Thursday, November 09, 2006

Ed Bradley, O.J. and Me


By Daniel D. Ziegler

Ed Bradley is gone but remembered by me.

In early June of 1994, when I was working at Turtle Lake Resort near Union City, Michigan, and the news was still fairly fresh that we were now a nudist resort, it attracted the attention of not only the local newspapers but eventually was picked up by the national wire services as well. The wire services picked up on it when one of the local papers told of how one of our members, an ordained minister, was booted from his church when church authorities found out he was a nudist. When the wire services picked up that story, our phones began going crazy.

One of the many reporters that called during this frenzied time was none other than Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes. He wanted to do something on nudism for 60 Minutes, but something different from the usual sensationalism that we all had seen on TV up until then. Inspired by the story of our minister member, what he had in mind was a piece focusing on the personal and spiritual growth aspects of the nudist lifestyle. "Wow!" I thought. "Here is a man who understands." This was right down my alley too and perhaps I would finally get a chance to express my thoughts on nudism to a national audience.

Being the spokes person for the resort, he and I talked on the phone on a couple occasions, making sure we were on the same page and getting together on dates, etc. But it never happened.

June 12, 1994.
Enter O.J.

It was then that the whole O. J. Simpson story broke and for the next several weeks, that story monopolized the news. I called Ed Bradley a couple times during all that and not surprisingly he told me that the O. J. story was now the hottest thing going, and even though he still wanted to do the piece on nudism, it would have to wait. I never heard back from him.

Thanks, O. J.!

November 9, 2006.
Good bye, Ed. We almost did it... but, ironically, sensationalism won again.

Dan Z.


To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 14, 2006

SHOW THYSELF

SHOW THYSELF: The Greatest Commandment

By Daniel D. Ziegler

Before the beginning there was only Spirit, yet in spite of the fact that Spirit was ALL, it was lonely because it had no way to be in its own presence since it was Nothing, only ALL.

Spirit then told itself, “Show Thyself so I can behold Me.”

In that instance was the physical universe created, for ALL now could be Something--Anything it want to be, Everything.

And so Everything Is.

And thus it is so that “Show Thyself” is the greatest commandment, for in that very expression, ALL becomes Everything and Anything--Everything and Anything we are and Everything and Anything we can experience with our senses and beyond.

Then, because Anything can happen, it happened that some part of Everything became ashamed of itself because it felt it was Nothing--Nothing to speak of, Nothing worth seeing and not as good as Something else. And in that moment of comparison--of Something feeling inferior to Something Else--Something was lost.

And whatever that Something was, we may never know, unless it shows up again.

So, show thyself, and be not ashamed of any part of who you are, for you are Something…and it is your birthright to see and be seen by ALL.

Copyright Daniel D. Ziegler 2006

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 04, 2006

FREE E-BOOK

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com
NAKED BEFORE GOD
PROLOGUE

AWAKEN, COME WITH ME. Let us return to the Garden where we once lived naked. Take my hand as you disregard your fears, ignore your shame, withhold your judgments and come follow me. Let us go quickly as others are already there and await our return. At journey's end, we will uncloak ourselves and stand naked before God--in surrender and in celebration--recognizing our Truth and remembering what it means to be free.

EPILOGUE

WELCOME HOME. You have traveled far to come to this place and your journey has not been without peril and loneliness. But now, at last, you are with friends with whom you can rest. Sit in the cool grass, lie in the warm sun or bathe in the sparkling waters and soon you will feel rested and refreshed. A feast is being prepared, and soon you will be rejuvenated with nourishment for your body and soul. When you are ready, come join with those of us who have arrived before you and tell us of your many travels and adventures and of what finally has brought you to this place. Tell us what language the Universe speaks to you and what message It brings and share with us your truth. Then sit back and listen as others share theirs--while all heaven joins together standing naked before God in celebration--recognizing our Truth and remembering what it means to be free.

Friday, February 03, 2006

BODY-ACCEPTANCE AND THE SPIRITUAL PATH

"Poor attitudes about our bodies not only block our path to spiritual awareness but also interfere with our physical and mental health."


BODY-ACCEPTANCE AND THE SPIRITUAL PATH
By Daniel D. Ziegler

OUR SPIRITUAL PATH is the process of seeking self-acceptance at the highest level--the level of our spirit, our higher Self, our divinity. Spiritual awareness, then, is spiritual self-acceptance or acceptance at our highest level of existence.

The journey toward spiritual self-acceptance is precluded, however, by self-acceptance of our lower levels of existence--of our physical, emotional and mental bodies; and spiritual awareness is actually blocked if we hold negative judgments against these lower levels. Thus negative judgments against our bodies, such as shame, embarrassment and disgust, are barriers to self-acceptance of our higher self.

The path to spiritual self-awareness, then, must begin at the very beginning--with body acceptance. Unfortunately in our society, we are bombarded from early age by negative messages about out bodies. Religion, entertainment, the advertising industries, as well as other sources, contribute to poor body image and a lack of self-esteem and self-acceptance. Before we even reach an age of self-awareness, we have already developed deeply ingrained negative attitudes that cloud our self-image.

Poor attitudes about our bodies not only block our path to spiritual awareness but also interfere with our physical and mental health. By sending negative messages to our bodies and by mistreating them in the name of religion, fashion, or whatever, we cause our own dis-ease and illness. Body acceptance, then, not only removes the barriers to spiritual self-acceptance and awareness but also removes the causes of many health problems. A body that is fully accepted and loved thus opens the pathway to spiritual self-acceptance and awareness as well as serving as a healthy physical statement of that spirit.

THE PATH TO BODY ACCEPTANCE
Many self-help books suggest that in order to improve our self-image we should stand naked in front of a mirror, telling ourselves that we are beautiful. While this practice may indeed make it easier for us to stand naked in front of a mirror, it does very little to dispel the notion that our bodies do not fit within the normal range of bodies. That requires that we see other naked bodies.

Abraham Maslow, the famous psychologist, once made a statement to the effect that nudism--that is seeing other nude bodies--is a therapy in and of itself. Nothing is more healing to a poor body image than to see other real bodies because real bodies seldom look like Madison Avenue would have us believe. Real bodies come in such a wide variation that it's not hard to dismiss the idea that we don't fit in somewhere.

To see real naked bodies is definitely therapeutic, but to be seen naked by others is equally important AND necessary. Being seen and accepted by others is the final step in learning to accept our own bodies. Once the negative judgments that stood as barriers to higher awareness are removed, we are healed of our negative body image and we are now free to move to new levels of acceptance and awareness.

The path to body acceptance is often anticipated with a great deal of anxiety because it is thought that it may require years of painful therapy or some sort of traumatic psychological experience. Neither is true. The path to body acceptance is quickly and easily accomplished--and it is fun. Since nudity IS our natural state, so IS body acceptance our natural state. We are born with it and we are simply returning to it; and since we have already been there, there is nothing new to learn. It is simply a remembering of something we've already experienced, and is accomplished with great joy and freedom--and a sense of returning home. The path is social nudism or nude recreation.

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Thursday, February 02, 2006

VESTURISM NO MORE


"...I will see in my lifetime when we will be able to walk down the streets of some cities and see a mix of people of both genders, of all races and religions, some wearing clothing and some not."

VESTURISM NO MORE
By Daniel D. Ziegler

Let me add a new word to your vocabulary and to the dictionary--vesturism, based on the word vestures, which means clothing or apparel. I define vesturism as: prejudice based on whether or not one is wearing clothes.

We already have the word racism, which is prejudice and discrimination based on race, and we have sexism which is prejudice and discrimination based on sex or gender, but until now we have not had a word for prejudice and discrimination based on the wearing or not wearing of clothing. Up until now this has not been a public issue and so we have not needed a word for this but there is a growing movement now for clothes-free recreation and clothes-free living and a word is needed to describe those fighting against this movement.

This movement I am talking about is not just about nudists and naturists, either. The nudists and naturists have their movements based on their organizations and beliefs and are pretty much content to stay in their private parks or otherwise designated areas. They seem to be operating alright and not really bothering anybody. We seldom hear about them. So the need for this word hasn’t arisen from their activities, although many of them are involved.

The need for this word is based on a movement made up of people who feel they should have the right to be nude anywhere, anytime they please, even in public places. They call themselves Body Freedom and their numbers are growing. The participants in this movement feel they are being discriminated against by laws that mandate that clothing be worn outside private nudist parks or other legally designated areas. They feel that they should not be forced to segregate as such, hence the word vesturism—prejudice based on their not wearing clothes. (The word nudism, based on the word nude might be a better word here but it is already taken with a different meaning.)

One might think that on the surface the idea of this word may seem a bit trite. I mean, come on, this doesn’t carry the same weight as the words racism or sexism do, behind which we understand their significance, does it? Vesturism, come on, isn’t that carrying it a little too far?

