Humility – The 4^th H

By Ken Carlisle (Kensunwalker)

In a previous writing I discussed an easy way to remember an answer to the question “Why Do You Practice Naturism?”  It was 3-H – I practice naturism because it makes me Happy, Healthy, and Human.

Well I missed one; the 4^th H is Humble.

Humility means being open, being teachable, and being willing to share with others.  A Humble person accepts the Truth when it appears, so spirituality increases.  Humility naturally brings a person closer to deity.  Naturism therefore helps one live a more spiritual life.

But with Humility comes responsibility.

Called “and” Chosen

Why are many called but few chosen?  Perhaps those who are not chosen are judgmental busy-bodies, mostly concerned about worldly things, appearances, and their own misguided beliefs.  For example, the never-nudes see nakedness and immediately inform the authorities, saying nudity is sexual and terribly wrong, especially if young people are involved.  But they are not the entire picture.  Out of fear, others, the home-only secret nudists, hide their nakedness behind walls and curtains, and run to get clothed if a visitor arrives.  Still others reserve naked adventures for vacations far from home where only strangers will see them - no one they know will know.

Been there?

Misguided beliefs, fear, hiding, secrets – God will guide the “Humble”, spiritually-oriented naturist to overcome these false concerns and accept and share the truth.  You are reading this because God guided you to it, because you are “called and chosen”.

A Light to Others

Why live a naturist lifestyle?  Why build a naturist home and yard?  Why spend hours each day exploring naturist thought?  (After all, it’s the same simple principles said different ways over and over.)  Why talk to others about naturist truths?  Why write a naturist blog?  Why start a naturist club?  Why hold naturist events?

I’ve often wondered these things, but now I understand.

The true naturist is “chosen” to share.  The light of truth, of naturism, cannot be hidden!  It would be spiritual suicide.  No wonder things just seem to happen that cause people to confront their belief that naturism is a Happy, Healthy, Human, and Humble way to live.  So one may as well be open about naturist beliefs, and share.

The secret to Humble naturism is therefore to actually practice, and then let others know!  If you love to swim or soak, do it nude, and don’t rush to get dressed if someone shows up. If you love to hike, freehike, and don’t rush to get dressed when another hiker appears.  If you love to garden, garden naked; don’t hide from neighbors.  Do house work and yard work nude; it will be more enjoyable and motivating.  Enjoy relaxing nude at home while watching TV.  Remain naked without fear when others visit.  Invite friends for a naked party or game night.  Then tell others about what you love and why.

Total Commitment

"Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss

Part-way is never enough.  Luke-warm is always less tasty than hot or cold.  A Humble naturist “must” be an advocate, and be totally committed; nothing less will ever be completely satisfying.  If you believe in naturism, live it, and share it!  Only then will you overcome fear.  This can be done in so many ways; here are just a few:

Share your naturism with family.  This can be difficult because even though family members may know of your naturism, “you” may assume they don’t “want” to know the details that may influence them.  But in reality, they are the people who are most likely to understand and love you anyway.  Besides, how will you ever know their real feelings, and how will they ever understand the truth, if you don’t share?  My mom called to talk about our land and asked if I used it naked.  I said “yes”, to which she responded with sadness.  She just doesn’t understand the Happy, Healthy, Human, and Humble aspects of naturism, but more importantly “never” will unless I discuss naturism with her.

Share your naturism with organizations.  I have a naturist friend who shared that he was a naturist with recruiters from a very religious university; he got the job anyway.  I shared my naturist beliefs with the leader of my church; he was confused, not knowing what to do, but didn’t kick me out.  However, I didn’t feel I could worship fully in that church, so looked elsewhere.  The first thing I did when attending a new church was tell the minister I was a naturist; she welcomed me anyway.  After all, naturism is simply a natural way to live, and admitting you are a naturist at the beginning will certainly alleviate future problems, and hopefully even help others understand and accept you.

Share your naturism with neighbors.  You may as well be open about your naturist beliefs with neighbors; at some point they’ll likely see you naked anyway, so stop rumors before they get started.  Be the authentic, friendly you.  Remember, naturism is a true and natural lifestyle – nothing to be ashamed of.  And maybe you’ll even find a neighbor who also has naturist inclinations - I did - nothing better than that!  Invite neighbors to nude events at your place; perhaps they’ll join in and learn that naturism is truly a normal Happy, Healthy, Human, and Humble lifestyle.

Share your naturism with strangers.  Wear your naturist t-shirts around town, post naturist bumper stickers on your car, erect a sign sharing your naturist beliefs by your driveway, raise a naturist flag in your yard, put naturist magazines and a photo album showing naturist adventures and vacations on your coffee-table, pin naked photos of your fun times on a bulletin board, prepare a package of naturist related information to share with friends, decorate with beautiful naked statues and art, and have your Happy, Healthy, Human, and Humble talk ready (practice it).  Start a club, advertise naturist events, and invite others to join in.  With time, others will come to understand that naturism is the wonderful way you live.

The Discussion

Here is how to share your naturism with others:

1.     Hold a meeting.  Have it at your place to keep it simple and avoid multiple explanations.  It can include a meal, BBQ, games, etc.

2.     When the meeting time arrives, sit everyone down, tell that you are a naturist (explain what that is if needed), and then explain “WHY”?  (4 H’s).

3.     Don’t apologize, don’t ask for permission, don’t ask about their concerns.  Just unapologetically let them know that you are a naturist; that this is normal, not strange or weird; and that being a naturist makes you Happy, Healthy, Human, and Humble.

Conclusion

So, the easy way to answer the question “Why are you a nudist/naturist?”, is to explain that naturism makes you Happy, Healthy, Human, and Humble – the 4 H’s.  It’s that simple!

I believe all I’ve written above, but I still have work to do to live up to these naturist beliefs; how about you?