stoic insights from wellness mama Katie Wells
Historically, Stoicism has often been viewed as a male-dominated philosophy, but women have lived its principles, frequently without acknowledgment. Katie Wells, the mind behind Wellness Mama, emphasizes how mothers exemplify Stoic virtues by gracefully handling life's unpredictabilities, from childbirth to daily routines. Despite their significant role in nurturing societies, women's contributions to Stoic thought need more recognition. By drawing on her own experiences, Wells underscores the strength mothers bring, teaching others the art of focusing on what can be controlled—a core tenet of Stoic philosophy.
Katie credits the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius with reshaping her life's direction. This pivotal encounter during her high school years sparked her interest in Stoicism, guiding her through important life decisions. She used Marcus' teachings to navigate away from a traditional academic path toward a life focused on family and personal freedom. This transformative journey showcases how ancient wisdom can impact modern life choices and foster an environment where personal values align with daily living.
Choosing to live near the beach wasn't an escape but a deliberate move by Katie to fashion a lifestyle rich in natural beauty and community. She believes in the Stoic ideal of not fleeing from life's busyness but creating a nurturing environment to enhance creativity and presence. This choice reflects a balance where the joys of nature serve as daily reminders to stay connected and appreciative, while still engaging in Stoic practices like embracing discomfort to strengthen resilience.
Motherhood offers Katie a real-world arena to practice Stoic virtues such as wisdom, courage, and self-discipline. The challenges of parenting, like dealing with a child's tantrum or the unpredictability of teenage years, embody exercises in patience and acceptance. These experiences parallel the Stoic focus on enduring hardship with grace. Wells stresses the importance of seeing motherhood as both a personal growth journey and a powerful force capable of shaping not just individuals, but entire communities.
For Katie, stillness isn't about sitting still; it's found in focused activity and creativity. Struggling with burnout taught her the value of balancing work with activities that nourish the soul, such as art and writing. Through daily practices and digital detoxes, she achieves a form of stillness that brings peace and clarity—a modern interpretation of what the Stoics called apatheia. These moments of calm amidst life's chaos emphasize the importance of prioritizing mental and spiritual health.
Experiencing childbirth and supporting others as a doula have given Katie unique insights into pain management and mental toughness. These experiences confirm that fear intensifies pain, and that surrendering to momentary discomfort often leads to a deeper strength. Her practices in fasting and ice baths further illustrate this belief, showing that embracing temporary suffering can cultivate resilience and conviction. This perspective aligns with Stoic teachings on embracing discomfort as a path to personal fortification.
After facing burnout, Katie transformed her approach to time management by prioritizing personal wellbeing alongside professional duties. By scheduling family time, self-care, and hobbies first, she not only enhanced her work effectiveness but also deepened familial connections. Journaling and reading remain key elements of her routine, facilitating personal growth. This recalibrated balance underscores a lesson: maintaining a healthy, fulfilled life requires intentional focus on nurturing both the mind and spirit—a testament to the practice of modern Stoicism.
. . .
Source Material
Stoicism, Stillness, And Why Moms Are The Most Powerful Force On The Planet: An Interview With Wellness Mama Katie Wells | Daily Stoic Podcast
