Last week in Santa Cruz, I took some pictures of myself practicing yoga. Capturing yoga in a photo can be tricky because it often focuses on the external aspects—the posture, the form—but much of yoga happens within us, beyond what the eye can see.

While choosing which photos to post, I found myself drawn to the ones where I wasn’t in the “perfect” posture, where I was still exploring or just about to enter the final shape of the pose. These images resonated with me because they reflect a moment of letting go of the pursuit of perfection, allowing myself to simply be—to have fun.

It takes courage to embrace imperfection. It takes courage to show up as you are, to speak your truth, and to release the need for others’ approval. I’ve struggled with perfectionism my whole life. It held me back, made me procrastinate, and caused me to miss opportunities, leaving me with very little space to move freely. Only when I began practicing yoga and meditation I started to see how perfectionism was blocking me from exploring new adventures and following my bliss.

Mindful practices taught me to pay less attention to what others think of me and to have more compassion and love for myself. They encouraged me to embrace my flaws and rough edges, shifting my focus from an idealized version of myself to simply being me. These practices have made me more curious and alive to my inner world and the world around me.

Yoga is not about achieving the perfect pose, but about the grace found in the process of unfolding, both physically and mentally. By embracing my imperfections, I’m learning to live with more authenticity and joy, opening myself up to the endless possibilities that come with letting go of the search for perfection. In this space of acceptance and curiosity, I find a deeper connection to myself and the world around me. The practice of yoga, both on and off the mat, is a constant reminder that the true beauty of life lies not in perfection, but in the courage to be real, to explore, and to grow.

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