You can be naked while fully clothed.

Confidence and vulnerability are not switched up in the seams of what you choose to put or not put on your body. And so the theme of issue 7 is NAKED in all its forms and definitions; vulnerability, confidence, empowerment, fear, openness, beauty, acceptance, love, truth, brutal honesty, and the pure self. Whatever being naked is and means and represents to you, explore it.

What would you say to your body? Or to your best friends body? Your lovers body? Would you write long letters along the lengths of their arm, point out the sparkle of their untouched bed hair, hush their critical mouths with soft compliments to your own? Would you do the same for yourself?

When do you strip back and allow yourself no form of shield? Is it just in the mirror? Or when was the last time you were naked in plain sight, open, honest, vulnerable, and soft? Or are you jagged? A body of strong, sharp edges, stood up straight, regal and confident? Is your naked body your cry of empowerment? When did you learn to love it?

How are you? How do you feel? Tears, screaming fight, holding someone afterwards, waking up in love. Which version of you is the most truthful? How do you dig out your authentic self, who will you allow to be present for the welcoming of the pure you? Who do you want to tell your secrets to? Whose secrets would you keep? Whose skin do you mindlessly stroke with your thumb, sat in silence and at peace?

To be naked is not always to be nude, so how you do you, feel, talk, or turn to when you’re bare?

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