Why Nudists MUST Be

Platypus Note: The Bare Platypus appreciates visitors to this blog who come from all walks of life, from all religious faiths, and those who profess no faith at all.  At the same time, the Platypus family has not been secretive about our own Christian faith, which is of the utmost importance to us.  This post is primarily directed to our Christian brothers and sisters, though all readers are invited.

This post has been long, long overdue on the Bare Platypus. However, we have been prompted to write it after recent developments at the church we have attended for the past two and a half years. Summarized, the church leadership informed Mrs. Platypus that they did not feel comfortable with her in the role of teaching Bible study.  The issue was not one of qualifications.  Mrs. Platypus has a minor in religious studies from a large, well-respected university and more than thirty years of experience as a Sunday School teacher, youth group director, church secretary, and student of scripture.  The issue was not one of doctrine either: she has orthodox beliefs about the authority of scripture, the divinity of Christ, and other key tenets of the faith.

No. In this case it was because some people had whispered to said leadership that Mr. and Mrs. Platypus and family are nudists and advocates for nudism. Please understand that Mrs. Platypus has never used her classes as a platform to promote nudism. Our family does not try to "recruit" among church members - we have never found that to be appropriate.  At the same time, it would not be difficult to learn about this aspect of our family's life with a bit of time spent online.  If asked about it, we're honest.  We have never felt a need to be ashamed about enjoying time naked outdoors, in our backyards and swimming pools, at clubs, and on appropriate beaches where it is allowed.

But what would people think?  And won't we tempt others to sin by what we're doing?  Could we be  promoting lustful thoughts in others? (Anyone who has seen our aging, sagging skins must surely know this would not be the case. But, oh well.)

So it has come time to state it for the record: There MUST be nudists in this world and they must be there for a DIVINE reason.  Specifically, there MUST be people who bare witness to God's most incredible of creations: the human body. Scripture teaches that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."  It teaches us in Genesis that after God finished creating man, in his naked state, mind you, He pronounced His creation "very good."  We were originally intended to live life naked. It is the most comfortable, refreshing, awesome state of being. Every toddler in their birthday suit who squeals with glee gets this. (Didn't Jesus speak of entering God's kingdom as a child??? Hmmm. Maybe there's something there.) Naked is how we were made by our Almighty Creator and how we were meant to be.

Whatever events have past and sins that have entered this world, there MUST be people to live naked and attest to how incredible it is. If only to preserve that critical remnant of God's glorious work among us.

Ask yourself, if a human artist with incredible skill such as Picasso, or Michelangelo, or Raphael (who all created nudes at one time or another by the way) painted or sculpted their ultimate masterpiece, would it be as special if it were confined to a dark closet as if it were viewed with admiration in the Louve?  Genuine nudists view the human body as a beautiful, awesome testimony to God's best work.  Making creations worth dying for.

Genuine nudists can do this without automatically resorting to lust-filled thoughts, even if some cannot. It is among our most important purposes in life: to give our Creator glory by admiring what He has done.

Don't denigrate this.

Don't codify anti-nudity laws in subheadings of statutes such as "obscenity."

See every body as beautiful in its own way.

Understand that a naked toddler's bare bottom is not automatically pornographic.

Breasts are, really, an incredible and healthy way to feed infants.

Nieman Marcus, Ralph Lauren, Saville Row, and Tiffany's cannot improve on perfection nor hope to duplicate it.

There MUST be people around to say these things.  Patrons to appreciate the Artist's handiwork.

Nudists MUST Be.

Sleeping Naked - Four Major Benefits

Four Benefits of Sleeping Naked explains the reasons you should sleep in the buff.

Among those reasons: You'll sleep better, your partner will appreciate it, and your skin gets a chance to breathe and "air out."  Kudos to them for their clever use of some animations from movies of cartoon characters from Donald Duck to the Aristocats.

Elsewhere on the Platypus we have covered this topic from time to time.  For example, we carried a "beditorial" from one university student about Sleeping Naked is Best , that One in Three Brits Sleep Naked and the fact tthat Sleeping Naked is Normal

One new fact to report today: According to the article about Four Benefits, only 8 percent of folks admit to sleeping nude.  That's lower than we would have predicted, and much lower than the British figures... but again, we're talking about those who admit it. Hmmm.... Just yesterday it was nearly 8 percent who sneak skinny dips in hotel pools wasn't it?  You know who you are out there!  And some of you read the Platypus!

Sneaking a Skinny Dip: Seven Percent of Hotel Guests Have Done It

This may be yesterday's news on some nudist blogs, but a Yahoo story says that Seven Percent of Hotel Guests Admit Secret Skinny Dips .  The article includes some other "naughty" activity among travelers such as trying to cut in line while boarding airplanes, or standing while the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated. Interesting read and accompanying info graphic.

The Platypus wonders, "Why force guests to sneak their naked swims?"  Why not just establish one clothing optional pool among the many offered on hotel property?  Better yet, consider making the whole place clothes free.  There may be a couple hundred nudist clubs on the continent, but we could always use more!