I posit that it is NOT carrying it too far, and that we need to take a serious look at the issue of prejudice and discrimination based on the wearing or not wearing of clothing, because many of the same issues and reasons that made racism and sexism morally wrong are equally at work here.

Before we compare these issues, however, let me first say that the argument for clothes is often based on the highly questionable idea that people can be offended, shocked, and even psychologically damaged by seeing naked people. The concern is particularly intense with regard to children. The idea is that we must protect children from seeing nude bodies at least until age 18 (somehow designated as the age when it will no longer harm them). The truth is there is no proof that any damage actually occurs to adults OR children by being expose to the nude body. The idea that nudity is harmful is not based on research but rather on preconceived ideas and learned behavior that have no logical or scientific basis. On the contrary, there is evidence, as the psychologist Abraham Maslow presented in his work in the 60's, that seeing and being in the presence of nude bodies promotes body-acceptance which promotes self-esteem and good health.

Now, as a comparison, let’s take a look at our past history regarding racism. Prior to the civil rights movement in the early sixties (and prior to the word racism), many white people living in segregated areas of the south (but not exclusively in the south) felt that association with African American people (then called Negroes) was wrong and degrading, even harmful. Many whites certainly would not live in the black neighborhoods nor risk having their children suffer trauma by attending the same schools as black children. These were very strong beliefs, and political leaders such as George Wallace, as well as even some religious leaders, fought hard and were willing to put their lives on the line for their beliefs.

But we know that these beliefs were based on nothing but learned behavior. They ideas were simply passed down from one generation to the next and there was no inherent substance to them, however, to those who fostered them, there seemed to be. We now know they were largely based on ignorance and fear--fear of each other and fear of the unknown. It is a human trait to fear the unknown, and since we had not ever known a totally integrated society, we were afraid of it. Today, we see the fallacy of these beliefs and all you have to do is look around in our schools to see how children of all races get along. While we still have room for improvement, things have changed. We live in a different world and are no longer afraid, and even many of the George Wallaces acknowledged that they were wrong.

A similar comparison can be used with the women suffrage and feminists movements. Today we know that many of the ideas and beliefs used to keep women down in the past no longer hold water. They were simply learned from those who came before us.

Many of our beliefs that are passed down to us from prior generations have strong roots but that does not mean they are morally right or valid. To evolve as a species and to create a peaceful world we must be willing to look at our beliefs and continue to test them to find out which are false and holding us back, and then let those go.

We acknowledge intellectually that the human body is a marvelous creation, and yet we as a society still believe that if certain parts of it are exposed in public, it would destroy society. This is one of these beliefs that seems inherent in us but simply has been passed down to us and is now so firmly ingrained in our thinking that people actually feel they have been violated and traumatized if they see another human being nude. Well, there are probably many people still around who believed that society would tumble if our schools and the rest of society were integrated, too, and may still even believe that their children were irreparably harmed by attending school with children of other colors, but we know that did not happen. In fact, most would agree that we have a better society today.

In the same vain, there are many of us who belief public nudity would not cause our society to crumble, either. On the contrary, we believe, based on our experience and understanding of the human spirit, that simply being able to be ourselves and not hide behind clothing will lead to a higher levels of self-esteem and self-acceptance and therefore to happier, healthier and more tolerant human beings AND a better society.

So, let’s take a serious look at vesturism, and be honest with ourselves. Are we being vesturists, that is, are we irrationally discriminating against those who feel free enough to be themselves, and not wear clothing? Or are we simply reacting irrationally out of fear of the unknown again?

Just like with the women suffrage, racial equality and feminist and movements, it will require a lot of brave people doing a lot of work before changes are made and we as a society overcome vesturism. But the work is already ongoing and slowly things are changing again. I believe I will see in my lifetime when we will be able to walk down the streets of some cities and see a mix of people of both genders, of all races and religions, some wearing clothing and some not. We will look at each other no longer afraid and realize that, as with racism and sexism, our previous fears were unfounded. And we will look back and know that we have really progressed in making a better world by freeing ourselves from another irrational and harmful prejudice, from vesturism—a word that will no have meaning in our society. * * *

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

SEX, GOD & ET's

“Misinterpretation of ancient texts describing extraterrestrial activities forms our present misconception of God which, in turn, creates our outmoded views on human sexuality...."

SEX, GOD & ET'S
By Daniel D. Ziegler

Whether we are aware of it or not, we in the Western world live under severe sexual repression due to socially imposed religious moral codes. Therefore, most of us have fairly negative attitudes toward our sexuality. Even if we don’t consider ourselves to be religious or sexually repressed, we still are under the influence of these codes because they mold our society. A clear example of this is our laws requiring us to wear clothing. As a result, for the most part, we live in a constant state of embarrassment, shame and guilt over our sexuality and our bodies in general. In the presence of others, we pretend to be asexual, that is we hide our sex lives, we are uncomfortable talking about our sex lives in most circles--especially to our parents and children--and, in general, treat sex as something private at best and evil and dirty at worst.

The effects of this sexual repression are deeply ingrained in us. Wilhelm Reich devoted much of his life’s work to showing the devastating effects of repressed sexuality in the form of neuroses in individual lives as well as in the form of oppression at the societal level. Several of his books including The Function of the Orgasm and The Mass Psychology of Fascism are devoted to these topics and are definitely worth reading. It is clear from his work and worth remembering that how we see ourselves and how we react to the world around us are both heavily influenced by our conscious and unconscious sex-negative attitudes stemming from sexual repression. It is refreshing to see, however, that at least some attempts are being made by some community groups, such as Seattle Washington’s Sex Positive Community Center, to create and provide a positive environment for people to learn and interact with others in sex-positive ways.

We, as a society or as individuals, will not completely be free of these imposed religious moral codes or change our attitudes about sex, however, until we change our old fearful religious conception of God, for it is the deeply ingrained and often unconscious fear of God that restricts much of our sexual behavior. And we will not change our fearful conception of God until we increase our understanding of many of the ancient religious texts, particularly the Old Testament, which seem to speak of a God full of wrath and eager to punish.

Based on works such as those of Zecharia Sitchin and others, we can begin to re-examine these ancient religious texts in a new light--as records of extraterrestrial influence on early civilizations. This is not a new idea, but it is one whose time has come in light of mounting evidence of UFO's, extraterrestrial life and of ancient extraterrestrial influence on humanity’s origins (and on the mounting evidence of subsequent and obvious cover-up of such information). We have been led to believe that these documents, such as the Old Testament of the Bible, are a record of "God's" work on earth. The truth is it is not "God" but oppressive extraterrestrial beings posing as "God" or gods and attempting to control us of which the texts speak. It is this misunderstanding of events described in these early texts has led us to our present religious concept of a vengeful and wrathful God who punishes us for enjoying "pleasures of the flesh and forms MANY of our present limiting belief systems.

Research into these texts now clearly shows them to be records of extraterrestrial visitations and activities. They tell of ancient astronauts, technically more advanced than us who visited earth hundreds of thousands of years ago and “created” (today we would say genetically engineered) humankind as a slave race. Then, as one of the methods to control us, they forced unnatural and unreasonable restrictions on our sexual activity. This predictably produced frustration, poor self-esteem and all sorts of dysfunctional behavior, including violence among ourselves; and thus, as can be inferred from Reich’s work, that is how they managed to oppress and control us for their purposes. Their negative influence deeply affects our thinking and behavior yet today.

But in order for us to evolve into the magnificent, loving, and yes, sex-positive creatures we are capable of becoming, we must discard our beliefs based on old interpretations of these texts and form new beliefs based on new information, which we now have. Coming to this new understanding of ancient religious texts forces us to confront and challenge some of the most basic moral and religious precepts upon which modern life in the Western world is based (as well as our government's official position that there is no evidence of extraterrestrial life); and if we are to save ourselves from self-destruction, if we are, indeed, ever to evolve into enlightened beings and experience a golden age--an age free from hate and violence--we must confront these issues NOW before it is too late.

We can begin doing this by first considering that our old paradigms may no longer be valid (if, indeed, they ever were), and then continue by seeking new ways of looking at our world and ourselves being one. We must also come to understand God (or Creative Intelligence, Source or whatever one wants to call the Universal Creative Force) as a God of love and creativity, not of wrath and destruction, and when we do this, we will see that human sexuality, in its MANY expressions, is a gift to be enjoyed and celebrated. Then, we must build a society based on our new concept of loving ourselves, and loving--not fearing--each other.

To many of us it is self-evident that a God that creates life through sex and creates us as highly sexual beings, intends us--all of us, at any age--to enjoy sex and to use sex as a celebration of life itself. It is this self-perpetuating characteristic of sex that demonstrates its grandeur and suggests that it is of the highest order of magnitude and magnificence of all creations. It is an expression of life itself. To hide it, to unnaturally restrict it, to misuse it or to be embarrassed about it, is to degrade it--as well as to degrade life, and even worse, to degrade the Creative Force.

