In a world that often prioritizes external achievement, Inner Alchemia invites you to turn inward.
'Aus Pharmazeutischer Vorzeit in Bild und Wort' [1886] by Hermann Peters
Intro
My method combines mindfulness, imagination techniques and artistic exploration to help you access and further develop your inner creative potential and wisdom. By engaging with your unconscious and harnessing your imagination, you’ll uncover hidden resources and build the confidence to act from a place of authenticity.
As you explore your inner world, you’ll learn to trust your creative instincts and gain the courage to take inspired action. This process fosters a deeper connection with yourself and your environment, empowering you to create and live authentically, guided by your own unique vision.
With a background in fine arts and years of experience in the fashion industry, I offer a profound understanding of how creativity can serve not only as a tool for personal discovery, but also for uncovering the soul and values of your brand, or enhancing your artistic and creative practice.
Additionally, I offer the well-established MBSR 8-week course, a proven mindfulness program designed to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance emotional well-being. As well a special mindfulness-based program for equestrians.
Further info
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In Inner Alchemia, we enter our inner studios through meditation for an artistic exploration of the self or the organization.
In this process, we engage in a “free associative dialogue” with ourselves—allowing ideas, visions, and impulses to emerge spontaneously from within. The goal is not to create formal works of art, but to access and channel the creative energy that lies within you. It’s not only about gaining new perspectives but also discovering new resources and ideas that reside within you.
This process can take many forms—it's about creating without a predetermined outcome. The "inner studio" becomes a space for you to explore your visions, emotions, and ideas freely, without restrictions. Through this exploration, you can dive deeper into the meaning and symbolism behind these ideas, seeking to understand them in more complex and nuanced ways.
The beauty of artistic exploration lies in its fluidity and spontaneity. It allows you to break free from rigid thought patterns, providing a unique space for innovation, intuitive insight, self-discovery, and inner wisdom. This process empowers you to develop your inner creative resources, tap into your imagination, and gain greater clarity on the themes and challenges that arise in your life.
In each session, I will hold a safe space for you and guide you carefully through the process.
You’ll bring a topic, theme, question, or image you’d like to “throw into the vessel,” and we’ll explore it together.
Inner Alchemia sessions are particularly beneficial for:
Creatives in any field: Artists, designers, writers, or anyone working in the creative industries who wants to deepen their practice or break through creative blocks.
Rational thinkers: Professionals in analytical or technical fields who feel disconnected from their creative side and want to tap into new perspectives.
Those seeking self-discovery: People who want to align more deeply with their authentic selves and discover new possibilities for growth.
What to Expect
In each session, we start with a mindfulness practice to calm the mind and bring your awareness to the present moment. From there, we dive into the creative process, using techniques such as free association, active imagination, and guided introspection to explore your inner world. This process helps you gain insights, connect with your deeper wisdom, and develop a clearer, more authentic understanding of your life’s path.Tailored to Your Needs
Each 60-minute session is customized to meet you where you are, respecting your personal journey and unique goals. Whether you’re dealing with specific life challenges or simply seeking to enhance your creative flow, I adapt the approach to suit your needs, helping you build your creative intelligence and develop greater clarity in a step-by-step process.Logistics
I offer sessions in both English and German, either online or in-person. This flexibility allows you to work in a way that feels most comfortable and convenient for you. You can book single sessions or a series, depending on your goals. -
Mindfulness serves as both the gateway and the grounding force in the process of introspection, helping us connect with our inner world and gain deeper insights. In a world that often values external accomplishments and distractions, mindfulness offers a powerful way to turn inward and be fully present. By training our minds to focus on the present moment, we can step away from the overwhelming noise of daily life and engage with ourselves in a clearer, more aware way.
Through mindfulness, we learn to observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations with acceptance and without judgment. This non-reactive awareness creates a space where we can tap into our deeper, intuitive selves. It is in this space that we begin to access the unconscious mind, uncovering hidden insights and untapped resources.
Mindfulness is more than just a practice; it is a key to understanding our inner landscape and cultivating a deeper connection with ourselves and our authentic creativity. It allows us to face life’s challenges with calmness and clarity, empowering us to take action rooted in inner wisdom and authenticity.
By training the "awareness muscle," we gradually build the capacity to turn inward and access deeper insights, step by step.
My mindfulness training is tailored to each individual or team, starting from where you are and respecting your unique needs.
Through guided mindfulness exercises, you will develop the ability to observe and engage with your inner world. For teams, this process helps harness collective creativity and insight, creating a space for collaboration and exploration.
Each session is customized to ensure the practice evolves to suit your personal or professional goals while fostering a deeper connection to your inner wisdom. You can book meditation sessions online or in person. These sessions are also integrated into the Inner Alchemia process.