Just think, if you took seven percent of all travelers each year that would be a very significant number of tourists! And remember that's just the number who are clandestinely swimming bare. In fact, previous scientifically conducted polls have shown that about 18% of all travelers would like to incorporate some naked time into their vacations. (A few more of the guys, a few less for the gals, by the way).

Life's short! Let travelers play naked!

Reasons to Try a Naked Spa

 Follow this link to read good reasons to try a Naked Spa Day .  As far as the Platypus is concerned, any day spent naked is a Good Day!

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World

This week the big news story is that a school kid who brought a home-made electric clock to school got arrested for it.  We wonder aloud about the death of common sense.  Some of us probably remember the old Radio Shack catalogs filled with electronic circuit projects for hobbyists.

But part of our response surely must also be, "It's a different world!" as well.  Things are different after 9/11. They are different after the Columbine and Sandy Hook school massacres. Decisions are much more fear driven than they were when we were kids.And it's all very regrettable.

Now things are different with respect to nudity as well.  Think about how crazy everyone would get if a school coach showered with the school team after practice.  Or if the YMCA allowed nude swimming now the way it once did?  What if a scoutmaster let his charges go skinny dipping.  All of these activities used to be common place.  And doing any of them would prompt calls of derision and for arrests to be made today.

It's a different world.  It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad world.

Clothes Optional Harbin Hot Springs Hit by California Wildfires

Just read the following news report about California Wildfires Claim Harbin Nude Hot Springs .  We are very sorry to learn of this development and have the people affected in thoughts and prayers..

The Platypus never visited Harbin. However, we witnessed first-hand the devastating effect that wildfire can have on nudist venues.  Years ago, we toured Swallows Sun Island Resort within a few weeks of the fire that claimed that resort.  Despite very valiant efforts to rebuild and keep it clothes-free, it was not meant to be long term.  We hope that things will be different for those at Harbin.

Being Naked Top Reason to Live Alone Cited by Women 24 Blog

Today there is a great article by the website Women 24 noting that going naked is the number one perk of living alone .  The writer explains that, among the top reasons she moved out of her parents' home and got her own place was to free the inner nudist "hiding in clothes."  This was refreshing to read as it came from the perspective of a young, professional woman. She may well be among the Millennials Who Are A Hope for Nudism .

From time to time the Bare Platypus has written blog posts on such topics as Advice for Younger Nudists Still Living with Parents    and the Trend in Those Seeking Nudist Roomates .Going on your own is one surefire way to ensure you can enjoy your Recommended Daily Allowance of Naked Time .

The Bare Platypus website is especially interested in writing for those who could be described as "home nudists."  If you live in your birthday suit---even if you don't travel from home much---we appreciate you. Letting others within your close circle know about you and your family's preference for living free and unencumbered can help change mindsets for the better too.  That's why the Women 24 piece is so welcome.

Need Labor Day Naked Repeat

What's going on??? It's only Wednesday and the Bare Platypus is already waiting for the weekend.  It seems to be a fact that getting more naked time outdoors and in the sun is addictive!  Just makes you want more. And more!

The Platypus is ready for some more naked gardening, sunbathing, and just reading in the sun.  After two days he's suffering withdrawal here.  What's the remedy?  Try to get home from work early enough to catch the twilight time in the backyard in-the-buff.  Then wait till Saturday.

Sigh.

Kinda lazy.  But oh so awesome.  Can we recommend this to friends knowing they'll get hooked?

Sure.  Sure we can.

Nude Photography Tips from Mashable

The oft-read website for so many things, Mashable Now Offers Nude Photography Tips by famed photographer Greg Gorman.  While it is true that the story's emphasis is on taking pictures of the female form, the tips are generic enough to work with both genders.

Now you have something to do after getting back from your Labor Day holiday.

Some Things Are More Important Than Nudity

We hope that, after more than three years of postings on this blog, that our readers know that we take the subject of nudity and nudism very seriously.... but even we have to admit that there are some things that are far more important.  And a few of those things are family and the welfare of children.

So much of the world has been touched by the recent news stories and accompanying photographs of the tragic drownings and plight of those seeking refuge from the crisis in Syria.  Regardless of one's country of origin, their political status, or world view this event most certainly moves us all. The Platypus is no exception. Mothers and fathers who have lost dear children are simply inconsolable.

Today we find it hard to celebrate the joys of our favorite topic knowing that so many are grieving. We lift our thoughts and prayers to those going through this extremely difficult time.

Is This the State of Naked on the Cape?

This morning the Bare Platypus came across a somewhat humorous, but also unfortunate, article in the online magazine Slate entitled, Beware This Labor Day Weekend of Naked 3 Yr Olds on the Beach by writer Rachel Lehmann-Haupt. In the piece this mom explains that she was asked to cover up her naked three year old son by beach resort management staff.

What captured our attention most, however, was WHERE this took place: In Truro Massachusetts, home to the long famed Cape Cod National Seashore, with an extensive history of nude bathing and naked beach life. (You can read our historical narrative elsewhere on The Platypus by clicking http://bareplatypus.blogspot.com/2012/06/naked-history-basics-of-nudity-on-cape.html ).

