FAQ

  1. Why do you practice naked? For a lot reasons: a layer of ego can be shed along with the clothes; more anatomical information is available to both teacher and student; it feels liberating; the experience of trust and community that exists in a group of naked people can be deeply healing.
  2. Do I have to get completely naked? Yes, all participants are expected to remove all of their clothes, even their socks. Accessories too: watches, loose jewelry and large rings will interfere with Naked Space activities. It's recommended that eye glasses also be removed, but for some this may be too disorienting.
  3. Can I bring a friend? Of course you can. The classes and group practices are great for sharing.
  4. How do I know if I'm ready for the intermediate level yoga class? I suggest attending an all-level class and letting the teacher know you're interested in the intermediate class. Or you can come to the intermediate class, but be prepared for the teacher to invite you to either resume your practice in the all-level class or schedule some private sessions to balance your practice.
  5. Why are some of your events co-ed and some for men only? Naked Space was originally organized around what is now called the Short and Long Practices. These practices are explicitly open to all participants, ie Naked Space does not discriminate based on any biological trait or cultural heritage that does not directly threaten the safety of the other participants. With the addition of naked yoga classes, the decision was made to teach specifically to men.
  6. What if I get an erection? Congratulate yourself for having a healthy reproductive system. Seriously, erections are natural. Some guys will get them, some won't; either way, it's not a problem. What you choose to do with your erection is another matter. Be responsible for your actions and aware of the other people sharing the space.

ABOUT

Witness the process of change in Naked Space and in yourself.

Naked Space has been an evolving practice since 2005. Originally conceived as the preservation of naturist activities and community at summer's end, the initial practice began modestly as a weekly gathering for naked meditation. Through the encouragement of early participants, Naked Space expanded to include separate practices of yoga and massage. One of the many borders dissolved by these individual practices was the separation of the practices themselves, leading to the current combined format.

The evolution of Naked Space continues with the addition of yoga classes for men, private instruction, one-on-one bodywork, and workshops.


Michael Gates has been running around naked since he was a boy. Yoga first came into his consciousness through the positive experiences of friends, but the discovery of Jayadev's Midnight Yoga for Men, reputedly the founder of the modern practice of naked yoga, proved to be the compelling combination that got him onto the mat. After completing a beginner course, Michael continued his exploration of yoga in both clothed and naked studios and through a program of self-study. In 2005, he began hosting a naked meditation group, which evolved the following year into Naked Space. In 2008, he completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training. Now more than 10 years after stepping onto the yogic path, Michael is thrilled to continue the tradition of naked practice as it was set forth by his first teacher.


Links

Outdoor Spaces

    A few spaces adjacent to the northeastern megalopolis where it's more-or-less legally safe to be naked outside. Since these are all public or publically-accessible recreation areas, there tends to be a lot of decentralized information about them online. In other words, a constantly changing wealth of information about these (and other naked spaces) is just a search away.
  • Gay Head, Martha's Vinyard, MA
  • Gunnison Beach, Sandy Hook, NJ
  • Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown, MA
  • Lighthouse Beach, Fire Island, NY
  • The Ledges, Wilmington, VT
  • And don't forget the ubiquitous swimming hole, Anywhere, USA

Massage Groups

Yoga Classes