There is one final step in the progression of this discussion and it is a thought definitely worth contemplation. I mentioned at the beginning of this article that the work of Wilhelm Reich clearly points out that how we see ourselves and how we react to the world around us are both clearly influenced by our conscious and unconscious negative attitudes toward our sexuality stemming from our repressed sexuality. It is further suggested by one writer of UFO and related material, Michael Mannion, that the view of some modern extraterrestrials, presented by some contactees/abductees, as being uncaring, unloving and asexual may indeed be a reflection of our own sexual repression. If this is the case, how does this all tie together? Quite clearly. Our thinking, then, seems to be trapped in a completely closed circle which may be holding us back from entering the cosmic era: Misinterpretation of ancient texts describing extraterrestrial activity forms our present misconception of God which, in turn, forms our outmoded views on human sexuality which, in turn, influences our present view of some modern ET’s who may be attempting to interact with us in friendly ways.

It goes without saying, then, that before we can objectively understand and intelligently interact with beings more advanced than us, it is imperative that we somehow break this negative cycle, clean up our violent tendencies and get our thinking straight about how to get along with each other here. Then and only then will we be able to advance ourselves as a race of magnificent and sensual beings ready to join other beings in this cosmic era and possible golden age.

Do we have a good reason, then, to examine our present attitudes and ideas about our sexuality and make efforts to heal from the embarrassment, shame and guilt most of us live with? I would think so! * * *


For further reading on extraterrestrial influence on humanity and religion, one might begin with GODS, GENES, AND CONSCIOUSNESS by Paul Von Ward, PROJECT MINDSHIFT by Michael Mannion, THE GODS OF EDEN by William Bramley, HUMANITY'S EXTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGINS by Arthur David Horn and THE EARTH CHRONICLES series by Zecharia Sitchen. For reading about the connection between violence and sexual repression, in addition to the above mentioned books by Wilhelm Reich, The Function of the Orgasm and The Mass Psychology of Fassism, see SAHARASIA: The 4000 BCE Origins Of Child Abuse, Sex-Repression, Warfare And Social Violence, In The Deserts Of The Old World by James DeMeo.
Copyright 2004 Daniel D. Ziegler

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

NAKED STICKS

"The penis, or phallus, is the male organ of penetration, and it is the very act of penetration itself that lies behind ever act of creation...."


NAKED STICKS
THE PHALLIC WOOD CARVINGS OF DANIEL D. ZIEGLER

The attraction of wood carver Daniel D. Ziegler’s phallic art goes far beyond eroticism. To experience it is to have ones own creative and healing energies released. Gaze upon it, feel it, hold it, and you cannot deny it’s attraction, it’s appeal, it’s power. Such is the nature of his work.

Ziegler, using a variety of hard and soft woods, allows each piece to speak to him as he is creating it. Applying his skills, he encourages the wood’s natural features--such as its grain--full expression; and thus the unique energy and beauty of each piece of wood is released. Each then is finished with a natural oil finish to further enhance and preserve its beauty.


THE SERPENT PHALLUS HEALING STICK

The Serpent

In the Judeo-Christian tradition we are taught that the serpent, or snake, represents evil. The Biblical story of creation depicts Satan, the devil, as taking on the form of a snake and tempting Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Thus most of us fear, or at least dislike snakes.

The Genesis version of creation, however, is a condensed and slightly altered account of much earlier writings of the Sumerians (early Babylonians) that predate the Bible by thousands of years. The Sumerians viewed the serpent as a friend and benefactor of mankind.

According to Sumerian writings, human-beings were created (today we would say genetically engineered) by a race of technically advanced space travelers who came to planet earth and called themselves gods. Homo-sapiens were created as slaves to carry on menial work. Although instilled with spirit, making them rational and smarter than animals in order to be able to carry on their work, the information regarding their true origin and divine nature was withheld from them. In Genesis this information is symbolized by the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. It was feared that if mankind gained knowledge of himself and came to the realization that he was a slave, he would rebel. Man was thus created by the “gods”, given a beautiful garden in which to live, but forbidden to eat the fruit of certain trees, that is, to seek certain knowledge of himself.

One of the members of the creator race, Enki, began to take a liking to these human-beings and began to feel sorry for them. Wanting see them free, he encouraged them to seek knowledge of themselves--to seek enlightenment. When they did as he suggested, however, and ate of the fruit, they were removed from the garden and stripped of their privileges. Their helpful friend was punished and given the name Prince of Darkness, and depicted as a serpent and the enemy of mankind.

The Genesis version of the story of creation carries on the tradition of the creator race’s depiction of the snake as evil, and today we are still influenced by that interpretation. The good-heartedness of mankind’s friend, who encouraged seeking enlightenment, was recognized and appreciated by the Sumerians, however, and is not totally forgotten today. Many modern cultures as well as our American Medical Society, still use the serpent as a symbol enlightenment and healing.

The Phallus

Since the earliest of times, the phallus has been celebrated as the symbol of fertility and vitality. It is only in our modern western culture, where our religions have vastly strayed from nature, that the phallus is much maligned. Yet, there are cultures even today that host ceremonies (Hounen Matsuri) dedicated to the erect male penis.

The penis or phallus, is the male organ of penetration, and it is the very act of penetration itself that lies behind every act of creation, every discovery and every accomplishment. In nature, the roots of a plant penetrate the ground and the leaves penetrate the air. In our everyday world, a shovel digging into ground to lay a foundation, a plow turning over the farmer’s soil, a nail being hammered into a board, the brush of an artist dipping into paint, an antenna probing the airwaves and a rocket hurling into space, are all acts of penetration. It is no wonder then that the phallus, the organ of penetration that begins human life and is so universally emulated, is so highly regarded that it is often used as the symbol of life itself.

The Serpent and the Phallus

Combining the serpent with the phallus into a single application such as a walking stick, ceremonial staff or ritual wand takes advantage of all the power of healing and enlightenment available to us. It thus becomes a healing instrument--to be looked at, touched, held or passed from hand to hand--such as in a meditation circle. The power felt is as endless as our ability and our willingness to heal ourselves. Its symbolism is universal and its beauty appreciated everywhere.

One final note: As a result of our negative sexual attitude based on centuries of sexual repression, most people's first and often very visible reaction to seeing the healing stick for the first time is one of being startled or embarrassed. This is an indication that healing is certainly needed in this area If your first reaction to seeing the phallus was one of surprise or embarrassment--in any way, let the healing begin at that point. Simply allow your issues to surface and be healed as you gaze upon the stick seeing nothing but its beauty.


To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Monday, January 30, 2006

THE HUMAN SEXUAL EXPERIENCE

"You are obsessed with sex--either trying to promote it or trying to prevent it"


THE HUMAN SEXUAL EXPERIENCE
By Pazzi Wan

YOU OFTEN SPEAK OF YOURSELVES as "spiritual beings having a human experience," and while this is true, you would be more accurate in your thinking if you referred to yourselves as 'spiritual beings having a sexual experience.'

Consider the possibility that sexuality is the main reason for the human experience, the reason spiritual beings, in general, incarnate in human form. Remember, without physicality, spirit cannot experience the sex act so taking on a physical body is necessary for this. Think about it: You come into the physical world as a result of the sexual act and you procreate through the very same act. Nothing speaks more clearly to the magnificence of human sexuality than the fact that it's used to create human life; and it reasonably follows, then, that a major reason for the human experience is to experience the magnificence of sexuality. When you get this, you will stop degrading the sexual experience and you will begin to experience and enjoy it much differently.

Because it is what you came here to experience, sex will always continue to be a dominant part of your lives, as it is now, but when you begin to see it in a more positive way, you will no longer let it control you. If you don't think it controls you now, look around you. It controls virtually every aspect of your lives. You are obessed with sex, either trying to promote it or to prevent it. The advertising industry is just one example of promoting it. Your most successful (and often most harmful) products are sold to you through, and contain, sex appeal. Your television is one of the media used for this, yet on this same TV you are not permitted to view a mother nursing her baby because the bare breast is associated with sex, thus an example your efforts to prevent sex. Yes, it controls you.

The problem is that you have a negative attitude toward sexuality, therefore, your sex controls you in negative ways. You are experiencing the dark and shadowy side of your sexuality which is often fosters anger, frustration, low-self-esteem, violence and even illness.

Now, when you finally accept that the reason you came here in the first place is to experience sexuality, you will look at it much differently. You will see it as a gift to experience as pleasure and joy. It will continue to be a dominant force in your lives, as it does now--because that is the very reason you came here--but you will be in control of it. This will allow you to experience it in positve ways and evolve through it in its many layers--from purely physical to highly spiritual.

