SHADOW ISLAND
Kayak expedition // Swedish archipelago
4 - 9 MAY 2025

INTO THE DEPTHS OF YOUR SHADOW SIDES

4 DIRECTIONS
4 ISLANDS
4 SHADOW SIDES
4 – 9 mei 2025 (All genders)
This sea-kayaking expedition offers you the chance to leave the shores of the familiar and embark on a mythical journey into the hidden corners of your psyche.
The wilderness acts as an honest mirror, inviting you to confront both your shadows and your strengths, guiding you toward a deeper sense of inner harmony and self-discovery.
“ADVENTURE, PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, AND A DEEP SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS: IT ALL CAME TRUE ON THIS JOURNEY.”
— PARTICIPANT
Download brochure Shadow Island

Shadow Work
On this journey, you will dive deep into your shadow sides to unlock the hidden gold within you.
Each wound carries the potential for a tremendous gift—one that leads you toward stepping into your unique place in this world.
Harnessing this gift is the essence of shadow work, and it will be a central focus of this expedition.

Wilderness Wisdom
On this journey, you’ll immerse yourself in native teachings, ceremonies, and wilderness practices that will guide you to that deep, powerful place within where you are wise, whole, and connected. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to explore, together, what it truly means to live fully.
By the end, you’ll feel rejuvenated, lighter, and empowered—ready to create the life you’ve always envisioned with newfound clarity and strength.
“This expedition has lived up to all my expectations - and beyond! The lessons I have been able to learn from nature, the excellent guidance and the other participants are here to stay.” -- Participant
Is this you?
You're at a turning point. You feel that life has more in store for you. You long to connect with nature, the depth of who you are, and the people around you. You are welcome on the Heroes Journey—a journey where you will encounter your true essence through connection with yourself, the group, and the grandeur of nature.
Unlock Your Full Potential
You long for greater clarity and want to live your fullest potential. Despite trying various paths, old patterns keep resurfacing. This journey will guide you to break free from these cycles and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Embrace Your Shadow and Discover Hidden Strengths
You have a deep desire to face your shadow sides and unlock the hidden gold within. Through self-discovery and reflection, this journey will help you transform challenges into powerful growth, revealing strengths you may not have known were there.
Reconnect with Nature and a Simple, Purposeful Life
You yearn to reconnect with nature, adventure, and the wilderness as your teacher. This journey offers an opportunity to return to a simpler, more meaningful way of living—filled with ceremony, beauty, and a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.
What we are going to do:
Sweatlodge & Medicine wheel
SHADOW WORK
TRUTH SPEAKING & SHARING
BREATH & BODY WORK
SEA KAYAKING
WILD FORAGING
EXPERIENCES FROM PREVIOUS JOURNEYS







Where are we heading?
This expedition will take place in the stunning West Coast Archipelago of Sweden.
Our basecamp is located in Bohuslän, on Jorns Land, about 80 km north of Gothenburg. From here, we’ll venture into the Kalvösund Fjord, a vast and intricate network of islands, each with its own unique character.
We’ll follow the tides out of the fjord and, if the weather permits, journey towards the open sea.
The islands offer diverse landscapes—some covered in lush, green forests, while others are nothing but smooth, pristine rock.
Paddling between the islands is a true joy, as we scout for camping spots and explore peaceful places to rest and connect with nature.
The area is abundant with seafood, providing the perfect opportunity to forage for mussels, oysters, and seaweed—enhancing our experience of living off the land and sea.
At the end of this journey
01
Clarity on Your Shadow
Have a deeper understanding of your biggest shadow aspects, and how they shape your life and choices.
03
Transform Wounds into Gifts Have faced the wounds underlying your shadows and learned how to transform them into powerful, unique gifts that you can share with the world.
02
Conduct your own Ceremonies in Nature
Be able to conduct your own shadow work ceremony in nature, using the powerful tools of the four directions and the medicine wheel.
04
Actionable insights
Leave with clear, actionable steps to integrate these profound insights into your daily life, bringing more authenticity, purpose, and balance to your journey ahead.
"A journey where adventure, personal growth, and togetherness come together. I came for the adventure, but was pleasantly surprised by the amazing company and the great conversations."
Participant
Who can join?
This journey is open to everyone, but it's best suited for those with some prior experience in personal development. Shadow work can be confronting, so it's important to have a basic level of emotional stability and self-regulation. If you're familiar with self-reflection and are ready to dive deeper into your own growth, this journey will be a powerful experience for you.

