So, true Bob.
It is also a disservice to ones own self concept to enforce. or succumb to oppressive, unhealthy body concepts by being a part of the dominate culture's game. I have discovered that I can't be a free natural human being, until I can deal with nature and spirituality in nature's terms. Some of that is to shake off the knee jerk ingrained inside of me.
It is different to be aware of and accept that something is off. Part of this may be being naked in a situation that is risky, or risky because of legality. There can be consequences to minding ones own's business when naked in a public place. When hiding, this makes a secret naturist aware of the imposed game's affect on themselves. For example, the tingly feelings when nude and out of the cage.
This also, creates a way to rebel. This encourages them to be more free range, perhaps more bold, or discover that much of their fears are not justified. So, personally, I think secret naturism has its place. Many of us here have evolved from a secret naturist beginnings. It may be that others need to catch up.
Secret naturism can be a fun game. In the 1980's, when i would instigate stealth excursions into the neighborhood late at night, the idea had little to do with liberation, or being naked. It was about stealth, awareness, risk, getting a rush, playing a game, so to speak. We did it for kicks. We had the perceived extreme risks, the chances, the figuring of odds, the stealth tactics, and the goal to get further, winning the game.
So, yes, the goal is to get liberated from textile "trappings" the addicting, not green, the basis for many unhealthy societal games, to make clothing unnecessary except for comfort, perhaps ritual. To just be able to choose to be naturally nude without hassle. I'm also saying take their artificial game and have some fun with it, when you are in the mood, that is okay, too.
It was gratifying that two young women voiced appreciation to DF in particular for encouraging them by our example. All we do is stay in naked enjoyment around clothed people at the hot springs. We don't get dressed when we get out of the water, we act just like them only without clothing. We walk, lounge, socialize and use the community kitchen nude. Not so secret at all. But do we need to be in a social activist role all the time?
It is not just about social revolution, but finding practical ways to expand boundaries, to explore perceived restricted places as potential liberation, but still being practical. Bob, you have a woods and I have a tall wall for privacy, but you'll see if you can mow the weeds out front and get the mail. Me I have learned that I can stand in my driveway, greeting and sending off guests, without much chance of bad consequence. I'm always doing that kind of stretching. It sometimes gives that element of confronting fear, after all don't people read books and see scary movies? Don't we all need to reconcile personal psychological shadows? My website has a great deal to do with staying naked legally, in-spite of being in a place where bodies are illegal, or freedoms preyed upon by sick people. To mind our own business nude comfortably, free ranging. So, some stealth in some places keeps me naked.
Hiding isn't always a mouse in a hole, it can be an underground resistance, a reconnoiter, a getting feet wet. Then sometimes the underground throws out a banner that embarrasses those in power, or encourages the truth at a public gathering.
Sometime, I just want to not be hassled by concerns of my nudity, so I don't let on, I hide it. I'll choose the time and place for my battles. I choose not to be wrapped up in full time activism, but I choose to be as nearly full time nude as I can. I'm pretty much just sayin' there's a time and place for fun and games, for whatever reason.
Rambling on, I listened and watched the traffic and foot traffic at my new house. I sat and watched the lights, where they shined, sat quietly naked in the front yard, looking over angles of sight. I watched where people looked when they passed. I noted the time. I stood clothed and walked around the neighborhood to see what others could see of my property. I noticed the frequency of the neighbor in my backyard, what they could see and put up line of sight barriers and turned off certain lights. I learned that my window screens protected me from view in most light. I positioned my old van to hide me from the passersby. I learned what I needed. I'm two blocks from a major police station the size of a big box store. That's secret naturism and free range.
Then, I built a 6 foot plus wall around the property making a clear message, what I do on my property ain't nobody's business but my own. The driveway isn't enclosed, but I know how to use it nude, day and night. If anyone asks, I'll tell them, we like to be nude and safe, call first. The rest is obvious. The wall was plan A. That's my sanctuary and my friend's, a chosen safe place, not so much penned up. When I go out, it is a different environment.
I'd like to wave my naturist flag high and have people join under that banner. But, I have to be careful whether I'm dressed, or in the best place to do any such thing.
I also share your point that the result of hiding is "outlawed, arrested, and shunned as some kind of freaks" but there have been some legal changes, and labeled or shunned as "freaks" is only in small pockets and "curiosities" seems more prevalent. Getting out there, speaking up, has made a difference. Peoples predilection toward body curiosity, being naturist, yet latent, pushes the social changes on.
It occurred to me, that in my personal experience, many more people have stripped off with me than have complained over all of the years. Sure location and circumstance have had something to do with that, BUT!....