This will come about when you are allowed to begin your experience with your sexuality as children and as you are taught, early on, to appreciate and to enjoy it. One thing you will be taught, for instance, and encouraged to do, is to masturbate. Masturbation is a fundamental sex act and it is the primary sex act since it is your first expereince with your sexuality. A new attitude toward this practice is what will keep sex from being expressed as a violent outbursts of frustration and anger as it so often is done now among your young people (as well as to prevent unwanted pregnacies). A healthy positive attitude and practice of masturbation, even in, and especially in, relationships, will keep sex in the proper perspective throughout all your lives and much of the frustration, anger and low self-esteem associated with your sex drive now will no longer exist. This new attitude toward masturbation in particular and your sexuality in general will go a long way in curing many of your social ills.

Throughout your lives, then, you will experience the many facets or layers of sexuality, from pure physical to highly spiritual, from self-love to loving another; and you will take as long as you want--as many lifetimes as you need--to feel complete in the sexual experience. Having done that, your soul will choose to move on to bring yet another new experience to your Divine Creator. Until then, you are human beings, yes, but more--you are spiritual beings having sexual experiences.

Enjoy and celebrate! * * *

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

THE GIFT OF SEX


"But could an all-loving God have given you something so wonderful as sex and then restricted its expression through rules and laws that are virtually impossible to keep?"


THE GIFT OF SEX
By Pazzi Wan

Your view of your sexuality in your culture is clouded by shame, embarrassment and guilt resulting from centuries of negative influence by political/religious institutions that have a vested interest in how you think and behave. And because of your limited view, your expression of your sexuality is dark and distorted, often driven by frustration and anger and consisting of secret, hurried, clandestine and sometimes violent acts having little or nothing to do with love of one another or love of yourselves.

The effects of your negative attitude toward your sexuality are far greater than any of you imagine and they encompass virtually every aspect of your lives, thus preventing you from realizing your full human potential--both individually and culturally.

As you begin to realize that your attitude toward your sexuality is shrouded in shame, embarrassment and guilt, you will begin to see that this attitude stems from your view of God; and you will realize that your view of God must necessarily be clouded as well--clouded in fear. You will see that this fear of God has been imposed on you by the religious institutions that have implemented rules, restrictions and moral codes that have limited you in your sexual behavior and expression--and indeed, in your entire range of human experience.

But could an all-loving God have given you something so wonderful as sex and then restricted its expression through rules and laws that are virtually impossible to keep? And would It then punish you for violating those rules? Can God be both that loving and that cruel? Of course not. But there are, indeed, other outside influences, literally from other worlds, behind your religious institutions, that have distorted your concept of God for their purposes.

A correction of your thinking will come from nothing less than complete questioning of your old teachings and beliefs of God, and this will eventually lead to a complete paradigm shift--a shift from your old fearful view of God to a new and trusting one.

You can begin examining these old teachings, along with their origins, by looking outside of your own particular scriptures and examining the writings that predate them. Learn of the very identities of the sources of these teachings, and their motives, and thus question everything you have been taught about God. And, finally, challenge all you’ve ever learned about your sexuality. Only complete questioning of the old paradigm will enable you to escape its negative influence.

Once your old belief system has been found in error and is set aside giving you the freedom to determine your new beliefs and practices based on your own experiences, a new and fresh concept of an all-loving, nonjudgmental God will emerge. This concept will include an understanding, indeed, an appreciation, that your sexuality is a gift from God; and that as your body/spirit connection, your sexuality is meant to be exercised, enjoyed, even celebrated. This healthier attitude and expression of your sexuality, along with your newfound view of an all-loving God, will lead you, then, to the fullest expression of your true human potential.

One final and necessary step remains--forgiveness--the recognition that this whole process has been a gift from those whom you thought controlled you; that God’s understanding of the final outcome--your growth as well as theirs--was the reason the whole process was initiated in the first place.

A celebration is in order. * * *

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Sunday, January 29, 2006

BEYOND NUDISM

"...sex must be brought up to an equal status as eating, praying, meditating, playing or any other of a variety of normal nurturing activities of which we partake..."

BEYOND NUDISM: Sexuality as the Next Step to Healing

By Daniel D. Ziegler

Social Nudism can be a healing balm for the soul weary of carrying around the burden of body shame. But at some point, if the healing soul longs for yet something more, something deeper, something even beyond nudism--perhaps even sexual--it is a sign that the soul is ready for a deeper level of healing. The soul is now ready to examine the real roots of body shame, and once these are discovered and discarded, the healing process of body shame can be completed.

What are the roots of body shame in our culture? When closely examined, shame, embarrassment and guilt over our bodies stems from thousands of years of religious-based sexual repression. We have been led to believe that our bodies are the cause of sexual behavior, of which most forms are considered sinful. It is this belief that lies at the bottom of our negative attitudes toward our bodies. To heal from this requires that a new understanding and appreciation of sex be adopted, one based on joy and celebration for life, not on shame and guilt. We can call it sexual acceptance. Simply put, sex must be brought up to an equal status as eating, praying, meditating, playing or any other of a variety of normal nurturing activities of which we partake--openly, either alone or with others. Once achieved and we are no longer wasting vital energy concealing unnecessary embarrassment, shame and guilt, we will finally be free to pursue higher expressions of the human experience. Until then, we are slaves to our own negative thoughts of shameful bodies.

Just as importantly as healing our minds of the negative attitudes toward our sexuality is the next step toward healing of our body shame, comfort with nudity is a prerequisite for healing our attitudes toward sexuality. The whole process of healing begins with becoming comfortable enough with nudity to take the next step toward addressing sexuality. If one stops at simply nudity, however, the healing process will not become complete because body shame originates in repressed sexuality; and likewise, if one tries to heal their sexuality without first becoming comfortable with simple nudity, body shame will surely get in the way. The two, nudity and sexuality, go hand in hand, yet, for obvious reasons nudity must be dealt with first. We can even call that Step 1. Then, once a certain comfort level is reached with simple nudity, sexuality can be addressed as Step 2. After that, healing can be completed. The result is healthy sexuality based on an attitude of wholeness of the body that has replaced body shame based on sexual repression. We now experience true body acceptance that includes sexual acceptance, as we accept ourselves as healthy sexual beings.

I have written extensively about healing body shame through nudism in my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look at Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism. That book, containing my personal accounts with nudism as well as accounts of other nudists, serves as a guide to the first step in our healing. For some, however, it will be the last step too, for they will choose not to explore the idea that their view of sexuality may not be entirely whole or healthy. For them, at least for now, a line has been drawn which they choose not to cross. Such socially accepted and mainstream concepts such as marriage, monogamy, heterosexuality, privacy surrounding sex, silence about sex, etc., etc., etc., are deeply rooted in our psyche and, for some people, are not open to be challenged. Others, however, once they have experienced the healing power of nudism, will be ready for the second step--to question society’s and their own view on sexuality as well, realizing that their body shame, and possibly other neurotic issues, originate from thousands of years of sexual repression. Their quest for further healing, however, will sometimes be painful as they move forward to challenge deep-rooted ideas at the very core of their soul--ideas even beyond the level of the nudism challenge-- but the ultimate healing will be just as deep.

I have thought that since NAKED BEFORE GOD serves as a guide to Step 1, healing through nudity, I would have to write another book for Step 2, healing through sexuality. But after a little thought I realized that I would not have to write a single word. So much has already been written. One only has to go to a bookstore or look online for any number of books and websites dealing with healing our sexuality. With nudity, however, it was different story. One is hard pressed to find any literature on nudity or nudism except what is published by various nudist and naturist organizations, and seldom does any of it mention healing.

I offer the ideas presented here to those nudists, and anyone else, who sense that even though the nudism experience has changed their lives in a positive direction by freeing them up from years of body shame, there is still something missing. I urge them to honor this feeling. That missing something, in my estimation, is the issue of our repressed sexuality. The nudist community, for a variety of reasons—some having to do with survival of the movement itself and some having to do purely with the blinding effects of sexual repression--has not addressed the root cause of body shame—our negative attitude toward our sexuality; nor in all likelihood will it. It is up to us as individuals to continue on our own path of healing beyond nudism.


To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Friday, January 27, 2006

HEALING SHAME: SHARING SELF-LOVE

"...when we love ourselves in the presence of another, it gives them permission to love themselves."

HEALING SHAME: Sharing Self-love
By Daniel D. Ziegler

Masturbation is an activity of self-love that most of us privately engage in, but a topic that publicly remains so taboo that surgeon general Joycelyn Elders was fired for even suggesting that we teach about it in our schools to curb teen pregnancy. 'Why,' the question arises, 'why are we so ashamed of masturbation, of something so natural?' But, more importantly is the question, 'How can we heal ourselves of our shame and embarrassment over it and our sexuality in general?'

