Last August, I traveled to Berlin for an interview with a German journalist. While there, it seemed a great idea to portray several German women for the project. Today, the first German Bloomer is Nicole Herrmann.
Tell us something about yourself?
Where do I start? I love chocolate and sweet things, preferably in the evening or in the afternoon, so that is almost all day long. My heart grows bigger when I am with animals; they have something very pure, like children. I always have the feeling that they are still very close to the universal source. [mepr-show rules=”9992″ unauth=”message”]
I have lived in Berlin for 20 years and have gone through significant internal and external changes here. I am interested in people and their longings, patterns, shadows, and light sides. That same love for the deeper level of human existence brought me to yoga. I have been teaching yoga for almost 10 years. First, the very active styles and now the quieter forms like Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra – that’s where my heart opens.
The life changes fascinate me, sometimes scare me, but ultimately, my internal engine is transformation. I’m a double Scorpio, so I feel drawn to dark aspects of being human, but more from a therapeutic position. My boyfriend has to deal with this side of me very intensely. I always have to go to the bottom of things, ha, ha, ha. I love stories, biographies of people, their motivations, origins, experiences, and life stories. That’s why I probably like reading biographies so much. I have a side that opposes that, an almost childlike sense of humor. I love situation comedy, Snapchat, and watching animal videos. Humor and a pinch of serenity are my companions.
What’s your career now?
Years ago, I started a small company with my friend Sandra called “Holistic Yoga Retreats.” We give yoga trips and workshops and have a good time together. Recently there was a new project, “Alchemy of Femininity.” We have launched an online class of yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, and rituals for women. The project also includes monthly workshops on very different topics.
My next workshop is about intimacy with ourselves. How am I doing in my body? Do I like to touch myself, can I be intimate with myself? These are topics I focus on. These two projects give us a lot of pleasure and warmth and connection. That’s what I love about the job, creating connections between people. I am also teaching yoga on a new yoga app, which is also fun, and I give private lessons. Working with women to support them all around is my focus right now. Holistic empowerment retreats will be added next year with psychological, Ayurvedic, coaching, and spiritual impulses.
We’ve talked about your family history. Do you want to tell us something about that?
I have dealt a lot with my family history. Also therapeutically in constellation work. I grew up in the GDR in the 1970s. My parents both grew up without parents.
My father’s parents were in the Stasi prison for a long time, and my father grew up in a children’s home. The state had taken everything from them, the house, the vehicle fleet, and both my father’s parents. My grandfather was ransomed by the BRD at some point and then lived in Hamburg. He was an exceptional person to me, a free spirit, and an individualist.
My mother’s mother left the GDR in her 50s and went to West Germany. She left my mother behind to grow up with her great-grandparents; this was traumatic for her. My parents shared their fate, I think that was what brought them together. In 1981 we left the country with 5 suitcases and emigrated to West Germany. I have two brothers, one lives in the USA and one in Leipzig.
What Keeps You Up At Night?
A good movie, or a good series, or my thoughts. Most of the time, I sleep very early and well.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You will draw a lot of inner strength from the sad, intense, and fearful moments in life. Everything that feels really bad now will change it, and it will be fine. You are loved, and you have enough of everything. One day you will love yourself and be able to give love to others. Your body is as beautiful as it is. Relax, you don’t have to make an effort to be good. You are enough.
Best/worst things about getting older?
The best thing is relaxation; many topics have been worked through or in the process. I don’t have to try so hard anymore. The best of all is to love the body as it is. I don’t compare myself to others much anymore. Other women feel like sisters now, that helps—inner lightness and joy in what is still to come. When I think about my parents getting older, I sometimes find it challenging. And my face looks different every day, from being entirely at ease with myself to being 40 years old in the mirror. I see every expression and mood more clearly in my face, I find that a challenge.
Best new discovery?
Netflix, blue nail polish, and jumpsuits in every color. I love jumpsuits.
Biggest regret?
Uh, je ne regrette rien I guess.
What’s your fantasy version of your older self?
I live entirely connected to nature. By the sea, in the country, or both, together with animals and lots of love. Satisfaction and ease are my companions. I work as an animal communicator and spiritual guide.
I wear red lipstick and jumpsuits every day. I am a mix of Pippi Longstocking and Katherine Hepburn. I allow myself a lot of me-time, but I also spend time with my loved ones. I live a life of inner and outer abundance, from which I share.
How old are you and how old do you feel?
I am 43, and I feel like 43, or in other words, I don’t feel my age. It’s a number and it indicates where I am in my story.
Photo credits:
Dress – Christian Wynants
Legging – H&M
Sandals – Birkenstocks
Styling by Dayenne Bekker
Makeup by Caroline Torbahn
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