When are the yoga classes?

The classes usually run one week night per week. We go with the most popular night. So it shifts around a bit. We can run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 participants. You can join classes at any time.

 

Can anyone take a class?

Mostly.  Classes are suitable for both the novice and the more experienced. If you have a history of serious health concerns, I would ask you to clear it with your GP before attending, and let me know all the details of your health problems, so I can modify practices for you and keep an eye on your progress.

 

What kind of yoga is it and what happens?

It’s a fusion of styles. Hatha, Iyenga, Ashtanga, Acro, Dru, Tantra and Oki-Do. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Shiatsu and Western Anatomy and Physiology are also woven into the fabric of the classes. 

 

Tantric yoga clears the mind and body so you can achieve a state of meditation and experience yoga or ‘oneness’ (samadhi). My classes are often spontaneously inspired; yoga is about being in the moment. That said, my classes will typically include

• physical postures (asanas)

• breathing exercises (pranayama)

• withdrawal from the senses (pratyahara)

• focused attention (dharana)

• meditation (dhyana)

• deep relaxation/guided visualisation (yoga nidra)

• inner silence (antar mouna)

• candle gazing (trataka)

• vocalisations and chanting (bhakti and mantra yoga)

• listening to sacred sounds (eg: Tibetan bowls, tanpoura, harmonium)

 

The classes are tailored to counter the stresses each new season places on our bodies and minds. During the build-up and wet season, we do cooling practices that help regulate our circulation and keep us calm, plus specific practices to help with dampness exacerbated by high humidity. During the dry season, we do practices to keep us warm, and hydrated. In accord with the dynamic, ever-changing nature of our Cairns climate, and the mood of those attending, every class will be different and somewhat improvised. This variation keeps the classes interesting and prevents us from plateauing in our development. There’s also specific practices for windy weather.

 

Each new class builds on your knowledge. We start with a brief talk, then a short relaxation, gently easing into physical exercises — warm-ups for muscles and joints, core strength and flexibility training. We then move into classic yoga asanas, which are taught in a graded style to accommodate all levels of ability. These include twists; side, back and forward bends; balance and inverted poses; seguing into pranayama (yogic breathing practices). We finish with relaxation. Classes can also include solo, partner and group exercises as per the individual's preference.

 

As the classes develop and depending on interest, Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) and meditation may also be introduced to further help calm the emotions and clear the 'mental clutter' of our busy lives.

 

You'll get a good, all-around physical workout with a healthy balance of active and restorative poses, including breath coaching to leave you feeling energised, relaxed and mentally focused.

 

Yoga classes can also provide new social opportunities. Students are offered fruit as a refreshment after the class. We also often hang out in the communal spa after classes, located in the rear courtyard. It's a relaxing, private space where we can chill out together and recover from the workout.

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Sometimes, we also have a shared meal after the spa. Student's bring food to share. We tend to reserve this for special occasions.

 

What if I can’t attend a class?

I understand things can come up after you’ve booked and paid for your classes. If you are unable to attend a class, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can give your place to someone else. To just not show or to cancel at the last minute is unfair to myself and the others who might otherwise be able to attend. Either email me at gregory@wholisticsolutions.com or call/text 0419 694 991.

 

What if I miss a class?

If you have to miss a class you’ve paid for, you’re welcome to attend a make-up class during the same term, i.e., if your usual class is Monday night, you can come to a Thursday or Friday night class and vice versa. Keep in mind, not all of the classes I teach are nude, and some are co-ed. I can’t offer credits across terms. So, make sure you use up any credit you have within the same six-week term.

 

What about refunds?

I prefer you pay as you go. Cash on the night is best. This way, no refunds are necessary. If you were to arrive, pay, start the class, then have to leave for some reason before it finishes - there wont be a refund offered.

 

What if I have a question not listed in the FAQ?

While most questions are covered in the FAQ, I will endeavour to answer your questions via email or phone. Please be patient while waiting for a response.

 

Where did you do your yoga teacher training?

With IYTA, the International Yoga Teachers’ Association based in Sydney, and with Heart of Shiva Tantra Yoga in Melbourne.

 

How long have you been practising/teaching yoga?

Practising since 1994, teaching since 2003.

 

Why do I have to send you a full-length photo of myself and a face picture? 

I use the face photos to identify students and the full-length photo to help gauge your level of fitness. No one will be discriminated against because of the way they look. All men 18+ are welcome to apply. You can trust your photos will only be viewed by me and my assistant teachers. After all, I am trusting you with my photos! Nude photos are optional, you may wear briefs in your photo if you prefer.

 

What kind of support/guidance can you offer to me outside of my yoga classes?

• printed information about yogic terminology and practice guidelines.

• photographic practice sheets (jpeg format) designed to help you practice at home between classes.

• audio program, containing three asana/pranayama routines for morning, afternoon and evening practice, and two guided relaxations. Sold as mp3 and pdf files sent via WeTransfer link to download: $25.

