Naturism
This entry is probably going to be controversial. But some years ago, as I was working on my first autoethnographic article, I decided to make all my data public.
I've always been in awe of non-human animals and their apparent lack of shame and discomfort when it comes to their bodies. When my partner, who is also a researcher of sustainability transformations, and I discuss this topic, he invites me to avoid anthropomorphising. And it perhaps is true that non-human animals are not thinking about self-image, they still are a great source of inspiration to me. On my path of downsizing my wardrobe and identifying an ideal uniform for me, I was inspired by a cat I lived with. She was so confident. She wore nothing.
I am not against clothing. After all, I lived in northern Sweden where in winter it was often -20 degrees. Even though I dressed lightly, I still relied on clothing for protection. But when there is an opportunity to avoid wearing clothing, to connect with nature without anything between nature and I, I embrace this opportunity. Here in Denmark it is allowed to swim naked. It's not uncommon to see naked fellow humans if you walk by the waterfront here in Copenhagen. I do not own a swimsuit. I swim and sunbathe naked. On a beach it feels more appropriate to me personally, as I can connect with nature and not impose my lifestyle onto my fellow humans. It feels especially comfortable in early spring. It is still below 10 degrees, and fellow humans usually don't swim or sunbathe. Some walk by the sea but I can keep distance and give space to myself and fellow others. Apart from connecting with nature, I am also connecting to myself. In the bright sunlight, I can see all the so-called (by the beauty industry) imperfections such as scars, hair, stretch marks. I learn to love them.