While it's true that most of us masturbate, the fact remains that many of us have never masturbated in the presence of another person--not even our own sexual partners--nor in many cases, have we observed another person masturbating. Even though masturbation is common practice and encouraged by sex therapists, because of its taboo nature, it remains a very private act, often confined to the shower and bathroom. Yet, in not sharing this act, we are depriving ourselves of a great deal of pleasure and joy.

While masturbation--or making love to ourselves--is just one of the many ways we can show ourselves love, it is perhaps the ultimate physical experience we can have by ourselves--particularly when achieving orgasm. It provides us with a healthy expression and release of sexual energy while requiring us to attain substantial levels of self-acceptance and intimacy with ourselves. It is this high level of self-acceptance that allows us to completely surrender to the moment, bringing us intense pleasure and joy. Sharing this experience with another human being can be an incredibly wonderful and satisfying experience--even spiritual.

There is no denying that sharing ourselves with another, in this state of vulnerability often accompanied by shame and embarrassment, requires trust; but it is in the sharing--that often requires an even greater level of self-acceptance than when we are by ourselves--that we can experience yet another level of bliss. When we open ourselves up and make love to ourselves in the presence of another, we are in effect saying, "I'm okay! My sexuality is okay! YES, I AM OKAY!." That is therapeutic, that is healing and that is bliss. In addition, when we love ourselves in the presence of another, it gives them permission to love themselves. That is perhaps the ultimate gift we can give another.

Now, to grow requires that we extend ourselves beyond out limiting boundaries. It often requires a willingness to see things differently and to step outside of our comfort zones to observe, perhaps, what we have never observed before. With these words I am writing, I am attempting to extend our limiting boundaries of self-love beyond the "showers and bathrooms" of our minds by suggesting to you, the reader, to share a masturbation experience with your partner, or with another human being. If you have not shared masturbation with a partner or have never observed another person masturbating--because of shame and embarrassment, I invite you to give yourself and your partner the opportunity to observe the beauty of another human being engaged in the act of self-love. Perhaps through this experience, you will begin to see the act of self-love differently, and you will begin to heal yourselves of the burdensome shame and embarrassment that plagues our society. * * *

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Thursday, January 26, 2006

MEDIBATION

"...I find that it is the best time to pray because the very nature of having an orgasm requires total surrender..."

MEDIBATION
By Daniel D. Ziegler

Medibation or medibating, as the term implies, combines the practice of meditation and masturbation. I first heard of the term through the work of Annie Sprinkle, famous sex film star and sex educator. She refers to her own spiritual work and practice of medibation in some of her written work as well as in her film Masturbation Memoirs and her video Herstory of Porn. While I discovered the name medibation just a couple years ago, I had discovered the process several years earlier, and so when I first read and saw Annie's work, I knew precisely what she was talking about.

I had discover this practice quite by accident. While masturbation had been part of my life since a teenager, I had never taken it beyond the “it just feels good” sex-play stages. Likewise, I had practiced meditation for probably a good ten years, and it had led me to many peaceful moments as well as many insights. But until then, the two experiences had been quite separate--or so I thought. What was probably happening was that a process was unfolding whereby the two would necessarily come together.

The two practices, masturbation and meditation, came together in my conscious mind while I was writing an article about my experience with an obscure Dr. Seuss book called The Seven Lady Godivas. I had been working slowly on the piece, writing, rewriting, etc. for a couple weeks and during this time, I began my days, as usual, with the same morning ritual I had practiced for a number of years. I would wake up early, have a cup of coffee and slowly masturbate to orgasm, then go back to sleep to enjoy those following twenty minutes or so of totally relaxing post-orgasmic bliss before getting up and starting my day. During the time I was working on this piece of writing, however, my mind would not just randomly drift off during my post-orgasm high as it usually had done, but rather, I would find myself thinking about what I had written the previous day.

But it was more than just thinking about it. I would actually see the typed pages it in front of me as I dozed. The pages would scroll down past my field of vision and I could see the printed words on the pages. Occasionally the scrolling would stop and the page would zoom in so I could get a closer look. Whenever that would occur, there was always something there that needed to be changed or rewritten. Once I made a mental note of the needed correction, the scrolling would resume.

This process would not occupy the entire twenty minute session of post orgasmic bliss, just a portion of it. The rest of the time I would find myself either reliving my Seven Lady Godiva experience and composing the next section to be written, or I would be thinking about and gaining helpful insights and direction into some other matter that I needed to attend to that day.

During this time of writing this piece, I consciously became aware of this process and began to look forward to it each morning. I finished the piece in about three weeks and it remains one that I am proud of. I continue to use this process now, and it has led me to incredible insights--all the while bringing a lot of pleasure too.

My practice of medibation today, however, goes farther now than it did in the earlier days. Today it includes far more than daily problem solving. It brings me many insights into my purpose for being on this planet as well as a sense of Oneness to everything. But one of the most important parts of it is prayer. I find that it is the best time to pray because the very nature of having an orgasm requires total surrender. It is in that mind-set, then, that we can offer our prayers--most of all, prayers of gratitude--beginning with gratitude for sex itself, and then, for all of life. Perhaps that is the greatest insight that has come to me through medibation--GRATITUDE.

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

NUDISM AND SEXUAL REPRESSION


"...To permit nudity yet not allow ANY form of sexual expression, not even an erection, seems like an impossibility at best and a cruel tease at worst."


NUDISM AND SEXUAL REPRESSION
By Daniel D. Ziegler

I realize now, some years after writing my book NAKED BEFORE GOD, that my claim that participating in organized nudism can increase body awareness and self-acceptance, may not as true as I once thought. While social nudity itself--that is being nude in the presence of others--can certainly increase body acceptance, organized nudism as we know it in this country has major flaws that I now think may actually have a negative effect on self-esteem. This article is an attempt to explain this idea.

By not permitting any open display or expression of sexuality, the nudism movement merely reinforces our society's already negative attitude toward our sexuality, and therefore toward our overall self-image. In this respect, the organized movement is actually counter-productive to its claims. They need to quit making that claim or change the rules.

A while back, I received a phone call from a man whom, with his wife, had visited a nudist park for the first time. There, he had met a friend of mine with whom he got into a discussion about nudism. Being new to it, he had a lot of questions and was making a lot of observations about the nudist life style as he was seeing it, and about peoples' behavior under these, up-until-now, unusual conditions. Wanting to be as helpful as possible in explaining the lifestyle, my friend mentioned my name and that I had written a book about nudism. His call was to see how he could acquire the book and to ask me a few questions concerning him and his experience.

Basically what he expressed to me was that he had been very uncomfortable at the park. He had gone through the normal orientation that they required for newcomers in which he was told a number of things, including how comfortable and relaxing nudism is, and that it is not sexual and that, in fact, no outward form of sexual expression would be tolerated. To further explain this, nudist park owners usually tell men that "if you should become 'aroused', cover yourself with your towel or put on a pair of shorts, or you will be asked to leave."

He found the park and surroundings very beautiful and the naked people generally friendly, and, in fact, all this is what contributed to his being uncomfortable. He found the whole situation--the sights, the sounds, the smells--so stimulating that he had an erection most of the time he was there and, therefore, was forced to wear a pair of shorts the whole weekend. "It was awful," he said to me, "I could not be myself. I never want to go through another weekend like that again."

I had very little to offer him at that point except my usual pitch that I had used when I was the one giving the orientations at that very same park. I told him not to give up on nudism, that he would get used to the nudity and that soon he would not find it overly stimulating and arousing. "You won't even get a hard-on," I said.

That phone call prompted me to begin to examine my own personal experience with "organized" nudism and to ultimately change my views about it--hence this article. What I told him was, in fact, what I had done to myself. In my attempt to set an example for others and to not feel guilty for feeling sexual myself, I had repressed my own sexual urges at the park to the extent that I was lying to myself about what I was feeling. What I really wanted to do was to be myself and let everyone know that I was a healthy sexual person--and that is what he wanted and I believe what most everyone wants.

To permit nudity yet not allow ANY form of sexual expression, not even an erection, seems like an impossibility at best and a cruel tease at worst. Either way, it is a form or sexual repression. The nudists' claim that nudism is not about sex, and that nudist parks are in no way sexual, is hypocritical. The very nature of nudity in an otherwise clothed society is certainly going to increase sexual awareness; and to not be able to express that in any way, not even in touching ourselves or getting aroused, is simply unrealistic AND cruel. And so, when we fail at this, even if just in our thoughts, we consciously or unconsciously feel increased guilt, shame and embarrassment over our sexuality, which merely adds to our already societally-induced poor self-image problem in general.

