Yoga is Sexy, But That's Not All

Chances are, you've seen this video by now. If not, go ahead and watch it. Brihony Smyth's practice is a thing of beauty... but although that's what many of us notice upon first glance, that's not the only thing she has going for her.

When I first saw these fearless arm balances, I couldn't help but a) feel jealous of them, and b) feel jealous of Smyth's toned, practically-naked body. In fact, I was a little distracted by how little she's wearing, and I was quick to  judge her and Equinox's ploy to sell using sex appeal.

But then I read this interview with Kathryn Budig, celebrity yogini and a former teacher of Brihony Smyth, on Huffington Post. Budig talks about the controversy behind her experience modeling naked for ToeSox, the yoga company that she's a spokeswoman for, as well as her discussion with Smyth about peoples' reactions to her video.

After taking a closer look, it sounds like the three and a half minute YouTube posting wasn't just made as a way to show off Briohny's sexy yoga moves. In fact, it was an act of self-expression, and a beautiful reminder of struggles overcome -- turns out Smyth used to suffer from an eating disorder, and had poor self-esteem and a low body image. 

Also turns out, the video is a lovely reminder to yogis like me that appearances aren't everything, and we should be slower to judge others. 

Thanks, Briohny. I needed that little nudge. Plus, you'd be happy to know that now I'm working on my handstands, too :)

More from Briohny Smith about her intentions in creating the "Yoga by Equinox" video:

They gave me full artistic freedom and allowed me to express "My Yoga." We all agreed that minimal clothing was the best way to show the lines of the body. I felt very comfortable with that since most of my female teachers have been photographed in the nude by Jasper Johal. Equinox explained that the concept would showcase the home practice of Woman of our generation set inn NYC. I loved it!

Once on set, I put my outfit on and had a brief moment of panic... a relapse of old thinking. But when I revealed that to my fiancé he told me, "You look beautiful." And that stopped the chatter in my mind.

No one expected or hoped for controversy but I understand and respect all views.   This situation reminds me of an exercise my sponsor gave me during my recovery in OA. I made a list consisting of the names of those who I felt hurt me. I read the list to my sponsor, and to my surprise she tells me to think of ways to practice compassion for the people on this list. This exercise helped me learn that the way we react to something is a reflection of the way we feel inside. It helped me look within for the answers to my eating disorder issues rather than blame others for my pain. 

It felt incredibly liberating to be confident in my own skin. So, thank you to Equinox, Q Blog, and to everyone who was inspired by the video. 

Photos via Pinterest.

Do you argue the other side of the spectrum, that Briohny's video is a bit too much? 

Check out this reaction piece by The Washington Post that talks about how her performance in lingerie is "emblematic of the Western commercialization of yoga," where it's more about "having a cute ass" than being able to move toward inner silence and meditation.

What do you think? Were you inspired by the video in spite of its controversy?