Alina Bohn, Pantarei Approach Practitioner

Following your passion

Alina Bohn is a Pantarei approach Practitioner, yoga teacher and set manager assistant in TV production. She discovered the Pantarei Approach in 2018, and shared with me how it supported her in changing her life, in the moment when she needed it the most, and why following one’s passion is something she encourages people to do.

Alina was born 26 years ago in the beautiful countryside of southern Bavaria, in Germany. She had “cows and horses at her front door”, and a view of the Alps from her backyard. Her childhood was happy and joyful, surrounded by friends and family.

From Bavaria to Berlin

After graduating from school, she traveled the world for six months, before settling in Berlin. “I didn’t know what I really wanted to do. The only thing I was interested in was psychology. I applied to university, but didn’t get in. Well, it was just an idea anyway.”
She then went with the flow. As the media industry seemed attractive to her back then, she started in the TV and film production field. She discovered a world in which she had to work in a team environment, be creative as well as organized, and constantly learn new things. She enjoyed it, and dedicated herself to this path for seven years.

In 2018, her life took a sharp turn. Alina experienced a difficult break-up, which had a huge impact on her life. Important parts of her inner foundation seemed to be breaking down. Her partner and the first man she had ever shared her life with; the relationships with the people around her; and the daily universe she used to know so well, crumbled. For the first time she felt alone and unbalanced. “My life, as it used to be, was gone. I felt completely lost, I didn’t know who I was anymore”.

In facing these challenges, Alina began to realize that she was not happy at her job. “I always felt like I enjoyed my job, but it didn’t really fulfill me. You work with the people around you, but real honest and open communication is rare. And I wanted another way of working with people. I wanted to connect. And I thought to myself: if so many important parts of your life are falling apart, you need to at least have a job that you really like.”

And one trait you can quickly discover when you meet Alina, it’s her kindness and empathy, towards the world, and towards herself.

She reached out for help, and found a Pantarei Approach practitioner.

World Changing

“From the very first session, I was fascinated, and so happy to have discovered this approach. I am a very physical person: I have a good connection to my body, I like to feel it. I do a lot of yoga, dance, sport, massage. So for me, to discover this form of connection between the physical and psychological, was mind-blowing. It was the perfect fit.” The sessions gave Alina what she needed most at this time: regular support, a safd place to be every week, knowledge about herself, and self-acceptance. And something else started to grow inside her; determination, motivation and inspiration. She began to feel better. The process didn’t bring back her old life. Rather, it gave her a place to grieve. It gave her new perspectives and the energy for a fresh start.

The effects of her sessions were so profound, that it became clear: “This is really what I want to do! Pantarei is the opportunity I have always been looking for. It combines many of my interests, values, and wishes: to listen, be empathic, to focus on our unique qualities and strengths. I too want to give support, and embrace people for who they are.”

Early influences

For as long as she can remember, Alina has always been drawn to better understand others, and to support them. “When I was a child, I loved to read biographies. I also had a collection of books about psychologic traits. They were captivating. I have always been fascinated by other people’s stories.”

And, about the professional path she was pursued? “ For a long time, I had, in the back of my mind, or better said, deep inside my heart, the feeling that I wanted to do something more social; more meaningful. I wanted to find my way in which to support people.” Her instinct was so clear on this topic that she registered for the next Pantarei Approach training without hesitation.

Before the start of the studies, Alina took a little detour to India. Here she learned to teach another passion of hers, namely yoga. Practicing yoga was also a big part of her life, that helped her feel better during her breakup.

First week at the Pantarei training : “The best thing I could ever have done”

“It was so intense! I was surprised to learn so much. After the first two days, I already felt how easily we can connect to people and to ourselves, simply through a touch or a breathing exercise. I didn’t expect it to be so quick! I was so happy I had made this decision and I am so grateful for it.”
The philosophy of the approach matched with Alina’s core values. She was impressed by her teachers, the simplicity of the program and also the group of students. “Amazing people”, she calls them.

“Everyday I came back home thinking that this was really the best thing I could ever have done.” One year went by, and Alina, now a certified Pantarei Approach practitioner, feels joyful about her path . Her life was shifting, and the Pantarei Approach joined the dance. It gave her the support and energy needed to finally take a step into her new personal and professional path.

Alina’s next steps

She has now a beautiful space in which to work. She looks forward to receiving clients again, after the Corona break. But it’s not her only occupation. She is still working in TV production. She gives Yoga lessons and is finally also studying to be a certified naturopath in psychotherapy. For her, this is just the beginning.

Following her passion, and finding what people want from life is a great motivation for her. She enjoys realizing what people can change in order to be happier. She loves exploring who they really are, and how can they find their way to connect more strongly to themselves. And she never grows tired of hearing about people’s dreams and wishes in life. Her eyes shon brightly when she told me how much she would like everyone to discover bodywork.

We wish Alina a long and rich career in her chosen path. And we thank her for sharing her inspirational journey of how she become a Pantarei Approach practitioner, with us.

By Anne-Lise Pham: an***********@gm***.com

Alina Bohn: al**********@ho*****.de