BEIJING, Dec. 4 -- As a nudist/naturist for over 38 of my 58 years, please be informed that nudism equals naturism rather than naturalism. There is no "l" in naturism.

Visitors look at the nude women photoes applying the three-dimensional photographic techniques at Huangzhou photo exhibition. [Guangzhou Daily]

    Naturalism is the study of plants and animals. The word naturism is the same as nudism and is about accepting yourself and others for who you are and not for what you look like, own, or wear. It definitely builds self-esteem. It's about de-stressing, relaxation, and less laundry.

    The body is just the vessel for the person.

    Nudism is the great human equalizer with people of all ages, from infancy to over 70, communicating on the same level with no one judging others because of their ability or the lack of it to buy the latest fashion styles.

    Nudism was rediscovered in Europe at the end of the 19th century when doctors prescribed sun baths as an antidote to the over-industrialization that was taking place.

    Nudism is different things to different people and nudists are as varied as the people around you.

    We are doctors, lawyers, business men and women, kitchen workers, state employees, mothers, fathers, teens, infants, grandparents, your friends, your neighbors.

    To me it's like recharging my personal batteries as I sit on my private porch overlooking our property with my morning cup of coffee enjoying nature around me, the birds chirping, the plants and trees waving in the breezes.

    When you disrobe, you shed aggression, tension, and anxiety.

    You know how great it feels after a difficult day and you take off your shoes?

    That's how the rest of you feels when you disrobe. It has proven to lower blood pressure.

    Nudists generally have strong family ties and a lower divorce rate as well as a lower teenage pregnancy rate than that of the general public.

    Nude when possible, clothed when practical definitely defines me.

    (By Isleyw Cheri, Shanghai Daily)