Freikörperkultur

Freikörperkultur (FKK) is a German movement whose name translates to Free Body Culture. It endorses a naturistic approach to sports and community living. Behind that is the joy of the experience of nature or also of being nude itself, without direct relationship to sexuality. The followers of this culture are called traditional naturists, FKK'ler, or nudists. There has been an extensive removal of restrictions on public nudity in Germany since about the 1980s.

History

Beginnings in the 18th century

In many parts of central Europe up until the 18th century, people bathed naked in rivers and lakes, although often separately by sex. Beginning in the late 18th century, public nudity became increasingly taboo, though this never penetrated into sparsely-populated Scandinavia. At the same time, Lord Monboddo (1714-1779) practiced and preached nude bathing as a revival of Ancient Greek attitudes toward nudity. This found literary reference in Georg Christoph Lichtenberg's (1742-1799) book Das Luftbad.

"Nude culture" and life reforms - up to World War I

In 1898 the first FKK club was founded in Essen. In 1900 more and more Swedish baths arose in rooms in Berlin and on the North and Baltic seas. A few years before there were mixed sex baths in many places, which, although requiring contemporary, modest bath clothes, were either forbidden or regarded as immoral. Also, in 1900 the naturist movement began in France.

Behind the FKK movement lay, at least in Germany, an attitude towards life in which the naked body is not shameful. The nudity of FKK should not involve sexuality. In this light, the need to be nude in the shower or sauna does not belong with Freikörperkultur, since it's practically necessary. FKK'ler put here nudity with prior group consensus, and therefore demanded no reserved zones, such as separate beaches or club areas.

A while later, after the political liberalization, conservative circles tried to challenge the increasingly popular (especially among urban intellectuals) nude baths as a corruption of morality.

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True Nudists

Social networking for nudists. That was the thought when True Nudists was launched in 2007. The site was created as a way to tap into a younger generation and attract a whole new generation to nudism. Naturists and nudists can sometimes find it challenging to find other like-minded friends, especially in a new town or while on vacation. Let's face it, asking someone, "Do you like to get naked?" can turn into an awkward conversation! Now, those who don't like textiles have a way to get to know others who also appreciate a clothes-free lifestyle.

True Nudists' mission is to provide a safe place for nudists to express themselves. The site—and the lifestyle—is not about sex. Indeed, many naturists are comprised of families, and children are welcome at most events. Not finding a family-friend, ethical site online was the impetus for starting True Nudists.

Now, the site has members from around the globe and has more than 100,000 users. Membership is free, with a paid option to gain access to viewing additional pictures. Since privacy is often an issue, users have the ability to block people, hide their profiles, and ensure that they are only discovered by search engines if they want to be.

We invite you to become a member and start meeting nudists around the world. So take off your clothes and stay awhile!

Web Site of True Nudists

Going Bare

Going Bare from Ruby Keighley on Vimeo.

Going Bare is a Documentary about Linda Adams, a Naturist, or as some people may call her - A nudist.
This documentary was made as an assignment as part of the DFTV610 course at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.

Director, Editor, Director of Photography: Ruby Keighley
Producer: Danielle Stanbury

My naked yoga class

I want to challenge my own anxiety about nudity. But can I really handle downward dog without any clothes on?

My instructor looked at me from the head of the dim room and smiled. Not in a creepy way, more in a “you can do this!” way. But I wasn’t so sure. I had struck a Warrior One pose a thousand times before, yet I still stumbled into the person next to me more often than I cared to admit. Normally I’d just offer a little self-deprecating shoulder shrug and move on, but what would I say in this situation? “Oops! I just ran into your bare penis”?

I had enrolled in a naked yoga class on impulse. My husband was gone for two months that summer, and in my solitude, I began a spiritual exploration of sorts, signing up for Buddhist book groups, taking long, contemplative walks, and reading a good deal of Eckhart Tolle. I was in a normal, fully clothed yoga class when I struck up a conversation with the woman I’d been paired with for partner poses. She was incredibly flexible.

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10 Celebs Who Breastfeed In Public (Photos)

With celebrity babies getting so much attention from the paparazzi, it’s no wonder that the photographers often snap a shot of celebrity moms breastfeeding in public! But these moms certainly have no shame when “committing the crime.”

