As mentioned in previous sections, Yoga is the union of body, mind, and spirit.
This five-thousand-year old practice is believed to provide inner peace, increased body awareness, strength, flexibility, and other health benefits. Practitioners should have enough knowledge and understanding of the various Yoga principles .
They should keep in mind that Yoga is a serious discipline. Also considered as a
philosophy in life, the goal of Yoga is to achieve balance between mind and
body.
Yoga involves an overwhelming number of forms, styles, exercises, and poses.
Each has its own unique features and benefits. One form of Yoga that has received comments and
criticisms and has been involved in controversies is Nude Yoga, also known as Naked Yoga or Nudist Yoga .
In its simplest form, Nude Yoga is the practice of Yoga without wearing any form of clothing. In general, a nudist setting is the main difference of Nude Yoga from other styles. Its objective is to enable you to feel free in your body and to do the poses and exercises without restrictions brought about by Yoga clothes. This poses a new challenge for Yogis, since the concept of practicing Yoga while being naked is hard to grasp for most people, let alone do Yoga in a class with other nude Yogis. It can be really distracting. Worse thing is the fact that the discomfort may hinder you from getting or feeling the essence of Yoga practice.
However, this should not be the case. Yogis should bear in mind that Nude Yoga is meant to unite the body, mind, and soul. This should not be a sexual experience. Moreover, this is not a Yoga practice for voyeurs, or people who enjoy observing or looking at sex organs of others.
The important thing about Nude Yoga is its principle. It is doing Yoga poses and exercises with freedom from restrictions of clothing. Understanding and accepting this concept can greatly help people in joining a Nude Yoga class without the feeling of discomfort or self-consciousness.