Solastalgia: Homesick in a Climate-Changed World

Occurred on Tuesday, October 12, 2021

"Lament promotes the sacredness of all life by protesting and naming all losses that prevent the flourishing of life."
- Rev. Dr. Casey Thornburgh Sigmon

On Tuesday, October 12 we gathered to explore the experience of solastalgia through music, poetry, ritual, and conversation with several members of The BTS Center team. This event was an introduction to the theme of eco-grief that we will be engaging in the coming months at The BTS Center.

The term “solastalgia” — coined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht — is formed by the combination of the Latin words sōlācium (comfort) and the Greek root -algia (pain). Albrecht describes solastalgia as "the homesickness you have when you are still at home," when your home environment is changing in ways you find distressing.

As individuals, as communities, and as a species, we need practices and ceremonies to hold space for heartache, and in so doing, also make room for cultivating hope and sustaining engagement. Through this event, and the offerings to come, we aim to accompany one another in an experience of eco-grief that is oriented toward action.

“As the Spirit laments within us, so we become, even in our self-isolation, small shrines where the presence and healing love of God can dwell. And out of that there can emerge new possibilities, new acts of kindness...new hope.”
- N. T. Wright