Leading up to my trip to Kansas for our stripped-down weekend, I felt a little apprehension, but mostly it was fun to tell friends that I was going to experience a naturist lake. Reactions were all supportive, with a little laughter mixed in. 


My sister prepped me with some rules and home-practice. I spent almost 2 days completely nude in my home, making sure I had a towel to sit on, and getting used to what it feels like to be fully exposed…even alone. I always thought I was comfortable in my own skin, but an entire day nude, was a challenge for me. And weirdly cool. I discovered what I felt comfortable or uncomfortable about my own body. Things I was previously unaware of. 


As the weekend got closer, I admit to feeling a little ill and wondering what the hell I’d agreed to. I’m close to my kids, and I shared my apprehension with my 19 year old daughter. She, like me, understood that in theory, this concept of being nude in public was about body acceptance, freedom and the expansion of life experience. She encouraged me, and let me know this “weird” (for me) moment wasn’t going to kill me…and that I had to stop back by her college on the way home, to tell all. 


I didn’t sleep well the night before the lake. My sister was Queen Cool, and gave me space to feel whatever I felt…and was mainly just chatty about it just being a typical day at a lake. I was truly afraid I was going to vomit in her car on the way there. 


Upon arrival, my sister had a friend meet us and help us with our items. We’d brought coolers, a stand-up paddleboard, and other lake day things. My sister had asked me if I wanted to be in the area where there would be the most people…or hidden in a low-traffic cove. In a brave moment of trying to be cool like my older sister, I chose the party place. 


It was a beachfront with many lawn chairs, and about 7-8 people already there. My sister, full of shocking surprises since the day she said she was a naturist, was also apparently the life of this very chill party. I figured she was being extra chatty to everyone to take the heat off me. And it worked. I felt unobserved as I slid my lawn chair back from the crowd, undressed, and glued myself to my chair. I think I stayed there, unmoving, for an hour. 


Everyone was nice. There was some conversation. My sister and friends played in the water. Other people were just sunbathing or reading. Everyone was nude, but it wasn’t a big deal to me as an observer. It was a bigger deal to me as a participant, however. I discovered that the simple act of turning over on my frontside, felt more vulnerable than laying on my back. Maybe it was that my book was coverage when I was facing up…or maybe it was because having a publicly exposed backside meant I couldn’t see dangers in this vulnerable state. 


After awhile, it was time to walk. Nude. To get food. Or something. I don’t remember. I just remember I did not like walking nude. But…I was kind of excited to have privacy (away from others) to tell my sister my first impressions. It was like being the new kid in class, and I needed a break so I could speak my mind. My sister is a great listener. And she let me know that everything I felt was all okay. 


The rest of my day at the lake was amazing. I really wanted to take a walk alone, and just feel how it felt to be naked in nature, without any self-consciousness at all. It was amazing! I walked around the whole lake…and got lost. But I also met nice (also nude) people who helped me find my way back. I got to experience a board meeting where everyone was nude. (I never saw that one coming, in all my corporate life years.)


I met a beautiful young family, who were sharing this no-shame freedom in the woods with their young son. What an incredible gift to give a child! I observed other women (usually more guarded with nudity in public) fully at ease with their bodies, and relaxed into this incredible idea of naturism. It was inspiring.


I saw all different body shapes and sizes, and I didn’t care. I honestly didn’t notice the nudity after the first bit of shock. I can’t say I felt at ease the whole time myself, but I could see and appreciate how being free in our own skin, can shape and affect us in positive ways. 


I swam in the lake naked, and Oh. My. God. As someone who has only skinny-dipped once, I can’t believe I haven’t made it a point to do this regularly! There is something so…indescribable, about being naked in the water. It was natural, decadent, and the way it’s supposed to be. I went paddleboarding and felt like a queen myself – standing up, bare and proud, in the middle of a beautiful lake. 


At the end of the day, tiki torches had been lit, a band was playing, the sky was FULL of stars, and it was one of the sweetest places I’ve ever experienced. After being scared out of my mind initially, it was truly an incredible first-time moment.


I’ve seen the changes in my sister this past year, as she got involved in this naturist lifestyle. From those observations alone, I can see how positive the experience can be, as far as influence, self-confidence, and comfort. My sister just glows now. 


I’m not sure I’m a complete convert myself, yet. But I felt the beauty and purity of it. I’ll be back. 


About Michelle: An adventurer, life experience explorer, and a newbie to the naturist lifestyle. Occasionally soaking up sun rays and stories sans clothes.