Not Perfect, but Practicing

It’s the start of a new month, and with it, a new opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and how we want to move forward. June’s focus in my personal and professional practice was prajnaparadha — the Ayurvedic concept of “the mistake of the intellect.” It’s what happens when we make choices that go against our inner wisdom — often small moments where we know better, but still act from habit, impulse, or overwhelm.

And if I’m being honest, I’ve had many of those moments lately. I’ve stayed up too late. Reached for food and drink that don’t serve me. Skipped the rituals and routines that I know make me feel more grounded and alive. The effects are showing up in how I feel — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But rather than spiral into guilt or shame, I’m choosing to name it, observe it, and begin again.

Because I’m not perfect, but practicing. And that’s enough.

Prajnaparadha: The Human Condition

If you’ve ever ignored your gut feeling, postponed rest, or made a choice that pulled you out of balance, you’ve experienced prajnaparadha. In Ayurveda, this isn’t something we’re meant to fear — it’s something we’re meant to notice. And learn from.

The real practice is not in never making mistakes, but in becoming aware of them. With time and reflection, we begin to recognize the patterns. And once we see clearly, we’re more equipped to choose differently.

The Return to Metta

This July, I’m leaning into the practice of Metta, or loving kindness. Loving kindness isn’t fluffy or feel-good for the sake of it. It’s powerful medicine. It reminds us to meet ourselves — not just in the moments when we feel radiant and aligned, but in the messy middle, too.

It’s the steady voice that says: “You’re allowed to begin again. You don’t have to do it all perfectly to be worthy of care. You can love yourself while you learn.”

I’m dedicating this month to that voice.

Observation, Choice, and Letting Go

In my own life, I’m returning to the meals, practices, and rituals that feel supportive — not because I have to, but because I want to feel good in my body again.

Here’s how I’m approaching it:

• Observe: Noticing when I make a choice that isn’t aligned with my values or my body’s needs.
• Choose: Asking myself gently, “What would support me right now?”
• Let Go: Releasing attachment to the outcome, and simply showing up as I am.

This rhythm helps me step out of judgment and into curiosity. And it reminds me that wellness is not an achievement — it’s a practice.

I am, and always will be, not perfect, but practicing.

An Invitation to Join Me

If you’ve been feeling off-track, or if you’ve been hard on yourself lately — please know you’re not alone. Whether it’s an extra glass of wine, skipped morning practices, or harsh words spoken to your reflection, these moments don’t define you. They are part of the path. And you’re allowed to come home to yourself again and again.

This month, I invite you to practice loving kindness — not just as a meditation, but as a mindset.

• Start with one nourishing choice.
• Breathe deeply, and thank your body.
• Let go of the pressure to get it all “right.”

You are not behind. You are not broken. You are not perfect, but practicing. Let’s honor our wisdom without judging our missteps. Let’s choose nourishment over punishment. Let’s remember that every moment is a chance to come home to ourselves.

One breath. One meal. One soft, loving choice at a time.

xoM