We are sexual beings and our sexual energy will manifest itself one way or another no matter how hard we try to discourage it. If we can't express it in an open and positive manner, it will cause us to act out in unhealthy ways, such as aggression or substance abuse. The nudists--the unsuspecting victims of this sexual repression--seem to have various ways displaying their behavior and of coping with the dilemma of being torn between the freedom that they know they could feel and the repression that they actually do feel. Many do what the rest of society does--they either numb themselves with substances such as nicotine and alcohol or they act on their sexual feelings and lie about it. Some, to the dismay of the owners of the so-called 'family nudist parks', no longer even lie about it. They are known as swingers and they are out there in numbers; but in spite of how we might characterize or judge their lifestyle, they are the honest ones.

The nudist organizations themselves are not to be too heavily blamed for their contribution to sexual repression, however. They, after all, are simply extensions of our Western society that for centuries has repressed human sexuality, and they have had to conform to present standards in order to survive at all. We at least need to give them credit for attempting to defy some of the rules of society and break free from the pack.

But if we are to ever become the enlightened society we are capable of being, we need to further free ourselves from the social restrictions and religious taboos that have forced our sexual energy to manifest itself in destructive ways. We need to learn to trust our sexuality and to fully express it; and learn that to be free with it does not mean we are going destroy ourselves. In fact, by repressing it we are destroying ourselves. Rather, being free with it means that we can channel it into creative expressions such as helping each other and saving the planet. Only when we fully accept and respect ourselves as sexual beings, will we truly see ourselves as more than that--as spiritual beings; and seeing ourselves as spiritual beings having a full human experience--including our sexually--is the highest form of self-acceptance there is.

I now have nudist friends who are not only comfortable with their bodies but with their sexuality as well. We associated outside the park, in our homes, etc. We feel comfortable to be ourselves and do not hide our sexuality from each other. In fact, we honor and celebrate it. The tension and discomfort that the gentleman referred to in his phone call are not there. IT IS RELAXING because it is self-acceptance. * * *

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

DR. SEUSS'S GIFT OF GOD


The Seven Lady Godivas
Posted by Hello



"He wrote: "....practically no one ever bothered to buy a copy.""


DR. SEUSS'S GIFT OF GOD
By Daniel D. Ziegler

With the death of Dr. Seuss (Theodore S. Geisel) in September of 1991, the world lost a brilliant writer; and, many of us feel that we also lost a good friend. Best known for his 41 children's books, he also wrote three adult books, two of those his final years--You're Only Old Once and Oh, the Places You'll Go!. But few know that his first adult book, The Seven Lady Godivas,* was published way back in 1939. It was not a success, however. It was reprinted in 1987 but failed again. In a letter to me, Dr. Seuss referred to it as a "failed publication." He wrote, "...practically no one ever bothered to buy a copy." Today it is no longer in print and is only available through the rare book market. This article is an attempt to revive interest in the book by sharing an astonishing discovery about it.

In 1976, thirty-seven years after the publication of The Seven Lady Godivas, a work appeared on the market entitled, A Course in Miracles,** Published by the Foundation for Inner Peace, it had been written, or more appropriately, taken down through dictation of an inner voice heard by a professor of psychology, Dr. Helen Schucman. The voice claimed to be Jesus.

A Course in Miracles has been translated into a number of languages and has become the foundation for spiritual growth for many people around the world. It aims, in its own words, "...at removing the barriers to the awareness of love's presence."

In 1990, I discovered The Seven Lady Godivas. At the time, I had been working with A Course in Miracles for almost three years. I found The Seven Lady Godivas to be a delightfully humorous work that expressed a strong sense of physical self-acceptance and freedom to which I, as a nudist, easily related.

But there seemed to be more. From the very beginning, one phrase seemed to grab my attention. The words were, "Follow me." Dr. Seuss writes:

"Then she knocked at her sister's door. ‘Follow me,' said Hedwig. Just that and nothing more."

In his brilliance, Dr. Seuss seems to deliberately draw attention to the words Follow me' by adding, "Just that and nothing more." ‘Follow me' jumped out at me and I immediately thought of the references in the New Testament (KJV) in which Jesus used those words to call his disciples.

By this time, the book itself was beckoning me to follow it. After a number of readings, other passages caught my attention as well; one, in particular, seemed to correspond to a passage from A Course in Miracles and another to a passage from the Bible. Upon closer examination, I was startled to discover that what was being revealed was that The Seven Lady Godivas contains a very profound spiritual message, and that the Bible, and more particularly, A Course in Miracles, are the keys to unlocking that message. The story seems to be a metaphor for our own spiritual journey.

This was an astonishing revelation to me, and I felt both a sense of elation and disbelief. Wondering, in fact, if what I was seeing was real or a product of my imagination, I shared my insight with a friend who was familiar with both works. She too was deeply moved by the uncanny connection.

Since that time, I have not been able to completely set The Seven Lady Godivas aside. The profundity of the message and the clarity with which A Course in Miracles reveals it still seems uncanny to me. And, since few copies of The Seven Lady Godivas have been purchased and obviously fewer by people familiar with A Course in Miracles, it has also occurred to me that perhaps I am the only one to have made this discovery. Thus, I feel compelled to write about it. The following is an attempt to share, as I see it, the spiritual message within The Seven Lady Godivas.

The tale begins as Lord Godiva announces to his seven daughters that he is leaving for the Battle of Hastings--by horseback. It is important to know that in 11th century Coventry, according to Dr. Seuss, the horse was still "experimental" and basically "remained a mystery." Lord Godiva doesn't even make it to the drawbridge before Nathan, his war horse, throws him "spurs over breastplate off on his helm." By the time his daughters get to him, Lord Godiva is dead.

Saddened by their loss but recognizing their "grim obligation" to mankind to shed some light on the horse and make it "safe for posterity," each Godiva sister swears that she will not marry until she has discovered a Horse Truth. Peeping Tom and his six brothers, to whom the Godiva sisters are engaged, await patiently as each girl pursues her Horse Truth Quest. As each discovers her Horse Truth, she is free, once again, to be reunited with her Peeping.

Through clever illustrations and witty writing, Dr. Seuss leads his readers through some hilarious experiences as each of the seven Lady Godivas follows her path toward discovery of a Horse Truth.

Laughing, the reader will relate to each of the girls as she is followed through her adventure. From one who says, "I want another horse," we realize that we must deal with our issues as we have created them. From another we learn that being kicked in the rear can put us right where we need to be at times.

There could be much speculation about hidden meaning in this wonderful tale, but to me the real significance of the story lies in its message of self-acceptance and freedom. Dr. Seuss describes the Godiva sisters' attitude as he writes:

"And their nakedness was not a thing of shame."

A sense of self-acceptance and it's related freedom, at the physical level, is conveyed with these words.

But a strong sense of self-acceptance at the mental and emotional levels is also obvious. Each girl follows her own path and pursues her Horse Truth in her own way. One sister, analytical in her approach uses research to find her Horse Truth. Another says, "I shall go at the horse from a nautical angle."

That the book contains a spiritual message of self-acceptance is not quite so obvious, but never-the-less, it is there. To unlock the message required me to allow my mind, in Dr. Seuss's words, "to gallop wild along the most amazing thought lanes." Doing so was quite an adventure for me.

As I stated, the words "Follow me" were the first hint I had of a spiritual quality to this book and they invited me to look closer at other passages that might contain spiritual implications. I began thinking Dr. Seuss's beautiful words expressing Lord Godiva's thoughts as he observed his daughters. The words themselves seem to want special attention. Dr. Seuss writes:

"No where, he thought with satisfaction, could there be a group of young ladies that wasted less time upon frivol and froth. No fluffy duff primping, no feather, no fuss. They were simply themselves and chose not to disguise it."

That description, especially the last sentence, reminded me of the words from A Course in Miracles:

"I am as God created me." (Lessons 94, 110, 162).

Although these words in A Course in Miracles refer to our higher self--our spirit--they aptly describe how the Godiva sisters must have felt about their bodies. It was possible, I thought, that the self-acceptance the girls felt about their physicality could be viewed as symbolic of how we are to view our spirituality. But yet that did not seem like enough evidence to conclude that the book carried a specific and intentional spiritual message.

The next passage to attract my attention first did so because it appears in italics. They are words spoken by Hedwig, the eldest daughter, as she instructs her sisters. As each discovers her Horse Truth, she is to inscribe it on a page in a special Oath Book, which Hedwig has prepared. Dr. Seuss writes:

"So long as your page remains empty of Horse Truth, so shall your life remain empty of
love,"


After reading the book several times, these words seemed to inscribe themselves on my mind, demanding to be understood. At one point, as I was playing with them, I rephrased them to read, ‘Find your Horse Truth and you will be free to love.' Then it hit my like a flash of light--they were similar to words from the Bible and I clearly saw them in front of me:

"And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free," (John 8, 32)

The tingling that went through body and the tears that flooded my eyes told me that I had been given an important revelation. There was no doubt now that this book contained some very profound spiritual information.

But it still seemed to be in bits and pieces. Was this all there was--two seemingly unrelated passages? Or was there more? Did this book only contain fragments of spiritual teachings? Were the pieces ever going to fit together?

This is what I had so far: One passage that seemed similar to, "I am as God created me," from A Course in Miracles and another that seemed similar to, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free," from the Bible. If there was a spiritual message of some sort, what was it saying? What is the truth that makes us free? Free to do what? Was it trying to say that if we discover our Truth, then we will be able to experience love--just as when the Godiva sisters discovered their Horse Truths, they were free to be reunited with their lovers? Whose love would we experience? These were all questions that were "galloping wild though my mind."

Several weeks later, I had the answers to these questions. One day, as I was cross-referencing between the Bible and A Course in Miracles, I was led to the explanation of Lesson 110 of A Course in Miracles in the Workbook for Students. I could hardly believe what I was reading. At the top of the page read the words, "I am as God created me," and toward the bottom of the page, as part of the explanation, "This is the truth that comes to set you free."

As I read the words, I was overwhelmed with a sense of elation and tears once again flooded my eyes. Not only was I totally convinced that the story contained a very definite and clear message, but here it was in front of me, explained in A Course in Miracles. What is the truth that makes us free, and what are we free to do? What is our Truth or Highest?

According to A Course in Miracles, our Highest Truth is that, in spirit, we remain as God created us--perfect in His image; and it is with this realization that we are free to experience God's perfect love. It is the highest level of self-acceptance and freedom. It is also the end of our Horse Truth Quest--the end of our spiritual journey. We have arrived.

Here then, totally expose, standing in all its glory, is the message contained within The Seven Lady Godivas: ‘I AM AS GOD CREATED ME'.

Although many spiritual works convey that ultimately self-acceptance and freedom occur at the spiritual level, The Seven Lady Godivas is unique in its approach in that it deals with all levels of self-acceptance, beginning with the physical. It serves as an important reminder that we must accept our physicality before we can accept our spirituality. Self-awareness and self-acceptance at the spiritual level are not possible until we have removed all the blocks and barriers that stand in our way at lower levels. Even negative feelings about our bodies, are judgments that block our progress of spiritual growth. The Godiva sisters seem to be inviting all of us to reclaim acceptance of our original state--beginning with our bodies.

The Seven Lady Godivas is special to me. I wrote to Dr. Seuss several times, both to express my appreciation for the book and to offer my thoughts on it; and though he avoided answering any of my questions pertaining to the source of inspiration for the book, I'm so glad I took the time to write while he was still alive. In his letter to me he wrote:


Letter From Dr. Seuss
Posted by Hello


"Thank you, Dan Ziegler...For finding qualities in The Seven Lady Godivas that are not apparent to the average reader.

"There are, of course no average readers of this book because practically no one ever bothered to buy a copy.

"Your letter and your review were greatly appreciated. They made me feel that maybe this failed publication wasn't a complete failure after all.

Dr. Seuss."

Was this beautiful metaphor divinely inspired, thirty-seven years earlier, by that same author as A Course in Miracles? Was Dr. Seuss aware that he was writing about our spiritual journey and expressing our ultimate Truth? What was going on in his mind as he wrote it?

Perhaps we will never know the answer to these questions and others, but that is not important. The importance lies with the message itself--with the fact that we once again have been reminded of our Highest Truth. Throughout history, mankind has been given this message often--often misunderstood, often misinterpreted, often forgotten--only to be revealed again. When we seem to have forgotten, we are once again reminded.

It is my hope that enough interest can be stimulated to revive this book and warrant a reprinting. After all, it wasn't written to be "a failed publication." Translated, ‘Godiva' means ‘gift of God'. This book is a Godiva. * * *

* Seuss, Dr., The Seven Lady Godivas, Random House Publishing Company, 201 E. 50th Street, New York, NY 10032, 1987, ISBN 0-394-56269-0. (For possible availability call 1-800-733-3000.)

** A Course in Miracles, Foundation for Inner Peace, P.O.B. 1104 Glen Ellen, CA 95442. Portions reprinted by permission from A Course in Miracles, Copyright 1975, Foundation for Inner Peace.

Copyright 1999 Daniel D. Ziegler

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Monday, January 23, 2006

THE LAST STRETCH


Note: This was written by a good friend and because it is so well expressed, I decided to include it here among my writings. ddz

"Naturism has become a healing balm for my weary spirit."

THE LAST STRETCH
By Shirley Swift

THE BREEZE DANCED across the lake creating sparkling diamonds on the water. It was a sight I'd experienced many times before. However, when the breeze reached me this time, it gently brought me into an awareness that I was part of the scene that lay before me--I was one with the Earth and the Water and the Air. Finally, there were no barriers, real or contrived. I sat there feeling connected with something greater than me--with myself feeling complete with nature; and amazed that I had waited until I was 48 years old to shed my clothes at the edge of a lake.

A new acquaintance by the name of Dan Ziegler, who is an avid naturist kept telling me about Turtle Lake Resort, the clothing-optional park he visited every week end. Of course, the first thought that came to mind was that there was no way I was going to visit a nudist colony, and I wasn't sure I would continue the acquaintance either. He and I were both on a path of spiritual growth, but I didn't need to get naked to find myself. Over several months he became my friend and I learned he wasn't anything like the stereotypical sex-crazed person I had in mind when nudism is the topic.

It took a while to actually have enough courage to experience social nudity. When the time was right, I entered the park and received an orientation and a tour. At first, every joke and cartoon I had ever seen or heard about nudists crossed my mind. It took me a while to get used to feeling sweat trickle down my body instead of being trapped and soaked up by my clothes, and I hated the way my legs rubbed together. However, I found security in the towel I carried to sit on, but eventually I didn't have to hide behind it any longer.

I learned being a naturist is nothing about exhibitionism. I found entire families experiencing oneness with nature -- swimming, boating, playing on the beach, playing volleyball, biking, hiking, camping - you name it. There is a generous usage of sunscreen, especially with youngsters, but other than that, being nude gave them no restrictions in activities.

Self-acceptance is a high priority issue when striving toward spiritual growth, and visiting the park was last stretch needed toward arriving at a comfort level where I could rest for a while before continuing the climb. Naturism has become a healing balm for my weary spirit. Now, looking back at my reluctance, I see many things in an expanded light. A Bible passage says, "…you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." The applied truth involved in accepting oneself does set one free to grow and learn. It is a kind of freedom that has to be embraced. I can't imagine life without spending my weekends "naked before God" surrounded by nature's beauty. * * *

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com

Sunday, January 22, 2006

OUR HEALING


"Simply feeling good about our sexuality will go along way toward healing many of our social ills."

OUR HEALING
By Daniel D. Ziegler

If we listen to the news and look at the newspapers, we realize that we as a society obviously have problems. We seem to be a society out of control. Some say we have lost our morals. Others say we have forgotten God. Still others say greed has taken over or that our lives are too complicated, we need to simplify them. That we have a problem, we agree on. What we don't seem to be able to agree upon is what the real problem or problems are. Whatever the problem is, it shows up in many forms--anger, violence and rage and all too often, in deadly shootings. And it shows up everywhere--in our schools, in our businesses, in government, in our homes, in churches, everywhere. There seems to be no group or situation that escapes its grip.

Deep inside, unconsciously, many of us know or sense what the problem is--at least a big part of it. But by the very sensitive nature of the problem itself, we are discouraged from admitting to it, from looking at it, and certainly from talking about it or suggesting what it might be for fear of being branded as being part of the problem itself. So we remain silent, and it remains an unmentionable. We go about our daily lives either ignoring it or looking for some other issue, or issues, to blame, kidding ourselves into thinking we can solve it some other way--fewer guns, perhaps more guns, tighter gun controls, and on and on and on. But we can't. These suggestions are simply scapegoats skirting the issue, and we won't solve the problem it until we have the courage to face it head on.

Perhaps it is in one of the ways that the problem shows up that is most telling or most revealing of itself. It is in the form of perverted and abusive sex. While this can be most revealing, it also can is the most distracting clue too, for in these cases sex itself seems to be the culprit, or at least our handling, or mishandling, of sex. Yet this idea is misleading and without careful re-examination, we can be led down a path which can only make the problem worse, not better. So the real problem continues to elude most of us.

A few brave souls in our past know and have known what the problem is--or at least a major portion of it--and have been trying to do something about it for years. These are brave souls indeed, pioneers, in a sense, going where no man or woman in our society has gone before. But many of these individuals are not well known to the general public, and if they are, they are branded as being on the fringes of society, certainly not mainstream and certainly not people we would want to be seen or identified with. So we won't see them at a White House conference on crime, for example.

What is the problem? The problem is simply our negative attitude toward our sexuality--not our sexuality, but our negative attitude toward it--and our resulting ignorance. The problem reaches every aspect of our lives, and the affects are far more reaching than any of us imagine.

