In the summer of 2024, I walked through the forests of the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. The deep silence, the scent of damp earth, and the rustling of treetops reminded me of a timeless connection between humans and nature. It was a brief glimpse into something Miriam Lancewood and her husband, Peter, have lived fully for nearly two decades. Their story – filled with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering longing for freedom – inspires us to reflect on what it means to live with nature rather than just in it.
A Journey from Convention to the Unknown
Miriam Lancewood, born in 1983 in the Netherlands, chose a lifestyle few dare to dream of. Together with her husband Peter, she left conventional life behind to live in harmony with nature. Their journey began in New Zealand, where for seven years they abandoned modern technology, material possessions, and urban comforts to embrace the simplicity and challenges of the wilderness.
In her books Woman in the Wilderness and Wild at Heart, Miriam details how they built their lives on nature's terms – hunting, foraging, and living minimally, requiring both mental and physical strength.
Life in the wilderness not only provided practical lessons, like making tools and navigating unmarked trails, but also a deeper understanding of life's essence. Lancewood writes candidly about both the joys and hardships: solitude, vulnerability, and how the rhythm of nature shapes the human spirit.
Bulgarian Mountains and Cultural Diversity
Today, Miriam and Peter are based in a shepherd’s hut in Bulgaria, continuing to live according to their principles. Bulgaria, with its vast mountain ranges and rich cultural history, provides the perfect environment for their nomadic lifestyle. Their choice to live in the Rhodope Mountains – the same area I visited – is a reminder of how different generations and cultures can meet in nature’s timeless landscapes.
Walking through these forests gave me a glimpse of the life Miriam describes. Here, nature is not just a backdrop for human activities; it is the core of existence. As I hiked along the trails, I felt a connection to the people who, throughout history, have lived in harmony with these surroundings, from the ancient Thracians to modern-day shepherds.
The Courage to Choose a Simple Life
It’s easy to romanticize such a lifestyle – to imagine it as endless freedom from the demands of everyday life. But Miriam emphasizes that it requires courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in one’s ability to face nature’s whims. She describes how, during tough times, they found strength in their shared vision and how life in the wilderness forced them to reevaluate what truly matters.
Their lifestyle is not just an alternative way of living; it’s also a powerful critique of our modern world. Miriam and Peter have opted out of consumer culture, challenging our notions of success and happiness. They demonstrate that it is possible to live a rich and meaningful life with very little.
Parallels to My Own Life
My own hike in the Rhodope Mountains was not as radical as Miriam’s life choices, but it offered a glimpse into what it means to adapt to nature’s terms. I remember standing on a ridge, overlooking a sea of trees. There was no cell phone signal, no distractions – just me, my thoughts, and the majestic presence of nature.
It reminded me of my earlier experiences living on a sailboat. There too, I depended on nature’s rhythm – the wind, the waves, and ever-changing conditions. Like Miriam, I discovered that simplicity is where we find our strength and creativity.
An Inspiration for the Future
Miriam Lancewood’s books and YouTube channel offer not only practical advice for living in nature but also profound philosophical insights. She reflects on what we lose when we distance ourselves from nature and how we can reconnect with it. Her stories inspire us to rethink how we structure our lives – to dare to challenge norms and seek our own path, even if it’s unconventional.
For me personally, Miriam is a role model. Her lifestyle reminds me that we always have a choice, no matter how ingrained our patterns are. When I hiked through the Rhodope Mountains, I realized I want to continue exploring a lifestyle that combines simplicity and meaning – perhaps even returning to a more nature-oriented way of living.
What We Can Learn from Miriam
Miriam’s story is a reminder that we can redefine our lives. We can let go of what doesn’t bring us joy and embrace what feels authentic and meaningful. For some, this means venturing into the wilderness; for others, it’s simply finding more time for nature in their daily lives.
I believe many of us feel drawn to nature, especially in a time where stress and overstimulation dominate our lives. Miriam shows that it is possible to live in harmony with nature without losing our identity or ambition. Instead, a life in nature deepens our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Closing Thoughts
My own journey through the Rhodope Mountains in the summer of 2024 was a small but significant part of a larger adventure – both my own and the one Miriam Lancewood describes. By reading her books and watching her stories on YouTube, I feel deeply grateful to have had a glimpse of the life she lives every day.
Miriam Lancewood’s story is a reminder that life is full of possibilities, as long as we dare to follow our dreams. She challenges us to ask the big questions: What does freedom mean? What is true happiness? And how can we live more authentically?
For me, the answer lies in continuing to walk – both literally and figuratively – toward what feels genuine and meaningful. Thank you, Miriam, for the inspiration.
By Chris...
Hiking the wilderness of Bulgaria
This is a short documentary about a 7 day hike in Rila national park Bulgaria in April 2024 with Miriam Lancewood and Dieuwke Verstraten. It shows how to plan for such a journey regarding navigation, as well as lighting fires in the snow and spotting different animal prints. But most of all, it reflects the magnificent feeling when going on an adventure on your own, and climbing high mountains in challenging circumstances. Purpose of the video is to encourage others to go on a hike in the wilderness in any season.
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