Conference moira::naturism

    One thing about naturism, you soon learn just how many folks
    have scars, disfigurements or otherwise would fail to get
    a job as a model. Weight should also be included in this
    list.
    
    If anything, folks at nudest camps are much less conscience
    of bodies than clothest folks.  I don't mean to exclude beach
    folks but there often is a younger crowd at the beach.
    
    Folks that are worried about their bodies stay away and hide
    them under clothes. I recommend highly recommend a nudist
    environment for all of those fearing their bodies will be
    judged by others - the judges don't show up!
    
    - gerry

    As I've mentioned elsewhere, I've seen people in nudist settings
    with ages from infant to ancient.  I've seen a few "perfect physical
    speciments", but far more who are distinctly imperfect (myself
    included).  I've seen at least one man with only a single arm.
    I can't imagine anyone whose physical appearance would make him
    or her out of place at a nude beach or nudist camp.
    
    I suspect that when nobody is covering anything up, hiding things
    seems less important.  And as .1 noted, you quickly realize that you
    don't have the only imperfect body in the world.
    
    A wheelchair might be more of a problem -- the typical "nude beach"
    is rather isolated, and reaching it typically involves a trail
    through the woods or a scramble down a hillside -- but this is just
    a generalization.  Someone in a wheelchair might well be better off
    a a nudist camp or park, though, with regular roads and facilities.
    
    	-Neil 

    RE: scars and other things...
    
    I've had a big scar on my face for the first 25 years of my life;
    it (I hope) has not had any effect on how people view me.  It just
    wasn't important when I talked to people.  My friends had gotten
    used to it so they didn't notice it anymore.  The person inside
    is a hell of alot more important.  Nudists tend to recognize this
    more often.
    
    While nuding, I tend to notice the places that need firming (like
    my waist) but a swimsuit makes the fat bulge out more; it's not
    as noticeable without the swimsuit.
    
    The people that I've seen at Solair come in all sorts of shapes
    and sizes; no one's ever cared about the differences between the
    people.  They spend most of their time talking and socializing with
    each other; physical appearance did not seem to be important.
    
    B.
    

    By the way, I came across the following note in a back issue
    of _The_Event_:
    
    	For more information on disabled naturists, contact:
    
    	DISABLED NATURIST SIG
    	P. O. Box 268
    	Cokedale, CO 81032
    
    -Neil

    RE: .2 and .3
    
    Also at Solair there is a long-time member named Bill, who is (I
    believe) in his 70's.  Bill is crippled, and not able to walk AT
    ALL.  His leg muscles are all but non-existant.  But he probably
    splits more wood (for the wood-fired sauna) in a single summer season
    than many "strong men" are capable of all year long.  And I'd certainly
    include myself in that category!
    
    The members' reaction when Bill became incompacitated??  They bought
    him an ATV so that he could continue to get around at Solair!  And
    there are women who are extremely overweight, men who are very scarred,
    etc.  I have seen dwarves, amputees, and other Special People, all
    of whom were totally accepted and welcomed into our nudist community.
    
    So whoever you are, wherever you are, don't think because your body
    is less than perfect that you will not be welcome at a nudist facility.
    It's still what's Inside that counts!
    
    Enjoy!
    
    Jack

    I find that nudists/naturists do not have big hangups about their
    bodies or anybody else's body, for that matter.  REgardless of how
    much I weigh or how I look, I am no longer self-conscious about
    it.  I'd rather spend my time enjoying the sun and fresh air.  I
    sure am alot happier with myself.
    
    B.
    

		I sincerely appreciate all your candid perceptions and
	observations.

       		I have been confined to a wheelchair since about the age of 8
	due to a neuromuscular condition.  While I have never practiced
	naturism, I always have a concern about how the 'physically challenged'
	are perceived or treated in almost any situation or environment.

 		Thanks, again.  Sincerely.

    Quite frequently, I will meet someone for the first time in a nude
    setting, and think that they look at least normal, noticing their
    nice features.
    
    I see the same person later, with clothes, and am amazed at some
    imperfection (overweight is the most common) that I failed to notice
    when they were without clothes.  This is happening so much that
    I am believing that clothes are at least half of the problem.  Clothes,
    especially women's clothes, are designed to flatter anorexic models,
    not ordinary people.
    
    Elizabeth
    

There is a relatively new conference with the subject of Physically Challenged
for those interested. 

	CXCAD::PHYSCHALLENGED

Press KP7 now to add this conference.  

Judy

    I just found this notes file and though this question was asked
    a year ago, I want to respond for those, like me, who will come
    along later.
    
    I find that we are more in control of social situations than we
    may realize.  If we are embarrassed about ourselves we set the mood
    when we are trying to relate to others around us.  If we accept
    ourselves, then others will accept us.  If we are nervous, then
    others are more likely to feel nervous around us.  
    
    Physical limitations may play a part in a person's choice of recreation
    but hopefully, worrying about what others will think, won't.


	Ken Enger