From Burnout to Life Joy – My Journey with Yggdrasil Shamanic School

There are moments in life when everything comes to a halt. When your body says no, and your soul whispers that there must be another way. I stood at exactly such a point – burned out, empty, and without direction. What once gave me security and status suddenly felt completely hollow. I had resigned from a leadership position I had built up over several years, and there I stood – alone with the question: What now?

That’s when I found my way to Yggdrasil Shamanic School. Or perhaps it was the school that found me?

What I thought would be an alternative education turned out to be a deeply personal and healing journey back to joy, balance, and my true path in life.

It’s almost difficult to find the right words to describe the journey I’ve been on. But one thing I know with my whole being: It has transformed my life. My name is Linda-Helen Nilsen, and this is my story – about how I went from being burned out and empty, to rediscovering genuine life joy, power, and direction in life.

When Everything Came to a Stop

Before I began my education at Yggdrasil Shamanic School, I found myself in an incredibly challenging place in life. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I had recently resigned from a prestigious position as co-owner and managing director – a decision that required every ounce of courage I had. I was completely drained. My joy for life had vanished, and hope for the future was barely perceptible. I remember thinking: What now? What am I going to do with my life now that everything has fallen apart?

A New Path to Follow

It was during this pause, in this void, that I discovered Yggdrasil Shamanic School. I wasn’t entirely sure why, but something within me insisted that I needed to begin the foundational training. And this would prove to be the beginning of an entirely new life path.

Throughout these years in the program, I have experienced profound healing, both physically and emotionally. I have recovered from burnout and chronic illness, and most valuably – I have regained a deep, authentic, and sustainable joy for life. A joy that I had almost forgotten existed.

Transformation in Close Relationships

One of the most significant changes has occurred in my relationships – especially in my romantic partnership. Previously, I found it challenging to be completely honest and vulnerable in close relationships. I held back, perhaps due to a lack of both courage and self-respect. Today, it’s different. Now I dare to speak directly from my heart, expressing my genuine feelings and thoughts.

My partner and I have navigated our challenges, as all couples do, but what’s unique is that we’ve now learned to meet each other with humility and openness. We dare to be vulnerable together. The mutual respect and ability to communicate honestly has elevated our relationship to an entirely new level.

The Key: Self-regulation

One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned in the program is self-regulation. Being able to recognize and address my own emotions before they overwhelm me has been life-changing. Previously, an inner storm could suddenly erupt in my relationships. Now I have the tools to take a step back, breathe, and meet both myself – and others – with more peace and clarity.

This has not only improved my relationships with others but also with myself. I’ve become more aware of my own needs, cycles, and boundaries. I know when I need to withdraw, be in nature, or take care of my body. This connection with myself is something I deeply cherish.

Teaching That Creates Space

One of the reasons I enjoy the education so much is the teaching format. There’s a perfect balance between working at my own pace with the recorded modules while receiving personal guidance. It creates space to ask questions I might not have dared to voice in a larger group. And simultaneously, I’ve learned to open up more, even in community settings.

The ability to revisit and repeat modules has given me deeper insights each time. It’s as if layers of understanding unfold, at my own pace.

A Teacher Who Truly Sees You

Pål-Esben is a teacher who radiates professional strength, warmth, and humor. He has the ability to meet you exactly where you are. Sometimes you need support, other times a gentle push – and he balances this with impressive precision. For me, it has felt safe yet growth-promoting. He sees you, and he meets you. It’s a rare gift.

The Magical and the Earthly – In Balance

What I love most about the education is that it encompasses both the spiritual and the practical. We learn about psychology, bodily needs, emotional patterns – and simultaneously about nature’s wisdom, the invisible, the magical field that always surrounds us. It’s a holistic approach that resonates deeply within me.

I am a person who has always sought what exists “between heaven and earth,” but I also need to understand it in my body, in everyday life. And here I get both – in perfect balance.

The Greatest Gift

If I had to highlight one thing that has meant the most to me, it’s regaining my faith in life. I feel a warm current in my heart when I say this: I truly love being alive. And this wasn’t a given before. I had almost given up hope of experiencing genuine joy again.

But not only have I rediscovered joy – I’ve also found my path. I’ve become an instructor in this tradition, established my own business, and finally feel like I’ve found my place in the world. The last piece of the puzzle has fallen into place.