Naturism as a way to overcome fears and insecurities

Lev Narozhny
7 hours ago
5 min read

That nightmare where you suddenly find yourself naked in public...

The world we live in has been teaching us certain beauty standards from early childhood. Glossy magazines with “perfect” bodies, movies featuring traditionally attractive actors, and Instagram bloggers with heavily photoshopped images all of this makes “ordinary” people feel insecure.

Marketers have learned well how to use this insecurity: if a person feels they are not beautiful enough, they are more likely to buy a product that “fixes” their “flaws.” This benefits the industry but destroys self esteem.

The human psyche is wired so that we need to feel part of a group. When you differ from what is considered “normal,” you begin to feel discomfort, shame, and isolation. A good example is society’s attitude toward body hair on women: in 1915, razor companies launched a massive advertising campaign against female body hair. It was pure marketing and today, a hundred years later, hair on women’s legs and underarms is still considered “shameful” and “unnatural,” even though it is completely normal.

This is how insecurities form. They become part of us, feed on fears, and require long, difficult inner work to overcome. But what is an insecurity at its core? It’s just fear. And as they say, fear must be faced head-on.

This is where naturism comes in. The word makes some people smile and others feel awkward. Secular society often greets it with irony, and ultra-conservative people with condemnation. But let’s simple things up and dispel the stigmas that have built up around naturism for decades.

WHAT IS IT?

First, naturism is often confused with exhibitionism — but these are completely different things. Naturism has nothing to do with seeking attention or shocking others. It’s not about showing off, but about freedom.

Second, naturism is mistakenly thought to have a sexual undertone. But naturism is not about arousal or flirting. It’s not about the body as an object of desire. It’s a practice where the body is perceived naturally and neutrally — without sexualization or judgment.

So what is it then? In fact, naturism is simply the desire to let your body be. To breathe. To feel the wind and sun on your skin. To get an even tan. To feel part of nature, without artificial boundaries between yourself and the world around you. Naturism is a kind of freedom, not a display of nakedness.

HOW CAN NATURISM HELP ME?

You’ve probably already asked yourself this while reading.

To be honest: we don’t promise instant freedom from insecurities. But we invite you to try — to experience something that for many has been a step toward freedom, acceptance, and inner peace.

We said it for a reason: naturism is freedom. It’s not just being without clothes. It’s a way to respect your body, to be at peace with it, and maybe finally feel like yourself.

Here’s how naturism can help you accept yourself:

Freedom from Shame
Many people feel shame about their bodies because of imposed beauty standards. In naturist environments, bodies are seen as natural: without sexualization, judgment, or comparison. This helps free you from shame and begin to see your body as normal, worthy, and real.
Breaking Illusions
We live in a world of filters and retouching. On Instagram, in ads, on screens — we see polished, flawless images. Even on the street — makeup, clothes, shapewear. But on a naturist beach, you face reality: wrinkles, scars, cellulite, stretch marks. None of this makes the body bad. On the contrary — it makes it alive and real.
Boosting Self Esteem and Confidence
Being among other naked people who don’t judge or evaluate is very liberating. It can become a real therapy, especially for those tired of internal criticism.
Strengthening the Mind Body Connection
Clothes often create masks: status, gender, style, expectations. Without them, you are simply yourself. This can help you feel your body as part of you, not just a shell to hide or improve
The Body Is Not Just an Image
Our body is not here to meet expectations. It breathes, moves, lives. It doesn’t have to be “beautiful” — it’s already good enough simply because it’s yours. Naturism helps rethink the body as functional, strong, sensitive, and worthy of respect.

WHERE TO START?

If you feel interested or touched by this start small. It doesn’t have to be a naturist art exhibition or a public event. Maybe just stay home alone without clothes — without hurry, judgment, or pressure. Later, when you feel more confident, you can invite a partner or close person. Shared vulnerability can not only help you open up but also build trust step by step.

If you want to step beyond your personal space, a good idea is visiting a naturist beach, especially with someone you feel comfortable with: a friend, partner, or trusted person. This support lowers anxiety and embarrassment, letting you focus on the experience and pleasant atmosphere. The beach is perfect for beginners because there’s no pressure. You can slip into the water or cover yourself with a towel or sit under an umbrella. A little personal space creates a sense of safety, especially the first times.

After the beach, we recommend trying naked yoga. During the practice, you fully focus on your body and learn to clear your mind of distracting thoughts. This experience helps deepen your connection with yourself and find inner harmony.

Over time, as you spend more moments among other naturists, the feeling of nakedness will stop being awkward. Instead of anxiety will come lightness. Then acceptance, confidence, and that inner freedom.

USEFUL LINKS AND PLACES

Naturism is not just about beaches and yoga. It’s also about art and performance.

We’ve put together a personal selection of artists who show through their work the natural, sincere, and inspiring beauty of the body:

Photographers:

Spencer Tunick is famous for large-scale staged photos with naked people in public spaces. His works create impressive visual installations, evoking a sense of unity and freedom.
Ryan McGinley his series featuring naked young people in nature have become symbols of freedom, youth, and bodily liberation. His works are bright, lively, and romantic.

Performance Artists:

Marina Abramović uses her own body as a primary artistic tool. Her works explore the boundaries of pain, trust, and human possibilities.
Vanessa Beecroft is known for large scale performances with naked women. Her works have a cold aesthetic but strong visual and conceptual impact.

We also want to tell you about an important local organization in Thessaloniki Gymnosophy. This independent, self managed group has been organizing the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) in the city every year since 2008, an international protest event supporting ecology, body freedom, and alternative transport. We were recently fortunate to interview one of the organizers and learn more about the work and goals of this unique organisation. We kindly advise you to follow the link to learn more about this organization.

If this article has sparked questions or a desire to learn more, don’t stop. Explore, experiment, and be open to new sensations and experiences.