Haastattelu Pauline: Matka Liikkeen, Ääniterapian ja Itsensä Löytämisen parissa

1. Voisitko kertoa meille hieman itsestäsi ja siitä, kuinka aloitit alalla?

My journey into the arts began with my mother who introduced me to dance, painting, and cinema, despite never pursuing her own artistic aspirations. It took some time to discover my true passion, but in my early teens, dance became my language of expression. Ballet, with its physical rigor and discipline, shaped my creativity and self-expression while giving me a sense of belonging.

Yet, this journey didn’t come without its challenges. The demands of ballet cultivated a complex relationship with body image, leading to eating disorders that coincided with a deep spiritual search I had felt since childhood. This dissonance drove me to explore my inner world and searching for a way out of the mental suffering I was going through.

Expanding beyond ballet, I started exploring contemporary, tango and Indian classical dance, which transformed my perspective of dancing. In Paris, I met my mentor Malavika, who was a dancer and choreographer, deeply influenced by Indian arts and philosophy, under her guidance, I learned to honor the connection between breath and movement, treating dance as an extension of lyrical storytelling. Malavika, who studied extensively with Krishnamacharya, the founder of modern yoga, also introduced me to yoga, enriching my understanding of dance as a holistic and meditative practice. I feel that these experiences laid the foundation for the work I now share, combining music, movement, and self-inquiry.

2. Miten tulit työtätekevän ammattilaiseksi omassa käytännössäsi? Mikä inspiroi sinua?

My inspiration comes from the beauty of the teacher-student lineage, which passes down wisdom while allowing for personal exploration and creativity. Under Malavika's guidance, I received a scholarship to study Bharata Natyam in India with Sucheta Chapekar for two years. The stories narrated in Bharata Natyam are rooted in sacred texts and explore the inner search for union (yuj) with the higher Self through allegorical narratives. This dynamic dance form, often described as "yoga in motion," weaves together sacred geometry, theater, music, and self-knowledge, which helped me uncover the devotional essence of movement.

After relocating to Stockholm, I continued to deepen my expertise through apprenticeships in Ashtanga Yoga and sound healing facilitation. I now lead sound journeys and vocal meditations that integrate breath, movement, and sound. Additionally, I lead the Stockholm Cosmic Choir, where we explore sound, chanting, and toning, rooted in Nada Yoga - the yoga of sound. My work aims to help individuals connect with their inner voice and the profound peace that it brings.

The human body is both an instrument and a canvas, holding the score of our experiences. Through this work, I strive to help others move with ease, taste their voice and discover their unique way to navigate trough life.

3. Mikä on ollut ja mikä on edelleen aikomuksesi ja motivaatiollasi tehdä sitä, mitä teet?

My primary motivation is to get out of my own way - transcending past conditioning, false beliefs, and societal myths. I aim to inspire others to step out of cycles of self-sabotage and suffering, to honor their bodies, enjoy and not approach practices too seriously.

The tools that helped me navigate my journey, movement, breath, and sound - are what I now share with others. Every practice is an opportunity for me to learn, express create, and guide others toward self-discovery without being confined by feelings of perfectionism or comparison.

4. Voisitko selittää omaa käytäntöäsi henkilölle, joka on täysin uusi siinä?

My practice begins with breath awareness, which forms the foundation for movement. Starting with gentle, isolated movements of the spine and limbs, we gradually transition to coordinating the whole body together with the breath.

I also incorporate vocal toning and chanting, where the body becomes an instrument, resonating with inspiring messages that point to the truth of who we are. I also love to weave in a moment of vocal or movement improvisation. Finally, the session concludes with restorative rest, allowing participants to fully surrender and absorb the vibrations of sound and silence.

5. Jos voisit kuvata käytäntöäsi 3-5 sanalla, mitkä ne olisivat?

• Kehon soitin
• Läsnäolo
• Improvisaatio
• Vapaus

6. Mikä neuvosi olisi jollekulle, joka haluaisi olla tietoisempi omasta käytännöstään ja elämästään?

Start where you are and let curiosity be your guide. Trust the doubts and questions that arise within you - they are part of your unique story and search.

Let go of past conditioning, and embrace each step with a willingness to explore and laugh at life’s paradoxes. To be at peace with the past comes gradually as confusion fades away. There are no shortcuts - just a tender unfolding of layers that allows us to see beauty through the muddy waters of life.

Korostuksia Paulinen tarinasta

1. Henkilökohtainen perusta:
   • Tanssi tuli ilmaisukeinokseni, itseilmaisun, luovuuden ja kuuluvuuden perustaksi.
   • Baletin kurinalaisuus opetti minua kohtaamaan rajat samalla kun ravitsin luovuuttani.

2. Muuttuvat haasteet:
   • Baletin vaatimukset edistivät vaikeaa suhdetta kehonkuvaan, mikä johti syömishäiriöihin, mutta herättivät myös henkisen etsinnän syvemmän ymmärryksen saamiseksi elämästä ja rauhassa olemisesta menneisyyteni kanssa
3. Holistinen käytäntö:
   • Johdan nyt Stockholm Cosmic Choir -kuoroa, tutkien ääntä, sanskritia, säestystä ja lauluja, jotka ovat juurtuneet Nada Yogaan, äänen jogaan.
   • Keho on soitin ja kangas, joka kantaa elämän aikajanamme.
4. Motivaatio:
   • Työni on kutsu ylittää menneiden olosuhteiden rajoitukset, kunnioittaa kehoa ja omaksua elämä uteliaisuudella, avoimuudella ja itsemyötätunnolla.

Ota yhteyttä:

With a rich background in ballet, contemporary, and Indian classical dance, Pauline integrates movement, sound, and yoga as powerful tools for self-discovery and healing.\ Explore her diverse range of classes and sessions here at Soulcircus!