Yogis Uncovered | Meet Carissa
Come behind-the-scenes with Carissa, a free-spirited adventurer who has embraced nude yoga as the path to profound calm and self-acceptance. This enlightening Yogis Uncovered episode follows her journey from frolicking through Mexican rainforests to finding Zen in child’s pose, all while baring her authentic self on the mat.
“I love how freeing it is, because yoga’s already so meditative and zen, and you feel very at peace with your surroundings, with yourself, your breath.”
Hi, I’m Carissa!
Where are you from?
I am originally from New York, but now I live in Tampa and London.
Can you tell us any funny or interesting stories from when you were growing up?
I had such an adventurous childhood. I had a lot of fun frolicking in the mountains. I’ve had a very adventurous life. I guess there were some impromptu horseback journeys through the rainforest in Mexico.
How long have you been doing yoga and how did you get into it?
Yoga, I’ve been doing for, I’d say, at least a decade. I do yoga and Tai Chi. I got into yoga because I started going to a chiropractor and physiotherapy to help alleviate back pain.
What do you like about doing yoga naked?
I love how freeing it is, because yoga’s already so meditative and zen, and you feel very at peace with your surroundings, with yourself, your breath.
What’s your favorite yoga pose?
My favorite yoga pose is child’s pose.
Why do you practice yoga and other forms of self-care?
I want to live forever.
What are the emotional mental benefits of practice?
I always notice I’m much calmer. I’ve actually been told that recently, because the past couple of years I have been focusing on meditation and yoga more, and people have really been seeing a transformative difference in me.
What advice would you give to yourself from 10 years ago?
Train harder. I wish I already had twice the endurance that I have now.
How did you get so comfortable being naked?
I think every day it’s a little bit more, and that’s why I choose to model naked so that I can get more comfortable until one day, I’m just me in my own skin.
What’s your favorite food?
That’s easy, Häagen-Daz strawberry ice cream. Beautiful.
How can our members find out more about you?
You can always find me on Instagram @freshcinnamonrolls
*this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity