Sacred Groves: Trees, Forests, and the Human Imagination

https://sorrentocentre.ca/events/sacred-groves-trees-forests-and-the-human-imagination-summer-week-3/

In this 5-part participatory retreat Jason Brown who holds joint master’s degrees in forestry and theology from Yale and a PhD from the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES) at the University of British Columbia will guide you through an exploration of the deep connection human cultures have forged with trees and forests and how these ‘arboreal’ cultures are expressed today. We will investigate the evolutionary past of tree-beings and explore their importance to the world’s religious and mythological systems. We will even briefly track the history of the modernist understandings of trees/forests as crops, wilderness areas, and sacred entities. We will consider Indigenous approaches to forests and forestry. Throughout the retreat participants will be invited to explore their own spiritual practices related to trees and forests. The retreat will conclude with an imaginative exploration of the future of trees and forests.

Learning/Exploration Outcomes
-Explore trees and forests in relation to human societies.
-Learn about trees and forests in the world’s religious and spiritual systems.
-Understand the cultural history of forestry, natural resources and ecological sciences related to trees and forests.
-Articulate the cultural roots of troubles facing trees and forests globally.
-Deepen one’s personal relationship to trees and forest spaces.

This enchanted summer week includes your program, a welcome BBQ, continental breakfast, daily activities, worship with music, beach access, yoga, and evening activities.

You may also like the following events from Sorrento Centre Retreat & Conference Centre:

• This Thursday, 19th June, 04:00 pm, 2025 Kamloops Summer Ukulele Festival in Sorrento
• Next month, 20th July, 04:00 pm, Resting, Listening, and Making - a journey of contemplation & discovery within (Summer Week 1) in Sorrento
• Next month, 20th July, 04:00 pm, Creative Journaling: Curiosity, and the Art of Seeing or How to Grow Enchantment (Summer Week 1) in Sorrento

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Sorrento.