I’m a naked yoga teacher – I feel so free doing it and being nude is great for avoiding tan lines too
A NUDIST who has been teaching naked yoga lessons online during lockdown wants to break the stigma surrounding social nudity – and insists it’s not just for old men.
Jessa O’Brien, who is 32, from Queensland in Australia, started sunbathing topless on the beach when she was 18-years-old to avoid tan lines.
However, she was put off by the unwanted attention this garnered from strangers.
“I quickly realised that doing so at textile beaches (normal beaches) drew unwanted attention," Jessa explained. "So, I started going to the more isolated parts of the beach.
“In 2013, I had learnt that there was actually a nude beach close to the textile beach that I would frequent and so a friend and I decided to go and check it out.
“We were so surprised at how relaxed and friendly the nudists on the beach were.
"As a younger female, it was so refreshing that I could be topless and not feel like people were gawking or judging.
“It was a breath of fresh air to see people of all different shapes, sizes and ages looking so comfortable in their skin."
From this moment on, Jessa says she only visited nudist beaches.
Whilst backpacking around Europe in 2015, the nude yoga teacher volunteered at a clothing optional campsite where she was able to fully embrace the nudist lifestyle for the first time.
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There, Jessa fell in love with the freedom of non-sexual nudity and being able to socialise with others who were nude as well.
“It was such an eye-opener to realise just how natural our naked bodies are, just how misinformed people are about the lifestyle and more importantly, the people that choose to adopt the lifestyle," she explained.
Then, in 2016, she started her blog, ‘The Nude Blogger’ to help remove the stigma that many associate with a nudist lifestyle.
The following year, Jessa started a naked yoga class as a way for fellow nudists to get together with other like-minded people and become comfortable in their own skin without fear of shame or judgement.
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And in February 2020, before Covid hit, Jessa took her body positive naked yoga classes online.
She has since taught more than 600 students across the globe and charges £27 per month for her online yoga classes, which are available via Patreon.
“There are many out there that desire to be more comfortable in the skin they're in, or would like to remove the shame they associate with their body," she explained.
"My classes are a great opportunity for people to explore these themes and learn to become more comfortable within their skin."
“My naked yoga classes are an opportunity for people to really experience non-sexual social nudity in a safe and non-judgemental space."
Jessa has an incredible 154K followers on Instagram under the handle @thenudeblogger – where she advocates the nudist lifestyle without judgement.
“I am learning that the more we can respectfully introduce and integrate nudity into the mainstream, the more we begin to normalise it,” she said.
“People [in my yoga classes] are wanting to embrace nudity and incorporate more social nudity into their lives, some of them are just seeking guidance or an avenue that feels right for them.
“Either way, we all have to start somewhere, and these women are pioneers in their own right.
I am learning that the more we can respectfully introduce and integrate nudity into the mainstream, the more we begin to normalise it
Jessa O'Brien
Offering advice to those who are curious about pursuing this lifestyle, Jessa advised: "Start with getting comfortable with your own nudity in the privacy of your own home first and foremost.
“Sleep naked more often. Do your house chores in the nude (safety first, always). Do your admin in the nude.
“When you're ready to explore social nudity, perhaps head along to a reputable nude beach; and go from there.
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“Our bodies are sacred and I believe we should treat them as such. Learn not to care what others think."
To follow and join in Jessa’s journey please visit: www.thenudeblogger.com/online-classes and to join her online naked yoga classes, you sign up at www.patreon.com/thenudeblogger