Have things really come to this?  Such that (1) a three year old's naked bum on a beach is EVER deemed offensive AND; (2) that nudity offends the management and guests at the situs of one of the most famous nude towns and beaches in the U.S.?

What's next?  Complaints about three year old nakey butts at Cap D'Agde France????   Please.  Will someone stop the insanity?

Miss Lehmann-Haupt's article is a good first step.  Nudist organizations and nudist blog writers it's time to unite before any more naked ground is lost to these ridiculous mindsets.

Should Nudists Be Pinterested?

As explained in yesterday’s post, the Bare Platypus has been expanding our review of social media sites.  After about one week of watching posts on the site Pinterest , we’ll make some observations about whether the site holds promise for nudists.

To begin, a very brief explanation of what the site entails for those who may not know: It’s like a giant bulletin board on the web, broken down into a mass of categories (e.g. cooking, photography, parenting, backyard decorating ideas, etc.), with individuals creating their own boards to post recipes, humorous cartoons, you name it.

The first, and perhaps most important, thing a user will notice if they sign up for the site and search for the term “nudist” or “nudism” is that they will get a stern warning that the site prohibits the use of anything bordering on “sexual” and that violation of the policy could get you banned.  It seems that the purveyors of the site automatically equate nudity with sexual activity.  For a nudist, that’s odd.  You could search for ideas for decorating a “bedroom” and not have the site automatically assume that you’re trying to post about what people do IN bed and give you the same warning.  Oh well.

Second, having said that, after doing a bit of searching it becomes evident that there are, indeed, people who post nude photography and other images…. Some of which are tagged with “nudist.”  Their boards have not been taken down, so, presumably the Pinterest Police are not out on active patrol.  Most likely they respond to user complaints and will respond when they get a bad report.

What this means is that it’s one thing to create a presence on Pinterest (the Platypus has) and to pin some things onsite. It’s another to count on anything being up there tomorrow.  It would probably be a mistake to have the only copy of something you couldn’t live without there.  For our part, those who visit Bare Platypus know that we don’t use much in the way of photography or images on our site.  This somewhat limits the usefulness of Pinterest to us. However, we have pinned the occasional cartoon, Platypus logo, and image of nude beach signage.  We’ll have to see if this offends the sensibilities of anyone.  (Visit Bare Platypus on Pinterest to get directly to our board)

Above all else, our one week impression is that Pinterest is often about buying stuff and showing it off: buying lumber and yard ornaments to spruce up the backyard; upgrading photography equipment to take better pictures; buying craft supplies and making gifts out of them; buying the right sweaters to send your kids off to school in.  One week’s time is probably not enough to make a fair assessment. Yet first impressions often reveal a lot. 

Once upon a time there were catalogs upon catalogs printed and sent to our homes to remind us to buy more stuff. Those of the Platypus generation and older may remember such companies as “Fingerhut” delivering these to your door. And the “Skymall” and “Sharper Image” publications appearing in the back of airline seats.  You know, your swimming pool isn’t really complete unless you have a convenient floating bar to serve mixed drinks to your guests.  Pinterest just gives us that kind of feel whenever we sign in.

The Platypus is not compelled to sell our readers anything.  (True, we offer a mug, totebag, or two at Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop on Cafe Press press.  We sell very little of it and that doesn’t bother us a bit.) If you and your family never leave your own home and simply take off your clothes and enjoy life naturally?  Well that’s A-Okay with us. There’s nothing incomplete about you.

We will continue to provide creative ways to enjoy life naked… And the occasional nude destination you may want to consider.  But doffing your duds is all you really need to do.

Instagram Irony

The Bare Platypus is working to establish a place on additional social media outlets.  The latest two include Pinterest and Instagram .  As one would normally do, the Platypus has been reading and reviewing material on these sites rather than posting much just yet.

Last night during a review of Instagram, he could not help but notice a large number of pages devoted to celebrating "Hippies."  There were hippie-like arts and crafts, plus tributes to women who had the "beauty and spirit of a Mother Earth."  Don't know what prompted this.  The Hippie tributes were on the main sign in screen and they were not posted by anyone we knew or within our contacts list.  So it appears that Instagram itself was somehow assembling these as a sort of "trending now" topic or a topic of the company's own choosing.  And that's what we find so ironic.

At the same time that the company is willing to collect clicks, views, and subscriber interest with that topic, Instagram express policies prohibit most forms of nudity on the site (it is, after all, now a part of the Facebook family).  So the skinny dipping and sun-your-buns that happened so much at Woodstock or among riders on Ken Kesey's wacky painted school bus during the Electric Kool Aid Acid Test well... THAT?  That has to be sanitized from the historical narrative of the Hippie apparently.

And no. If you're asking... the Platypus is not a former member of that movement.  He and Mrs. Platypus are about 15 - 20 years too young to have been part of that scene.  It's just interesting that, once again, nudity is not fit for presentation of a culture even when nudity was part of the very essence of that culture.

But hey, if nakedness were allowed, the purveyors of it wouldn't be able to sell you something like jewelry or retro styled musical instruments, or vintage clothing.  So the policies all have a purpose, apparently.