I offer two session options:
30-minute sessions: Short, focused sessions to provide quick mindfulness techniques that can be easily integrated into your day.
60-minute sessions: A deeper dive into mindfulness practices, offering more time to refine your skills and explore various techniques.
In each session, you will learn:
Meditation techniques that are focus-based, helping you center your attention and quiet the mind.
Mindfulness practices for cultivating presence and awareness, even during challenging situations.
Mindful communication techniques to improve the way you engage with others, fostering better listening, understanding, and connection.
These sessions are designed to support you in incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life, whether you're seeking more clarity, managing emotions, or learning how to focus and stay calm amidst external distractions.
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Mindfulness for equestrians focuses on enhancing the connection between rider and horse through awareness, presence, and instinctual perception.
The relationship between horse and rider is built on trust, sensitivity, and mutual respect. Too often, our aspirations in the equestrian world are influenced by societal expectations, success, and personal ego. By incorporating mindfulness into our practice, we create space for greater awareness, fostering a partnership based on intuition, presence, and shared communication.
Building Awareness and Connection
Mindfulness for equestrians starts by tuning into our own bodies and minds. As riders, it’s easy to become disconnected from ourselves amidst the demands of training, competition, or daily routines. Mindfulness trains us to become more attuned to the present moment, to listen to our instincts, and to act from a place of clarity and trust. This self-awareness lays the foundation for connecting deeply with the horse.
Sensing and Syncing with the Horse
Mindfulness enhances your ability to synchronize with the horse. By being fully present, you learn to sense subtle cues from the horse—its body language, emotions, and physical needs—allowing you to respond with precision and understanding. Whether on the ground or in the saddle, mindfulness helps you attune to the horse's energy and rhythm, resulting in smoother interactions and more harmonious communication.
Controlling the Mind and Body
Mindfulness supports equestrians in maintaining mental and physical control, particularly in stressful or high-pressure situations. When working with horses, emotions can run high, both for the rider and the horse. Mindfulness techniques help riders calm their nervous systems, reduce stress, and regain focus. These practices ensure the rider remains grounded, even in challenging situations, and is able to communicate clearly and fairly with the horse.
Body Awareness: On the Ground and in the Saddle
A transformative aspect of mindfulness for equestrians is improving body awareness. Through body scans and mindful movement, riders become more attuned to how their body influences the horse’s movement and behavior. This heightened awareness, both on the ground and in the saddle, allows for more effective riding and communication. In particular, using body scan techniques while riding helps riders feel both their own and the horse's movements with greater detail, improving synchronization and fluidity.
Personal Growth through Mirroring
Horses are often seen as mirrors to their riders, reflecting back the emotional state, intentions, and energy of the person working with them. Mindfulness allows riders to embrace this feedback, using it as a tool for self-discovery and growth. By being open to the horse’s mirror, equestrians can gain valuable insights into their emotional states, behaviors, and patterns. This process facilitates profound personal growth, helping riders better understand themselves and their relationship with their horse.
A Holistic Approach to Equestrianism
My mindfulness program for equestrians is designed for riders of all disciplines and levels. Whether you're a competitive rider, a recreational equestrian, an amateur or professional, or someone who simply enjoys spending time with horses, the mindfulness techniques I offer will help you develop a deeper connection with your horse, improve your focus and emotional resilience, and enhance your overall riding experience.
Mindfulness for equestrians isn’t just about becoming a better rider; it’s about developing a more conscious and mindful approach to your equestrian life. It’s about understanding the deeper dynamics of the human-horse connection and finding harmony, not just in riding, but in how we interact with the world around us.
Through breathing, mindful awareness, and emotional tuning, you will learn to embody a state of balance and clarity that will serve you in all aspects of the human-horse relationship.
Training and Sessions
I offer training sessions at your stable and online to support you while interacting with the horse. Additionally, I offer in-person and online sessions focused on themes and training exercises, which can be done in a consulting room without the horses present. To explore past situations or topics that bring up specific emotions, we can use active imagination and mindful dialogue. I also provide mindful movement and body-scan sessions for equestrians, both online and in person.
Feel free to inquire about customized weekend clinics at your stable.
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MBSR, or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, is a structured, research-backed program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979. It was originally designed to help individuals cope with stress, pain, and anxiety through the practice of mindfulness.
The program consists of eight weekly group meetings (each 2.5 hours long), a one-day retreat with a seven-hour mindfulness practice, and daily homework (usually lasting about 45 minutes). It includes techniques such as mindfulness meditation, body scans, and mindful movement.
