Justin Tampa

As a baby, we exit our mother’s womb and enter this world vulnerable, dependent, and frail. My life experience’s has enriched me and has taught me survival skills, some that are healthy and of purest intentions and others that eventually unravel into a state of discord and depletion.

My naked body takes in and shows all. As a child, I was always conflicted with attention and being noticed. If I was getting attention because of my long lanky legs, I wanted to be less than. On the flip side, if I was feeling isolated and small, I wanted to be stronger, more handsome, or just be a bit more masculine.

Yoga has given me the tools of self-acceptance, self-love, and forgiveness. It is with my naked body that I feel equal. I can quickly hush the self judgements when I am stark naked. I am stripped of fear and doubt when I allow myself to be vulnerable and fully seen. I cannot hide.  This is who I am.

I am a creator, I am a dancer, a poet, a lover. I seek truth in all that is. My naked body gives me pleasure and experiences that shape who I am to become. It is perfect to be imperfect. My imbalanced hips and lateral sway from scoliosis mark me like no one else. My large nose gives me better sniffing qualities. And my premature grey hair creates sweet conversation from old and young. My imperfections have taught me how to have compassion for myself and others. I love my naked body.