On Vancouver Island, the pace of life moves to the rhythm of the tides. There’s a humility to the landscape — an unspoken reminder that we are part of something greater, not separate from it. The sea ebbs and flows, the cedars stand patient through every season, and the mountains remind us that endurance and beauty can exist side by side.
Lately, as I’ve spent more time immersed in island life — working on projects that connect community, creativity, and wellness — I’ve found myself returning again and again to The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom. It’s a collection of timeless insights from philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, each reminding us how to live with integrity, balance, and purpose in an unpredictable world.
And perhaps surprisingly, Stoicism feels right at home here.
Living Stoically in the Modern World
Stoicism is often misunderstood as emotionless or detached. But true Stoic philosophy is the opposite — it’s about being deeply connected, yet grounded enough not to be ruled by every wave that comes your way.
On the island, that wisdom feels tangible. The changing tides remind us of impermanence; the forest teaches patience; and the ocean invites surrender.
Marcus Aurelius once wrote,
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”
Reading the Stoics in this environment, I began to see how their teachings align with the wellness path so many of us are on — one that blends inner stillness with outer action.
To live well, the Stoics believed, was to embody eudaimonia — the flourishing that comes from living with virtue. It’s not about constant happiness or perfection, but about choosing kindness, courage, and integrity, even when life feels uncertain.
That quiet strength is reflected all around me here: in neighbours who check on each other after a storm, in local markets where people share handmade goods with care, and in small acts of generosity that ripple beyond their moment.
As Marcus Aurelius reminded us,
“What brings no benefit to the hive brings none to the bee.”
In other words — when we live for community, we live well.
The Beauty of Eudaimonia
The Greek word eudaimonia translates loosely to “human flourishing,” but it’s far deeper than happiness. It’s about aligning your life with what is good, meaningful, and true.
For me, eudaimonia has meant living in harmony with my surroundings, finding purpose in both my work and my community, and rediscovering the joy of giving back. It’s the philosophy behind why I’ve created spaces for others to heal — from my spa to our Airbnb retreat — and why I continue to focus on connection, contribution, and love.
Seneca beautifully expressed,
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”
Kindness, I’ve learned, doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as listening without judgment, offering a meal, or giving someone the gift of time. These moments — often overlooked — are the true reflections of Stoic virtue in action.
And when we live in alignment with kindness and purpose, we naturally flourish — not in a material sense, but in the quiet, fulfilling rhythm of a good life.
Stoicism, Healing, and the Island Way
Living here has taught me that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through nature, through connection, and through finding purpose in something beyond ourselves.
The Stoics understood that life would bring hardship, but they also believed that within every challenge lies the opportunity to grow in strength, wisdom, and compassion.
Epictetus wrote,
“We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”
When I think of the times I’ve had to rebuild — after loss, heartbreak, or letting go of old dreams — I see how those experiences shaped me into someone softer, yet stronger. They helped me live more consciously, more kindly, and more in tune with the natural world.
Here, the land itself is a teacher. Marcus Aurelius reflected,
“Observe always that everything is the result of change, and get used to thinking that there is nothing Nature loves so well as to change existing forms and make new ones like them.”
Vancouver Island, in its wild and grounding way, has become my greatest mentor. It reminds me daily to be present, to live simply, and to give back to what sustains me — the land, the ocean, and the people who make it home.
10 Stoic Daily Practices for a Life of Calm and Purpose
Inspired by The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom and island living, here are 10 Stoic-inspired practices to bring balance, meaning, and mindfulness into daily life:
Begin with Reflection — Each morning, pause before the day begins. Ask: What kind of person do I want to be today?
Focus on What You Can Control — Release what lies beyond your power. Respond, don’t react.
Practice Gratitude — As Seneca wrote, “Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.”
Spend Time in Nature — Let the natural world recalibrate your energy and perspective.
Be of Service — Do one kind act each day with no expectation of return.
Accept Impermanence — Like the tides, all things change. Embrace the ebb and flow rather than resisting it.
Cultivate Stillness — “No man is free who is not master of himself,” said Epictetus. Find moments to breathe and listen — to your intuition, to Spirit, to the earth.
Simplify Your Surroundings — Seneca reminds us, “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” Create a home that reflects peace rather than clutter.
End with Reflection — In the evening, ask: What did I do well? What can I learn from today?
Live with Purpose — Align your choices with your values. Let kindness and integrity guide your path.
The Stoic Heart of Island Living
The Little Book of Stoic Wisdom may be small, but its pages hold the essence of something vast — a way of life rooted in courage, compassion, and clarity. Here on Vancouver Island, that wisdom feels not ancient but timeless.
Living slowly, connected to the rhythms of nature and community, we begin to rediscover what the Stoics called the good life — one of balance, integrity, and quiet joy.
Perhaps that’s what eudaimonia really means: to live not for ourselves alone, but for the whole — the land, the sea, our neighbours, and the generations yet to come.
And maybe that’s what the island, and the Stoics, have been teaching us all along.
