Testimonials

 

ICELAND

 

“Challenging, delightful, life-changing, inspiring, enlivening, soul-nourishing, magical.

I have brought home a renewed sense of connection with my body and with nature. I retain a sense that I am enough, have freedom from self-doubt and self-recrimination. The feeling of connection with the tribe is still strong.”

ALYSSA, USA

 

“One of the best experiences in my life.

I have never done anything like it, with people that I did not know before. And I understood them, and enjoyed every minute with all of them. ❤️ 

It was awesome, fantastic, super, THE BEST! So much love and many new friends. I realised what is waiting to be changed, I got a new, fresh perspective on what I need to do now.”

SARKA, CZECH REPUBLIC

 

“About half a year ago I was allowed to start an impressive, fascinating and personal journey in Iceland.

In the week itself, I could solve and process many things. And this is not only because you use the practices you teach.  Sure, that is a big part of it, but it is you, Elena and Joren, who make the week a special journey, which goes so deep as you can rarely imagine.

During the first weeks at home, I was a little disappointed, because not much had changed. Now 6-7 months later, I look back and can tell you that since November everything has changed. And all this with the solid base of your week, your knowledge, your being, your consciousness.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that! 

With me, everything came to a blow. I quit my job, turned away from the normal 3D world and learned to connect with my Higher Self and let it lead me.  And the best part is that I can share it with my new loving partner.”

ROBERT, GERMANY

 

“I’m going home full of loving energy in my soul. My body is still tired but my mind and heart are stronger now from being with you all, the exercises and nature!

I feel like I have more trust in people, that nature feeds me, and that I need others. My muscles feel better from doing yoga so you’re not only doing the hard things. Together the cold and the softness of yoga and relaxation gives you more energy, The experience gives you friendship, makes you happy and it still comes back to me. I want to learn so much again, for example to go study english, going for yoga lessons, learning more knowledge to communicate better and I want to listen more to new music.

The whole trip stimulated me to go on without my lost partner. Life doesn’t stop at 60 and with the loss of your partner.”

LILIAN, BELGIUM

 

“Very fulfilling, heartfelt and a lot of fun!”

MARK, USA

 

“It was so amazing, I found so much more than I expected (it’s still not easy for me to find words). It started a new chapter in my life... I was going deeply into myself - facing and letting go of all the things that were bringing me down and have separated me from myself over the last years.

I found power, peace and love - in myself and in all the wonderful people from all over the world.”

EVELIN, GERMANY

 

“This was an incredibly powerful experience, Joren and Elena are a great team and have an innate ability to tap into an emotional connection immediately. Their intuition is priceless and helps push the group without breaking it.

KARA, USA

 

This week was beyond life changing.

Truly the best week of my life.

I have never been that close to myself.

What we experienced through overcoming our fears & self-limiting thoughts was unbelievable - a totally different view on what is possible in life - and what i am capable of doing.

To others doubting if this is for you? There is a reason it popped up in your life. Don't question it. Trust this process!

GIULIA, SWITZERLAND

 

“On cloud 9, still tripping from all that healthy Icelandic air… Just after completing an expedition with the lovely Joren and Elena. This was my 2nd such experience and WOW what a synchronistic trip it was. From actively exploring altered states of consciousness through breath and engaging in extreme cold challenges in the picturesque raw nature of Iceland, this is an experience I will never forget.

There is great synergy between Joren and Elena, they put their hearts and souls into their work and this light shines through enhancing the whole experience. 💚”

ROB, IRELAND

 

Truly life changing.

From being initially skeptical of the approach, I went on an amazing journey with Joren and the tribe. After day 1 I started to realise things about myself I have never questioned before, and from that point I went on a magical ride of embrace, realisation, curiosity and reflection.

I come back a totally different person, a better human being. I met friends I will have for life and I am so, so grateful for being able to have experienced the work Joren does.

ALEX, UK

“Certainly a life changing experience. Great leaders, the participants became a tribe very quickly, beautiful locations, perfect accommodation. The programme was full of adventures and deep experiences. And at the same time there were enough resources to nurture my energy - enough sleep, very good food, yoga, sound therapy and breathing exercises.

Joren and Elena made me fully trust the process, even if it sometimes was hard for me as a beginner to overcome some of the challenges, in the deepest of my heart I felt that they know what they are doing. I was able to overcome different fears and beliefs. I felt safe and free to dive in it deeply. I am so happy to have been part of this expedition. The memories will stay with me forever.”

LUCIA, SLOVAKIA

 

“Life changing experience!

I bring home with me inner connection, inner harmony, strength, confidence, positive energy, finding the anchor in myself to hold on to, living this new chapter of my life. I feel a lot more clarity, time for things, calm in my daily life, tasks and work. I focus more on my body and mindfulness. I now do yoga four times a week, hike outdoors a lot, search for nature and do the breathing exercises or meditate every morning.

I love you guys and I am so thankful that you let me be a part of this life changing, beautiful journey! It's one of the best things that I have experienced in my life. You have given me a new chapter and family!”

