Let It Be: The Freedom of Accepting What We Cannot Change
There is something profoundly reassuring about The Beatles’ Let It Be. More than half a century after its release in March 1970, its message continues to resonate because it addresses something we all experience: the difficulty of accepting circumstances beyond our control.
Paul McCartney has explained that the song was inspired by a dream about his late mother during a particularly difficult period of his life. What emerged was not a message about giving up, but one about finding peace amid uncertainty.
I believe there is a meaningful connection between that philosophy and naturism.
Naturism is, in many respects, an exercise in acceptance. We learn to recognise our bodies as they are rather than continually measuring ourselves against expectations of how we believe they should appear. We begin to appreciate that ageing, physical differences and imperfections are ordinary aspects of being human.
Importantly, acceptance does not mean abandoning the desire to improve ourselves. It means recognising that our worth is not conditional upon achieving an impossible ideal.
There is scientific evidence supporting the psychological value of this approach.
Research published by Dr Keon West in the Journal of Happiness Studies in 2018 examined the relationship between naturist activities, body image, self-esteem and life satisfaction.
Across three studies, the findings suggested that participation in naturist activities was associated with more positive body image and psychological wellbeing.
The research does not establish that naturism will improve everybody’s mental health.
Nevertheless, it provides an interesting foundation for understanding why environments that encourage body acceptance may have psychological benefits.
A similar principle appears in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a recognised psychological approach that encourages people to acknowledge difficult thoughts and feelings while continuing to act according to their personal values.
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis, covering 67 unique studies and 9,123 participants, found that improvements in psychological flexibility were associated with reductions in psychological distress.
The lesson is not that we should become indifferent to life’s difficulties.
It is that we can distinguish between what requires our action and what lies beyond our control.
We can remain compassionate without assuming responsibility for every outcome. We can support somebody without making their decisions for them. We can maintain our principles while accepting that not every question has an immediate answer.
Naturism offers a practical reminder of this distinction.
When we stop treating the human body as something that must be concealed, corrected or judged against an artificial standard, we create space for a different relationship with ourselves.
We are not suddenly free from every insecurity.
We are simply learning that we need not allow those insecurities to dictate how we live.
Perhaps the same understanding can help us navigate life’s uncertainties.
We do not have to resolve every difficulty today.
We do not have to anticipate every possible outcome. And we do not have to carry responsibilities that are not ours to carry.
Sometimes wellbeing begins with recognising what matters, acting where we can make a difference and accepting what we cannot change.
That, to me, is the enduring wisdom of Let It Be.
Has naturism helped you become more accepting of yourself, or perhaps taught you something about letting go of expectations beyond your control?