We’ve seen many celebrity moms commit this act before, but now a whole new slew of moms including Mayim Bailik, Gwen Stefani, and Kate Hudson are getting in on the action.

Whether you agree with breastfeeding in public or not, these photos certainly provide another insight into the lives of the rich and famous.

Take a look below at photos of 10 celebrity moms who have been caught breastfeeding in public!

Here

Introduction to European Sauna Culture

Europeans—and Northern Europeans in particular—value the institution of the sauna very highly, and the love affair with the sauna is manifested in innumerable saunas in parts of Europe, from the humble to the humongous. Sauna customs are not uniform throughout Europe, but, from an outsider's perspective, the facet of certain European sauna culture that is most notable—and perhaps even shocking—is the nudity. It's not that being naked in a sauna is all that radical a concept, but most English speakers are familiar with sauna nudity only in a gender-segregated context. In some countries in Europe, saunas are almost always mixed. Men and women use them together. Furthermore, nudity is generally not considered optional. It is expected. This reality certainly causes many North Americans to gasp in disbelief, but certain European nationalities are exceptional even among other Europeans for their casual attitude about mixed nudity.

As ubiquitous as saunas are in parts of Europe, they are mostly off the radar of those who live in other parts of the world. It can be a challenge to figure out how everything is set up and what to expect, not to mention to know the proper etiquette. We have written this page to illuminate sauna novices about the basics. The other pages in this sauna guide detail about 800 saunas in Europe, sorted geographically.

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Uncovered in New York - News Feature

Uncovered in New York - News Feature from Alan Haburchak on Vimeo.

New York's Topfree movement confronts society.

Breasts Against Society - News Feature from Alan Haburchak on Vimeo.

Is Pubic Hair Coming Back Into Fashion?

New pictures of Dutch model Saskia De Brauw in vintage Versace jewelry, stilettos, and nothing else, shot for the magazine Industrie are notable for one thing: they actually show her pubic hair. While toplessness is practically a staple of fashion photography, a frank depiction of pubic hair — or even just the acknowledgement of pubic hair's existence — had become a sort of oughts-age taboo.

This year's Pirelli Calendar, which Mario Sorrenti turned into a 24-oversized-page celebration of the male gaze, was obviously rife with full-frontal nudity. But at the key moment, a funny kind of modesty prevails: here a wrist obscures Lara Stone's crotch, there a shadow falls over Kate Moss's, and there the soaking wet white garment that fully reveals the shape of Isabeli Fontana's areolas pulls discreetly, and opaquely, away. Everything gets slightly blurry at the crucial cleft. From the waist down, these women are all shown to be about as featureless as Barbie. De Brauw, coincidentally, also posed for Sorrenti's calendar: her shots betray no hint of the hair Industrie was apparently comfortable enough to let her rock.

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British Naturists Interviewed for Breakfast TV (Part 2)

British Naturists Interviewed for Breakfast TV (Part 2) from iNAKED on Vimeo.

British Naturists Interviewed for Breakfast TV (Part 1)

British Naturists Interviewed for Breakfast TV (Part 1) from iNAKED on Vimeo.

Dove Pro-age Campaign

Breastfeeding Flashmob in Brighton

Nudist-Resorts.Org - Naturist Discussion Forum / Bulletin Board

The World's Most Complete Nudist Discussion Forum / Bulletin Board

Discussions include taking a nude cruise, visiting a nude beach, nudism, naturism, nudist resorts, organizations, clubs, beaches, nude cruises, family oriented resort vs adult oriented resorts, the best nudist colony, camp, beach or cruise, clothing optional travel, and favorite naturist destinations.

Visit the site

#OpenMinday @Ladygod1va and naturism

My wife’s contact was originally a blogger who calls herself Lady God1va, and you can read her blog here – http://ladygod1va.wordpress.com/. Obviously, this might not be strictly safe for work.

She asks a great deal of questions that I couldn’t go into detail here, about women in naturism, about how to improve the image of British naturism, about how the reactions of others make it difficult to live what is, effectively, a harmless choice of life.

For my own part, I’m still conflicted. The whole last month and a half has raised questions in me about what it means to be yourself, to expect others to respect your choices, and what responsibility we hold to ‘edit’ or self-modify in order to prevent other people’s choices being affected or taken away from them.

