Message from SFU's Ecological Chaplain

In 1999, a Swiss sociologist named Bernard Crettaz gathered friends and family to talk about death. His wife had just died, and despite the well wishing and expressions of condolence, he wanted a space where he could speak frankly about the magnitude of his loss. He called this gathering a Death Café, and since then something of a movement has spread to many parts of the world. The appeal is that death is not always welcome in everyday conversation, and when those around us lose loved ones, we sometimes aren’t sure how to support them. Talking about death is not just an odd special interest. It has helped thousands of people reconnect with an important part of life.

Like death, the current climate crisis can invoke a range of feelings. But often, especially among environmentally focused people, staying positive and being optimistic have become a kind of unspoken rule. On February 29^th, we will be hosting our very first Climate Café, modelled after the Death Café. Registration is free, and this talking circle style gathering will create a welcoming container for the range of feelings that we experience as we see our world changing, and global leadership stalling. Come as you are, and connect with others who might also be experiencing complex emotions toward the future of our common home.

Report from our Journalling Workshop!

On February 12^th, the pilot project held the Journalling our Grief workshop in collaboration with SFU’s Embark and Julia Lane of SFU Library. Participants were invited to free write about loss, and worry. The writing reflected guilt about colonialism, fury at the war in Gaza, and a general haze at the ecological uncertainties we now face. Julia and I challenged participants to spend some time in the next few weeks journalling at a sit spot near their homes. We will report back on March 18^th. Even if you missed our workshop, why don’t you give these prompts a try:

1. Find a peaceful and quiet place that you can sit for at least 30 minutes without writing anything. 
2. Spend time with your visual and non-visual senses.
3. Zoom into the smallest details; zoom out to the widest.
4. When you are ready, write on one of the following prompts…
   
     How is ecological change deepening your gratitude for this place?
     What do you love too much to lose?
     If the voice of this place could speak in human words, what would they say?
   
   
5. If you like, take a photo, or make a drawing of the place that inspired your reflection and writing.