Welcome back to my Introducing: Berliner series where I interview a local business owner in Berlin every few weeks. Most recently, I had the privilege of virtually sitting down with Magali Chastaing, where she spoke to me about being an energy therapist (a deeply fascinating subject I’ve only just begun to learn about), and the founder of the creative and healing community space Holographic Healing Nest.

Originally from France, Magali dreamed of moving to Berlin as a teenager. Life, as it does, got in the way, but just shy of a decade later she arrived in Berlin a new woman: full of life lived, plenty of skills and stories in her back pocket, and ready to embrace the inspiring energy she felt in the city. Over the years she has directed her spirit towards energy healing, which she practices in a multitude of forms including Shiatsu and Somatic Experiencing.

Her driving force is leading people to accept themselves, as well as develop a healthy relationship with one’s self. We even spent about ten minute of our interview discussing obstacles I face in my personal life, and ways I can validate my feelings towards them. She eminently describes the self-compassion that every person must come into in order to heal as the “key to everything.”

Today she is mainly focused on her business online, but will begin her sessions once more in person when lockdown restrictions ease. We had a great connection and I am happy to introduce you to a leading voice in Berlin’s mind, body, and soul community: Magali Chastaing.

“Developing a loving relationship with yourself is the key to everything.”

Magali & Her Healing

Could you share a few sentences about who you are regarding what you represent and your values?

I am a healer and a therapist. I believe that the way to change the world for the better is to start by addressing what hinders us as individuals; we want to find the version of ourselves that is most aligned to our integrity and our values. Very often we are pulled by unconscious strings, motivated by things like fear, which convinces us that we won’t belong even if we are simply being ourselves. We arrive in this world, in a society that is already quite corrupted, and as children and teenagers we try to understand the world and figure out how we can fit in. As we grow and mature we begin to understand that we should not work to fit in, but rather change things.
I work mainly with people who also feel a strong pull to change the world. People with unique gifts, hypersensitive people, creative people, people who think outside of the box, artists. People who had the most trouble in the first part of their lives can now feel like they belong. I support them in anchoring themselves in their purpose and in their truth. They no longer feel the need to be apart of the old world they grew up in, and can instead start to build this new world.

With that in mind, what would you say the core of your work is?

The basis of my work is acceptance of ourselves. Instead of viewing yourself as pushy or impatient and becoming upset at how you react to something, you need to accept yourself first. “I am being impatient and pushy and it’s okay. I am acting this way because this matters to me, and I care.” You need to remember to have compassion towards yourself, and see yourself in a positive light. Developing a loving relationship with yourself is the key to everything. But for this to happen, you must develop awareness, you must acknowledge the places where you are not showing yourself love.

A lot of us still practice the same coping mechanisms and emotional responses we’ve had since we were children, and all too often they aren’t very healthy. How do you help break that cycle?

Yes, so first we need to bring to the surface what is in our unconscious mind. To do that I ask people to have a diary. Through writing and reflection you are able to learn more about your intentions. You can note things that happened in your day, times where you felt out of alignment- maybe you felt ashamed or guilty about the way you handled an issue or reacted to something. When you write your feelings down you give yourself the chance to honor your emotions and become more aware of your triggers and intentions. Then we can analyze what the positive intention behind your responses are.
When we repress our anger, for example, we reject ourselves. Ultimately there is nothing wrong with being angry. Quite the opposite, it is an important signal, when we become angry it means something wrong is happening. It could mean that our boundaries are being crossed or we are being treated poorly, and if we repress these feelings we are no longer taking a stand for ourselves. However, a problem that can arise is blaming or projecting that anger on other people. Learning to own and harness our anger without unloading it onto others is a big part of the empowerment process.
Remember, being irrational usually occurs when our inner child is taking over. Children aren't rational. So we need to make it more about taking care of our needs than giving explanations. You must validate and honor your feelings, and become aware of your response patterns. Once you give your mind the space to be conscious of these behaviors it gives you the freedom to build boundaries and break cycles that don’t represent who you are.
I help people become more aware of how to regulate their nervous system. When we are triggered we might get nervous or anxious, or even become numb and disassociate. You can no longer respond properly in the present, so you simply react in the way you’ve programmed your mind to out of habit. I teach the people I work with to learn how to recognize when this happens, and to regulate their nervous system to calm down so that they can come back to themselves.

I noticed your program also has accountability buddies, I’m sure that helps quite a bit, not feeling like you’re so alone with your problems.

