Even forgoing shampoo for an entire gross month seemed like childs play compared to this experiment.
I distinctly remember the moment when I became aware of my own curves.
It was the summer after my sixth grade year and Id purchased my first bikini with hard-earned babysitting money.
Fotosearch / Wolfgang Förster / EyeEm / Getty Images
I was at a water park, sporting my precious new purchasegingham with roses.
Today, I have a meh-hate relationship with my own body.
I look perfectly acceptable in clothing, but resemble a squishy sack of mayonnaise in the nude.
On the one hand, we tend to be squeamish as a culture with nudity and sexuality.
Bring it, I thought.
I want to be free.
The female instructor, who had large and very perky breasts, started by telling us to be present.
Luckily, Ive never been more present in my life.
Ive never thought more about waxing or the unwavering desire for a pair of panties.
We Baby Cobra-d and Down Dog-d. We did Cat/Cow and Crow pose.
I glanced down and missed my push-up bra.
Id take that old gingham rose bikini top in a pinch.
I was also able to see other women in the class, and I snuck a few glances.
Everyone looked graceful to me, but, OMG, we were all very naked.
My class was females only, but there is a co-ed option, if you’re interested.
Seeing other bodies helps you to recognize your own imperfections and to become comfortable with them.
Its true; Im critical only of myself.
I continued to suck in my tummy and flex my back.
If Pigeon pose was a bad dream then Happy Baby was a nightmare.
Like cutting bangs, I get a rush from doing something totally out of my own ordinary.
Even if I wont be caught dead (or naked, rather) doing it again.
Also, I feel grateful for the experience.
Yes, I have cellulite and my body is more accurately described as sneaky fat, but Im healthy.
Luckily I practiced among strangers, which is how it should be when you take nakedyoga.
And the room was dimly lit, thank you baby Jesus.
Now, pass me my pants.
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