May/June 2002 Living Now
Clothing Optional:
leaving your hang-ups on the clothes hangers

by Pravesh

For many, the idea of being naked in a social environment is the stuff of which nightmares are made. In European countries, public bathhouses are much more common and social nudity has less of a stigma than in the U.S. In Europe, hydrotherapy (soaking in warm water sometimes followed by a cold soak to flush out toxins) is widely practiced. The benefits of hydrotherapy include deep relaxation, improved circulation, and increased toxicity cleansing, which leads to a strengthened immune system. Hydrotherapy is so good for you in fact, it is surprising that there are not more bathhouses in the U.S.

Body acceptance is a very difficult issue for those who live in a culture where the physical body is considered worth celebration only if it meets a certain standard of ‘excellence.’ But who develops these standards? It is widely known that today’s fashion models are dangerously thin and many hurt themselves physically and psychologically to maintain a body-type that is not natural for them. “The body is the temple of the soul,” is an oft-repeated phrase but how many of us take some time to really take that truth in? What amazing temples we have! Who really, would want to keep us from enjoying our bodies just as they are? Well, beauty magazines, the pharmaceutical industry, and health clubs are just a few of the entities that are invested in keeping the public feeling ever dissatisfied with themselves.

Believe it or not, if you can wiggle your toes and move around independently, there are those that have looks and money that would dearly love to have your body. The actor Christopher Reeves comes to mind. Social nudity has been around for ages. Its underlying precept is based not on free sexuality, or public exhibitionism, but rather on connection to nature, connection to other (your true self, and/or others in your immediate community), and body acceptance. Connection with self happens when we make time to nurture and appreciate our bodies as the amazing vessels that they are. Body acceptance comes when we are exposed to the many shapes and sizes of human beings in the world. We are lucky here in Portland to have places like Rooster Rock and Sauvie Island Beaches (both government owned and/or operated clothing-optional beaches), Breitenbush Community Hot Springs and Common Ground Wellness Center where people can connect with nature and self in a community environment.

Hot tubs, sauna, and massage are excellent ways to treat the physical body, provide relaxation for the mind, and increase the affinity we feel with our bodies. Common Ground Wellness Center has two large outdoor hot tubs to soak in and ease the stress and tension of the day. There is also a dedicated staff of bodywork practitioners and counselors ready to assist you relaxing your body and mind while increasing your vitality. If you were to consider what a picture of total health would look like, hopefully the ideas of self-acceptance, physical health and a relaxed mind would find their way into your definition.

For more information, call Common Ground Wellness Center 503-238-1065.