Kartika Alexandra

Tell us your story – how did you get here?

Throughout my upbringing, I was exposed to a wide range of diverse cultures, beliefs, and religions. My mother is from Indonesia, while my father is Canadian, and as a family, we moved from Washington D.C. to Kenya, Tokyo, Jakarta and Vancouver. Along this journey, I had the opportunity to enrol in different school systems, including French, American, and International schools. It was an expansive experience that also allowed me to become fluent in multiple languages, like Swahili, French, Japanese, English, and Indonesian. Moreover, I had the chance to immerse myself in a variety of religious traditions, from Islam and Buddhism to Christianity.

These frequent transitions between countries, cultures, and belief systems presented me with a profound challenge — a constant questioning of my own identity. Who was I among this melting pot of diverse beliefs, traditions, and worldviews? It was a question that tapped into the very essence of my being.

My parents always emphasised the importance of self-actualisation, well-being, and personal growth. They believed in nurturing both our physical selves through exciting travels and adventures around the world, as well as our inner selves through encounters with esteemed teachers, healers, and masters of their crafts. These experiences opened my eyes to the vast reservoir of knowledge that existed out there.

At the age of 17, I consciously embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery and introspection. This transformative journey led me to delve into a wide array of healing modalities, where I crossed paths with numerous healers, therapists, and teachers from various disciplines. Each encounter deepened my understanding and connection to the world of healing, as I absorbed insights from different approaches.

After completing my studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where I obtained a B.A. in Psychology and Near Eastern Studies with multiple awards and scholarships (which were especially crucial for my desired psychology master’s programs that I planned to join), I came to the realisation that I did not want to participate in a system influenced by bureaucracy, political games, and client retention. My true passion was to provide genuine and comprehensive support to those who were suffering, just as I had experienced at times. I wanted to offer treatments that truly benefited individuals without the burden of repeat sessions or unnecessary hoops to jump through.

After I graduated, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of the next steps to take. Like many in a similar predicament, I embarked on a journey of travel. I explored Bali, France, Syria, Jordan, Japan, and more, until I eventually returned to Indonesia at the age of 22. It was there that I reunited with some of my teachers and delved even deeper into the world of healing modalities. Among my various experiences, I enrolled in an intensive hypnotherapy course with my first teacher, Lydia Wilson.

Once I completed my training, friends and family started reaching out to seek support in addressing personal issues. I happily offered these sessions on a donation basis, not expecting the demand that followed. As the number of requests grew, I had to transition from offering donation-based services to charging for my sessions, leading me to also focus solely on my practice. With this growth, it became necessary to establish a dedicated office space that would best serve both my clients and myself.

I set up my office to create a calming, warm, and professional environment for clients, while also ensuring it was uplifting and enjoyable for me to be in every day. It was not long before other therapists and healers, both local and expatriate, expressed their interest in utilising the space for their own work. Sharing similar values and goals, we were all dedicated to helping individuals overcome their suffering and facilitating their healing journeys as swiftly and effectively as possible, without the need for prolonged treatment. The convergence of our shared vision led to the birth of Maja Healing, a holistic healing centre offering mind, body, and energy work to those seeking healing and an improved quality of life. In truth, little did I know that I would end up living in Bali, or that joining that hypnotherapy course would eventually lead me to become a full-time hypnotherapist, hypnotherapy teacher, and running a healing office! This being said, it brings me immense joy to be doing all of this.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I feel immense satisfaction from the meaningful and fulfilling work I do. Witnessing the impact it has on the lives of my clients, as well as their families, partners and/or employees, fills me with a deep sense of purpose and accomplishment. Moreover, I am grateful for the opportunity to be on this journey with the special individuals who make up my team. And finally, I am truly fortunate to be able to live on this incredible island of Bali, with my friends and family. This harmonious convergence of purpose, collaboration, and a remarkable environment truly makes me proud of the life I have cultivated.

What impact have you made in Bali?

At Maja Healing, we have had the privilege of supporting individuals in Bali, including locals, expatriates, and tourists, as they overcome their struggles, pains, addictions, and fears. This is especially so through our Maja Care program where locals in need receive support and in exchange, donate whatever amount is suitable for them.

While Maja Healing is based in Bali and the team consists mostly of Indonesians, we work with clients worldwide via Zoom. Through these sessions, we have made significant contributions to enhancing Bali’s international reputation as a renowned healing destination, as we work with individuals, corporations, and institutions around the globe. Many of our clients and workshop participants travel from various corners of the world to experience our sessions and workshops, which provide them with the opportunity to discover the enchanting essence of Bali and its transformative energy.

On a personal level, it is most profound for me to assist others in exploring the subtle yet powerful energies of Bali. Whether through immersive encounters with hidden spots in nature, or engaging local Balinese priests and healers, these experiences enable individuals to develop a deeper connection to the island. This connection often leads expats to embrace a sense of reverence and reciprocity towards Bali. They may find themselves choosing to learn the Indonesian language, make various forms of donations to those in need, visit sacred places to express gratitude, or actively learn and honour Balinese customs. In doing so, they become active participants in the cycle of giving and receiving, fostering a more personal, profound, and respectful relationship with this special island.

What does the future look like for you?

While I will continue to offer individual hypnotherapy sessions both in person in Bali and online, I plan to facilitate more workshops and courses at Maja Healing in addition to accepting more consulting and collaborative work with individuals and companies around Indonesia and the world. I am most excited for our first official Maja Healing Retreat planned for next year!

What do you love most about Bali?

What truly makes Bali special is its incredible power and nourishment that emanates from the island and its people. The Balinese have a profound connection to the spiritual realm, and they honour this connection through their daily, monthly, and yearly rituals. Their devotion and dedication leave me in awe, and I sincerely appreciate the impact they have on the island’s energy.

What do you do to de-stress and unwind?

I find the daily laughter with my friends, boyfriend, family and Maja Healing team a fantastic way for me to de-stress. Spending joyful quality time with them is deeply important for me.

I also venture into nature and go offline – either into the mountains or to more remote beaches. I plan for this at least once a month.

And recently, I am deeply enjoying solving jigsaw puzzles! It has become a favourite activity of mine to unwind and process all that life unfolds. The focus and concentration required in piecing together the puzzle brings a sense of calm and allows my mind to process all the daily events.

Who is your Local Legend and why?

There are numerous Indonesian individuals who are not only friends but also esteemed teachers in the realms of healing, spirituality, and energetics. They are true masters in their crafts.

From the incredible Ibu Dewi Teratai Mas and Pak Heru, to the wise Joko Senior and the remarkable Pak Merta Ada, among others, these individuals are my Local Legends. What truly inspires me about them is not just their mastery and expertise, but also their humility, unwavering ethical standards, and deep sense of purpose that guides their lives. They possess a wealth of knowledge, yet remain approachable and down-to-earth. Their commitment to making a positive impact in the world and their genuine dedication to their chosen paths serve as a constant source of inspiration for me.