Through regular training in mindfulness, the MBSR course helps people become familiar with their own behavior patterns, particularly in stressful situations. Participants learn that while they may not always be able to change their circumstances, they can choose how to respond. This process is described in MBSR as moving from reacting to responding—responding involves a clearer perception of the situation by being in touch with the thoughts, sensations, and emotions present in the moment.
Each session begins with a mindfulness exercise that participants have learned in previous weeks. The main exercises of the MBSR program include body scan, gentle yoga, and sitting meditation. Over the course of the program, participants will practice one of these exercises every day. There are also exercises designed to incorporate mindfulness into daily life, as well as exercises focused on training mindful awareness of thoughts, sensations, and emotions.
Each session focuses on a specific topic, which is explored through exercises, presentations from the teacher, and dialogue among the group. Some of the topics covered in the MBSR program include mindful communication, working with difficult emotions, and how perception influences our relationship to stress.
There is also time for participants to share their experiences during the exercises and discuss their daily mindfulness practices outside of class.
Who Benefits from MBSR?
MBSR is ideal for anyone seeking to cultivate more focus, clarity, and balance in their life. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, enhance emotional resilience, or deepen your mindfulness practice, MBSR provides the tools for managing challenges with greater ease. No prior knowledge is required, but a willingness to commit to the 8-week course and incorporate daily mindfulness practice into your life is essential. While it may feel like a time investment, practicing mindfulness regularly helps manage distractions, increases productivity, and fosters clearer decision-making, ultimately freeing up more time in the long run.
Course Options for July 2025:
You can now pre-book spots for the two online courses starting in July 2025. Choose between:
Online Course:
Group 1 (German): Tuesdays, 7:00–9:30 PM, starting on July 8th
Group 2 (English): Thursdays, 9:00–11:30 AM, starting on July 10th
Cost: €420
Max participants: 12
Each participant will receive:
A handbook with guidance for your practice
Audio recordings for home practice between sessions
Pre-course interview to understand your needs and goals
Post-course interview to assess progress and provide further support
The time for the one-day retreat will be selected in collaboration with the participants.
A Group Experience
MBSR is a group-based program where you will join a supportive community of individuals on the same journey. Whether online or in-person, you'll have the opportunity to learn from others, share experiences, and build a sense of connection as you progress through the course together. The group dynamic adds an enriching layer to the process, providing a nurturing space for growth and shared learning.
Why MBSR?
MBSR is a proven, effective program for reducing stress, enhancing emotional resilience, and improving overall well-being. Whether you're looking to manage stress, improve mental clarity, or create a more mindful life, this program offers the tools to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and balance.
Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward a more mindful, centered, and grounded life.
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Inner Alchemia and Mindfulness for Brands, Companies, and Teams
In a world driven by metrics and external performance, it’s easy to lose touch with the deeper, intangible forces that shape a brand’s true identity. Inner Alchemia and Mindfulness offer a space to reconnect with the soul of your company, tapping into the collective energy, emotions, and creative intuition of your team.
With my background in fine arts and fashion, I bring a distinctive perspective to cultural institutions, creative industries, and fashion brands. I work with teams and organizations to help them engage with their deeper creative resources and uncover the essence of their collective spirit. Through tailored sessions, I guide your team in integrating mindfulness and artistic exploration into their work, fostering more intuitive decision-making and emotional resonance in everything they do.
Emotions, Intuition, and Collective Vibes in Business
Success isn’t just about rational decisions—it’s about understanding the soul of your company, the emotional resonance of its message, and its intuitive connection with its audience. This process involves translating values into tangible experiences.
In the creative industries, this means understanding the cultural pulse, interpreting the symbolic meaning of trends and societal shifts, and responding with a deeper, more instinctive understanding of what drives your audience. It’s about sensing the collective vibe, reading emotional atmospheres, and acting on it in a way that resonates deeply with your community.
Inner Alchemia invites teams and brands to access these deeper emotional and intuitive resources, driving innovation and authenticity.
Mindfulness provides the grounding for this journey. It creates space for your team to pause, reflect, and move away from the noise of daily distractions and outdated patterns. In this stillness, ideas emerge more freely, and connections become clearer. By cultivating mindfulness, your team can act from a place of clarity, empathy, and creative awareness.
By integrating Inner Alchemia and Mindfulness, companies can cultivate authentic connections, drive innovation, and tap into intuitive forces that go beyond traditional, rational models.
Tailored Solutions for Teams and Brands
I offer customized sessions and workshops for creative teams, brands, and individual professionals.
Off-Site Experiences and Workshops: Connecting Beyond the Ordinary
I also offer off-site experiences where teams can step away from their daily routines and engage in creative activities in an artistic setting.
Get in Touch
For more details on my corporate offerings, please contact me directly.
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Pricing for Individuals
I believe in a sliding scale pricing model to ensure that my services are accessible to as many people as possible. My usual price per session (60 minutes) ranges from 60 € to 130 €, depending on your financial situation. I trust that you will choose a price that is right for you, while also considering others who may have less available to contribute. If you are in a situation where paying for mindfulness support is difficult, please feel free to reach out, and we can exploreopportunities.
For Mindfulness for Equestrians, travel expenses will be added. Please contact me for a quote.
Workshops & Corporate Sessions
Prices for workshops and corporate sessions vary based on location, number of participants, and specific requirements. Please get in touch for a customized quote.
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Where are you based?
I am based in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, in the Berlin time zone. Sessions can be conducted online or in person at Gutshaus Scharpzow, located in a peaceful and private setting.What are the technical requirements for online sessions?
For online sessions, I use Zoom. You will need a stable internet connection and a camera. You can sit on a chair for the mindfulness sessions, and no specific items or accessories are required. For the MBSR courses, I will provide details on any necessary items. What is important for all sessions is having a space where you feel safe, comfortable, and undisturbed.What if I prefer in-person sessions?
In-person sessions are held at Gutshaus Scharpzow. My space is private and undisturbed, allowing for a focused and quiet experience in a calm environment within a heritage-protected building. There are stairs to climb, so for specific needs, please contact me in advance. Parking is available in front of the house.How often should we meet?
For individual sessions, I recommend working regularly, whether weekly or once a month, depending on your needs. It’s also possible to start with a more intensive weekend or workshop experience. For long-term benefits, regular sessions help build momentum and provide deeper insights.Can I come for an educational leave?
Yes, you can come to Scharpzow manor for an educational leave, which offers an opportunity for focused and transformative work. Please reach out for more details.Are there any contraindications or things to consider before booking?
If you have a history of psychological issues such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, trauma, or psychosis, it’s important to mention this before booking a session. Mindfulness and artistic exploration may not be suitable for everyone, and I want to ensure that you are supported in the best way possible.Please note that these sessions are not therapy. While I am in training as a Jungian Analyst, I am not yet licensed to work with clients as an analyst. The sessions I offer are consulting sessions.
How do I pay for the sessions?
Sessions can be paid via PayPal, Stripe, or Apple Pay directly on the website. You will receive an invoice for your records, which can also be used for tax purposes.What is your cancellation policy?
If a session is not canceled at least 24 hours in advance, payment is required, as I may not be able to find a replacement for the session.
About
Foto by Kathrin Harms
My name is Nina Hollensteiner, and I am based in Germany. I created Inner Alchemia from a lifetime of reflection on the mechanisms of creation, primarily from an introverted perspective. After completing my studies at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg and Goldsmiths, University of London, I gravitated toward the fashion industry, where I worked for many years as an art director, stylist, and editor. What intrigued me most about fashion was not only my creative work but also the opportunity to understand the cultural pulse, the symbolic meaning of trends, and societal shifts.
In the art world, the focus is often on deep, timeless reflections, while fashion allowed me to study how trends emerge quickly from a collective layer in a specific moment. In the fast-paced, extroverted fashion world, shifts happen rapidly and are highly influenced by reactions to global events.
Although the fashion world itself is highly extroverted, the creative process behind it is inherently introverted. Both aspects can meet and influence each other, much like the infinity symbol, where two opposing forces create balance—or like the "Chymical Wedding" in alchemy. I believe we need access to both perspectives. I have always felt that our Western society has leaned too heavily toward extroversion, especially in our times.
Inner Alchemia was created to guide individuals and companies on a journey to explore the benefits of introverted skills and creative realms, in response to what I believe is a necessary shift in society towards the inner world, the soul, and well-being.
My deep interest in understanding the psyche, the conscious mind, and the unconscious led me to Carl Gustav Jung, particularly his concept of the collective unconscious and his studies on alchemy. I am currently training to become a Jungian Analyst at the CG Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland.
Since mindfulness is the cornerstone of all my work and my relationship with others and myself, I decided to pursue MBSR teacher training at the Institute for Mindfulness (IMA), founded by Linda Lehrhaupt. This training enables me to offer a well-established and proven course, providing a solid introduction to mindfulness. I am very much looking forward to offering MBSR courses starting next year.
A few years ago, I moved to the countryside to restore a heritage-protected manor house with my husband. We look forward to sharing our house with you for seminars and in-person sessions. Our most passionate side project is breeding warmblood horses. As a lifelong equestrian, this is one of the main reasons I live in the countryside. Once the facilities are in place, I am excited to offer horse-assisted sessions and my mindfulness for equestrian program at Gut Scharpzow in person as well.
I look forward to getting to know you!