Naked – just as I came into the world.

I start most mornings naked. I prefer to sleep in cute pajamas, but I control my body temperature better, skin only. I have had to learn to sleep with nothing but myself between the sheets. On a cool morning, I might wear a nightshirt, or a robe thrown on just after hydration and coffee.

To the mat. I have discovered Yoga with Bird on YouTube. She talks enough not to disturb the flow and uses her tone with kind encouragement and support. Whether 5 or 20 minutes, she frames my day with peace and a moment of discharge, release, and breath.

During a season of relentless stress, these minutes have saved my life. Bird’s words open a place for me to honor myself in gratitude, awareness, and acknowledgement, recognizing I am doing the best I can – and that may be enough. She helps me remember to be kind to myself. Bird honors the effort to show up. It may not appear much, but any practice takes time, repetition, and consistency.

Christopher Meloni, of Law and Order: SVU fame, is also a fan of naked yoga. You may think appendages distract, they do not. Focus is on the movement, flow, and breath. I like to keep my eyes closed and listen to Bird’s words. If I am confused regarding what my body should do but listening, I peek at the screen, but not seeing intensifies my process.

My ability to complete the asanas or poses has improved with time. My pretzel form is amazing, and in a supine/spinal twist my knees touch the floor. I love the happy asanas, puppy, and baby. I am not a fan of Downward Dog. My arthritic knees complain. I have adapted the move by getting into form, one leg at a time. Child’s Pose requires my right knee to be angled slightly toward the right. Other poses aggravate so badly I pass. I appreciate Bird’s invitation to modify.

One of the benefits of the practice is listening and responding to your body. Giving into a pose and flow with grace creates space for self-acceptance and honors where you are in the moment without regret, blame, or worry.

Namaste.