The Naked Truth

In his book Naked, author David Sedaris includes a hilarious short story about his experience visiting a nudist camp. I wish I could remember the exact quote he used to sum up his recollections of that time, but the gist of it was this: Most people, almost all people, don't look that glorious naked. So why is it that the average American woman is so quick to point out the flaws she sees on her own body?

While I've never been to a nudist camp such as the one Mr. Sedaris described, I have been to vacation destinations where nudity was permitted. (Sorry to disappoint, but I didn't choose to take part and, therefore, have no tales to report .) Surprisingly enough, once I got passed the initial shock of seeing both men and women strolling down the beach or frolicking in the water sans clothing, it didn't take long before the strangeness of it dissipated. My guess is that most of those people walking the beaches in the buff weren't Americans. Why? Because they seemed comfortable in their own skin. (Pun intended!) In many countries nudity is not considered taboo the way it is in America. Nude beaches are commonplace and entire families visit together. In America, dare I say, we are socialized to view our bodies negatively if they don't fit a certain stereotype of the ideal.

I'll admit that at 127 lbs I still find myself the victim of negative self-talk from time-to- time, swimsuit season is a particularly challenging time of the year. Heading into the fitting room there's always that feeling of dread knowing that the cellulite on my thighs will have nowhere to hide in the tankinis or one-piece suits I've selected. While we purchase swimsuits to visit pools and beaches, places that are supposed to be fun, these tiny pieces of clothing have the power to make us miserable.

Could it be that we, American women in particular, should take a cue from the nudists? Embrace our bodies for what they are at the moment. Of course we should nourish them wisely and insist on providing them with daily activity to keep them strong and healthy, but also we should appreciate and respect them for the gifts that they are.