Appreciation and Survival: Lessons from Nature

‍A Deeper Understanding of Gratitude

We often talk about gratitude, but rarely do we experience its full depth. After my recent survival training in Sweden, the word “appreciation” now resonates more powerfully than ever. Throughout the training, the most repeated phrase was simply: “Thank you.”

Why? Because every comfort we enjoyed—no matter how small—demanded significant effort and teamwork. Take catching and cooking a fish in the wilderness:

• ‍Collecting firewood
• Chopping it
• Building a fireplace
• Starting a fire
• Catching the fish
• Cleaning it
• Cooking it

Each step called for focus, energy, and collaboration—tasks we barely think about when dining out or using modern appliances. This new awareness of everything that goes into a single meal has transformed my sense of gratitude and rekindled my appreciation for life’s fundamental processes.

‍

The Power of Community in the Wild

One of the most profound lessons I learned is the value of community in nature. We accomplished every task because we supported each other. In the wild, survival isn’t a solo act; it’s the product of collective effort.

This realization deepened my appreciation for the communities I’m part of—family, friends, and like-minded peers. It’s a reminder that we thrive when we come together, sharing both our burdens and our joys.

‍

Reconnecting with Daily Comforts

Returning home, I’m more grateful than ever for the comforts of daily life. A simple meal or a warm fire now feels like a gift, shaped by countless acts of care and dedication. That sense of interconnectedness underscores what it truly means to receive life rather than take it for granted.

‍

A Heartfelt Thank You

• To my brothers on this journey—Edouard Thieuleux, Arun Thompson, Patryk Borkowski, Awi Rabelista, and Thijs Haselhoff—thank you for your brotherhood and for your commitment to your paths.
• To the facilitators Thijmen Apswoude from Living by Nature and Oscar Delgado from A Never Ending Journey, your passion and skill made this training an unforgettable experience.
• A special thanks to my love, Beata Alfoldi, for being my greatest gift and for holding daily prayers of gratitude and appreciation.

‍

Join the ‘Into the Wild’ Expedition in the Scottish Highlands

If you felt a spark reading this—if you crave simplicity, reconnection, and the type of inner strength that only comes from nature and brotherhood—I invite you to Call of the Wild: a 7-Day Survival Expedition in the Scottish Highlands, happening September 19–26, 2025.

Why Join This Expedition?

• ‍Return to Your Instincts: Embrace the primal skills and awareness that modern life often dulls.‍
• Discover True Presence: Step away from distractions and into nature’s quiet rhythm.‍
• Strengthen Your Leadership: Challenge yourself through fire, earth, breath, and stillness.‍
• Limited to 12 Spots: Secure your place now to ensure a focused, transformative experience.

Learn more about the expedition here.

‍

Experience a Return to What Matters

Let’s remember what it means to be fully alive:

• Connect with the land.
• Embody gratitude.
• Build community.
• Challenge yourself to grow beyond your perceived limits.

Ready to embark on this journey? Click the button below to learn more and secure one of the limited spots.

Together, we’ll step into the wild—and come out with a deeper sense of appreciation for life’s simplest, most essential gifts.

‍