I’ve been living nomadically for most of my adult life now. A decade by sail, six year with the van and the last years on many trails. From the outside it looks like the healthiest way to live. And often it is. That's also why you see me sharing and caring a lot about it. To connect you to a wilder and more natural way of life.
But it can also slowly throw you off if you don’t pay attention.
Too much moving. Different climates. Irregular rhythms. Always adapting and anticipating.
I’m writing this from my campervan parked next to the ocean in Fuerteventura. The wind shakes the van a bit. It almost feels like I'm on a sailboat but without being ruled by the wind ;) But what a luxury to live like this especially if you just come back from a hike, where home is carried on your back.
For me, staying balanced and grounded comes back to some very simple things and practices.
- Feet on the earth or in the ocean. Every day. Multiple times. Bonus superpowers when it involves surf, freediving, or a longer trail.
- Sunlight on my face first thing in the morning. It sets me up for a good night of sleep.
- Warm food, often with grounding spices like ginger, cinnamon, cumin and fennel.
- Ocean Nomads Community people 'who get it' wherever I roam. We skip the small talk.
- Living with the moon and my natural cycle. And ofcourse the seasons and the flow that comes with each season.
- A few tiny non negotiable morning routines, like tong scraping, oilpulling and a glass of warm water.
- Learn what there's to learn about Ayurveda, a way of living in balance with your body and nature.
- And going slooooow. With my dog, who is the most beautiful example of full on dedication to the moment.
Small things, but they make a big difference when you continously live close to the elements and on the move.
I wrote a deeper piece about feeling rooted as a nomad. How I’ve learned to stay balanced while living on the move. You can read it on my Patreon here. It’s also where I share the more personal reflections, and where the nomadlife tips and tales can be supported. Thank you if you’re already part of it.🫶
So what's new?
I’ve been sharing more from the trails here in the Canaries lately. You can watch the latest videos here, where I share what a day on trail across Gran Canaria feels like. And wow how pretty is this island!
Also over on instagram & my facebook page I'm releasing some untold stories from hiking the Waitukubuli National Trail. The wildest (jungle) trail I've ever hiked. Exactly 3 years ago we finished this hike. I'm living more stories than I can process so sometimes it takes a while, but it's never too late, right:)?
This lifestyle looks simple from the outside. But the starting point and sustainable approach is not always clear.
Where do you begin? How do you find your way into it? How do you make it sustainable?
Whether that’s stepping onto a boat for the first time, or heading out on a trail. What do you need to know? I've been working on some tips & tales on this, and more in the making. You'll find some inspiration & waypoints for all of this below.
