Jill Wheeler-Bowden is a local who is often found at the market.
Jill Wheeler-Bowden is a local who is often found at the market.
Where did you grow up?
In London. I’m the eldest of eight, and I have an identical twin. How did you come to New Zealand? My brother married a Kiwi and moved here and then my twin moved here. So, I had been on holiday a couple of times before I moved here permanently with my husband and two kids. In 2002, we made the giant step and moved from London to Waiheke.
That sounds like a big change?
It was! We collected water, had chickens, and a garden. There was a big hole in the garden which a friend helped us fill with a spa pool. We had some big parties.
And you had another big change when you left Waiheke?
Yes – seven years later, it was time to spread our wings again, for more opportunities on the mainland. We moved to Mt Roskill for a few years before we landed in Grey Lynn. I loved that Mt Roskill is a very multi-cultural community with lots of new immigrants. I was very involved in community initiatives, including one to establish a community garden for residents in the social housing complex.
Tell us about the culture you experienced on Waiheke?
Waiheke has an eclectic culture that gave me a good grounding in a range of new ideas like kinesiology and shamanism. And I have continued to train and dabble in many alternative practices such as biomagnetism, and human design.
Was that your career in London?
No. I was always in the education sector as a drama tutor before I qualified as a drama therapist at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. In New Zealand, I qualified as a teacher and I juggle a mix of relief teaching and chaperoning children for screen productions.
What is drama therapy?
It is an active way of using play, traditional storytelling, and the arts, as a way to problem-solve issues through symbolism. I work obliquely, which means in the face of any difficulty. Be it physical or psychological, it often helps to approach matters indirectly. I use metaphor and connection to archetypes, and the themes we explore help people change their perceptions about issues in their lives. I help people move forward and experience life more positively.
Is that what you are doing at the market?
I have been working with the vibrational essences and offering readings for people, plus selling products such as crystals, herbs, alter sticks, as a connection to nature. But COVID has reminded me of my core skills of bringing people together for common educational goals. I am building a team for my ‘finding your life purpose’ retreats that are based on drama therapy, and introduce guest facilitators for enhanced healing and transformation.
Why did you name your practice Giant Steps?
Giant Steps is what we called some steps on Hampstead Heath. As little children they seemed so big but, like all steps we take, that can be just a matter of perspective!
Grey Lynn Farmers Market @ the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road, www.glfm.co.nz