In the last couple of years, I have noticed a DRAMATIC increase in the use of the word ‘NAKED’ in book titles and in social media.
Dictionary result for naked
/ˈnākid/
adjective
1. (of a person or part of the body) without clothes.
The interesting notion, or fact, to me is it is predominately women using the word and not men. Some of my observations on the use of the word were pre- #MeToo movement.
Why this is of interest to me is because I am fascinated by society’s various judgments of the word ‘naked’. We were all born naked, yet North American society has us covered up pretty quickly. I understand our weather plays a role in it. But! In my view, only a small portion of our societal desire to cover up is weather dependent. But, I digress.
First off, there are going to be those that find the term ‘naked’ offensive no matter whether the person using the word is male or female. In my mind, that is just an unfortunate, puritan fact.
Secondly, there is going to be a portion of the population that instantly places the label of a pedophile on a man that uses the word naked and labels a woman as a slut/ tramp if she uses the word. Once again, a sad fact of our current society.
Before you jump all over me, I recognize the need to protect the vulnerable and our children. So just bare with me! 🙂 Bare with me! Get it? Bare and not bear! Ok, carrying on again. 🙂
One of the unfair dichotomies that really annoy me is the fact that if Tina and I both would be facilitating a multi-gender event and if I (Neil) were to talk about as an example, “Loving yourself, naked.” Many of the attendees that ‘identify’ as a female could be horrified because I just don’t understand what being a woman is all about.
Now, if Tina was to talk about, “Loving yourself, naked.” It would be received with a much less ‘yuck’ factor. Which is not fair. But it is what it is.
I am glad people are starting to use ‘Naked’ in the personal growth industry. I have instigated many conversations with many gurus in the speaking, coaching and personal growth industry and I find they preach the good sermon right up to the moment they start talking about body image. Then things, for many, fall apart – their perfectly scripted Instagram life falls apart.
For me, accepting my body for all its pimples, warts and rolls is all part of the self-acceptance path that I am on as a follower of the Shin Dao. I am also not saying that you don’t take care of your body. rather you take care of it from a loving compassionate place and not a place of ‘Should.’
Finally, you don’t have to pose for photos or prance around naked. But you need to be comfortable in your own skin and be comfortable seeing yourself without clothes on!
