From 6-8 November we held a virtual retreat to focus on different spiritual approaches to climate
change, Covid and other challenges we all are facing. It was a fascinating and welcome opportunity
to get people together and explore ideas and feelings.
As I think about this retreat I remember that in times of crisis for thousands of years what humans
have done is gather in circles together out on the land to try and get clarity – and that’s what we
aimed to do with this group, these people.
Even though it was online, it’s actually quite touching that the feeling we got was a real sense of
togetherness in the group, but also having this strong connection with nature, which is obviously
something we try and evoke even if we are not in the woods or outside.
We achieve this connection with nature in a number of ways, for example using pictures of Hazel Hill
Wood (the conservation woodland we founded some years ago) and also using recording of birdsong
among other things.
One of the things that we discussed and explored was that spiritual ecology is really about the
sacred connection to nature and it felt very valuable to explore how we really create a sense of
respect between humans and nature – and also develop a sense that humanity is part of nature and
not something above it and in control of it.
I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who came and to Karim and Amrita who co-hosted the
event.