Should people walk around naked? I’m unsure. I know that I wasn’t offended by the naked ramblers, the naked woman, even though they were by no means attractive to me. But they raised a lot of questions about how I view the body and about sexuality. So should we all walk around naked? Or should we just respect those who discover that shedding clothes allows them to wholly possess their own identities?

If I were to choose to be offended by someone’s nakedness I can be. But then who is responsible for me being offended? I’m finding it hard to argue that it’s anyone’s responsibility to carry, understand and address other than my own.

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Naked Freedom Performers in Freedom Park Atlanta, GA

A Naked, Post-Soviet Hot Tub Experience

I never truly understood the term "squeaky clean" until then. There wasn't a lick of dead skin or oil left. I felt like a piece of Tupperware pulled from a hot dishwasher. I couldn't help but laugh at how much it...hurt!

After all was said and done, we emerged into the daylight dehydrated, physically exhausted, and still dripping dry. We leaned against a wall to catch our breath. As we rested, we watched hardy, working-class men walking out with a spring in their step, invigorated by the same scrub that had almost killed me. Humble old ladies proudly protected their new hairdos with bright silk scarfs. What a sorry sight we must have been to these well-groomed regulars!

That day I realized Tbilisi's famous "spas" aren't spas at all. They are bath houses...places for people without hot running water at home to bathe. The experience gave me a treasured insight into real working-class Georgian life and culture. And that was worth every inch of red skin.

Full piece

Enjoying Nudity

My blog promotes health, and the appreciation and normalization of nudity. I'm a thinker and I have been thinking about nudity for over three decades. Here are a few thoughts:

1) Nudity should be enjoyed outside of the sexual context.

2) Nudity can be both good and bad. As for me, I'll chose healthy nudity.

3) I appreciate not only extremely beautiful people when nude, but also normal people doing everyday things naked and unashamed. You will see that I often post pictures of ordinary people; people who do not have "perfect" bodies but overcome that to be comfortable sharing their nudity with others.

4) I often wonder why is it that views of male and female nudity are so different. It seems women and men both seem to appreciate the female nude, but the not the male nude. Why is it that the male nude is usually associated homosexuality or used a pro for a photo featuring a nude female?

Web Site

Skinny Dipping World Record Attempted for Cancer Cure

Imagine 400 Welsh folks of all ages running into the ocean. Now imagine them naked.

Hundreds of skinny dippers may have now broken a Guinness World Record -- the largest group of naked people to jump into a body of water together and wade for at least 10 minutes.

Congratulations?

Well, Guinness has yet to evaluate the feat, but the group that organized the nude dip raised an estimated $20,000 for its favorite charities, the National Trust and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Interview nudist.

Benefits of Naturism - New Zealand Naturist Federation

Some excerpts, much more at the link below.

Sun exposure and vitamin D

Naturism has many health benefits, despite the negative publicity on the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure. It is a known fact that sun burn leads to skin cancer but not sun EXPOSURE.

Mental health

Being naked outdoors on a sunny day isn't sexual, but it is sensual – a delight to your senses – creating a feeling of well-being. We all know how invigorating the sun can be and how depressed we feel in the winter, during days and days of cloud and rain. It even has a name – SAD (seasonal affective disorder). We all appreciate the warmth of the sun on our bodies when wearing clothes. Imagine the feeling when the whole body is exposed to the sun – totally naked. Naturism allows us to feel the breeze over the whole body and the cool grass under our feet. Add swimming without clammy togs into the mix, and you get a total stimulation of the tactile (touch) senses. Without clothing, you have improved blood circulation in your skin and nerve endings which gives a feeling of well-being. Unless you have tried it, it's hard to believe how much more alive being totally naked can make you feel.

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THE NAKED LIFE! - NUDISM

Naked ambition: Ukrainian topless protests go global

Queen: Bicycle Race

Queen Bicycle race by timanou76

Hardfire NUDISM / PAUL NOCERA / SANDY ALDRICH / SAM SLOAN

Hardfire NUDISM / PAUL NOCERA / SANDY ALDRICH / SAM SLOAN from gary popkin on Vimeo.