. I expected the day to become something spiritually significant.
But everything turned out quite differently.
When I arrived at the beach, I looked around, realized this was the moment, and simply thought: “Okay, let’s do it.” I took off all my clothes almost immediately, right next to my things. To my surprise, I didn’t feel strong embarrassment or panic. No one was staring rudely or pointing fingers. I spread out my towel and lay down as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
The most surprising thing was how naturally everyone around behaved. Almost everyone was wearing swimsuits, while I was lying there completely naked. Yet no one made a scene or looked at me with disapproval. On the contrary, several people smiled warmly, and one couple even came up to me and said they admired my courage and naturalness.
I especially remember when a friendly guy around twenty-five politely asked if I wanted him to apply sunscreen to my back. I agreed. He carefully, without any inappropriate hints, applied the cream to my bare back, shoulders, and a little on my thighs. It felt strange but very calm at the same time.
I looked around a lot and realized one important thing: when people wear swimsuits, we already see almost everything. When you remove the last pieces of fabric, the difference isn’t actually that big. The body simply remains a body. Nothing shocking.
The most pleasant sensation was when I went into the water and then lay in the shallow waves, letting the Baltic Sea gently rock me. The sun warmed my skin, and a light breeze caressed my entire body without a single covered spot. It was incredibly relaxing and gave me a wonderful sense of freedom.
What struck me most was how ordinary the whole experience felt. No drama, no inner breakthrough or ecstasy — just a natural state. Now I fully understand why nudism is also called naturism — because being naked in nature feels surprisingly natural and right.
When I returned home and looked at myself in the mirror, I saw a light sunburn on my breasts and stomach, but with no tan lines at all. It looked so funny and new that I couldn’t help but smile.
Even though it was a regular beach and most people were dressed, I didn’t regret my decision for a second. On the contrary, I felt a light sense of pride for having dared to do it.