TERRA NOSTRA

The summer is finally here! May has been an amazing month with a lot of movement and expansion for me. I have been working on my upcoming travels, with my little girl, doing creative work: teaching and performing as I go! And there are lots of exciting things coming up in autumn as well... 

For a little taste of what has been going on, I will share with you a few moments of a 9 day Sensual Nature, dancing in the nature challenge that I was invited to participate in. I found connecting with nature, with the Earth and the elements becoming deeper and deeper... and at the same time, I was becoming more fluid and peaceful in my own body and it's natural flows. It truly is so amazingly simple, yet so magical, to spend time with nature! Just dancing... without music, to your own inner flow. It can be a dance of relief, of release, a celebration, connecting with the inner child, connecting with the fairies, connecting with the stones and the goblins... In nature everything exists, the good, the bad and the ugly, in one glorious harmony.

This photo is a selfie I took after interacting with 10kg of soil. This was the beginning of a research for two new pieces: SPOROS - a nomadic creation I am working on with Zoe Valerie in Corfu, Greece. Sporos is the greek word for seeds. We will be planting a human tree that grows... with children included. For my new solo, TERRA NOSTRA, I am working on a bit different thematics: 

'' Life long journey… one planet, countless humans. In search for their place, space to be, to grow, to breath, to plant their seed. People in motion, displaced. Birthing their lives anew. In hopes of finding fertile soil.
 
How do we find enough space and our place on this planet that is getting smaller and smaller as there are more and more humans? How can we honour humanness when there is violence, death, destruction? 
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We each carry the weight of our ancestry, our personal history as well as collective burdens as people from different cultures and backgrounds. Is there a way to release yourself from these burdens? Is there a way to use this wisdom to birth a new humanity, based on simple values, reverence for all life and authentic connections?

Nature is abundant. Staying grounded in the fertile soil, there is enough for everyone’s needs. Turning towards light we can renew ourselves again and again. What do you truly need to live a fulfilling life in balance and harmony, in creative collaboration with the Earth?''

(WORK IN PROGRESS. Concept, costume, performance and music by Meri Nikula)

First silent sketch on VIMEO: TERRA NOSTRA

Dancing Tree - First day of Sensual Nature.  I found that walking outside, paying attention, simply being aware and appreciating the plants, the trees, their forms, their beauty and energy already creates a dance within me. On a little hill I met some dancing trees. I could feel their energy so strong... and if I could see nature spirits, I am sure there were plenty there. It seemed like a very special little space where secret gatherings would be held.

Totem Wand (Salamander-Goat-Dragon) and 9 Stones all found on the Full Moon Day, the last day of Sensual Nature.
I also took my frame drum with me in the forest, to initiate it into my use. It has been specially made for me and I love the drum - now we have an even stronger connection. During the Sensual Nature challenge I really re-established my connection with the Earth and felt supported by the Earth Elementals in a new way. I am only revealing you a few glimpses of this journey, as I am expanding my being-ness into what I am to embody... More, much more to come!

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Wishing you a glorious beginning of summer! The Arctic Birches are finally opening their buds to let out the fresh new green, spreading over the mountain plateaus...

Much love, 

​Meri