Simply Being Among the Trees

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
– Mary Oliver

On a beautiful weekend, September 29 – October 1, 2024, a small but deeply reflective group gathered in Peace House to Simply Be with the forest and with each other. Tanya Dyck Steinmann, Spiritual Director and Five Oaks Program Partner, along with Tim Oaks, Forest Therapy Guide, gently invited the group to slow down, listen, and notice through guided meditation, embodied spiritual practices, creating ephemeral art based on the Honorable Harvest teachings (Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass), and heartfelt circle sharing. A highlight was a guided Forest Therapy experience led by Tim, culminating in a traditional Cedar Tea ceremony.

The retreat coincided with Orange Shirt Day, a national day of remembrance for the children who never returned home from residential schools, and for Survivors and their families. In honour of this day, participants wore orange shirts, holding space together in quiet solidarity and reflection.

Together, we were among the trees.

Guest Feedback

I write about three weeks after receiving in the mail the letter that you had us write to ourselves on October 1, 2024.
I began by listing some questions:
How was I embracing a church in the wild?
How was I experiencing the invitation to befriend, ‘all my relations?’
How are my honourable harvesting practices unfolding?
The impact of my attendance at the Forest Retreat at Five Oaks has been considerable.

Program Recap written by Tanya Dyck Steinmann

Tanya Dyck Steinmann, former Five Oaks staff member and founder of Wildscape Soul, frequently returns as a valued Program Partner, facilitating retreats throughout the year. She has shared her reflections in this program review.