Naked in the desert...

by sam mcconnell

Naked yoga and fitness instructor Dan Carter and artist Saul Lyons are hosting a long weekend of uninhibited camaraderie under the hot desert sun at INNdulge Palm Springs.

SELF DISCOVERY - A NAKED MINDFULNESS RETREAT will take place September 26-30 and will feature classes such as “Yoga for Sexual Health”, “Embracing the Artist Inside You”, and “Drum Up Your Bum”; all with an emphasis on self-discovery and encouraging men to connect and fall in love with their bodies.

According to Jon Jackson, a co-owner of INNdulge, the clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, while women have embraced the body positivity movement, body acceptance among men has been slow to catch on. “Men suffer silently while the media bombards us with idealized images of what our bodies should look like,” he says. “It’s time men develop pride and a love for the skin they are in.”

“I used to treat every retreat the same way, but after four years of leading this getaway, I’ve learned that every group brings a distinct variety of personalities and needs,” Dan Carter adds. “Much of the long weekend is planned out, but we often shift the schedule to prioritize creating a community among this unique group of individuals.”

He’s also reshaped the weekend from feedback he’s received from previous retreats. “We’ve added new workshops and classes, including a Nude Drawing workshop that I am really passionate about!” We spoke with Dan Carter to learn more.

Why do you think men have been slow to embrace the body positivity movement?

Dan Carter: I think many men, particularly those who identify as gay, bi, trans, or queer, were taught to ignore or completely hide their emotions from a very early age. When you shut yourself off from that kind of thinking and feeling, a lot of resentment and a lack of self-esteem can build up. Fortunately, I believe this trend is changing with the culture, and I’m happy to be a part of that shift.

How does being naked in the desert help to encourage men to love their bodies?

Dan Carter: There are plenty of lovely places to be naked and fall in love with your body. However, I think the desert is a very special place for this. Thanks to the hot, dry weather, guys who might normally be shy about being naked quickly forget they’re not wearing clothes. The extra dose of vitamin D and the remarkable desert landscape certainly keep the feel-good hormones flowing!

What are some of the highlights of the retreat?

Dan Carter: I am particularly excited to welcome Saul Lyons for our firstever Nude Drawing class on the retreat! Saul is a completely self-taught artist who will show guys that even if they doubt their creative skills, there is an artist inside each of them.

Why is naked drawing a key element of the weekend?

Dan Carter: Much like yoga, drawing is a skill that takes practice and a love for the human form. I like to think of naked yoga and drawing as a fine wine and cheese pairing; they are unique modalities, but together they create a tantalizing fusion that allows for self-love and discovery. In addition to Saul’s workshop, the hike through the desert is an absolute favorite of mine, and I don’t know of anywhere else in the world where you can do something like that.

Is it important that most activities be held outside?

Dan Carter: Anytime we reconnect with nature and get off our electronic devices, I think we are doing a tremendous service to ourselves. When we’re outside and naked, it’s much easier to put away our phones and appreciate the splendor of the Coachella Valley.

Are meals included in the weekend?

Dan Carter: Breakfast and one meal a day are included in the price of the retreat. We intentionally leave space and time in the schedule to encourage retreat participants to explore the rich food scene of Palm Springs.

What are the key lessons and/or takeaways that you learned from previous retreats?

Dan Carter: I used to treat every retreat the same way, but after four years of leading this getaway, I’ve learned that every group brings a distinct variety of personalities and needs. Much of the long weekend is planned out, but we often shift the schedule to prioritize creating a community among this unique group of individuals.

For tickets and more information on the SELF DISCOVERY - A NAKED MINDFULNESS RETREAT, visit https://bornnakedyoga.com/palm-springs.