If you've heard the term ‘naked yoga,' you likely thought it's just the latest fad and has nothing to do with yoga's true roots. But surprisingly, this isn't the case at all. The truth is yoga has been practiced naked since ancient times, serving as a spiritual practice of renunciation.
But is modern-day naked yoga the same? Or has it turned into a hippie, new-age, or toxic spiritual movement? Let's find out more about the naked yoga practice!
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What is naked yoga?
In naked yoga, you do the same poses as in other yoga styles; the only difference is you practice them in the buff.
In Sanskrit, naked yoga is known as Nagna yoga or Vivastra yoga.
Naked yoga has existed as a spiritual practice for centuries. It was first mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana (written c. 800–1000 AD), which states the following:
“A person in the renounced order of life may try to avoid even a dress to cover himself.”
It's common for people on spiritual paths to renounce their possessions. However, the Bhagavata Purana suggests that renouncing your clothes is integral to this practice.
Ancient Greek geographer Strabo also wrote about his encounters with Indian yogis. He described how they practiced standing, sitting, and reclining naked postures. So, clearly, this idea of practicing yoga nude is not a new concept!
5 benefits of trying yoga in the buff
Nowadays, naked yoga is becoming a widespread practice that promotes body positivity, self-acceptance, and a deeper connection with oneself.
This yoga style is nothing about fitness but all about feeling sensual, liberated, confident, and beautiful in your skin. Here are five things you can gain by giving nude yoga a go:
- Increased body awareness – When you are nude during yoga, you are more aware of yourself and your body. Without the distraction of clothes, you can better observe your alignment, movement, and posture.
- Heightened sensory experience – Being unclothed can increase sensitivity to touch, temperature, and other physical sensations, leading to a more immersive experience.
- Enhanced self-acceptance and confidence – Practicing yoga naked can help you become more comfortable and accepting of your body. While it will initially feel very uncomfortable and awkward, it can help foster a positive body image over time.
- Deeper connection with oneself and nature – Not only does naked yoga help you become more connected to yourself . Practicing it in a natural setting like a beach or forest can also enhance your connection with nature and the elements.
- Liberation from societal norms and judgments – Many people like naked yoga as it allows them to break free from the constraints of societal expectations of clothing and appearance. This can feel highly liberating and empowering as you defy conventional beauty standards and rise above body shaming.
Beginner tips for attending your first naked yoga class
While naked yoga can be very beneficial, there are precautions and preparations you should take to ensure a positive experience. Here are three tips for naked yoga beginners:
- Find the right class and yoga instructor
- Prepare mentally and emotionally to bare it all
- Set boundaries and expectations for your clothing-free yoga class
1. Find the right class and yoga instructor
Finding an instructor with whom you feel comfortable with is especially vital when it comes to naked yoga.
Naked yoga instructors should be comforting, welcoming, and inclusive. They should not promote comparison, competition, or sexualization of the practice. Additionally, they should create a calm, supportive environment. This could be done by dimming the lights, playing soothing music, or setting the mood with candles.
You might feel more comfortable attending a gender-specific class. Luckily, many naked yoga classes are men-only or women-only.
2. Prepare mentally and emotionally to bare it all
Before attending a naked yoga class, you might want to try it out at home to see how you feel.
In fact, I recommend at least a few sessions of private at-home naked yoga practice before you experience it in a group setting. This will help you prepare mentally and emotionally for the experience of being naked in front of a group of people – and seeing others in the nude.
Another way to mentally prepare yourself is to reflect on why you're choosing to practice naked yoga. Set positive intentions for your practice, such as:
- Cultivating self-love
- Embracing vulnerability
- Deepening your connection with your body
3. Set boundaries and expectations for your clothing-free yoga class
Another thing you should consider before trying naked yoga is your comfort level around nudity and physical touch.
Think about what feels safe and appropriate for you when practicing naked yoga.
A good naked yoga instructor will create a space for you to communicate your boundaries. Chat with them before class, letting them know it is your first time and voicing your concerns.
Tips for how to feel comfortable practicing yoga in your birthday suit
It's totally normal to feel uncomfortable and awkward the first time you attend a naked yoga class. But if you keep at it, it will gradually feel more enjoyable and empowering. Here are some things to focus on that can help you have the best experience:
- Focus on breath and movement – Use your breath as an anchor to calm your mind and stay present. Pay attention to the sensations of your breath, letting it guide you through each yoga pose.
- Respect others' space and boundaries – Be mindful of the comfort levels of other practitioners. Avoid staring at other people, as it may make them feel insecure.
- Embrace vulnerability – Remind yourself that it's normal to feel vulnerable or self-conscious when practicing naked yoga for the first time. Be kind and gentle with yourself, and let go of any expectations or judgments about your body.
- Listen to your body and practice mindfulness – Practice being present and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This will help you stay grounded and centered, allowing you to experience each pose with full awareness and acceptance.
5 reasons to try yoga naked this year
Still sitting on the fence about naked yoga? Here are five reasons why you should give it a go this year:
- It can help you confront body image issues
- To feel liberated and empowered
- To experience a heightened awareness of breath and movement
- To face taboos
- To experience acceptance in the naked yoga community
1. It can help you confront body image issues
If you don't feel good about the way you look, you might hate the idea of naked yoga. However, many naked yoga practitioners comment on how much the practice has improved their self-confidence and self-image.
Practicing yoga in a room full of other naked people reminds you that our bodies all look different and we all have imperfections.
This is particularly beneficial if you often get caught up in the facade of perfection on social media. Attending a naked yoga class can serve as a refreshing reality check of ‘real bodies.'
2. To feel liberated and empowered
Shedding clothing during yoga practice takes guts and courage. While it feels scary initially, you will feel an incredible sense of liberation, freedom, and empowerment as soon as you do it.
Think about it; once you can comfortably do downward dog in the nude, there's not much else that can scare you!
3. To experience a heightened awareness of breath and movement
During naked yoga, you become free from the constraint of clothing, which heightens all sensations and movements. You might notice your breath and the subtle nuances of movement within the asanas more than usual.
This heightened sensory experience deepens your mind-body connection and sense of intimacy. It also fosters a more profound sense of presence and mindfulness.
4. To face taboos
In the modern world, nudity is often frowned upon and viewed as wrong despite being completely natural. So, naked yoga offers a way to challenge the societal taboos around nudity and the human body.
What's more, naked yoga has nothing to do with sex. It celebrates nudity and the human body in a non-sexualized context, promoting body positivity, self-acceptance, and sensuality.
5. To experience acceptance in the naked yoga community
The welcoming and accepting nature of naked yoga communities is one of the top reasons yogis keep practicing nude yoga.
Naked yoga communities can inspire you to embrace nudity in a safe and supportive environment. Through nude yoga, you break free from societal norms and expectations and learn to embrace your authentic self without shame or inhibition.
Takeaway on naked yoga
I'll admit I was highly skeptical when I first heard about nude yoga. I wrote it off as a fad and another superficial, westernized take on the Eastern spiritual practice. But naked yoga has been around since the start. If ancient Indian yogis found it liberating to practice yoga in the nude, perhaps we can, too.
Even if you can't find the courage to strip off in public, why not give it a go in your home practice!
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