• Private yoga lessons for those who need extra assistance with their practice: 90 minutes for $135.

• Recommended reading list.

• Referral to reputable yoga equipment suppliers. 

• Invites to various social activities throughout the year.

• Nude Yoga Retreats: an excellent opportunity for you to deepen your yoga knowledge and experience, deeply rejuvenate yourself and take time out of your usual routine to contemplate life, goals and direction. Please inquire if you’re interested to know about the next available retreat.

 

Will I be able to do the practices or will it all be too hard for me?

I teach in a graded fashion by demonstrating and instructing the easiest versions of the postures first and then giving the option of adding some modifications that can provide you with more of a challenge if desired. This enables everyone to progress at their own pace.

 

I’m too inflexible to do Yoga!

Rubbish. No one is too stiff to stretch. Take it slowly and you will regain your flexibility.

 

I’m not strong enough to do yoga.

Strength builds quickly. Within a few weeks, you will notice definite improvements. I start with entry-level practices and offering more challenging modifications for those who are ready.

 

I’m out of shape and I’m worried what others will think of my physical appearance?

Don’t worry, men come in different shapes and sizes. And that’s what makes us individuals. Yoga helps to tone you up and get you into better shape. If you favour the bulky look, you’d be advised to maintain your weight routine as well. Fusion Yoga doesn’t create gym-toned, muscled bodies. Rather, athletic, strong physiques.

 

Will the room be kept a comfortable temperature?

We will mostly practice outside in a private area under a tarp. But if needed we can move into an indoor area with AC.

 

What do I need to bring to class?

This information will be provided in an email to you if your application is successful.

 

Do I have to be fully naked?

Yes. Students will be surprised at how quickly they get over their fears of being naked when all participants including the teacher disrobe at the start of the class.

 

What about touch?

There may be some physical touch between students during partner exercises, but this will be strictly of a non-sexual nature. Touch is an important component of the classes. We learn to touch ourselves and others in respectful, playful and sensual ways. It is refreshing to experience conscious touch again that is non-goal oriented, spontaneous, appropriate, comforting and supportive. There may also be some touch given by myself or my assistants during the class, but this will only be for the purpose of guiding you into a better form. If you have a low tolerance for physical touch and/or sensuality, please tell me before the class commences so I can tailor the class to suit your needs.

 

What do you mean by ‘sensuality’?

Sensuality allows us to be more in-tune with your senses. It involves heightened awareness of vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste. It can also open us up to developing our extra senses (ESP). In yoga, they are referred to as siddhis.

 

What if I get aroused?

If you are at all concerned about getting aroused during the class, don't be. Acknowledge your sexual feelings: they come and go just like any healthy emotional state. There is no need to be embarrassed or try to hide them.

 

Most of us are taught to be ashamed of visual signs of sexual arousal in front of others. The only place we're supposed to feel this way is while we're masturbating or having sex, and then there’s an expectation! Nude tantric yoga provides a unique atmosphere where arousal is totally acceptable and welcome, without any pressure or shaming.

 

What’s more, getting aroused in front of other people of the same gender does not mean you’re same-sex attracted. It can simply be a normal physiological response to heightened awareness and sensuality.

 

In nude tantric yoga classes, you can be proud of your erectile tissue, enjoy being aroused and continue to follow the usual class format.

 

How ‘sexual’ do your classes get?

It depends on what you consider sexual. Some classes may include partner positions that can be quite intimate and sometimes sexually arousing, though they do not include deliberate genital stimulation. If you feel ‘sexual’ during class, just enjoy your sexual energy and continue to follow the instructor's directions. Sometimes there may be partner exercises, which will involve touching and body contact between students, however, this will not be of a sexual nature. If you feel uncomfortable about the level of intimacy you’re experiencing, or that someone is overstepping your boundaries, put up your hand immediately or call me over and I’ll try to help sort out any confusion. Although sensuality is an intrinsic part of this group practice, it should be clear that this is not intended to be a blatantly sexual venue. If you are looking for sex, this is NOT the right group for you.

 

What if I feel uncomfortable about someone’s behaviour towards me?

While people of all sexual orientations are welcome in class, we need to be clear that this is NOT a sexual experience. Voyeurism or ‘perving’ in my classes is inappropriate. Cameras and mobile phones or any other sound or image recording devices are not permitted to be used in class. We are building comradeship and trust within the group, and these kinds of behaviours serve to undermine that goal. Anyone in breach of this code of conduct will be asked to leave the class immediately and no refund will be given.

 

Participants will be encouraged to ‘go within’ and practice yoga as much as they can with their eyes closed. Yoga is about your personal spiritual development: your ‘inner journey’. It’s not about how other people look either aesthetically, structurally or otherwise.

 

Tell me more about partnering exercises.

