Be More. Wild.

Journeys through the inner and outer landscape

β€œBetween stimulus and response there is a space.

In that space is our power to choose our response.

In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
— -Β VIKTOR FRANKL

  • β€œThe Wild Mind Odyssey is an incredible marriage between the beauty of nature and the serenity of the mindfulness journey. If you’re looking for an experience that will take you completely outside of your daily routine- and one that will challenge you both physically and spiritually, this is exactly the trip for you. Couple that with an abundance of laughter and joy - and you’ve got a magical walk in the woods here."

    Paul Winnowski

    Paul is a seasoned business leader who has run multi-billion dollar companies from Asia to Europe to the US. His most recent role as the President of Sunrun saw him take a mid size solar company and transform into the clear #1 residential solar energy company in the US. Paul is now an active investor, board director, and mentor.

  • "An outstanding experience, a catalyst for recharging body, mind and spirit. Physical exertion, immersion in nature and engagement with mindfulness concepts & practices are a powerful combination. The Odyssey provided mindfulness framework and practices, along with the energy and conviction for integrating them into work & life beyond the program. The results for me have been immediate and tangible, and the impact will continue to grow. Highly recommended!"

    Frank Rasche

    Frank is a globally experienced CEO with a unique combination of success in Fortune 500 and entrepreneurial worlds.  He built a successful business across 10 cities in China and a nationally acclaimed brand from the ground up. Previously he held leadership positions with the Coca-Cola company in Europe, the US and Asia, including in their global marketing division.

  • β€œThe days away were unplugged and screen free, leaving us with the serenity of the mountains, the river, and good company. This gave us an opportunity to peel away some of our long-held paradigms, introducing us to new perspectives. By challenging us to be grounded, our minds and hearts were open to appreciate the infinite ways the universe provides for us.  The guidance and atmosphere led by The Odessey team reminded me to always be curious, connect and celebrate being present. I walk away remembering that I am not a human doing, but a human being."

    Shahar Zainuddin

    Shahar is a seasoned investment banker who has worked in the UK, Middle East and Asia. He has led the largest development bank in Southeast Asia and is now focusing on how technology and sustainability can transform the asset management industry. He is also working on an agroforestry project utilising permaculture and Miyawaki methods.

  • "I came into the week excited and expecting it to be something special, and you definitely exceeded my expectations. The lack of screen time including no watches was a revelation. The treks provided the right amount of physical challenge, with great variety each day. And the beautifully delivered mindfulness talks and practices deep in nature helped us along on our inner journeys. I have come back calmer, more grounded, less concerned about getting pulled into busy-ness."

    Jeremy Perks

    After training in accounting and law Jeremy built two pioneering learning & development companies in Asia, including the first experiential training company in Japan and China. He also founded and serves as Chairman of The Leadership Group Asia, one of the leading leadership and organisation transformation consultancies in China and South East Asia. 

Our hypothesis is simple: 

Mindfulness x Wilderness =
A profound shift in perspective and personal understanding.

Wild Mind was born out of our shared passion for wilderness, mindfulness and human potential.

Combining these passions we facilitate fun, transformative journeys through the inner and outer landscape that change the way we relate to ourselves and the natural world. 

β€œAnd into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”

β€” John Muir

  • Transformation

    Using our wondrous natural world as the prime mover to shift the parameters we live under and create the conditions for deep and lasting change.

  • New Patterns & Perspectives

    Odysseys are not meditation retreats, but are punctuated with practices that cultivate and train mindfulness a.k.a non-judgmental present moment awareness.

  • Adventure

    We subscribe to Jean Paul Sartre’s maxim that adventure is anything out of the ordinary, without being extraordinary. Safety is always first, and fun is a close second!

  • Real Connectivity

    We cultivate interconnectedness, as well as stress-test the above hypothesis, by enjoying the rare luxury of being unplugged and screen-free throughout our journeys together.

  • Resilience

    Overcoming adversity requires stepping back and reframing situations in a positive way to foster openness and receptivity. Odysseys are not physically grueling, but always outside of our collective comfort zone.

  • Our days begin with hot drinks in the meadow against a backdrop of alpine peaks, before a blend of breath-work, mindful movement and yoga to activate our bodies and minds.​​

  • After a hearty farmhouse breakfast we hit the trail to walk, talk and contemplate our way into a profoundly different paradigm.