KELLY, THE NETHERLANDS

 

“Best week of my life!

I bring home with me love, kindness for myself, and more and deeper breath!!”

RIKKI, ICELAND

 

“Energising, challenging, being loved, connecting, strengthening, meta-realistic, opening.

I bring with me energy, love, bliss, deep connection to myself and others, compassion.”

WIM, THE NETHERLANDS

 

I joined to find deeper meaning, restart my practice, be surrounded by nature and great people, physical and mental challenges and acceptance for myself. There is nothing more grounding than the cold nature and her surroundings together with the deep breathing work. This practice is the biggest mirror you can receive for yourself, and that's a challenge you need to face on every level and every single day.

I go home full of gratitude, and courage. LOVE YOU BOTH X

SOFIE, BELGIUM

 

“This experience opened me up to the next dimension.

I’m going home with a lot of motivation, knowledge, discipline and great memories!”

ROB, IRELAND

 

“Amazing experience! I feel a much deeper connection to my inner self.

The activities chosen were thoughtful and based on the group, the mid, the weather and the timing. It's as if Joren and Elena were constantly reading the room and giving the group the best possible day available.

Anyone and everyone would get something out of this retreat! Whether you know what you're searching for or not, this experience opens your heart wide open and prepares you for taking the next steps in your life.”

PETER, USA

 

“I’ve been wrecked by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since last summer (~8 months) and dealt with symptoms progressively worsening for the year prior.
Doctors had no solutions. I’ve been on a “bio-hacking” journey to figure out how to reclaim my life. Nothing worked until I discovered the (extreme) cold. After the first full day at the @intothewild.within experience in Iceland with Joren & Elena, I felt like myself again. No exaggeration. And I felt 💯 the entire week.

It’s one of the biggest firmware upgrades for my mind and body that I’ve ever had, and I’m grateful for all the beautiful people who I shared the experience with.”

ROLANDO, USA

 

“Thank you for the magical week in Iceland!

The location by the lake was breathtaking. We've been hiking and playing in other beautiful places as well.

The rhythm of the week and days was good too: a good combination of yoga practice/breathing/meditations/group sharing/hikes in the cold and immersions into cold water in breathtaking locations.

Joren and Elena created a nice feeling in the group from day 1.

No doubt they are experienced in their practice and sharing it, and they have great teaching skills.

Weather conditions can be extreme, but Joren and Elena know what they are doing and are cautious about safety. Even when challenged, you'll be safe.

The food was healthy and delicious.

I highly recommend.”

ANNE-AEL, FRANCE

 

This was a transformational journey like no other. I highly recommend this experience for anyone who is looking to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally. Joren is an incredible teacher who goes above and beyond to make the week fun, safe, and meaningful.

JON, USA

“What a great adventure it has been! Thanks to the loving guidance of Joren and Elena I felt very free, trusted and held to deepen myself and face the cold. Combined with the beautiful nature of Iceland and the warmth of the group it was an experience never to forget. Love! ❤️🙏”

ROELOF, THE NETHERLANDS

 

“When I came back to Switzerland after this expedition I said to my friends: ‘that was one of my best weeks and experiences of my life’. Maybe the best one. Yes, it really was.

It was so obvious to me... my friend who had been with you said that this Iceland experience has totally changed his life. I wanted to feel more connected to my true nature, to let go of the unnecessary in order to make new choices for my life (as I'm in a job transition time). I felt like I was ready to make a big step forward.

It was powerful, true, authentic. I felt a really deep connection to my inner self, to Nature, to the elements and other human beings. I had the nice feeling that I could really express who I am, to reconnect to my true nature. 

That inner safe place I found inside of me. I understood that I don't need to look for money or material things to feel safe. I knew it already but I really need to let go of the role I played sometimes, hiding the being that I really am. I can express who I really am now, authentically and it's gonna be fine. The more I find love inside of me and give myself this love, the more I feel strong and powerful. I also feel more confident since I came back from this experience. As if I deeply know that everything is going to be fine, even if the outside is agitated. I feel more creative and I really want to express this creativity. I also have the impression that I can take some distance from my mind and thoughts more easily. I have a new sensitivity when I connect to nature. I feel the trees, the river and the animals in a different way.

For everyone who wants to connect deeply to his inner self, to know themselves better... To be stronger, healthier, more confident and peaceful.”

SYLVIE, SWITZERLAND

 

“An experience that made me grow and become a better version of myself. I bring home with me strength and love. Joren is the best... He is so pure and full of love... He has the gift of empowering groups to come close and teaching all of us the power of our mind and body. Elena is perfect, like a guardian angel. She makes you feel safe, grounded and full of love.”

DANIELLE, THE NETHERLANDS

 

“Transformational. I will live the rest of my life with a cornerstone memory of this journey that changed my life forever... Honestly it’s too much and I’m too nostalgic to recite everything. But Joren and Elena have provided me with undeniable proof of my strength within, and with the tools to remain calm, composed and self-compassionate through times of stress which I have mindlessly suffered from for years to come!”

