How Will You Carry The Spirit Of The Island With You?

Närvarö Retreat, June 2025.

Five days immersed in the Swedish archipelago.

An idea we held for some time, and it really happened.

Adventurous souls journeying together.

On our own little island, we explored a deeper connection.

To nature, to each other, and to the spacious, creative force within.

There wasn’t much on the island besides nature itself, yet a strong sense of communion emerged.

Together, we moved, played, were still, created, and held space for one another.

The daily rhythm was co-created, drawing on the skills, experiences, and wisdom of each of us.

Logistically, the only way on and off the island was by canoe. So there we were, paddling over with all our gear — including SUPs and a portable sauna (yes, you heard that right!).

I’m still integrating all that unfolded, but here are a few reflections I’d love to share.

1. From idea to reality
   There’s a deep sense of fulfilment in carrying something through — from start to finish. Aren’t we, as humans, really here to create? But it may ask us to clear space, to prepare, and to focus. Especially if we’re living a fast-paced city life.

2. The magic of co-creation
   If you meet the right co-creation partner, things flows, blooms, and magic is made. Creating feels lighter and more joyful when shared with someone working towards the same vision. We’re lucky if we experience this in our lifetime.
   (and I’m glad I’m getting a glimpse of what’s possible)

3. Every person counts
   The experience was shaped by every single person — through the depth of their giving and receiving. Thank you, dear co-creators, for showing up wholeheartedly. Although this first iteration welcomed just a few, we went all in, from start to finish.

4. Starting small is a gift
   To be honest, it felt safer to start with a small group. Some logistics were still unknown to us. Like how canoe-only transport would work in practice. We also learned how structured or loosely we could hold the container. Starting small gave us space to experiment and learn.

5. Sauna tent = Archipelago self-sare
   Swedish summer nights can be chilly, especially in the archipelago. Our secret to staying warm, relaxed, and nourished? A portable sauna. It was our ultimate treat and wellbeing ritual. We called it our wild temple, adding a playful sacredness to it all.

Let me tell you what it’s like to be held by an island, if you’re open to it.

The island’s real name is Björnholmen.
But for the purpose of this retreat, we gave her (Yes, it’s a She, just like Mother Earth.) a new name: Närvarö, a blend of two Swedish words:
🌿 Närvaro — presence
🏝 Ö — island

It captures the essence of what this retreat is all about:
Time on an island, a pause from everyday life, and the space to cultivate presence and deepen our connection — to nature, and to ourselves.

Närvarö truly held us.

We put all our trust in her and in return, she gave us so much.

She received our presence, our play, our offerings, our emotions.

Our love, our hopes, our dreams.

She welcomed and held it all.

The bigger question that lives on after the retreat is this:
How will we carry the spirit of the island with us?

I’m still integrating all that unfolded.

But one thing I know for sure:
More people deserve to experience this kind of magic.
And I want to do it again!

Curious?
The website is still live and we’ve opened up a waitlist to start gauging interest for next year.
Leave your expression of interest here.