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The Road to Shambala

3/30/2018

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Just off I10 near Palm Springs and pretty much in the middle of nowhere, there lies an oasis of sun, fun and unregulated joy. A place where the puritanical rules and regulations of the early American naturist movement need not apply. The name of this place is Sea Mountain Resort, but I just call it Shambala.
Throughout my nearly thirty some odd years in and around the business of social nudism, it seems that I had formed some pretty naïve opinions concerning the so-called lifestyle scene. All of my pre-conceived notions were about to be forever rewritten when I was struck with an epiphany that this just might be the most honest and pure form of nudism I had ever experienced.  
After convincing a courageous non-nudist friend of mine (couples only) to accompany me, we headed out “On the Road to Shambala” which was just a ten minute journey from where I currently live. When we arrived, we were greeted by two beautiful sarong clad twins, both named Jessica (It must have been very confusing for their parents). Since this was our first visit, one of the Jessicas (don’t ask me which one) offered to take us on a brief tour of the grounds. The tour started off in the refreshment room that was filled with complimentary munchies, fruits, teas, juices and sodas. They also serve complimentary Killer Margaritas, wine, breakfast and lunch. On top of that, you are welcome to bring in your own favorite libations and snacks. As we walked past the main mineral spring pool, Jessica announced to the crowd, “I’d like to introduce you to your new friends”, which was followed by a resounding “Welcome!” from the other sunbathers. 
Next stop was the Taboo Gardens Lounge, a cool little spot between the pool and the hot tub that consisted of a DJ booth, dance floor, stripper pole and in the middle of all that, a round bed. As we passed by the mineral spring hot tub and through the barbeque area, I noticed a sign that proclaimed “Keep Calm and Smoke Pot”. That’s when I knew for sure that I had come to the right place.
The grounds have a magical Zen garden feel and we spent the rest of the day soaking up the sun, occasionally dipping in the pool to cool off and listening to the awesome poolside sound system. The best part is that we met some of the most warm and wonderful people who have shed many of the common social morays to live a more genuine and honest life where only they determine what is right or wrong for them. I realize that this lifestyle is not for everyone, but if you believe that consenting adults should be allowed to pursue joy in all its forms as long as nobody gets hurt, then I suggest you give this place a try.
I’m not going to share everything that I experienced that day, but let’s just say that my light shined very bright in the “Halls of Shambala”. 
It’s like I always say: Do no harm, but follow your bliss dude.
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    About Wali,
    The Grateful Dude

    In my formative years, I was lucky enough to attend an amazing high school modeled after the freedom school from the Billie Jack films. The curriculum included outdoor education, pottery and organic farming and emphasized values like creativity, self awareness and a strong sense of community. I spent several summers traveling from show to show with The Grateful Dead and found that not only could I beat the crap out of a plastic bucket in a drum circle, I was also quite the imported beer salesman. My early career started off in the eighties driving limousine for posers, drug dealers and wannabe rock stars in Los Angeles. In the late eighties, I was introduced to the former owner of Paradise Lakes Nudist Resort who had just seduced and proposed to my roommate while she was on vacation in Florida. Fred took me aside one afternoon  and told me, “I like you, kid and since I’m taking your roommate and I’m pretty sure you can’t afford this beach rental on your own, why not come on out to Florida? I’ll find you a place to stay, give you a job and you’ll be surrounded by naked women”. So I loaded up my truck and moved to Paradise. Lakes, that is. Swimmin’ pools. Porno stars. (insert banjo solo here).

    I wake up every morning (well almost every morning) knowing that today is a wonderful gift to be unwrapped and explored. I believe that every day is filled with limitless possibilities and endless abundance. I’m convinced that our true purpose in life is to interact with our fellow beings and give witness to this amazing universe that surrounds us.

    If you are searching for miracles in life, you need go no farther than your backyard to realize that we are living in the midst of the greatest miracle of all.

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