Yogis Uncovered | Meet Obiani
In this edition of Yogis Uncovered, we chatted with Obiani about her holistic lifestyle and the positive changes she’s experienced since starting her naked yoga journey. Discover how she found a nurturing community in LA and embraced her true, authentic self through yoga. Watch the full interview to learn more!
“…it’s so vulnerable and just so raw to be naked, authentic, and in your body moving. It’s just so much better.”
Hello, my name is Obianibeli Asu and I’m presently living in LA in West Hollywood. I am Nigerian by origin and born in Houston, Texas and raised in England, Somerset and Dorset, the countryside.
What brought you to LA?
I was booked for a fashion campaign during the pandemic by a jewelry company. I stayed here when I found a community that's into holistic wellness, plant-based medicine healing, Ayahuasca ceremonies, Kambo, especially during the pandemic. That was a huge yes for me.
What sparked your interest in holistic living?
The pandemic sparked my self-healing journey, not wanting to be sick from COVID, to be optimally aligned. Depression, anxiety, mental health, building mental resiliency, not being shaken by circumstances and having my physical health aligned with my mental health is what really pushed me on the journey. That’s been a challenge for me to really stay steadfast on the journey of holistic wellness.
What positive changes have you experienced since starting this journey?
I’ve noticed positive changes on my journey of holistic mind-body-soul wellness, such as rewiring my spine from scoliosis. I didn’t even know I had a weak pelvic floor that I’ve learned to engage and [open up] my chest prouder. I’m more clear, vigilant, aware, aligned, self-assured. I’ve rewired my mind.
What has it been like working with True Naked Yoga?
[My] first experience was very exciting, as I had just discovered how my body can thoroughly expand. So, when I got the call to shoot a yoga video, I was so excited. It’s a blessing to share, and plus I’m a nudist. Actually, being naked brings me joy. It is the purest form of being, so I love getting to do this.
What’s your favorite yoga pose?
It’s hard to choose what my favorite yoga pose is, but I say the “Warrior Series”. Warrior 2, because it’s elongating. It’s powerful. It’s a strong, deep, lunge. I love it.
What do you like about doing naked yoga versus clothed yoga?
What I love about doing naked yoga is it’s so vulnerable and just so raw to be naked, authentic, and in your body moving. It’s just so much better.
*this interview has been edited for brevity and clarity