My two experiences of public nudity were on opposite ends of the spectrum. But they revealed common truths.

My first was as a skydiver. It was always joked about, that a skydiver’s 100th skydive needed to be a naked one. Often, jumpers would get skydive friends to join in the nakedness. Not being an exhibitionist myself, I still wanted to experience it. The thought of being able to feel the balance, wind and exposure on ALL my skin, was truly exciting. I went alone on a weekday, and jumped alone. I was fully present (and cold at altitude!), and loved every second of it. There was a breath-taking moment once I was under canopy, and relaxed after the freefall. I had looked down at all the houses – clear out to the city where people were working…and I felt bad for them all. I pitied them for not ever having the experience of flying naked above the world.

Read more