When I planned my trip to Salt Spring Island, I envisioned solitude—a digital detox, quiet reflection, and space to uncover epiphanies. But as the time drew near, I realized something deeper was calling me: not just solitude, but clarity. Not just disconnection, but intentional connection.
In many ways, this journey was a continuation of the insights I’ve gained through the Modern Elder Academy. Since my first MEA experience in 2019, both as an attendee and later as a facilitator, I’ve learned that growth isn’t a destination—it’s a practice. MEA has taught me that creating space for reflection, supported by a framework of values, allows us to metabolize life’s challenges and turn them into lightness and clarity.
It also reminded me of something foundational in my life: Green Eggs and Ham. That story of Sam-I-Am encouraging someone to try something new has resonated with me since childhood. MEA, like that story, has challenged me to approach unfamiliar ideas and practices with openness. This retreat became my own Green Eggs and Ham moment—a chance to embrace new ways of connecting with myself and others.
The Role of MEA in My Journey
This retreat wasn’t something I created alone. The lessons I’ve absorbed from Chip Conley and the MEA community gave me the tools and mindset to approach this time with intention. People like Laura Campbell, Joan McNally, Selena Lauterer, Nicole Seawell, and Amy Avalon have been invaluable influences, offering support and wisdom that guided me toward the clarity I found on Salt Spring Island.
Chip’s vision for MEA—a space where people can connect, reflect, and rediscover themselves—has been a model for my own journey. What I experienced on this retreat was not a replacement for MEA but a continuation of its teachings, a reminder that growth happens when we show up for ourselves with curiosity and openness.
From Chaos to Clarity
The clarity I sought began by sifting through the overwhelm of ideas, advice, and inspiration I’d gathered. With the help of a digital companion—a tool that felt like a modern elder’s reflection—I worked through what resonated most with my values: gratitude, simplicity, mindfulness, connection, and purpose.
But the most profound moments didn’t come from technology—they came from presence. One such moment struck me on the way to visit Paul, an artist extraordinaire and someone I’ve collaborated with for years but had never met in person. On that drive, a thought hit me so hard I had to pull over: Why do I suffer twice?
This simple realization—that so much of my stress came not from challenges themselves but from pre-living them in my mind—was transformative. It reminded me of lessons I’ve learned at MEA about reframing and releasing unnecessary burdens. As Paul and I walked through a forest that felt primordial in its beauty, his quiet wisdom grounded me further. It was a reminder of the power of presence.
Gratitude for My Guides
As I reflect on this journey, I’m profoundly aware of the many guides who have shaped it. Chip Conley and the MEA community have been cornerstones, but I owe thanks to so many others as well.
Dr. James Doty, whose work at CCARE at Stanford has illuminated the science of compassion. Deborah Szekely, whose vision for Rancho La Puerta has inspired generations to embrace wellness and reflection. Doug Abrams, whose collaboration on The Book of Joy brought profound wisdom into my life. And many others who have shared their light along the way.
I’m also deeply grateful to my wife, Donna Jones, whose kind and steadfast support made this possible; to Jacques Pierre Cole (The Urban Monk), my dear friend and teacher, who continually reminds me of the joy in simplicity; and to the MEA community, whose support has been a foundation for so much of my growth.
The teachings and friendships I’ve found through these incredible people have allowed me to metabolize life’s complexities and transform them into something lighter—something more aligned with who I want to be.
Carrying It Forward
This experience reminded me that clarity and connection don’t just happen—they’re cultivated through intention, reflection, and the willingness to try something new. It’s a lesson I’ve seen modeled at MEA time and time again: transformation is cyclical, not linear, and when we stay engaged with the process, the rewards can be extraordinary.
Chip, thank you for creating a community that has profoundly shaped my journey. To everyone I’ve met through MEA, and to the many guides who’ve inspired me along the way, your wisdom and support have been invaluable. As I carry these lessons forward, I do so with a lighter heart, a clearer mind, and immense gratitude.
-Jack
Jack harnesses innovation in virtual reality and artificial intelligence to cultivate joy, inspire growth, and foster meaningful connections. His meticulously designed Baja retreats, crafted by skilled practitioners, offer awe-inspiring adventures in nature, including the extraordinary privilege of encountering whales up close. j[email protected]
