JOEL VAN DER LOON’S JOURNEY
FEATURED ON:
why I walk this path…
Since I was a young boy, I always felt different. I couldn't explain why. It wasn't until much later that I began to understand what I was truly searching for—a life devoted to transformation, purpose, and spiritual growth.
For 14 years, I traveled the world, immersing myself in different cultures and wild places. I lived alongside the Hadza hunter-gatherers of East Africa, learning from one of the world's last remaining ancestral tribes. I trained and competed in combat sports, discovering that being a warrior has far more to do with humility, discipline, and presence than aggression. I spent countless days and nights alone in the wilderness, living from the land and allowing nature to become my greatest teacher. Those experiences eventually led me to spend 40 days alone on the television series Alone.
For more than a decade, my life has been grounded in wilderness, bowhunting, and spiritual practice. Meditation, shamanic drumming, and psychedelic medicines have all served as tools for self-inquiry, healing, and expanding awareness. Nature has remained my greatest teacher, my medicine, and my church.
Although I am a certified spiritual life coach, my deepest education didn't come from certifications. It came through divorce, failure, and confronting the beliefs, fears, and conditioning that had quietly shaped my life for decades. That inner work taught me that true strength isn't found in controlling life—it's found in surrendering to it.
Today, my mission is to help others reconnect with themselves through nature, challenge and honest self-reflection. I don't claim to have all the answers, but I know what it feels like to lose yourself—and I know the path that helped me find my way home.
My time on ALONE!
Spending 40 days alone with 10 items, my mind, and the Canadian wilderness was life changing to say the least. Previous to that experience I had spent many days in the wilderness living off the land in a variety of climates and eco-systems. The difference was the spiritual journey I experienced on Alone! I discovered the importance of introspection, a spiritual belief system, community, and the importance of a close connection to nature. Focusing only on the immediate needs for survival is liberating. All unnecessary distraction was removed. I truly found myself and dedicated my life to walking the spiritual path with a close nature connection. After Alone I dedicated myself to spiritual practices and learning more about the human mind, body, and spirit. I now strive to bring people into a closer connection to themselves and the planet.
My background and the Hadza
I was born and raised in Africa, between South Africa and Tanzania. I had a wonderful wild childhood that was supported by both of my parents. I learned to make fire and shelters at a very young age and would roam the bush catching snakes unsupervised. Since I was young I was in awe of the indigenous Africans, especially the Maasai. An elder named Joseph taught me about tracking and hunting. It opened my eyes to the connection that a person can have with the natural world.
In 2016 I made my first trip to the Hadza bushmen to learn from them. I fell in love with their culture and skills. I have returned almost every year since then guiding groups to live and learn alongside them. The Hadza still to this day live traditionally. They craft and hunt with bows, forage for roots, fruits and honey. They have taught me so much about what it means to be human and how to live a meaningful present life. I have been profoundly affected by them and will take any opportunity to sing their praises.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
“Joels teaching style is patient, precise, and deeply grounded-He has a rare ability to translate years of real-world experience into lessons that stick.
—Jeff Stratman
Sisters, OR
“Joel’s method of instruction is clear and concise. You get the most amount of knowledge in the least amount of words. I highly value that as a United States Marine and an instructor myself.”
—Brian Wood
San Diego, CA
“What stands out most is Joel’s ability to meet people wherever they’re at. Whether you are brand new or already experienced, he knows how to teach in a way that actually sticks.
—Bijan Taherkhan.
Bend, OR
“Any man seeking a heart centered transformative experience in the natural world, definitely sign up for one of Joel’s gatherings”
—JesseGardner .
Portland, OR