Hi Cat & Chris,

The subject of naturism is of interest to me. I have never done so personally, but have wondered if it might be something I'd have the guts to try at some point. It certainly would take guts (for me, at least). [I am extremely skinny, with pencil-thin arms, except for my stomach, which has started to expand since I turned 30 and my metabolism slowed down. I'm kinda odd :-)]

I have read up about Christian naturism online, and there are at least one or two sites devoted to the topic. As far as I can tell -- as you said, Chris -- it does not seem to be about sex. It's about freedom, and being "naked and unashamed". I find it very appealing, to be honest. Completely setting aside the "boy issue", I think it would mean huge progress for me if I could get to a point of being comfortable enough in my own skin to be naked in front of other adults. The thing I fear, of course, is that simply being that exposed in public would be enough to turn me on. If I could get over that, though, I think I'd really enjoy the experience -- and I'm pretty sure it would lead to greater (healthy) freedom in my life. I'd love to get rid of some of the "shame" that I seem to carry around with me all the time.

Then, of course, there is the additional complication of boy attraction. As Chris said, that would be a concern. Still, heterosexual adult naturists I'm sure have similar issues to deal with regarding the opposite sex, and they seem to manage, so maybe it wouldn't be an issue. Not sure.

A while back I did some research on naturist areas, and it does not seem there are any close to where I live. It's not the same, but I have taken some baby steps of going to the public pool to get myself a little more comfortable about changing and showering around others. I imagine that doesn't seem like much, but for me it's significant. Even in that environment I find myself being quite "shy" about my body, and when I shower -- even if there is no one around at the time -- I have to guard against getting aroused. I think that is a sure sign that I have a lot of "issues" to deal with in this area. I long to be comfortable enough in my own skin to be completely naked around others and NOT feel shame or embarrassment (or to become aroused simply by being naked in public).

That brings me to a few questions. How do others feel about this issue? Any naturist experience? Also, to those of you young enough to remember school :-) ... if you consider yourself gay, how did you deal with showering with your peers after gym class? Was getting aroused an issue? For me, honestly, I don't remember that being a problem, though, I also don't remember attending many gym classes. [I often managed to schedule music lessons during gym time.] Also, when I was in my teen years, I'd say my age of attraction was probably a fair bit lower than it is now, so my peers then were not the primary focus of my attractions. Now, though, if I think of showering with young teens ... I imagine arousal would be a definite concern.

Anyway, any thoughts?

Blessings and Godly freedom to you all,
Rainboy