  • While hiking, we draw on the power of the mountains, mindfulness and an intentional paradigm shift to create more space between stimulus and response.

  • Odysseys are punctuated by periods of silence, guided meditations, mindful walking and meaningful conversations at the intersection of philosophy, psychology and the contemplative traditions.

  • Still have questions? Check out the FAQ section below.

Accommodation.

Our Odyssey lodging is the stunning Kekčeva Domačija, a lovingly restored traditional Slovenian farmhouse nestled in the Trenta Valley, deep in the Julian Alps. Accommodations are homely, well-appointed suites with all the comforts and amenities on site to unwind and recharge after a day on the mountains. Beautiful food is lovingly prepared by the host couple in the arms of the mountains.

From the Himalayas to the Outer Hebrides, the Japanese Alps to the wilds of Montana, Matt and Karim have voyaged together as friends for over 20 years.

Now we invite you to journey with us.

  • Mind Guide

    Karim is a mindfulness practitioner, teacher and facilitator whose personal practice transformed his relationship with chronic pain and led to a profound shift in perspective and personal understanding. Today he spends as much time as possible helping others cultivate their inner resources for growth, healing and transformation.

    Karim is a director at Mindful Peak Performance, a social enterprise using mindfulness to enhance performance and mental wellbeing in elite sport, the workplace and in marginalised communities.

    Karim has trained to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University in the UK. He a registered member of the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA) and serves as a Trustee at Breathworks, a leading charity and training organisation that offers mindfulness and compassion based approaches to managing long term pain and illness.

  • Wild Guide

    Matt is a reformed corporate executive, experienced wilderness walker, avid motorcycle-rider, dedicated skier, and serial entrepreneur.

    After a high-flying career in property investment and management in China that spanned 15 years, Matt returned to his native Montana and founded several successful companies in real estate, mobile storage and high-end van conversion.

    It was during a 21-day walk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his ten year-old son in 2021 that Matt experienced the transformative power of the wilderness when combined with intentional mindfulness activities and a child's mind. On that seminal trip the seed of Wild Mind Odyssey was planted and took root. Once back on grid Matt called Karim to share his experience and the rest, as they say, is history.

    Matt has led motorcycle tours in the Andes and United States, hiking tours in the Himalayas, and countless pub crawls around the world!

    Matt is also a certified yoga teacher, trained wilderness EMT and current wilderness first-responder. When he’s not walking, skiing or riding in the backcountry, Matt adventures with his wife and two sons. His family split their time between Montana, Medellin and Amsterdam.

Our latest Odyssey

Upcoming Odyssey

We try to run at least one Wild Mind Odyssey each year. Please drop us an email if you are interested in attending, or would simply like to know more.

FAQs

  • Odysseys are not a test of strength or stamina. That being said, we do spend four to six hours on the trail each day in mountainous terrain. Wayfarers must be physically prepared. We recommend training in the months leading up to the Odyssey by engaging in regular hikes, cycling, and especially sessions on the stair-master!

  • Not at all! The meditations and mindfulness practices used during the Odyssey are suitable for all levels of experience. This is not a meditation retreat. it is a purposeful reconnection with a different paradigm that uses meditation as one its techniques to reconnect with ourselves and the natural world. If you already have a regular meditation practice - great! If not - don't worry! The most important thing is to come with an open, curious mind and a willingness to explore your inner landscape, as well as the outer landscape of the majestic Julian Alps.

  • That's right, no screens at all for the duration of the Odyssey, and that includes watches! This is a key driver in creating a very different paradigm from the one we are used to living and moving in. Your guides will have devices for use in emergencies, and your loved ones will be able to contact you anytime by calling the farmhouse and leaving a message.

  • Odysseys are for everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, ethnicity or any other diverse background. The only criteria to be a Wayfarer are an open mind, a willingness to engage and participate fully in the journey and, in light of that, the physical ability to hike for 6 hours in the mountains. If you're not sure whether the Odyssey is a good fit for you,

    reach out and let's find out!

  • Insurance and Gear are two other areas to consider.

    We provide a gear list with items that are required (think water bladder, walking pole, waterproofs, etc.) including links to purchase if you don't already own them.

    ​

    All Wayfarers are required to have comprehensive insurance coverage for the duration of the Odyssey. There are many providers out there that offer good coverage for these kinds of trips, World Nomads is one such company.