There may be some partnering in some classes. Partnering is one of the joys of Nude Tantric Yoga. It’s not important to ‘like’ or ‘be attracted’ to the partner you’re working with. In any partner class, it’s essential to treat your partner with the utmost respect and courtesy, even if you do not find that person attractive. If you feel you cannot do this, then please let me know in advance. Remember, in my classes, we strive to be supportive, centred individuals who enjoy the practice of nude tantric yoga. The focus is on the yoga and the camaraderie, not on picking up a date — although there’s nothing stopping you arranging dates after the class or during the social time we share.

 

If a partnering situation becomes unbearable due to poor hygiene, or any other reason, please notify me as discretely as possible and I will do my best to remedy the situation.

 

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Between 18 and 80 years of age (possibly older if cleared by the individual’s GP). Ageism is an unfortunate fact of life, often directed at older folk, who are sometimes seen to be debilitated, stuffy, stuck in their ways, overbearing, physically unattractive and so forth. Guess what? We all get older. Will you want to be treated like that when you mature? Probably not! In some cases, ageism can be directed towards younger people, where they are criticised for being inexperienced or for having silly attitudes and behaviour. Both young, old and those in-between can benefit greatly from spending time in each others’ company. Maturity, knowledge and experience can be traded for the fearless zest of youth!

 

If you have concerns about the age demographic of the class, please feel free to contact me to discuss your options. Perhaps some private lessons with a trusted peer, would be better suited to you?

 

What about my privacy?

I will at all times strive to protect your privacy by:

• practising in a studio that is not viewable from the street

• keeping the outer door to the venue locked during classes

• maintaining Nude Tantric Yoga Cairns as a private class that screens all students before allowing participation

• being sensitive to your desire for discretion

• encouraging group compliance with confidentiality and anonymity by requesting verbal agreement from all students at their first class

• not allowing walk-ins

• never releasing any of your information, email addresses, questionnaire answers or photographs to third parties

• never giving out any information about you to other students, including your contacts without your consent

• keeping all printed records of class details under lock and key

• giving you the choice to ‘opt out’ with every group email.

 

However, before attending, please be aware that while I strive to assure total privacy, discretion and safety, I cannot guarantee these things 100%. Some aspects of privacy are out of my control and in the hands of the student body, it’s the responsibility of each of us to shut the door behind us if we leave early to protect the privacy of those who remain. It’s rare, but sometimes mistakes are made or we may encounter circumstances beyond our control. Attendance is always at your own risk (albeit a low one).

 

I’m a yoga teacher, could I help out?

I am always looking for instructors. I’m happy to consider all styles of yoga. Experience is required as is professional certification. Assistants attend for free and are usually chosen from among students who attend regularly. I like to get to know you first! If you'd like to teach or assist, please use the CONTACT FORM.

 

Do you offer nude activities other than yoga?

We gather for refreshments and conversation at the venue after most classes and ofter share the spa and have shared showers with each other. We also hold occasional nude dinners at members’ homes, occasional nude bushwalks, movie nights; and trips to Buchan's Beach and coastal nude beaches for relaxing and beach yoga. These special events will be open to all students of Nude Tantric Yoga Cairns, past and present.

 

I will announce these events in class, through email and via messages on our Facebook Messenger chat thread. I also host nude yoga retreats from time to time and can sometimes invite students from other nude yoga groups Australia and World-wide to join us.

 

What if I change my details?

If you change your email address, please ensure that you notify me via email so I can keep your details up-to-date. Please be sure my email address is on your ‘safe list’ or in your address book so mail from me does not wind up in your junk/spam folder.

 

I filled out the questionnaire but I have not been approved.

In almost all cases, this occurs because you didn’t put kevan@wholisticsolutions.com.au on your ‘safe list’ or in your address book. Please check your spam folder for an email containing your approval. If you've waited more than a week for a response from me please send me a reminder email. It’s rare, but sometimes emails slip past me.

 

What happens if I am not accepted?

If I decide you aren’t yet ready for naked yoga, I will explain why, and either suggest an alternative or encourage you to re-apply later.

 

What if I come late and get locked out of the room?

In order to protect students' privacy and comfort, I will lock the door at the start of class. To avoid disappointment, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early each time you attend class (that’s by 5.15pm). Allow plenty of extra time for peak traffic and parking. If you’re running late on the night of your class, please call/text me on 0419 694 991 no later than 5.20pm. If possible I will arrange to let you in, providing you’re only a few minutes late. After 5.30pm, the class has commenced and the main door will be locked, and my mobile phone will be turned to silent. Please try your best to be on time. The other students will be relaxing at the start of each class and late-comers are a disturbance to the rest of the group. If you arrive more than 30mins late, I will have to turn you away, as you will have missed the preparatory practices that make the rest of the class safe for you.

 

What if I have feedback for you?

If you have suggestions for improvement or problems in the classes, or with any aspect of Nude Tantric Yoga Cairns, please let me know either in person, by phone — which you can find by clicking/tapping on the phone symbol on the CONTACT PAGE — or use the CONTACT FORM. I will do my best to address your concerns as quickly as possible. I also enjoy hearing positive feedback.