All backgrounds welcome
The group will be a diverse mix of ages, experiences, and backgrounds. What unites us is a shared desire to connect with nature and a curiosity for personal growth. Whether you’re new to this type of journey or have previous experience, you'll find a space to explore and grow.

English or Dutch?
To accommodate a range of nationalities (our kayak guide and sweat lodge firekeeper, Joen, is Swedish), the primary language will be English. However, you’re welcome to share your personal reflections in Dutch if you prefer.

Fitness level
While a basic level of fitness is helpful, you don’t need to be an elite athlete. We’ll be paddling for 3-4 hours a day, which can be tough on the shoulders and back. The good news: you don’t need to carry your gear—everything will be stored in the boat, so you can focus on the experience.
How can a day look like?
-
Wake up 07.00
Waking up the body with breathing, movement, and a dip in the lake
-
Breath work & Meditation 08.00
-
Breakfast 09.00
Cleaning up camp
-
Shadow Wandering 10.00
You head into the woods as one of your shadow parts
-
Guided sharing circle 12.00
Sharing circle with the group. What did you learn during your wandering?
Download brochure Shadow Island
The Guides
Sjors is an experienced therapist, coach, wilderness guide, and certified shadow work therapist with a deep passion for the natural world. As the co-founder of Heroes Journey, he leads transformative wilderness expeditions designed to permanently shift participants' understanding of themselves, their relationship with nature, and their unique place in the world.
“Being in nature brings forth what I call a ‘soul encounter’—a direct experience of who I am at my core and my belonging within the natural world. From this essential connection, I am able to live with clarity, purpose, and profound fulfillment.” — Sjors
www.sjorsboelaars.nl

Jorn is the visionary founder and primary facilitator of Mountain Medicine, guiding participants through most of the program's transformative experiences. Known as a self-driven "fire-starter," Jorn has a unique gift for building communities, sparking movements, and creating spaces where people can connect and grow. At Mountain Medicine, Jorn offers a distinctive blend of personal development practices that fuse shamanic traditions, indigenous wisdom and ceremonies, adventure and wilderness therapy, and nature-based counseling psychology. His approach is designed to support profound personal growth and a deep connection with nature.
www.mountain-medicine.eu

PRacticals
INVESTMENT
€1950,-
Secure your spot with a €250 deposit.
The full balance is due one month before the event or can be paid in cash upon arrival.
[See full terms and conditions here]
INcluded
> Introduction: 2 Online Group Sessions, before & after.
> Intention: Preparation Challenge
> Immersion: 6-Day Outdoor Program
> Integration: Follow up support at home
> Accommodation: 2 nights basecamp, 3 nights camping
> Provision: 3 meals daily
> Gear: kayak + waterproof bags
EXCLUDED
> Transportation to & from the Venue
> Personal back packing & outdoor Gear
LOGISTICS
May 4 2025
Arrival in Gothenburg (via flight, train, or personal transport) Shuttle to basecamp at Bohuslän, Sweden
May 9 2025
Shuttle back to Gothenburg Airport or Uddevalla Station
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime?
Fill in your application form. A team member will reach out to you directly after submission.

Frequently asked Questions
I'm not super fit—can I still join?
Yes, likely you can! Good fitness is helpful, but you don’t need to be a super athlete. We’ll paddle 3-4 hours a day, which can be challenging on your shoulders and back. The upside: all gear goes in the boat, so there’s no heavy lifting involved.
Will the expedition be in English?
Yes, the primary language will be English to accommodate all participants, including our Swedish kayak guide and sweat lodge firekeeper, Joen. You’re welcome to share personally in Dutch if you prefer.
What gear should I bring?
We’ll provide a kayak, waterproof bags, a life vest, and other essentials for water safety. You’ll need to bring your own camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and rain gear. A detailed packing list will be sent to you after registration.
Can I bring my own camper or car?
Absolutely! Many participants drive together.
Can I bring a partner?
Friends, yes; partners, no. This journey is designed to be transformative, and we find that keeping some distance from those closest to you—who might anchor you to old patterns—enhances this process. Coming with a friend is fine, but attending with a partner can inhibit the full transformative potential.
Will we be completely offline?
Yes, we’ll be going entirely offline. Please make arrangements with your family, business, or other commitments beforehand.
What are the cancellation terms?
If you need to cancel:
- More than 2 months in advance: Full refund minus €50 administrative fee.
- Less than 2 months in advance: Refund minus €50 administrative fee, only if someone from the waiting list can take your place.
Please see the full terms & conditions here.
Any further questions?
Feel free to reach out to Jorn at info@mountain-medicine.eu
Have questions or want to see if this journey is right for you?
Schedule a free 20 min call with Jorn