Naked Idealism

Underlying definitions and assumptions

Naked Idealism is an empowering approach to authentic living that supports both personal fulfillment and a sustainable, just world. Integrating the ideas of many thinkers, it is based upon several definitions and assumptions:

• A sustainable life includes fun, fulfillment, balance, success and expression of what’s most important to us. Without these elements, it’s difficult to maintain energy over the long term.
• A sustainable world includes elements that contribute to a healthy, harmonious, peaceful and life-supporting existence: environmentally friendly practices, social justice, creative expression, and a deep respect for all living things, to name a few.
• Authenticity, a vital component of both, is full and honest expression of who we really are, through the activities we engage in, the visions we pursue, and the way we interact with others.
• When we understand and honor our authentic selves, and proactively create what’s important to us rather than reacting to problems, we’re less likely to engage in socially and environmentally destructive behavior. By clarifying and pursuing what we want more directly, we often reduce the need to seek materialistic replacements to “fill the void.”
• When we relate to ourselves and to the world in a more honest and authentic manner, we reduce the conflict and suffering often caused by prejudice, fear, and unnecessary competition.
• When we’re happy with our own lives, we’re better able to share our energy and gifts with others. We’re less likely to face burnout, and we can have greater positive impact.

Definition of an idealist and naked idealist

In its broadest sense, an idealist is someone who frequently entertains ideas about how our life and the world around us might be different – possibilities of how things could be. We also strive for authenticity in our thinking and actions, and we seek to create a world where others can live authentically. Because the “spark of change” often begins with idealists, these individuals play a vital role in the world. Without them, we would rarely move forward. Sadly, many idealists never communicate or bring to life some of their best ideas, or never even develop visions based upon them. Afraid to go beyond the status quo, they may simply remain frustrated that the world is not as they wish.

A naked idealist has taken the next step toward fulfilling their dreams for their own life and the world. This is someone who has learned to exist, act and relate in an authentic, sustainable, joyful and impactful way. More specifically, we are practicing naked idealism when:

• We have removed facades to fully understand, accept and expose our Authentic Side (includes life purpose, values, and strengths).
• We drive our actions via the powerful pull of “naked visions” stripped of the constraints of current reality, yet strongly grounded in our Authentic Side.
• We still respect current reality as we move forward, but we do not allow our judgments of how it should be to paralyze or overpower us.
• We relate to the world in a manner that reflects our Authentic Side, supports creation of our desired end results, and respects the interconnectedness among everyone and everything.

Naked idealism is not a final end state, where we wake up one morning and exclaim, “Okay, I’m there. All done now!” Rather, it is a continuous process where there is always room for self-improvement. In striving for this, it’s helpful to keep in mind some of the individuals whom we believe best reflect the above characteristics. This is different for each of us, but it might include Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rachel Carson, a media personality like Oprah, a founder of a major religion, a visionary entrepreneur like Bill Gates, an artist who is living their dream, or people who joyfully share their energy every day but may never receive public recognition for their efforts.

So get out there, expose your authenticity, and express your naked idealism!