BASIL, JORDAN

 

“Wow! What an amazing experience.

I went in blindly, without any previous cold exposure or breath work experience. All I knew was that I wanted to raise my frequency and gain more trust within myself. The minute you two spoke from the heart, I knew that I was in the right place.

The experience was really at a world-class level. I felt very safe, seen, and respected. You both have a lot of powerful knowledge to share, but it was your intuition and imagination that really transcended us all into such a beautiful flow, an intelligence much bigger than scientific facts.

What I bring home with me is more trust and love for myself. Facing myself, my injuries and my weaknesses, was just so mind-blowing.

There were a lot of places inside my body that I did not want to look at that came through during this week. Even though I can say that I have a very efficient body, I never had the patience (or courage) to connect within myself. I have been the victim of sexual abuse in various contexts, notably being drugged and assaulted two years ago, and this work really uncovered how much stress I was holding inside my body. It was wild to feel this, realising that my pain had become so normal that I didn’t even notice or care for it. I bring home allowing myself to feel, to be grateful for all of the feels, no matter how painful or disturbing.
 Also, the acceptance that this is a process.

Thank you so much for this week. I never thought I would be able to move into the depths with such ease. I see a future of intense light. Something I could not bear to see, preferring to hide in darkness. I accept the challenge now and am so grateful to be 'back online'. All this was uncovered through your facilitation and I think that you can be very proud of the light you share.”

X, UK

 

“After my dad returned and told me the stories and I saw him radiate energy and positivity. I just had to book this trip.

My experience was overwhelming, I had very little expectations but also very little practical experience with the breathing and cold exposure so I was a bit anxious the first day but after the first full immersion that completely disappeared and above all it was a spectacular week.

I bring home a new ability to observe my emotions and the power to open up more.”

JUSTIN, THE NETHERLANDS

 

“It was a very beautiful experience: I connected with myself more than ever before. I was a member of a tribe that we created on the first day, that lasted all week together. I learned how to use the cold and the breath for healing, and to be more healthy and spiritual.

If you hesitate, you should go for sure. You will never forget this amazing experience!!”

GUILLAUME, FRANCE

 

“Intense journey of self-discovery in magnificent location with amazing people!”

DAWID, POLAND

SWEDEN

 

“What I experienced was extraordinary and it went far beyond my expectations!

I learned what I can do for myself with my mind and my breathing, and what difference I can make in my life. Joren and Elena, your commitment and passion is very supportive.”

ANDREAS, AUSTRIA

 

“Sheeeeesh what a week!!

Back on the grid after 8 days in the snowy Swedish Forest practicing various methods of breath-work, yoga, meditation, cold water immersions, conscious movement, forest bathing, and primitive survival skills.

It really was all about CONNECTION. Connection with our mind, body, and intuition. Connection with the nature around and within us. Connection with the raw power, strength, and beauty we possess as humans. Connection with God, The Universe, a higher power, whatever you might call it. Connection with the life force that is pumping through our veins and flowing through our lungs in this very moment.

Feeling supercharged at the moment – but now the real work begins! Time to ground it all down and integrate it into daily life in LA where there’s things like traffic and work and social media haha.

Shoutout to @intothewild.within and all the beautiful like-hearted humans for SHOWING UP on this journey 🖤🙏”

JOSHUA, USA

“A life-changing, truly wonderful and deeply spiritual experience that I will cherish forever. I bring home with me a new way of life.

Elena and Joren’s passion was infectious and they exuded positive healing energy. Thank you you have helped me in ways I cannot put into words!”

TOM, UK

 

"I had the pleasure of attending an expedition to Sweden with Joren and Elena in December 2019.

To say this was a transformative experience would be an understatement.

Being a sea swimmer I was under the impression that I would find it easier and that it would be a piece of cake but I was very much wrong. That cold water sent me to places and anxiety that I didn't know existed in my body, but under the careful guidance of this duo, by day 3 I was able to immerse myself in freezing cold temperatures with ease. My body quickly adapted. We had a wonderful week together along with an incredible supportive group of people from across the globe. I would highly recommend going on one of their expeditions."

KITTY, IRELAND

 

“My trip to Sweden in 2019 was life-changing!

As a result I feel more confident, empowered and proud of the person I’ve become. Elena and Joren were incredible to work with and I always felt safe and at peace in their presence. Even though jumping into ice covered lakes was terrifying! The food was delicious and it was one of the best retreats I’ve ever done.

Would highly recommend doing a week-long adventure with Into the wild within! You won’t regret it.”

HELEN, IRELAND

 

“A wonderful and intense experience. I now know how to care for myself more and feel more clearly what I want in life.”

JOHAN, SWEDEN

 
 

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We are inviting all expedition participants to send us your reviews, messages and testimonials of your Into the wild within experience and how it has impacted your life.