Connect, for a moment, to a time when you felt a sense of wholeness, or wellness — a moment when the quality of your environs elevated you — inspired, nurtured and strengthened you. You know those moments — when we feel, perhaps even with a sense of love, at home — in ourselves, and in harmony with our circumstances and our surroundings. They come during a walk in the woods, or sitting in the sun on a park bench; with hands in freshly dug earth in the garden, or floating in the middle of a lake. 

I hope I am describing something that each of us has experienced, and relished — yet I also encourage you to connect to a time when this feeling has been experienced, and then lost — perhaps suddenly, but often gradually. Headed for what we anticipate will be a pleasant and familiar walk, we turn a corner, and there — the tree that has always greeted us is gone. Cut down. We drive through a familiar landscape, expecting the view of the meadow that has always delighted us with its delicate beauty and expansiveness — instead, there is a new housing development. We walk along the beach, scanning for shells and stones polished by the tumbling waves; instead, we’re greeted with plastic detritus. It happens, day in and day out, to each of us. This is a pain known to anyone who attends to the world around them, who feels a kinship and connection to the rich mix of place, time, and relationships.

I suspect we are likely experiencing this kind of pain, this sense of loss, on a planetary scale — for that is what global climate disruption is causing. If we pay attention to the melting glaciers, the bleaching of coral reefs, the drought-stricken fields and grazing lands, rising sea levels and disappearing islands, extinction of species, how can we not experience the keen pain of loss of key elements of our Home, with a capital H?

The pain of these losses, though experienced by us all, is something rarely talked about, or honored, in any formal, ceremonial way. And yet, we all also know the power of sharing what is breaking our hearts, and the healing that comes with rituals of recognition, repentance, and recommitment.

This is why The BTS Center is embarking upon a Season of Eco-Grief this fall, and we invite you to join us. After this introductory event, focused on Solastalgia (details below), we will be offering five, seasonal online gatherings dedicated to Lament for Earth; frequent opportunities for collective prayer; and useful resources to bring these spiritual practices into your own settings.  

Bring your experiences of brokenheartedness, your sadness — and yes, also your frustration and anger as well. Bring it all — so that we may care for one another in these times of brokenness, and offer one another the healing balm of listening, deeply, one to another.

Program Consultant • The BTS Center

On Tuesday, October 12 we will gather to explore the experience of solastalgia through music, poetry, ritual, and conversation with several members of The BTS Center team. This event is an introduction to the theme of eco-grief that we will be engaging in the coming months at The BTS Center.

The term “solastalgia” — coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht — is formed by the combination of the Latin words sōlācium (comfort) and the Greek root –algia (pain). Albrecht describes solastalgia as "the homesickness you have when you are still at home," when your home environment is changing in ways you find distressing.

Still haven't registered? There's still time, but don't delay! Register now.

When: Friday, October 15, 2021 • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (ET)

Where: Wells Reserve at Laudholm (342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells, ME 04090)

Who: Spiritual Leaders* (max. 20 people)

Cost: $35/person (unlimited scholarships available)

On Friday, September 10, our Executive Director, Allen Ewing-Merrill, was interviewed on MANP Connects, a bi-weekly Friday morning program featuring special guests from Maine’s nonprofit sector and beyond who share their insights and perspectives in conversation with Maine Association of Nonprofits Executive Director Jennifer Hutchins. Their 45-minute conversation explored topics related to religious nonprofits in Maine, the work of The BTS Center at the intersection of spiritual leadership and the climate crisis, and the possibilities for transformation when nonprofits live deeply into their values and prioritize the common good. Listen to the interview.

 Our mission is to catalyze spiritual imagination with enduring wisdom for transformative faith leadership.