Naked. The theme of this post is taking your clothes off, and showing your stuff to not only your partner, but to friends, and even strangers. Being from the United States, I am quick to admit that sauna culture does not exist. We don't go to saunas, we don't grow up with them at home, and going to a nude beach is something done while on vacation, in a foreign country, and it's considered to be kinda crazy.
My first and only experience with this sort of... "I'm ok with being naked in front of strangers" thing was in Belgium, at Thermae Grimbergen. Fortunately, I went with some Canadians, so it was very acceptable that a certain level of prudeness existed amongst us. Upon entering the spa, we were handed robes, and we headed to the dressing area. The Canadians were seasoned veterans in dealing with the whole "nudie" thing.. so all the naked people in the dressing area didn't bother them. I on the other hand, stood there, petrified... "omg, a penis! look!" Thankfully, my hosts gently pushed me towards the area of the spa where prude people went. Honestly, it was really lovely. The design was in a Turkish style, everyone had on bathing suits... the sauna was practically empty, and the hot tub was huge and cozy (although I still think hot tubs are gross)... I was able to make it through the day without seeing too much, with the exception of when we went for lunch, which was in the nude side. That was scary, but I got through it!
My roommate is from Finland and he goes to the sauna every week. Back in Finland he went with his friends, drank beers, had guy talk.. and when he was growing up, he had a sauna at home. He used to heat it up for the family, and they all went in together. He was totally comfortable with nudity from an early age, and it never phased him. I can't imagine being naked in front of my parents after the age of 8... especially not my dad!
After I heard this story from him, I started to think about how that open minded viewpoint must be a positive aspect in your private life as well. Between couples, I'd imagine that sex with the lights off isn't an issue, and seeing each other naked, or feeling all insecure about your body wouldn't be so extreme either.
He told me that the result of growing up in saunas is that he has a realistic idea of what people look like. I often wonder if in countries where we cover up and deal with being ashamed of being naked, if we live our lives constantly trying to live up to an ideal and never realizing that there is no such thing. This made me feel a little bit sad.
I wonder if I were to go to the sauna sometime, or even to force myself to go a few times, if I'd experience any sort of liberation from my fear of my own flesh.
My first and only experience with this sort of... "I'm ok with being naked in front of strangers" thing was in Belgium, at Thermae Grimbergen. Fortunately, I went with some Canadians, so it was very acceptable that a certain level of prudeness existed amongst us. Upon entering the spa, we were handed robes, and we headed to the dressing area. The Canadians were seasoned veterans in dealing with the whole "nudie" thing.. so all the naked people in the dressing area didn't bother them. I on the other hand, stood there, petrified... "omg, a penis! look!" Thankfully, my hosts gently pushed me towards the area of the spa where prude people went. Honestly, it was really lovely. The design was in a Turkish style, everyone had on bathing suits... the sauna was practically empty, and the hot tub was huge and cozy (although I still think hot tubs are gross)... I was able to make it through the day without seeing too much, with the exception of when we went for lunch, which was in the nude side. That was scary, but I got through it!
My roommate is from Finland and he goes to the sauna every week. Back in Finland he went with his friends, drank beers, had guy talk.. and when he was growing up, he had a sauna at home. He used to heat it up for the family, and they all went in together. He was totally comfortable with nudity from an early age, and it never phased him. I can't imagine being naked in front of my parents after the age of 8... especially not my dad!
After I heard this story from him, I started to think about how that open minded viewpoint must be a positive aspect in your private life as well. Between couples, I'd imagine that sex with the lights off isn't an issue, and seeing each other naked, or feeling all insecure about your body wouldn't be so extreme either.
He told me that the result of growing up in saunas is that he has a realistic idea of what people look like. I often wonder if in countries where we cover up and deal with being ashamed of being naked, if we live our lives constantly trying to live up to an ideal and never realizing that there is no such thing. This made me feel a little bit sad.
I wonder if I were to go to the sauna sometime, or even to force myself to go a few times, if I'd experience any sort of liberation from my fear of my own flesh.
4 comments:
I know I have body issues too, I couldn't imagine doing the sauna thing as well. We are just stupid americans about this stuff I guess. I wish i was better about that, maybe over time, and experience.
Since I started getting naked on the subway my life has changed 100%! I've made so many new friends....
well Joel, when you come to Europe again, go to the nude beach and the sauna :) Maybe that will help you get over your fears.
I'm going to the sauna in a couple of weeks with my Finnish friend, but on the ladies only day... so I'm going to be naked, but just in front of my own kind :P
Baby steps...
Tab, you are insane.
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