Between 50,000 and 100,000 Belgians practice naturism. In Belgium, there are several locations specifically reserved for this practice, each observing the rules and regulations that make naturism a safe environment for those wishing to pursue it.
According to the Belgian Federation of Naturism, naturism is literally the return to nature. The Federation’s website defines its philosophy according to the 3 Rs rule: self-respect, respect for others, and respect for the environment.
“Self-respect is learning to recognise oneself, to know oneself, in relation to one's shortcomings and positive points. If we respect ourselves, we respect others and nature,” the Federation says.
“Respect for others is a strength that allows you to get in touch with everyone equally,” it continues. “Equality between people is paramount, regardless of colour, philosophy, disability. It is first and foremost a question of self-acceptance, but also of acceptance that others can have different opinions to you, another way of acting than you. The barriers fall and this makes it possible to meet new people and communicate better.”
The Federation believes that by being naked, you are disarmed, with nothing to hide, and therefore provide others with nothing but the real you. “This is the only equality in life,” it says. “We all come naked and leave naked.”
Respect for the environment means getting closer to nature. According to the Federation, the true naturist always has the reflex to pick up a piece of litter from the ground. They have no pockets, but they have their bag or they will hold it in their hand until they find a basket. They work for nature, but also for their own environment.
Nudism or naturism?
There is still often confusion between nudism and naturism. The true philosophy around naturism is often unknown to non-practitioners, who may have a judging look.
“Naturism is this knowledge of oneself and the philosophy of questioning oneself. And to question yourself, you have to have seen and searched," says the Federation.
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The Federation believes that the media has an opportunity to open minds, to make people understand that nudism and naturism are not the same things. It believes that by reporting its true philosophy, the media can help change perceptions.
“Naturism is often seen as a deviance when it should absolutely be seen as the recognition of being in itself,” it says.
Naturism's evolution
Over the years, the audience for naturism has evolved and so have the needs of practitioners. While evolution is natural, not everything is accepted, and not everything is tolerated.
"We try to define limits," the Federation says. “There was mostly a spirit of camaraderie at the beginning. This spirit still exists or should still exist. But now there are openings to other opinions. We are witnessing a renewal, with very specific requests. Some places are more festive, with more young people, for example.
“Everyone has their own journey. Naturism can be interpreted as desired, as long as you can follow the 3 Rs rule."
"We are trying, everywhere, to open up to other communities, because there are gaps,” the Federation says. “There are places where it was too strict, and others where it was not strict enough. We want to make every option available but within our code of respect."
