How to Navigate Judgment And Stay True to Your Heart

The fear of being judged is something I have struggled with all my life.

When I was 8 years old, my parents and I moved to London. I didn’t speak English, and I was the new kid in school. It wasn’t easy making friends, and kids can be cruel. Add to that the fact that I couldn’t communicate. It was tough, to say the least. I felt judged for not being able to do my homework or being the last one to be picked for group work. I think the teachers thought that I wasn’t very bright, and the kids saw as the “odd one out”.

Later on, I judged myself that my yoga classes weren’t “good enough,” “spiritual enough,” or “challenging enough.” I thought: I’m a yoga teacher; I should be able to do handstands and arm balances. I’m a yoga teacher; I should know the names of every muscle and bone in the body. I’m a yoga teacher; I shouldn’t struggle with my mental health… The constant pressure to be perfect led me to forget the true essence of yoga — the practice of self-acceptance, patience, and growth.

The lesson here is: Perfection kills joy.

I came to understand that it wasn’t about being flawless; it was about showing up authentically, embracing my imperfections, and allowing myself — and my students — to learn and grow together.

As I began facilitating more retreats, I felt judged that my retreats weren’t “transformative” enough. I worried that if I didn’t have an answer to a question, it meant I wasn’t fit to teach and guide others. If I was struggling in my personal life, I wasn’t qualified to support others. If there was an issue during the retreat that I hadn’t preplanned for, I judged myself and thought I was a fraud—that I wasn’t “ready,” or that there were others better and more qualified for the job than me.

There was A LOT of unlearning, self-compassion, and self-love to help me shift from the mentality of wanting to be perfect, to accepting that I too am just a human being on a journey. I can only do my best (as can you). I learned that when I judge myself, it means there is a part within me calling for more love, acceptance, and healing. I learned that when someone judges me, it’s simply a reflection of something that needs love, acceptance, or healing within them.

I try to be as honest & authentic as I can, wherever I am. When hosting my dolphin retreats, I am “on call” 24/7 , the door to my room is always open, and I’m available at 1 am should someone need me. But there comes a day in the week when I too need a break. My choice of self-care is going for a 1-hour scuba dive during retreat free time.

You guessed it. I’ve been judged for that too.

Someone told me once that they paid for a retreat, not for me to go diving. Initially, I took the feedback to heart. I thought: “Maja, you f*cked up. Even if you are holding space and facilitating for 7 days, you shouldn’t be taking a break.” Then another participant came up to me and said, “Maja, I’m so glad you went diving. It really helped me see that there is no shame in taking care of yourself. You practice what you preach. This is such a good lesson for me—thank you.” Narrative changed. Faith in self restored.

So you see, people will always have an opinion on what you do or do not do; what matters is your intention. I needed an hour to myself to recharge my batteries, so I could continue holding space and facilitating to the best of my ability. Two people judged the same action in two completely different ways.

My advice for when the fear of being judged comes up?

Follow your heart. Trust yourself. And always have the intention to do what is in the highest good of all. This is my guiding principle for all retreats I host. I trust that everything will unfold exactly how it was meant to. We are all teachers, and we are all students.

If you're struggling with judgment or the fear of being “not enough,” I invite you to join me on one of my retreats. It’s a space where we embrace imperfection, where we show up exactly as we are, and where healing and transformation take place, free from the pressure of judgment. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, trusting the journey, and taking the first step toward the change you desire. Come as you are — with all your fears, your doubts, your worries — and leave with a renewed sense of peace, purpose, and self-acceptance.

I’d love to hear your story. Your thoughts on this. Is judgment something that you have struggled with, or still struggle with?

Ocean waves of love to you,
Maja