I am deeply moved and inspired by the particular preferences that make everyone uniquely themselves.
Starting with the very labels I was given and those I gave myself, so we can find a common ground and connect. My name is Paola. I was born in Colombia, raised in Brazil, and have Italian-Lebanese roots. I went to business school, but in the middle of my studies, I understood that something wasn't making much sense. So, I decided to choose paths that resonated with what would make me happy rather than what was considered more noble at the time. Once I did that, I never stopped, and that's how I ended up in Europe, developing a career as an artist, which is the closest name found to describe what I do. What I am really doing, though, is searching for balance using presence practices in order to find the sweet spot of liberation, where I am not controlled by my mind.
HOW DO YOU EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND/OR UNCONVENTIONALITY?
Traveling, living with many people in different houses, and spending a considerable amount of time alone provided me with a balance of facing challenges around conflict in relationships and reflecting on them. It took me some time to unravel the whys, whos, and hows of handling diverse mindsets and it took me more time to recognize the other as part of myself. The way out was really contemplating forgiveness and acceptance, which ended up fostering a deep sense of compassion for myself and others as a consequence.
HOW DO YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF CREATIVELY?
I believe being true to oneself is the greatest creativity one can express. From that point, the ways of expression are infinite and part of our daily lives. The range can go from oiling my hair with rosemary because I felt like taking care of it to actually going on stage to perform.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY? WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU ARE AN EXPERT IN AND COULD GIVE ADVICE TO THE COMMUNITY ON?
I enjoy getting to know people in person, learning about what they're up to, and being impressed by synchronicities. If we're fortunate, we might even be heading toward the same destination and can be good companions, supporting mutual growth. On the skills side, I've thought about a pilot project where I could interview these women and give a voice to their projects. I'm very open to discussing this later, but it's something that has been on my mind. Additionally, as a mentor, I have expertise in re-empowerment through creativity.
SHARE A VERY VALUABLE INSIGHT YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE WORLD:
The safest & fullest place in the world is here and now.