Nanda Hagenaars
INTERVIEW
Artist & Author
DATE: 04 ⁄ 09 ⁄ 2024
EVA & NANDA
“I absolutely love spending time with people and I consider myself a very social person, however spending time at home resting only with my loved ones - cures me the best.”
AMSTERDAM
YOUR IDEAL WAY TO START YOUR DAY?
My ideal way to start a day is to rise before the rest of the family. Catch some direct sunlight on my face and do some gentle stretching. After I usually have a look at some inspirational things I’ve saved on my laptop to set the right energy. Then I’d love to start writing intuitively. I always put on piano music. In the streets I hear the world waking up and I’m just taking the time to do so myself. If it’s still dark I light a few candles. After this I cuddle with my family and I go for a long walk with the dog. Then I have my coffee and start some work, observing what I can bring into the world.
WHEN DO YOU FEEL CREATIVELY MOST FULLFILLED?
Whenever I feel excitement in my body.
HOW DO MOVE THROUGH MENTAL OR CREATIVE BLOCKS?
I navigated through difficult times before. Over the past I’ve learned what works for me (and what doesn’t). I ask myself what I need. Is it a hug, is it some alone time in nature, or is it some writing. I just treat myself as my best friend, asking her what she needs and then I give it to her.
WHAT DOES GROWTH MEAN TO YOU?
Responding differently in situations where you used to feel triggered or emotional before. Growth is also about never being the same who you were. Growth is also accepting that. We are forever evolving.
WHAT RESOURCES, TOOLS AND PRACTISES WORK FOR YOU TO SUPPORT YOUR GROWTH?
Making sure I have everything I need in order to evolve. Like the soil for a tree to grow. This means my environment is safe and creative. Taking care of myself. My coaching with Eva helps me grow enormously. It gives me focus, excitement and clarity.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?
The choice by Edith Eger.
“I just treat myself as my best friend, asking her what she needs and then I give it to her. ”
NANDA HAGENAARS
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I am proud of a lot of things. My son. And I am proud of my life. I am proud of the obstacles I’ve overcome. How I’ve grown into the version of myself that I am today. And also proud that I’ve started running. Proud that I stopped drinking. Proud that I prioritised my health. Proud that I am creating from the heart.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
I am currently working on having more fun and freedom. It’s summer and last year was a bit serious. Which was good in a way, but I feel like I’m moving into chapter fun.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR CURRENT WORK?
I want to improve myself. When I look at the old masters in photography, or even in other art, I feel they were exceeding and improving and improving. They inspire me to become better at my practice and to continue to work on new pieces every time again.
WHAT CHALLENGE(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY FACING?
To be honest, when I woke up this morning, my answer was : none. Last year was a difficult year in many ways, but today I feel at ease, confident and positive. I did realize that the goal is to surf on those waves whenever they come. To not drown. To have some fun and learn from the waves. And to get back on top of the wave again as quickly and gracefully as possible.
HOW WILL YOU OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE(S)?
By realizing that every situation has a learning in it. I never lose, I either win or I learn.
“I always love starting with an overview of the day and an intention on how I’d like to feel when the day ends. ”
NANDA HAGENAARS
YOUR MORNING AND/OR NIGHTTIME RITUALS?
In the evening I like to wind down, as I take my sleep quite seriously. I dim the lights and put on candles instead. I put down my phone, and I take a mindful hot shower. I prefer to not work in the evenings as they can activate the (creative) brain which makes it harder for me to fall asleep.
In the morning I’d love to go outside and stretch a bit, get some direct sunlight on my face. I always love starting with an overview of the day and an intention on how I’d like to feel when the day ends. For instance when I am with my son, I’d love my heart to be full and my nervous system to be calm. When I have a shoot, I visualize myself at the end of the day being creatively fulfilled with beautiful new images in my pocket.
YOUR FAVOURITE WELLBEING / SELF-CARE PRODUCTS?
I’ve got quite a few tips, I live as much as possible according to the circadian rhythm. This means that everything on earth is guided by light. In the morning when we wake up, the light frequency that touches our skin sends information to the hormones to start producing cortisol to rise, and to break down melatonin in the evening when we watch a sunset. I also wear blue light blocking glasses in the evening when there’s still artificial lights or screens around.
WHAT RELAXES YOU? HOW DO YOU CALM YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM?
I can invite my nervous system to relax by slowing down. By stretching and moving. By walking in the park. By taking deep breaths. By realizing that all is gonna happen that is supposed to happen. I surrender to a greater knowing.
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Everything. That the best is yet to come.
“Every situation has a learning in it. I never lose, I either win or I learn.”
CONNECT WITH NANDA:
@NANDAHAGENAARS ⁄ NANDAHAGENAARS.NL
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