The beautiful days and nights of Summer are upon us! AANR-West clubs and resorts are in their high season and special events are in full swing. Between events, they offer pools to enjoy, hot tubs to soak in, sports to play, nature paths to hike, and many other activities for fun and relaxation.   This is the perfect time to visit your favorite AANR-West clubs or try one out for the first time.

For many women, the first experience in a nudist setting can be scary and intimidating. This is very understandable. Our society tells us it is wrong to be in public unclothed and transcending that belief is a scary undertaking, but it can be a life-changing experience.  

Some women prefer their first nudist experience to be with a small group of friends that they already know and trust. Other women have found that they prefer to be part of a large gathering for their first time. They can then just blend in with the crowd and not be noticed individually. 

I recently spoke with a young lady who had her first social nudist experience at nude bowling night with the Rocky Mountain Naturist group. More than sixty people attended but, since most folks were focused on their bowling score and their bowling team, she felt that she was just one of the crowd. She felt so comfortable bowling, that a couple of weeks later, she attended a sauna party hosted by the same group. That was a much smaller gathering of eighteen members, but she joined the conversations and games and enjoyed a fun afternoon. I’m sure I will see her at upcoming events.

If you are nervous about your first nudist experience, be assured that no one in an AANR-West club or resort will insist that you take your clothes off. You can take all the time you need to become comfortable with your surroundings, make some friends and observe the benefits others are enjoying before you take that plunge and disrobe.

My first nude experience in public was at a clothing-optional day spa. A friend talked me into going, stressing that I only had to do what I felt comfortable doing. Upon check-in, I was given a robe and flip-flops to change into. After that, the decisions were mine. My friend and I had agreed to meet at one of the several small pool areas. There were five or six people there when I entered and my friend and I found our lounge chairs and settled in. I was the only person in the pool area with my robe on. After ten or fifteen minutes, I began feeling out of place. Everyone else was nude, sunbathing, or relaxing in the pool. Without overthinking what I was doing, I discarded my robe! I expected to feel vulnerable, embarrassed, and maybe even a little intimidated. But I wasn’t any of those things. I was free, liberated, and showing the world my true self! It was one of the most exhilarating feelings I’ve ever experienced.

Start with baby steps if you are interested in social nudism or a nude lifestyle but are very timid about trying it. Start by getting nude at home by yourself. Get used to how it feels to do everyday activities without clothes on. Sleep in the nude. (You’ll get a great night’s sleep!)  If you have friends or a partner willing to join you, host some small, at-home nude gatherings. Or if you have a private place in your yard, sunbathe or read a book outdoors. (You’ll love the feel of the breeze on your whole body.)  The more natural being nude feels to you the easier it will be to go social with it. You are in control – take the wheel and give nudism a try. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be empowered and liberated!