There's a lot of work that's been happening behind the scenes here at The Bearded Naked Yogi, both externally on growing our community, but also internally… really thinking and examining what this all means, not just for myself and our teachers, but for each and every student that engages with the community, classes and retreats.
Who is the Bearded Naked Yogi?
What is The Bearded Naked Yogi Community?
And though I hope that over the next few weeks and months of blog posts, podcasts and newsletters will give me the opportunity to share much more of myself and the wonderful community, a big part of that has been a reflection on what I would call the ethos of all this… perhaps even, a mission statement of sorts.
It's been a very interesting process to go through and a real opportunity to really think about who I am and what this teaching practice is all about.
I have been re-examining how I interpret the teachings of yoga, and whether my interpretations are ones that are offered in the most authentic, traditional and helpful way possible and in a way that has meaning and relevance for all of us who are living in this day and age… I’m content to say that not much will change in how I bring these teachings to life other than my own ever deepening personal journey and the fresh new insights into this philosophy that will continue to fill my heart and soul.
This reflection and re-examination has also been a recommitment of sorts, and a refocus about some of the principles that I established way back when at the start of my teaching practice as The Bearded Naked Yogi.
One of those principles is around the non-sexualisation of naked yoga and the power of community that is found within shared social nudity; the inherent freedom, power and sense of connection that comes from being in a space that is purposefully and meaningfully non-sexualised.
Those of us who enjoy practising without clothes do it for a number of reasons… a sense of liberation, freedom, enhanced movement and connection with our bodies.
There is a place in the world for everything and all paths, otherwise they wouldn’t exist in the first place, but for me, the founding ethos of The Bearded Naked Yogi was always and remains the creation of non-sexualised spaces where people can come together to practise naked yoga - that’s it.
I've had a lot of people over the years ask me why I make such a big deal out of the whole non-sexual side of things.
And my answer to that is simple… that there are enough places and communities in this world where, if one wants to express themselves sexually, they can.
And I do not believe that the world needs another.
The practice of naked yoga and the practice, naked meditation or naked Yoga Conditioning Training is just that; it is the practice of naked yoga, naked meditation and naked Yoga Conditioning Training.
At The Bearded Naked Yogi, we follow a path concerned with the education of the practices of Yoga as the foundation of a true relationship, a deep understanding and an ultimate consciousness of Self/Atman... and whilst the teachings we strive to impart will certainly impact positively the relationships we have in our lives, their primary focus is on the cultivation of a relationship with oneself... as the Great Sage RuPaul has said; "If you cannot love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love someone else?"
I am passionate about, and have seen with my own eyes, the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual benefits of practising naked and the extraordinary healing that it can provide to the practitioner - whether participants are dedicated naturists who embrace the lifestyle completely, or those who simply enjoy the freedom of practising without clothes on, the benefits for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing are numerous… it is a freeing of oneself; a learning to love one’s body (perhaps for the first time); recognition that we’re all the same underneath the metaphorical and physical layers we all wear… and that all becomes a shining example of the union that yoga offers.
Whoever you think you are and whatever you may think of yourself; we’re all the same.
We are all one.
People have thrown a lot of expectations and projections upon me as a teacher of naked yoga, not least of which is that my classes and events are hotbeds of sexual activity - yet anyone who has attended one of my classes or retreats will be able to tell you that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
These are classes and retreats for naturists and those who enjoy the clothes-free life.
I host Men’s Clothes-Free yoga retreats.
I host Mixed Clothes-Free yoga retreats.
I even host classes and yoga retreats for those who prefer to practice with clothes on, would you believe!?
And they all have one thing in common - along with the Bearded Naked community that they are part of, they are safe, welcoming spaces for people to come together and practice the Science of Yoga.
I welcome all to the practice with encouragement, support and a recognition of the sometimes extraordinary bravery shown by individuals on their journey to be there.
At the beginning of a year where I will continue to work tirelessly towards sharing the transformative message of Yoga and to welcome earnest and sincere practitioners to this wonderful community, I recommit myself to that principle.
This is what it means to be The Bearded Naked Yogi.
Nothing more and nothing less.
Aum Namaha and Namaste to you, my Friend.
Matt - The Bearded Naked Yogi
Comentarios