Still Blessing the Trees With LOVE
(an update on the Saskatoon Forest Chaplaincy)
by Shawn Sanford Beck

There is something new and refreshing in the air. For well over a decade, we have seen a steady uptick of books, articles, and social media posts describing, in terms both scientific and spiritual, an awakening to the fact that the more-than-human world is alive and sentient. Trees in particular have been singled out as communicative beings (eg. Finding the Mother Tree by Canadian ecologist Suzanne Simard), but mushrooms, fungi, and mycelial networks are a close second (have a look at Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life). All in all, it feels like animism in general is having a series of micro-revivals, as humanity remembers that it is but one strand within a vast web of Life. Indigenous communities have never forgotten this primordial wisdom, but “the West,” in particular, is in deep need of re-awakening. Thankfully, this transformation away from human egocentricity toward a renewed “eco”-centricity is underway, both globally and locally.

Here in Saskatoon, one example of this return to deep relationship with the more-than-human world has been embodied by the Saskatoon Forest Chaplaincy. For over a year now, since the early days of 2024, a small but devoted band of Earth-loving tree-huggers has been gathering regularly to support each other in their ongoing commitment to consciously bless and send good energy to the urban forest of Saskatoon. Members of the Chaplaincy come from various spiritual backgrounds and traditions, including more secular scientific worldviews, as well as religious paths. What unites members is a deep care for the living Earth, and a desire to bless the urban forest of Saskatoon with Love and healing energy. 

Each forest chaplain takes responsibility for a particular portion of Saskatoon, which we call our “parish.” This is usually a small area, easily walked, which is visited on a regular basis. Though we often focus on the trees of our parish, care and attention are given to all the beings of the place: plants, birds, water sources, furry critters. Compassionate thoughts are extended, as well, to the many human neighbours who find themselves without housing, who seek shelter within our parish areas.

Chaplains commit themselves to regular meditation, prayer, blessing, sending of good energy and healing intentions, magic, medicine… whatever concept is appropriate to each chaplain. This prayerful loving energy is sent to all the beings of the parish, on a regular (often daily) basis. For most of us within the Saskatoon Forest Chaplaincy, this spiritual work is complemented by other forms of environmental activism, or advocacy. But we find that the relationships we are building with the more-than-human kin of our parishes go deeper than the often utilitarian modes of Western environmentalism. What we are truly seeking is Love… mutual love and care offered to the Earth, and received from Her in turn.

Does this feel like a path which resonates for you? Feel free to reach out; the Saskatoon Forest Chaplains are always open to new members. And if you live elsewhere than Saskatoon, this model of chaplaincy is easily created within other contexts and communities. We would love to share our experience with you and help you establish your own group.

In the meantime: stay woke … and blessed be. ~Shawn

Shawn Sanford Beck is currently a Spiritual Exploration guide at St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon, and has recently founded the GreenSpirit Chaplaincy with the United Church of Canada, of which the Saskatoon Forest Chaplaincy is a part. He has been involved with eco-spirituality and green theology for the past two decades.  From urban full moon ceremonies, to off-grid earthen prayer, to extensive work with druidic and other creation-centric traditions, Shawn has sown the seeds of eco-spiritual practice wherever he goes! Connect with Shawn here: https://linktr.ee/greenpriest or at greenpriest@hotmail.ca.