The very idea of getting nude before others can be unnerving to most people. To make use of nudity to improve one’s self esteem can still be scary to weigh and consider even if it has been done by persons you consider respectable and trustworthy, including those whom you personally know. Some celebrities come into mind, including the late Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Meryl Streep, Vanessa Williams, the late Heath Ledger, the late Marlon Brando, Harvey Keitel, Kevin Bacon, Bruce Willis, Ewan McGregor, among a host of others. They have certainly added more mileage on their marketing efforts to sustain public attention by going out in the nude, but we do not see this being applied to ourselves.

We we seemingly have reservations if we will consider the act of going in the nude before the public (or even for a lone person for purposes other than sex) can even contribute to a higher level of self-esteem (at least to some). Indeed, this is one very tricky proposition, as it can open up oneself to ridicule and humiliation. We see the use of shame (or shaming), being a great inhibitor, and a favorite tool of others who like to counter the work of pioneering and brave individuals.

But baring oneself in order to gain something, in this case, some form of cash compensation for a “little” work done, has resulted to more rewards and benefits to the author. This includes a better self image from having taken courage in doing something which others would usually not undertake. He gained in the process, a much positive regard for his body, which he oftentimes have disregarded and not taken much care of in many occasions (due to lack of discipline or simply exhaustion from other kinds of work).

As it is, the reward of gaining better level of self-confidence, for sure, transpired as an outcome from doing one of the many part-time job experiences of this author. He responded to a posting on the “Gigs” section of the ever ubiquitous Craigslist, the online site that describes itself “local classifieds and forums - community moderated, and largely free.” The author emailed in response to an anonymous poster of an advertisement seeking nude models for photographic studies. It would be a paid gig, which means the author would be receiving some amount of compensation or in kind, in return for the willingness to shed one’s clothes before the camera.

In the exchange of emails between the author and the ad poster, he found out more about the photographer. He turned out to be a respectable artist, of Indian descent, with a portfolio showing pictures of well known celebrities including actors in the movies, “Lord of the Rings,” and “Sex from the City.” The photographic shoot took place in a private studio somewhere in Union Square in New York City, fronting the park that is known for its bohemian-like way of living by those seen congregating in the area. The shots numbered at least 6 shots, copies of which were given the author after the shoot. It was over in less than 20 minutes, and the author was paid and asked to sign a release form.

As it were, it turned out to be more of a work experience that has an unusual demand i.e. to take off one’s clothes, the story of which can always be shared with anyone curious and interested. The author has decided that he can be naked in front of another person, other than for any sexual reason, or even for a routine medical check-up. The pictures turned out to be a revelation, as the author has seen himself from a different media, other than a mirror, in pictures that were exposing his bare skin and all.

From the experience, the author has then considered nudity as a platform to be used to acquire a certain level of self confidence. As such, going on naked for a gig has enabled him to literally shed off inhibitions (in the process) as if these inhibitions can be grasped in one’s hands. For sure, fear and shame got into the author’s mind as he took off his clothes after the photographer told him to take off his clothes. But they were gone the minute the reality of an experience like this was fast revealing itself right there and then.

Looking back, this author then recommends that the task of getting nude before others can become manageable if one is emotionally prepared for it. Keep away from doing it, just for the sake of exposing oneself in order to derive some form of pleasure (this then is considered the behavior of an “exhibitionist”) from it. Do not do it, if it just exposes you to abusive situations, including those perpetrated by people who like to take advantage of one’s less than mature age, social background, or even unreasonable financial considerations, i.e. the compensation you get is not commensurate to what you will gain from it. Other factors that are helpful in coping with the idea include one’s background and predisposition. This includes one’s age, accumulated life’s experiences, and the willingness to even consider nudity as part and parcel of living. Plus, the courage to embrace changes as they present themselves in one’s life.

For those keenly interested, one way to start making nudity work in order to gain more self confidence is to keep repeating a mantra to oneself while doing it. Remember: you were born naked into this world, and it is the culture that has generally made nudity “dirty” or worst, disgusting, in one sense or another. Babies are almost always naked; you would even see yourself naked in your baby pictures if you happened to have them someplace. More so, people procreate when they are in the nude (unless something else is happening).

Another way is to start exploring going to places where nudity is valued. This includes some well known nudist beaches or outdoor places close to your location. Start becoming friendly with others who value nudity, and you will feel less shame from doing it. It can even be considered as a form of self expression. You are, in a way, sending out a message that you can handle yourself even in the company of others while you are without, or barely with clothes on.

Another suggestion in order to start the process of becoming more at home with seeing yourself in the nude is by going naked when you are alone in the place where you live. Start this in your room, and be ready to check out the reflection of your body against the mirror. Embrace yourself, in a way of saying, and congratulate yourself for having done so.

Start watching good movies that show some nudity done by people whom you respect and have a positive regard of (you don’t really need to watch porno just for this purpose) as good persons. Or start studying the nude in its many forms in well known art-works, including those by Picasso, Renoir, Courbet, among others. As noticed by great artists before us, there is something always beautiful beyond description by mere words about the naked human form.

You may also venture into spending time in spas or massage rooms where nudity is encouraged. It takes a lot of prodding for some people to do this, as it looks offensive to them as this can be an offshoot of how they were brought up. Certain cultures, like the Japanese, Koreans, Swedes actually encourage nudity especially when going to confined or open areas where swimming or bathing is done. Start disrobing yourself with others of the same gender, and you will start getting more in touch with your self. You pretty much see what you also have with what others show on unto you.

Lastly, have fun doing it. This helps lighten up the mental load. Try to imagine and remind yourself that others have done successfully in life when they have bared themselves one way or another. Be happy about the idea that you are being asked to do nudity for a purpose bigger than yourself, that you are in a way leading a way for others to bare themselves more comfortably before the unwilling others. This affirms what others would always like to see from everyone, this quality of being your authentic self.

In a way, it is actually yourself staring at you, in another manner than you may be willing to imagine now. What you see out there among naked people is just a likeness of your own self, in a more physical but uncovered way. You gradually come into terms with the idea that nudity, indeed, helps you become more comfortable with who you are as a person, as a unique being, while you negotiate and relate with others with whom you have more similarities than differences.