In A Day With... Gillian Wilkins

Gillian takes us to her island home of Mallorca and shares her philosophies and journey with the healing arts

Gillian with her son

Firstly, are you able to tell us a little about you; where is your hometown, where are you living at the moment and what do you do ?

Born in Brisbane. Home is Mallorca but we are currently spending a few months in Australia.

My time is mostly spent with Amadeus. I have been going through a transition for some time now but the journey into motherhood (along with a pandemic) has firmly rooted me in the present moment and it has been both expansive and challenging in the most empowering way. Time with loved ones, being fully present and embodying all that I stand for has become so precious to me.

For the last decade or so I had been working in the fashion industry as a creative and stylist which has been fulfilling and successful but about 5 years ago when I was living in NYC I started to disconnect from it and it felt necessary to pursue a more meaningful pathway, especially when it came to my “work”. I still consult and work with brands but in a less conventional way and only if the partnership is morally aligned. So a lot of healing, nurturing and diving into the healing arts has been taking place and I made a decision to direct my energy and work in this field.

My personal journey into the Healing Arts has evolved from a wide range of ancient teachings and healing modalities mostly influenced by Yoga, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Naturopathy and I am currently studying Five Element Acupuncture.

I’m currently in the process of launching a healing space in Mallorca which should be ready before the European summer, where I can base my own practice but also create a community, collaborating with other teachers and healers. I am devoted to the profound journey that is healing and liberation of the Self as well as the Collective. It’s such an important time on our planet to raise our vibration and consciousness.

I know you re-located to where you are residing now with your family, was there something that drew you to this change of scenery ?

It was time to create our home base and Mallorca provides the healthiest balance for our family and we are surrounded by an amazing group of friends who i consider my family. It became important for us to simplify our existence, to live as sustainably as possible and in harmony with nature and the season, while also creating space to tap into our artistic impulses. My husband and I feel it is vital to provide this all round nourishment for our family and make this a way of life.

How do you usually start your day ?

If I can meditate first thing, it makes the biggest difference to my day but Amadeus often beats me to it and I end up on his schedule instantly. But that’s something I aim for, followed by some basic asanas and breathing exercises. This chance to move any stagnant energy first thing is so powerful and i find myself feeling energised and clear for the day ahead. When that doesn’t happen, we have a walk around the village that runs by a river and the mountains which is very calming. It’s a chance to move my energy while giving Amadeus a chance to connect with his surroundings.

What does your dream day on the island look like for you?

a hike and picnic in the woods by the sea, followed by a swim off the rocks in our favourite Cala

a sunset swim with friends

a boat ride to our secret beaches and a paella!

And any chance to explore discover new secret parts of the island 

What is your beauty routine ? Do you have any favourite products or skincare rituals ?

I try to use the least amount of products on my skin. I use an enzyme cleanser by Dr Sturm which gently cleanses and exfoliates at the same time. During the day I wear Sundrops also by Dr. Sturm or a light face oil by Rowse if my skin needs a little more nourishment.

At night I cleanse / exfoliate with the same enzyme cleanser or with a cleansing bar by Rowse and I use Luna night oil by Sunday Riley.

I exfoliate my body with a loofah or dry brush it pretty much every day.

But above all, keeping hydrated is the best health and beauty remedy… although I struggle to drink as much as I need to everyday!

Do you have a favourite scent ? If so, where does it take you ?

I love the smell of Australia, that you only get when you are here. It’s the blend of rain, the morning dew, the bush, humidity, salt and freshly cut grass. It’s home to me and very grounding.

Do you have any food or health philosophies that guide how you and your family eat?

eat balanced, eat fresh, organic, local & seasonal produce.

Avoid processed foods & predominantly eat food made at home. Probiotics in the form of fermentation has become important to us. As much as I prefer a plant based diet, I suffer from anaemia and feel better if I eat red meat now and again as well as limit my consumption of dairy. It’s better to listen to your body than deprive it.