Basically we are a sexually frustrated society. We are a society operating on misdirected sexual energy. We are like a creative child whose creativity is stifled and whose repressed creative energy displays itself in frustration, in the form of anger, violence and destruction. With that child, the creative energy shows its dark and shadowy side. And so it is with our society.

Another way of looking at it is to think of someone who has poor eating habits and is not eating properly, and therefore not getting their nutritional needs met. The body cries out trying to satisfy itself but because of the poor eating habits, the person ends up "pigging out" on junk food, which can lead to all kinds of problems--including behavioral. This is what is happening to us because we are pigging out on "junk sex" because healthy sex is illudes us because of repression. The anger, the violence, the road rage, drug use, shootings, and all the rest that are so prevalent with us, is simply our repressed creative sexual energy showing up as frustration. We are experiencing our dark and ugly sides because our light and healthy sides have been held down, repressed.

The most direct way this shows up, of course, is sexual. It shows up in the form of perverted and abusive sex--and our fascination and obsession with it. An example of this, an incident related to a former president, is still all too fresh in our memories. But let us make no mistake about this, though, sexual repression rears its ugly head in many, many ways, not just sexual. Another example is our general attitude of shame toward our bodies. We cover our bodies for concealment and adornment based on shame, and we have become obsessed with fashion to the point where teenagers are shooting each other over jackets and sneakers. The diet industry bombards us with often dangerous products, and women have dangerous breast implants inserted. All this because we don't like our bodies, we don't like ourselves--which is ultimately based on our negative attitude toward our own sexuality. The problem of sexual repression is far reaching.

This is not startling new information, though. Freud, and others have taught us about sexual energy, and what happens with us when we repress it. Wilhelm Reich, who wrote several books dealing with sexual repression including The Mass Psychology of Fascism, was thrown in prison where he eventually died for teaching that sexual energy is healing energy and could actually heal cancer. Talk about repression.

But this type of repression is still going on today, such that any public figure that dares to speak out on the issue is quickly and quietly shoved back into the background and into the fringes. That's how deeply ingrained the problem is. An example of this occurred a some ago when Dr. Joycelyn Elders was fired from her post as Surgeon General of the United State for merely suggesting that we talk about masturbation in our schools as a way of curbing teenage pregnancies. Dr Elders saw the problem, and was sincere in her desire to offer positive solutions. She was on to something, and most of us know that at some level. But our shame, our embarrassment, our guilt, and in general, our fear (or rather the fears of our elected politicians) all led us away from what would be a simple and healthy solution--or at least part of the solution--of a serious problem plaguing our society. Fortunately Dr. Elders is still doing her brave work today she but she remains outside of the public sector. Our loss.

We are making some progress, though, but we still have along ways to go. Today we are learning that Reich was correct. Sexual energy IS creative energy, IS life energy, IS life itself. It is the most powerful energy there is, and if we try to smother it, it will show up some other way--and show up it will. And that is what is happening in our society and that is what we need to learn. Now, can we admit to that? And if we can, how do we have it not manifest itself in negative ways? How do we let our sexuality play itself out in healthy ways? Aren't we talking about a sexual revolution with such ideas? All good and very important questions.

As a result of thousands of years of sexual repression through religious restrictions, social taboos, moral codes, emotional conventions, etc., it is difficult for of us to even know what healthy sexuality is, let alone how to let it play out. We are simply ignorant. All we know or all we have been taught-- our entire attitude toward sexuality--is based on shame, embarrassment, guilt and fear. That cannot possibly be healthy, and so healthy sexuality, for the most part, remains a mystery to us. We, as a society, probably don't yet have the slightest clue as to the beauty of human sexuality and how it can help lead us to spiritual enlightenment. But we need to start learning fast, and stop fearing it, or it will destroy us.

The fear that we have of unleashing our sexuality is that, as a society, we would totally lose control if we were allowed to experience and express all our natural urges. What is happening, though, is that we have gone totally out of control as a result of repressing these natural urges. The very thing that we fear is now occurring as a result of our fear, only in a different way. We are out of control with violence.

To correct the problem we must face our fear, that is stop being ashamed of our sexuality, stop feeling embarrassed over feeling sexual, stop feeling guilty over being sexual and stop fearing our sexuality all together. If we can begin to feel good about our sexuality, we will begin feeling good about ourselves. And why shouldn't we? After all, we were created as sexual beings, so to feel good about that, is to feel good about who we are; and when we can feel good about ourselves, we will feel better toward each other.

Simply feeling good about our sexuality will go a long way toward healing many of our social ills. All we need to do is get in touch with ourselves, be ourselves, let ourselves out, and be all that we are. We all are simply crying to be let out. As creations of the Universe, all we want is to be seen and recognized for who and what we are, and that includes sexual beings. This won't require a sexual revolution, just an awakening. And, we would no more get out of control than a creative child gets out of control when that child is handed a set of paints and paper or is exposed to music and begins to dance. A healthy expression and release of our sexual energy will remove the frustration that we now live with. It will allow us to feel good about ourselves, and it will allow us to re-channel much of that energy into many new forms of creative social endeavors that will genuinely improve social conditions on the planet. We will not lose control, as we have feared.

But how do we begin? Again, by first being willing to look at ourselves, recognizing that our attitude toward our sexuality might just be a major problem, that it just may be the cause of what is going on in our society. This will probably be a most difficult step to take, however, because we are in such denial over the whole issue of our sexuality. The ingraining runs very deep and like all denials, covers its own tracks. But if we are to save ourselves from our own self-destruction, we must begin, and that is where--admit our mistake.

Then, we need to actually get in touch with our sexuality. This may not be easy either, again because we have never truly done that. We have never truly accepted our sexuality as something healthy and beautiful. And, we may not be able to overcome all the shame, embarrassment, guilt and fear in our lifetime, but we can at least begin, thus leaving the door open for our children to break the cycle we have been trapped in.

To get in touch with our sexuality, we need to step out of our comfort zone and learn of sexuality anew. We can begin by reading books on sexuality--even erotica. There are many good books in our bookstores, and now many books on spirituality even include discussions of positive sexuality. One of the pioneers I refer to is Betty Dodson PhD sex educator and author of SEX FOR ONE and ORGASMS FOR TWO. I highly recommend these. The Internet, in spite of its reputation for containing pornography, contains a wealth of good information. There are many excellent web sites dedicated to positive human sexuality, and there are many excellent books and videos available through these sites. A good site is the Society for Human Sexuality. Much of this information is provided by those whom I mentioned earlier--the pioneers--who work on the fringes of our society doing the ground work in human sexuality. They are the ones who recognize that we have serious problems in the area of our sexuality, and they are the real experts on the subject.

Then, attend lectures and seminars. Start discussion groups--even in our churches--where there may be the most opposition but where they most needed. Share with others the material that we have. Talk openly with others, and share what we've learned--and what we're feeling.And, learn about ourselves. This is so important. Learn to like ourselves, learn to love ourselves, and most importantly, learn to make love to ourselves, and to be totally in touch with how that feels. And, feel good about doing that. That is an important step because self-love is the beginning of all love.

And the last thing we need to do, but certainly not the least important, is to teach our children to love themselves and their sexuality--no shame, no embarrassment, no guilt, and no fear--just to love themselves, as Dr. Elders was suggesting. Our teenage children need a healthy and safe release of their sexual energy, and they need and deserve our support and encouragement in doing so, after all, they are sexual beings too. Again, this may not be an easy step for us, especially since we have pushed the job of sex education off on to our schools because we were afraid to talk about it ourselves--or didn't know enough about it. Again, the shame and embarrassment runs deep, but let's not pass as much of it on to our children as was passed on to us. Rather, let us teach them love, beginning with self-love. An excellent book in thie area is HARMFUL TO MINORS: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex by Judith Levine.

These steps will all serve as a beginning. Since we are products of sexual repression, we have no clear guidelines to go by, so much of what we will learn will be discovered as we go along. But if we can constantly remind ourselves to always come from love and never from fear, we will be guided through this uncharted territory to our destination.

In conclusion, it would serve us well to be honest with ourselves over this whole issue and admit we know what the problem is. If we can, we will have made great strides into healing the human psyche--and the planet. We may, indeed, even be saving ourselves. To look at ourselves honestly is perhaps the most difficult part but also the most rewarding. We must then trust this process, and if we can trust the process, the rest will follow. The next generation can live more peaceful lives and can enjoy what we most feared--our own God-given sexuality. Let us be the ones who discover that our sexuality can indeed lead us to enlightenment. And, let's not forget to have fun.

My Vision of the World:
I see a world in which we are neither burdened by shame of our bodies nor fear of our sexuality and we are free to seek the highest expression of our human experience. ddz

To receive a free e-copy (PDF file) of my book NAKED BEFORE GOD: A Look At Healing, Self-discovery and Spiritual Growth Through Social Nudism, go to http://less-onsfortruth.com/ or email me ddziegler44@yahoo.com