My name is: Polina Aronova-Cahn.
I’m known as: Editor-in-chief and partner of Human Shift.
My expertise is in: I don’t know about expertise, but I know some things about practices and modalities that equip you with tools for living a better life and being a happier you. I know some things about that high-vibe life. And fashion is my mental archival department (and I still love it).
I stay physically healthy with: On the regular, I CitiBike between meetings, practice yoga at Kula with Nikki Villela, Lindsay Ashmun and many other amazing teachers at that studio and take The Class with CJ, Natalie and Jaycee. Twice a week, I take Dancehall classes with Korie Genius. I’ve also decided to run the NYC marathon this year—and then there are all the extras like workshops and masterclasses when particular teachers are in town. Yes, I like to move—a lot. And, some weeks, I don’t manage any of the above, and it totally messes with my everything.
I keep my emotions balanced with: The mental/emotional and the physical are connected. All of the above helps with this too. I do meditate every day; well, most days. Therapy is very helpful too, especially when excavating all the learnt beliefs and habits passed on by our ancestors that likely no longer serve, but harm us. It’s important to note that all that you do affects everything else—your thoughts mark your emotions, your physical movements affect your thoughts and emotions. It’s all connected.
I’m intellectually stimulated by: Everything! Many things. Those who know me, know I love to learn. I love to read history, science, theology/philosophy, political books. I seek to understand the world we live in through the filters of what’s come before today.
I was recently transformed by: Honest and loving conversations with my husband. Learning how to speak openly, in truth and with patience—this is an ongoing process—but we manifest those closest to us for a reason. And it’s to heal each other, to grow together and to always stand in love, above everything else.
In the last six months, the ritual that has become so important for me is: My closest friend taught me about skincare. All of the different products and layers of things one needs to do to preserve the integrity of our naturally produced collagen. I love to learn, but, in this case, I was blessed to have someone provide clear instructions: I learned about hyaluronic acid and vitamin C and E and clean moisturizers and natural oils—and I love it cause I’m not getting any younger, but the combos make me look like I am! Also dancing—dancing makes my soul age younger.
Here’s how you can do it too: Care about yourself, know that you are important and all the rest follows.
It helps me live my process because: I learned the lesson: If you want to transform the world, go home and love your family and yourself. (This is a paraphrase of a Mother Theresa quote.)
