Living with purpose: How Nadya Hutagalung balances wellness and self-care with environmental advocacy

I’m so glad I made this choice because I’ve received countless messages from women saying I’ve inspired them to let their grey hair grow out too. If inspiring women to embrace themselves fully is the one thing I’ve achieved, then that’s a wonderful accomplishment.

How has your relocation to a rural property outside Sydney transformed your daily life? Has it strengthened your connection to nature?
I grew up in the Australian countryside, so I’m a country girl at heart. Returning to this lifestyle was something I longed for. Life in the countryside is simpler, and people’s priorities are very different. For instance, there’s more personal engagement. Whether it’s at a coffee shop or a store, people are more open to connecting on a human level. That’s something I missed in Singapore, where everyone is busy and stressed.

Living in proximity to nature has been a blessing. The seasons where I am are so distinct. Last year, we even had snow in winter! Each season reminds me of impermanence, change, and the need to pause. Winter, in particular, offers an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by. It’s a beautiful contrast to the perpetual summer in the tropics, where time feels like it’s always moving non-stop. Being in tune with nature reflects on our inner world. It’s been a truly transformative experience.

On a related note, can you share your journey into discovering sound healing? What was the most surprising aspect of this practice for you?
About three years ago, I had a medical emergency. Before that, I had already expressed an interest in sound healing—whether selling instruments or practising. It felt deeply connected to my sustainability and environmental work. I believe the challenges we face as a global community require tools for inner resilience. Sound healing is one of those tools—it helps regulate the nervous system and provides relief from anxiety and stress. Interestingly, the instruments I’d ordered arrived right after I got out of the hospital. They played a major role in my healing journey. Seeing their impact on me, I began sharing them with friends, which soon extended to their friends, and eventually became what I do now. In Australia, my sessions are always sold out, with many repeat attendees. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people find a sense of ease through this practice.

What was the process of obtaining your sound healing certification like?
Funny enough, I was already practising before I got certified—I did it mostly for the formal recognition. The biggest lesson for me was realising that I’m not the healer. I’m just a conduit for healing energy that’s universally available. Initially, I felt exhausted after facilitating sound baths, but once I understood that I wasn’t the source of the healing, everything changed. I learned that my role is to create a space for others to heal themselves. That realisation was a game changer.

How do you incorporate the practice of mindfulness into your daily routine?
I have a daily practice—morning and evening—that I follow without fail. It’s rooted in my Buddhist commitments. The busier and louder life gets, the more I turn inward. Practices like meditation and yin yoga help me sustain balance. Mindfulness extends into everyday life—like pausing between a stimulus and a reaction, which allows me to respond thoughtfully instead of impulsively. It also influences consumption habits, from the food we eat to the clothes we buy. Mindfulness, when applied across the board, can create a kinder, more compassionate world.

Given the challenges of global warming and climate change, how do you think mental resilience can empower individuals, especially the younger generation?
As someone who’s deeply involved in environmental advocacy, I’ve seen the science, and the truth is, it’s not pretty. But amidst the challenges, we must hold onto hope and joy. Mental resilience is crucial—it’s the foundation for effective change-making. You can’t address external challenges unless you’re well within yourself. The state of the world reflects the inner state of humanity. We need to value kindness, ethics, and a slower pace of life. The benchmarks of success must change. Instead of material wealth, success should mean having a calm mind, a settled nervous system, and the ability to respond to life with compassion.

How can people begin their journey of self-discovery and healing?
The first step is recognising the need for change. The current system is broken, it’s not the norm we should accept. Stepping out of this system requires courage, but it’s the only way to discover your purpose and contribute meaningfully. Healing begins with yourself, then extends to your relationships, your work, and eventually to broader leadership decisions. It’s a ripple effect.

How has focusing on inner wellness and sustainability changed your perspective on beauty and fashion?
Sustainability has been part of my journey since the ’90s, so it’s not new. However, my approach to fashion has evolved further. For instance, the shoes I’m wearing now are at least ten years old, and this jacket is woven in North Sumatra. I’ve embraced simplicity: choosing natural fibres and repurposing outfits. It’s about finding beauty in what’s sustainable and mindful.

How do you balance your passions, sustainability advocacy, and mental well-being?
This is such an important question. Advocates and changemakers are often deeply passionate, which can lead to burnout. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the need to step back periodically. The work we do has no fixed goalposts—it’s ongoing. Taking a break every few years is essential to rebuild inner strength and resilience. When I started this work, I was often the only one speaking about these issues. Now, there are so many people making a difference. That collective effort allows individuals to rest, knowing the work will continue.

What are your future plans regarding your healing practice and advocacy work?
I’m really excited to collaborate with a regional gallery in Australia, where I’ll be running sound baths. It’s a stunning space—a former dairy estate that’s now an art gallery. Combining art, sound, and resonance feels so meaningful. I’m also part of a global leadership platform that integrates ancient wisdom into corporate settings. It’s about merging purpose-driven leadership with traditional values. We host annual retreats and publish materials to inspire this shift.

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