What does a typical day look like for you in terms of food and beverages throughout the day ?

Spanish food can be a bit repetitive and does not entirely suit my constitution. A lot is fried and they’re a little behind when it comes to plant based food, but this has actually increased my craving for fresh fruit and vegetables and I find myself creating in the kitchen more than I used to.

I usually make a batch of cold press juice for the day either green or red and we eat a lot of greens. We balance out meals & their flavours with sprouts or sauerkraut on the side.

How has becoming a mother changed your views on health or "wellness" ?

Motherhood has made me more conscious of what we digest and absorb whether it’s food, information or the energy that surrounds us. It has shifted my gears into becoming more aligned with my relationship with nature and educating myself properly on the wellness of the collective, not just my own.

I read the labels of products more than I did before becoming a mother, and i’ve come to realise that there are a lot of harmful substances that go unnoticed just because it has been branded under the umbrella of “organic” or marketed in the realm of wellbeing. Diets, mindsets, influencers and buzzwords all float around the wellness industry with misleading information. There is a lot “greenwashing” with brands marketing themselves as environmentally friendly than minimising their environmental impact. It is a deceitful advertising gimmick intended to mislead consumers who prefer to buy goods and services from environmentally conscious brands.  

IF WE GENUINELY CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND EACH OTHER, IT’S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENCOURAGE TRANSPARENCY AND EDUCATE EACH OTHER.

For example, palm oil is literally in everything including a lot of ethical and organic branded brands yet it is a major driver of deforestation.

Our dissociation with the natural world, our senses and being influenced by what is hyped up, disempowers a person’s ability to make a decision that is right for them and the planet.

What is your favourite way to move your body ? Does exercise play a part in your everyday ?

Pilates, yoga, swimming, hiking are my favourite ways to move my body and I try to do something everyday, but this can be quite an unrealistic expectation when you have a tiny human to take care of. At the very least, I do a private pilates session twice a week and that guarantees some fitness into my routine outside of Amadeus’ schedule.

How do you rest and come back to yourself when you are feeling ungrounded or uninspired?

My husband is very supportive of me finding uninterrupted time to myself. It’s up to me how i use this time so it varies.

Reconnecting with a good friend, studying, coming back to my yoga practice, being on my own in nature or attending to my own creative / artistic impulses all provide a sense of proportion and are ways to help me feel grounded, inspired and grateful again.

Around the time I fell pregnant, I dabbled in weaving and did a course in abstraction. I actually just wanted to teach myself a new hobby  but in the end I surprised myself with how therapeutic and healing both of these processes became for me. I think it even helped me become pregnant as I experienced a higher sense of peace and creativity I hadn’t felt before. I have a room set up in our house where I can paint and although this has been neglected in the last 12 months, I have recently found myself craving time to get back to it again.

 I also feel inspired when I do mundane tasks like washing the dishes or the laundry… its almost like my mind wanders quite freely and allows space for inspiration to flow more freely.

Do you have any old-school natural remedies that you love or always have on hand for you and your family ?

I believe in the medicinal power of plants and there are certain ingredients I tend to play around with more often.

Ginger, turmeric, galangal make a powerful tea. I sometimes add turmeric to my son’s meals and his breastmilk.

Blood tonifying ingredients such as beets, berries and greens are always in our fridge

Whenever we have guests over I like to add a few drops of lavender to their pillows for a better sleep.

Chamomile has been a saviour when it comes to teething… usually in powder form or a homeopathic tincture.

“Mallunggay soup” is a Filipino recipe passed on to me by my mother. The base of this soup are leaves form the moringa plant which has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It’s great for an upset stomach, a cold or a general digestive reset. I usually add some pumpkin and yam to it and I am trying to find a way to grow it in Mallorca at the moment.

Is there a mantra or particular quote you live by ?

“We are all energy beings, lets raise our vibration”

I have no idea where I came across this quote or who even said it, or if I made it up myself, but i like the simplicity of it and it speaks to me quite profoundly. It reminds me that we are all connected and to relate to the world, all living things and myself from the heart space.  