Yes, the more vulnerable and authentic they can be with one another and myself the more they can typically get out of our sessions. Of course, trust is not something you can force. Trust is something that develops over time when people feel safe. I try to lead by example; I show my weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I find that we are really all in the same boat; we practice self-judgement, and have insecurities. That’s why group healing is so powerful, once the layers begin to dissolve we can get to the root of the problem, and we can relate to one another.

What kind of healing do you specialize in? I didn’t realize that so much could be considered energy healing like acupuncture, massage, yoga etc.

It’s a bit of everything I’ve learned throughout the years. I’ve been a seeker and researcher my whole life. Every time I don’t feel completely satisfied about something, I dig a little deeper and become more determined to find a better way. The healing method I learned first is Shiatsu which is a type of Japanese bodywork. Then I became familiar with Somatic Experiencing which is used for helping with trauma integration. I also incorporate NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) which is similar to Somatic Experiencing, but also focuses on relationships. I’ve also done Reiki, Shamanism, and Lightwork. Observing what happens with myself and my clients when trying these different practices is the only way to really decide if these methods work.

“I had a dream about working in a space with like-minded people, where every person could feel safe to explore, transform, and simply be themselves. ”

You are the founder of an energy healing space in Kreuzberg called Holographic Healing Nest. Can you tell me a bit about the journey that came with that?

I had a dream about working in a space with like-minded people, where every person could feel safe to explore, transform, and simply be themselves. This dream took more and more space inside of me, until I finally decided to just do it, and the little details flew together so quickly. In a month I found the studio, found people, renovated the space, and Holographic Healing Nest was born. Now we have workshops, classes, events, and more.

Because of the current state of the pandemic, many of us need to practice social distancing, and as a result many people around the world are experiencing loneliness and isolation. Is there anything you can recommend for people who want to maintain their energetic health from home?

Breathing exercises and meditation are things you can do from home. I find the Wim Hof Method to be very effective, and you can find plenty of information about it online for free. It involves breathwork and cold therapy, which can be done in the shower. I find cold therapy to be very challenging so I don’t do that part very often, but breathing exercises take less than 20 minutes a day and are a powerful, yet simple method that is great for beginners.

“The basis of my work is acceptance of ourselves.”

Magali & Berlin

What originally drew you to Berlin and why do you think Berlin makes sense for your line of work?

I first wanted to come to Berlin when I was a teenager. I was really into David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and all these artists that came to West Berlin when the wall was still dividing the city. It felt like a statement of freedom and cultural rejuvenation. I wanted to come when I was 19, but it didn’t work out because I was teenager who loved getting into trouble. It took me a few detours, and I did many things in my life, but ultimately I arrived about ten years later, ready to set my troubles behind me and begin my transformative journey.
I went to so many interesting workshops and met so many interesting teachers who are pioneers in the body, mind, and soul community in Berlin, They honored their beliefs, despite it being unconventional, and I feel really lucky that I got to experience that, and now be a part of the second generation. This new wave is taking more and more space in Berlin, so I really feel like I’m in the right place. Many people who come to Berlin come because they want to transform so it’s a very powerful energy to be around. People come here and often evolve their identity, and it really is so special to see.

Are there any networking groups or organization that you think people coming to Berlin should know about?

I’ve seen many people asking for support and receiving support in groups like International Women in Berlin, Conscious Women Berlin, Berlin4Beginners, and Mental State in Berlin. Great for asking for specifics, getting recommendations, and relating to your fellow Berliners.

What is your favorite café in Berlin?

La Maison on Paul-Lincke-Ufer. They have the absolute best croissants, and I go there at least once a week. They also have amazing coffee, sandwiches, and soups. It’s right next to the canal so when the weather is nice you can have such a lovely walk. Everything is so fresh, for a long time I couldn’t find any good croissants in Berlin, and after discovering this place I’m addicted.

Magali, Etc.

Thank you, Magali! I wholeheartedly recommend that you continue to learn more about Magali, and follow her on her various platforms. This feature is just the tip of who she is, what she does, and how she does it. I’m looking forward to attending a Holographic Healing Nest event in the future.

Healing Practice:

Website: momoko-healing.com
Facebook: facebook.com/momokohealing
Instagram: instagram.com/momokohealing

Healing Center:

Website: holographichealingnest.com
Facebook: facebook.com/holographichealingnest
Instagram: instagram.com/holographichealingnest

In a couple of months Magali is planning on launching Gamechanger Incubators. Those of you who are interested can book a free session through her website to learn more.

If you’re curious about Magali’s work in general you can book a free session as well.

For those of you who might like to learn more about the Wim Hof Method, here is an introduction to cultivating your energy and regulating your nervous system.