Yoga: Mind, Body, and No Clothes??

“When We’re Naked, It’s like We’re all the Same”

            The Daily Mail Reporter writes about the growing exploration of Naked Yoga in the United States. Yoga is the practice of physically and mentally participating in a variety of postures and breathing techniques to attain control of the mind, body, and spirit. Today, many people practice Yoga all over the world. Naked Yoga became popular during the 1960’s Hippie movement; however, in the 21^st century it is far from being Hippie. The purpose of Naked Yoga is to openly embrace ones’ self and the community around them. It is meant to celebrate the participant as a whole and to ultimately celebrate beauty. The Daily Mail Reporter implies that normally people are separated by materialistic and superficial things such as name brand clothes and body physique. This article further suggests that when we are all naked, we are all the same. Many people disagree with the articles’ suggestion; however, I do believe in the overall purpose of Naked Yoga.

             Naked Yoga is no different than the average locker room routine. In the average locker room, women and men feel comfortable taking off their clothes with the same notion that we are all the same. The argument against Naked Yoga suggests that it promotes sexual behaviors; however, sexual misconduct is strictly prohibited. It is rare to hear of sexual misconduct in locker rooms; however, misconduct is also not tolerated. Naked Yoga is not intended to encourage erotic behaviors. It is far from being anything like a Swinger’s party. The whole taboo about nakedness in general comes from a socialized society constructed from traditional standards. Naked Yoga promotes the overall purpose of Yoga and further helps to achieve a liberating holistic experience. Clothing is distracting when everyone is trying to find the right thing to wear. Clothing hides our bodies and covers up imperfections. Removing clothing from Yoga allows people to celebrate themselves and to have an overall freeing experience. Free from restrictions, worry, materialism, judgment, and doubt. Generally, we socialize naked all the time when preparing in the locker rooms. In the locker room we are free to be naked, shower, socialize, sweat, etc. Naked Yoga is the same as traditional Yoga but ultimately intended for the overall Yoga experience, by achieving liberation and control of the mind, body, and spirit.

      -Lady Cherelle

“Naked Yoga: Confidence behind closed doors”

Whenever I hear someone mention Yoga class, I instantly think of foam mats and stretch pants. Yet true yoga is an important part of Vajrayana, Tibetan Buddhist, Jainism, and Hindu philosophy and religion. Yoga originated in ancient India as a way to attain a state of physical, mental and spiritual peace. Over the centuries many different forms of Yoga and meditation were created, as each sect began to find their own way to spiritual enlightenment.  Some critics may imply that those who practice Yoga can find ones’ true self, while also finding peace of mind. On that note, how did the path to spiritual enlightenment evolve into a naked workout routine? 

The Bold & Naked studio wants us to believe that Naked Yoga is a way for participants to, “celebrates their bodies and is not intended to be sexually evocative.” Yet this premise of this celebration has two key flaws. The biggest flaw of sexual arousal was addressed in the article. Although the class is not intended to be sexual, the obvious evidence of naked bodies in motion   and unusual positions will cause sexual arousal. The latter is distracting for those in the class and embarrassing for the aroused individual. The second flaw implies the false confidence achieved in class. What happens when the class ends? Bold and Naked is only open to those who are trying to find the same level of acceptance. There is a sense of freedom and confidence when one is in the class surrounded by others who are looking for the same feeling. Nevertheless, will the same confidence obtained follow the participants when they are around strangers?  I believe that true self confidence comes from being comfortable wherever you happen to be, with or without clothes. 

      -Lady Tiffany

"Take This Internship and Shove It"??

           After reading “Take This Internship and Shove It,” by Anya Kamenetz, for one I thought the title was very sarcastic; the reading as a whole provided content that was relevant to undergraduates of accredited universities, who are embarking upon internships. Anya Kamenetz provided vital information that would make a college student think twice about an internship. Although this title articulates six simple words, it is packing a punch and signals a negative alarm in college students minds per se. So, should college students adhere to the opportunity of being an intern and then shove it? I would think not! No way!

            College students ought to be leaping for joy when positioned as an intern. As an intern, one should value their position and comply with the required standards, whether or not they are being paid; for this may be their opportunity to be validated for their dream job or rather career endeavors. When allotted the opportunity to be an intern, one should consider this opportunity as a part of the process that launches them into their future and career endeavors. Internships ought to be valued by all college students—it is a competitive world we are living in; hence, college students should not view or think of internships as a waste of time. Yes we all have bills to pay, but we have to start somewhere, correct?

            Therefore, internships should be executed to the best of ones’ ability and one should be happy at this time to display their highest potential. As stated in Anya Kamenetz write-up entitled “Take This Internship and Shove It,” “84 percent of college students in April planned to complete at least one internship before graduating”(Kamenetz 191). It is further implied that “according to Vault, about half of all internships are unpaid” (Kamenetz 191). The latter I find to be very desponding. It is also misguiding and thought provoking for college students. However, there is hope. Internships, from my narrow perspective, are an opening door for better sectors in the job market arena.  As Anya Kamenetz states “working without pay was the best possible preparation for success;” I totally agree with her notion (Kamenetz 191).

            Critics may disapprove Kamenetz notions and disregard my opinion, but that is alright; such is bound to happen. Critics may even go as far to state that internships are fake jobs, worthless, mindless simulations, and not the best preparation for real jobs; nevertheless, a wise person will adhere to the opportunity, value their given responsibilities and position, while realizing that there are endless possibilities and opportunities allotted to being an intern. Internships are vital to the development of college students’ because such will set the standard for their perspective on life and future career goals. After all, if college students are not exposed to career sectors beforehand, they will be clueless to the demands of the job market and career obligations thereafter. I comply with the action of internships all the way.

