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March 16, 2022
Dear friends,
Early next week, those of us in the northern hemisphere will mark the vernal equinox, moving us officially from winter to spring. It is the mid-point between the winter and summer solstices, a moment of balance even as the weather continues to fluctuate. Here in Maine, despite the snow, we're getting whispers of milder days to come, with more robust sunshine and the first hints of green bulbs sprouting.
We know, of course, that the chaos of climate change is causing seasons to shift everywhere in different ways, to lose the equilibrium developed over millenia — and that so many communities across the globe are enduring extreme weather events exacerbated by climate warming. And also, we can take a step outside into our own places, take a deep breath, and hold both gratitude and grief together in our own practices of balance.
Our relationships to place matter, as do our relationships with one another. Whatever you are feeling in these days of new emergences, we hope you will find a place of learning and connection in one of our upcoming programs.
We have so many beautiful offerings for you this spring, from a day-long online Refugia Faith Lenten Retreat — happening next week! — to our eight-week EcoSpiritual Leaders course to an in-person, farm-based Wonder and Wander (the first of a three-part series). Also, keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more emergent offerings, including spiritual direction groups for clergy, climate chaplaincy circles, and more details about Convocation 2023, happening in-person in late September.
May you find the new life of spring lifting your spirits in these days.
With best wishes,
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