What Naked Yoga Did For Me

Guest Post by Mukunda

Naked yoga probably sounds weird and crazy to many but if you take the time to understand it (and maybe even try it!) I bet you will see how it has the ability to be very beneficial. It was (and is) to me. The first time I tried it I had only done yoga on one or two occasions because I had to for high school gym class. Being naked in front of total strangers was not something I would ever consider doing. But when I found out naked yoga existed I thought this might just be that outside-the-box remedy I was looking for to help me overcome all the insecurities I felt about my body.



As a boy growing up playing many different sports I always felt like I was too small and too weak which sent me down a self destructive path full of drug use, depression and suppression of the negative feelings I had about myself and my physical appearance. It wasn't until I discovered naked yoga that I felt comfortable enough to embrace my body and feel good about the way I looked.

Kali. Abbie. Baby.

I had another "Aha!" moment this morning. Yesterday, I had a photo shoot for the upcoming Asana Exposed -- a photographic essay book on the transformative power of naked yoga from the creator of Naked Yoga NYC, ISIS Phoenix, with photographer Mike Cinquino. I've mentioned my naked yoga history briefly on this blog before. Very excited to be a part of this project!


During the photo shoot, ISIS Phoenix chose asanas that personified each of us (Cindee Rifkin, yoga instructor, was also a model at the shoot). One asana ISIS chose for me was Kali (Goddess) Pose. I'd never done it before and had a lot of fun doing it. Visually, it's a very simple pose -- wide squat, hands out to the side, tongue sticking out and a vocalization -- but internally, it's very powerful and freeing -- immerse yourself in Kaliasana and you'll quite possibly evoke Kali.

Yoga To The People

A few weeks ago a friend invited me to take a yoga class with her. I'm always game for a physical challenge. We ended up in two different classes that day. I was challenged as I usually am in a Vinyasa flow class, but something didn't click for me that day. The amount of students in the class could have been enough for me not to return but afterwards, my friend and I compared notes on our workouts. I sat in Half Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) till my hips and legs feel asleep in my class. She regaled me with her tales of Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III) and Tree pose (Vrksasana).


We didn't take class together until yesterday. Still some communication glitches, but I decided to go anyway, not sure she'd be there. All signs pointed to 'yes' - I woke up a bit overwhelmed and knew yoga would balance me. The sun was shining and NY was no longer smothered in the miserable heat-humidity combo of the previous couple of days. I got a train right away and arrived early enough that I was able to be in the studio on the 2nd floor (the 1st floor of Yoga to the People).

Naked Nude Yoga (or Coke Fiend)

The above is what happens when I ingest coke. That wire was live.

I took a few swigs of Coca-Cola on Sunday. It was sweet in flavor and sharp with carbonation. I don’t drink caffeine, so I’m not sure what came over me. But since I didn’t want to start walking on the ceiling or to experience heart palpitations, I “diluted” it with Crystal Light.

I took a break from packing up trash from my former kitchen to take photos of the other rooms of the apartment—proof of the condition I left it in. My ankles and feet were achy so I sat on the floor. I set the camera while I sent texts and tweets. Then, this is when I think the caffeine kicked in…

Namaste Healing

White Sage, Juniper Berries & Leaves and my Aventurine and Amethyst

Today I visited the Namaste Bookshop. I almost walked right by it because I was expecting it to be in the same spot that East West Books was on 5th Avenue. The last time I was in that shop was on a birthday in my early 20s. I was hanging out with a friend that evening and he took me there. He bought some oil and a pair of "yes-no" earrings as a birthday gift.

I was buying a birthday present for a friend who is a Buddhist and who I love to death. I knew I wanted to get him a book (he's a huge reader) and possibly some other trinkets. I also wanted to give something to him. I meditated with him this past summer. Actual meditation, not just sitting and thinking. He taught me the proper technique and it's been great.