~ Lady Kimberly G

      Internships are a commonplace in today’s labor market, largely due to the almost nonexistent paid opportunities available for recent college graduates. Although there are degrees that do require an internship in order to graduate, there are no rules stating that it has to be an unpaid internship. But in a “down economy”, plagued by high unemployment statistics, students are willing to accept any position that can help keep the dust from settling on their resumes. Anya Kamenetz’s essay, “Take This Internship and Shove It”, sums up my theory on the concept of unpaid internships: You would be much better off waiting tables than taking a position at your “dream job” that you are not compensated for.

     Working for free should be a crime and any employer found guilty of not paying their intern should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Perhaps that view is a bit extreme given the fact that the student voluntarily solicits the employer for these honorary openings. However, recent news tells of civil cases that have traveled the ranks of the American justice system in order to determine if unpaid internships are in fact equitable for the intern. Two interns who worked on the production team for the Oscar- winning movie “Black Swan” was successful at proving that Fox Searchlight violated New York and Federal labor laws by not compensating them during their term with the production company.

Interns often contribute more to an organization than is deemed acceptable per the federal government’s classification of an internship. Federal guidelines state that internships should take place in an educational environment and benefit the intern, among other rules. In the landmark “Black Swan” case, the judge decided that if it had not been for the interns retrieving coffee and sweeping the floors, the defendants Fox Searchlight would’ve been obligated to hire someone to complete those tasks and thereby violated minimum wage laws by not paying the interns at all. Transportation costs, meals, and valuable time spent are all sacrifices that will ultimately become the intern’s family’s responsibility in most cases, while the employer reaps the benefits of free labor. In my opinion, a person should not have to put themselves in debt to gain experience. An employer should at least cover the costs of traveling to their office, if not minimum wage compensation, when taking advantage of the intern role.

Anya Kamenetz cites the obvious results of a 1998 Columbia University survey by which it was determined that “paid placements are strongest on all measures of internship quality” (Kamenetz 191) in her essay. Though volunteering for a good cause is typically viewed as rewarding, generally no one wants to work for free. One might raise that point that internships do aid in obtaining future paid employment opportunities, regardless it is unconscionable for an employer to ask someone to take money out of their pocket to support their organization. Interns should be paid for their contributions.

~ Lady C. Morton 

Church vs Marriage vs State??

 The term marriage has changed and holds several definitions regarding what it is, what role it plays in the church and in society, and as to whom are allotted the privilege to participate in these ceremonies.  The definition of a marriage is a sacred vow between a man and woman. The bible implies the words “he” and “she,” in reference to a man and a woman marital status; this does not apply to those of the same sex. The word sacred means a connection with God or a dedication to a religious purpose; therefore, the statement “marriage is a sacred institution” which preceded from President Bush mouth was wrong in reference to him being the former leader of the United States which consists of a wide range of believers, non-believers, heterosexuals, and homosexuals. However, even though that may be true, it was not wrong in regards to his beliefs and his Christianity. Due to our government controlling the change in marriage policies, and setting limits that either exclude or include a particular group into the realm of who is allowed to be married, I think Moody and I would agree that President Bush overstepped his boundaries in declaring the previous mentioned statement; for society looks for separation between church and state. As Moody attacks several concepts that focus on marriage and its role in our American history, I am not surprised in her explanation about the history of marriage in the United States; in fact, I agree with her.

The history of marriage in the United States has changed and evolved in so many ways, I will not be surprised if a new evolution regarding marriage comes forth. What I cannot seem to understand is why so many people make a big deal out of homosexuals participating in marital ceremonies but during ancient times no one made an opposition to men having several wives and forcing woman to marry. If the term sacred is going to be attached to a word, especially the term marriage, than everything and everyone should be ordained to have that holy connection with God. Instead of judging people, creating a difference, and casting citizens out, the government should be focused on other issues; for example, why are divorce rates so high?  From my perspective, I feel that the state is trying to impose certain values and morals on a certain group (homosexuals) but not implementing the same values and morals on everyday heterosexual citizens. It is just not right. It should be the decision of the church as to whether or not they will be participants in ceremonies for homosexuals; I don’t feel like the state should have that power because that creates a thin line between the separations of the two institutions. Before our time, society was forcing people to marry and imposed the notion wherein, one was sinful if a ceremony was not performed; but now our society has transformed into a world where one has to fight for this right.

--Lady Zandra

The definition of the word marriage is nothing if not subjective. While Merriam-Webster Dictionary has given the world a universal definition to allow correct use in context, no ones’ marriage is the same. Each marriage is as unique as the individuals within the union. While the previous writer defines marriage as a sacred vow between a man and woman and discusses the implications of the Christian Bible, the words “sacred” and “God” in its articulation when spoken by a government official, and the President, does not threaten the separation of Church and State. The word sacred does mean a connection with God or a dedication to a religious purpose; however, I feel it is important to remember that the “Law of the Land,” and our great constitution was founded upon Christian principles. If we wanted to completely separate Church and State we would need to write an entirely new constitution; for each and every original law was based on Christian morals and principles accepted and practiced during that time. While I do believe that our laws and morals need to evolve as society evolves, I do not believe President Bush crossed any lines with his statement in reference and respect to marriage.

It only makes sense to believe that the evolution of marriage will include the incorporation of same sex marriage. However, we should all keep in mind that this battle will be a hard and lengthy one. The Gay Rights Movement is simply another crossroad of the Christian foundation of the United States of America and our never-ending journey towards equality for all. While a lot of states, as well as the federal government, have taken steps towards providing same sex couples with some of the benefits reserved only for heterosexual couples in the past, a clear line has been drawn in the sand. As I have stated before, our constitution was founded upon Christian principles. This foundation may be amended but it will never be rewritten.

--Lady Shabreka