Yoga Teacher and Student, Mover, Creator, Barcelona, Spain

Ms. Paula Olalde exudes calmness and confident serenity. All falls into place when you realize that her background is in healing, body work and studies in mediation and yoga. Paula is a seeker with a deep strive for self-discovery and a desire to share her art with the world. I’m thankful that Paula showed me around Barcelona, where we were able to create a series of these lovely, super quiet portraits.

1. Name.

Paula Rodriguez Olalde.

2. Where is your hometown?

I was born in San Sebastian, Spain, in the Basque Country. But I’ve been living in Barcelona for the past five years.

4. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

When I was 16 I studied in England at an international school founded by Jiddu Krishnamurti.

That really opened my mind in many ways. I met people from different backgrounds and cultures, I learned what it’s like to live in a community. It was there that I started practicing yoga, created art and became interested in human development through body awareness and in creative expression. After finishing my studies in England I traveled to Thailand to study Thai Massage and became more and more interested in different types of body work.

I moved to Barcelona to continue my studies there. I certified as a yoga teacher, Biodynamic Cranio Sacral therapist and a mindfulness instructor. I started practicing and then teaching Acroyoga. I continued dancing which I've done on and off since childhood, and right now I'm in training to become a Feldenkrais practitioner.

I’m proud of my decision to follow my heart, to study and pursue the things I really love, rather than doing what I thought was expected of me like studying in a university for an approved-by-society career for example. I also feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to do that.

5. What did you study in school?

I was so lucky to go to a school where I had the chance and the freedom to learn about all the things I was interested in. I studied psychology, art, yoga, dance, woodwork, human development, mysticism, pottery, french among other subjects. And more importantly, I learned a lot about myself and about life.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

Not so different actually. I’m currently 24 so 20 was not too long ago. When I was 20 I had just moved to Barcelona and started studying yoga. Since then I've continued my studies and started teaching.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

I can’t think of one specific moment. But it helps to see challenging times as opportunities for growth and transformation, and to remind myself that everything passes (the good and the bad) and to keep trust. We are here to taste every flavor to be able to experience the depth of life in every aspect.

9. Knowing what we know now in current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

I see a big shift happening. Of course there is still a lot to be done, and its different in different cultures and parts of the world, but women are becoming more and more empowered. I think change starts from oneself. There are so many micro-sexisms that are integrated in our culture that we don't even realize them. So becoming aware of this, changing our mindset, and changing the way we react in these situations is to me the way forward. I believe that supporting each other as women is important as well.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

I feel the happiest when I'm moving in a creative way or forming something with my hands.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Building, creating with my hands are some of my favorite hobbies. I love the feeling of making something I will be able to use, like binding books, making ceramic bowls and vases, sewing, working with wood, felting wool, making my own cosmetics with simple natural ingredients, making my own jewelry.

I also sing as I play a guitar or a ukulele. I love creating art.

And I really enjoy cooking (and eating); I eat a vegan diet which made me even more curious and open to try different foods, experiment with flavors and to try different things in the kitchen.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

My dream is to live in a house in nature with friends, to build a common project together, such as growing our own vegetables and living in the most sustainable way possible.

Also continue learning and sharing what I've learned about movement, yoga, bodywork etc with others.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Fear of failing and fear of not making the right decisions.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I would’t change anything. I feel like behind everything there is a purpose, even if we cannot understand it in that very moment. Most of the time the situations that we categorize as unpleasant or uncomfortable are our biggest learning opportunities and the ones that make us grow and expand the most. I feel grateful for what every experience has taught me.

16. What are you hopeful about?

I am hopeful that as humans we will find a way to live in peace and in harmony with nature.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Live simply, stay connected to nature, stay present, do what you love, spend time by yourself, spend time with the people you love, move, meditate, listen to your heart, express yourself in creative ways, take care of your people, laugh, dance, love.

18. What is a quality you most love about yourself and why?

I am someone you can trust and rely on.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Don’t be afraid to be you and trust yourself.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favorite reads?)

I'm reading Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés at the moment.

And another book I really love that comes to my mind is Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan.

21. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them, if you had an opportunity, why you admire them?

My mum inspires me. She is the most generous and caring person with everyone around her. She is also an artist.

Meghan Currie has also been an inspiration for me. She is a Canadian yoga teacher. I don’t know her personally, but have been following her and taking her classes online for a few years. I’m really inspired by the way she moves.

I recently discovered the movement practice and started practicing in a studio in Barcelona led by Anna Prozraka. I feel inspired by her strength and dedication to her practice. She is my third WOW Woman.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

My email is paularodriguezolalde@gmail.com

Photos by Olga Shmaidenko.