I recently found this poem by Rabindrath Tagore… it has such a humbling effect and inspires me to deepen my connection with the natural world.

“the same stream of life that runs through my veins

night and day runs through the world and dances in rhythmic measures.

It is the same life that shoots in joy through

the dust of the earth in numbered blades

of grass and breaks into tumultuous waves of leaves and flowers.

it is the same life that is rocked in the ocean cradle

of life and death, in ebbs and flows”

I am also inspired by Gabriel Roth who so eloquently taps into the sovereignty of our mystical human nature.

I know you are very passionate about the environment and the state of the world. We definitely need a shift in how people value Mother Earth in order to address the climate crisis. At the same time, it is a huge topic and I think it can be overwhelming for people to look at their lives and to re-shape habits. Are there any small (or large) actions you have weaved into your life that have a positive environmental impact ?

First of all, you have to wholeheartedly believe in the climate crisis and then inform yourself of all the ways in which you can reduce your environmental footprint and implement as many of these changes into your own life.

Sustainable changes come from making realistic and simple changes one step at a time. Aim for simplicity and eventually what you do on a daily basis becomes natural. For example, master the changes in your house first then branch out.  

Educate yourself… if you’re lost on where to start, reach out and ask around for some book or podcast recommendations and tune in. A book club with friends is quite effective. Some of my favourite podcasts are: On Being with Krista Tippet, Under the Skin with Russell Brand, One Part podcast with Jessica Murnane & Green Dreamer.

Make it a conversation and talk about it with friends and family so as to broaden perspectives. This way you can share insights and inspire each other.

Switch on the mindful voice that questions yourself and give purpose to the actions you take… “is this sustainable” “is this harmful” “is this ethical” “is this wasteful” “is this seasonal/local” etc 

Set yourself some fun goals in how to be more ethical and sustainable. Last year my sister and law and I decided to curate a summer  pop-up space in Mallorca where we up-cycled old clothes of ours and sold other designers and brands who do the same. We were surprised at how much support and intrigue this attracted and are planning to do the same this summer.  

Make a list of brands or local businesses that you can consistently support

Grow your own otherwise eat seasonally and only buy what is available locally… at the moment we only have space for a small rooftop orchard where we grow some base ingredients such as tomatoes, kale, rocket, potatoes, eggplant, courgette, padron peppers and some herbs but we are lucky to have lemon, lime and orange trees in our garden. If you can’t grow your own, only buy what is seasonal and grown locally 

Deciding on your base ingredients and invent from there. This helps with managing waste.

Be your own living example; choose a campaign or a cause you want to support and dedicate some time towards it for the year. Make it your new years resolution. For example dedicate your time to a beach clean up, spend a few hours on the beach on the weekends and pick up any trash that you find. Make it fun, get some friends and create a movement.  

To part, are you able to leave us with a favourite recipe of yours?

Maharini Dahl is one of my go to meals. It’s a very minimal recipe and the ultimate source of nourishment. Leftovers taste as good, if not better :)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of red lentils (rinse thoroughly first)

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 potato, unpeeled and diced

8 cups of water, plus more as needed

1/3 cup vegetable oil, plus more as needed (i use coconut or olive oil)

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1 tablespoon curry powder

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 can coconut milk

salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

METHOD

In a large soup pot, place the lentils, rinse with cold water, then drain. Add the carrot, potato, and water to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat.

While the soup is heating, in a small frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5-10 minutes, until the onions are translucent. In a small cup, mix the cumin, coriander and curry powder with a little boiling water to dissolve, then add the spice mixture to the frying pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, adding a bit more oil or water to prevent the spices from burning.

When the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and skim off any foam from the top.

Add the sautéed mixture to the pot and cook, partially covered, for 1 hour. Stir in the cilantro, coconut milk, and salt and pepper to taste.