Bare Yoga

Nude (bare) yoga is something that I’ve always wanted to try but have never done before. I’ve often observed men on the beach or in a park engaged in the activity. They impressed me with their grace, poise and controlled movements – the very attributes that embody the art. It’s an amazing exercise to watch but one which I’ve not been able to enjoy. There are a number of clothes-free or clothing-optional classes offered in my area but unfortunately, none of them are convenient for my work schedule.

Before Aaron and I were married, we enrolled in an early morning gay nude yoga class together thinking that he could interpret (via American Sign Language) the class instructor for me. However, by the third class session, several of the other students complained that they found our manual communication too distracting and disruptive. The yoga instructor agreed with their issue and refunded our registration fee.

We were disappointed in being unable to finish our nude yoga class. That night, Aaron confided to me that he was somewhat relieved that we no longer had to worry about yoga. Although he was enjoying the routine, it was a challenge for him to try to follow the instructions and to interpret the directions for me. It was somewhat stressful for him to have that responsibility. He didn’t say it but I think he was overwhelmed being a beginner himself (as was I), trying to master the skills as well as translating the information to me.

Since be “uninvited” to attend that particular class, we’ve periodically investigated other bare yoga opportunities. We found one that was compatible to both of our work schedules but upon talking to the instructor, Aaron was informed that he wasn’t comfortable with the idea of having an ASL interpreter involved. He also didn’t like the notion that a Deaf man (me) would learn yoga and then “hurt” his business by going out on my own and teaching classes within the Deaf community.

When Aaron told me about the fear of Deaf competition, I jokingly retorted that wasn’t such a bad idea. Shortly after that incident, we learned of a class taught by a Deaf woman specifically for other Deaf women. I contacted her to inquire if she knew of any clothes-free yoga classes taught by a Deaf person in our area. She replied that she did not.

So, at the moment, we’re still trying to locate a class that is convenient for us. I was hoping to have already enrolled in one prior to the start of this year’s summer season. My thinking is that I would be able to practice yoga during my days sunning riverside. As the summer is almost here, my goal of finding a class for my spouse and myself looks disappointing.

I’m not giving up on nude yoga. Both Aaron and I want to take a class together in order to enhance or relaxation skills and to ideally restore a sense of balance into our hectic daily lives. As I was composing this post, I realized that much of the stress that I feel perhaps is caused by my frustration in trying to find a nude yoga class that is conveniently scheduled and can accommodate my being Deaf.

I suppose this summer I can imitate the yoga movements I see at the beach. At least, in mimicking others I can try to infuse some calming relaxation into my life. Something is better than nothing, right?

Naked hugs!

Roger/ReNude Pride