#46 There's politics in yoga (Part 2)

I read an article today that grabbed my attention. The post was written by the Editor in Chief of Yoga Journal, Kaitlin Quistgaard responding to concerns about her magazine allowing nude adversizing to sell yoga. This was the first I'd heard of the debate, one that has seemingly been a hot topic since last year. Frankly, I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.

The ToeSox advertizements Kaitlin refers to are tasteful and artistic. I've included a few examples here so you can be the judge. I have strong feelings about woman's rights, but I don't think this fire warrants any more fuel. In my opinion, the shots are strong depictions of a confident woman whose message is be proud of your body and all it can do for you. We're the ones who make nudity a sinful thing and perpetuate the ongoing loathing many woman for their bodies. "Cover up girls, no one wants to see those love handles".

I can also assure you the subject, yoga instructor Kathryn Budig wasn't forced to take the shots and in no way was exploited. Of course, not everyone looks like Kathryn but everyone should feel confident enough to take similar photograhs as she did for the ToeSox ads. I applaud Kathryn for posing for the shots.

Since starting my yoga practice over a decade ago, I've learned that our 'yogic philosophy' is often at odds with our 'personal philosophies'. On one hand we yogis preach oneness, quiet mind, serenity, ignore distractions, etc; on the other we get upset with nudity. So which is it?

The next time we want to debate the trials of woman, we should pick something trully exploitive, like FGM. A drastic comparision but one which makes my point that our energies could be better spent elsewhere.

Read Kaitlin's full response here: Yoga Journal Responds to “Nudity to Sell Yoga”

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