Braiding Sweetgrass is one of the most profoundly moving and illuminating books I’ve read in a long time. Kimmerer is a distinguished professor of Environmental Biology and an enrolled member of the of the Potawatomi Nation, a northern tribe whose ancestral lands are around the Great Lakes. Broken treaties with the US Government finally forced them to move to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.
Sweetgrass is translated as the “sweet smelling hair of Mother Earth” and represent the union of mind, body and spirit. In the preface, Kimmerer describes the book as “a braid of stories to heal our relationship with the world.” She weaves together science, spirt and story “that can be medicine for our broken relationship with earth.”
Each chapter is to be savored and read slowly. Her prose is achingly beautiful, moving me to tears of wonder as she describes the interrelationship of various plants, such as the brilliant symbiosis of 'The Three Sisters,' beans, squash and corn. Or – the amazing life cycle of the pecan tree or the many uses of cattails; who knew?
I was also moved to tears of grief when she describes the horrible legacy of the Indian Boarding Schools in the late 1800’s. The schools were a form of cultural genocide, but the stories, wisdom and knowledge of native lifeways went underground and endured, a testament to the resiliency of native peoples.
The basic premise of the book is reciprocity and an ‘I – Thou’ relationship with all of creation, to borrow a phrase from Martin Buber. The land gives back to us when we care for the land. Plants, animals, insects, etc. – are all ‘family,’ and one is much less likely (or at least, think twice) about inflicting harm when the relationship is personal, heartfelt and genuine.
Gratitude is the other overarching theme, which is strongly rooted in Native cultures. She describes the Thanksgiving Address of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which begins a school day or before an important meeting. It is gratitude directed to all of the earth’s species on land and water (including water itself.) The entire address can take up to an hour, as thanks is bestowed upon each element. Each segment ends with “Now our minds are one.” If you don’t read the book, I recommend looking up the Thanksgiving Address. It can be shortened to incorporate into a daily gratitude practice.
In my view, this book is a masterpiece of ecological, historical non-fiction. It is inspiring and hopeful; a call to action. As Kimmerer says…”we are the ones who will bend to the task of putting things back together to rekindle the flames of the sacred fire to begin the rebirth of a nation.”
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For all of us, becoming indigenous to a place means living as if your children’s future mattered, to take care of the land as if our lives, both material and spiritual, depended on it.Highlighted by 10,145 Kindle readers- Plants know how to make food and medicine from light and water, and then they give it away.Highlighted by 3,923 Kindle readers
- The arrogance of English is that the only way to be animate, to be worthy of respect and moral concern, is to be a human.Highlighted by 3,694 Kindle readers
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Revolutionary
In a world plagued by environmental degradation and a growing disconnect between humanity and nature, "Braiding Sweetgrass" emerges as a beacon of hope and a powerful call to action for the next generation. Written with passion, connection, and root deep understanding of the urgent need for change, this book serves as a guidebook for all minds seeking to live harmoniously with the earth and restore our planet to the home she once was.From the very first page, the author's love for Mother Earth shines through, captivating readers with her heartfelt words and unwavering belief in the power of connection and action. The book's central theme revolves around the restoration of both our hearts and the environment, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between the two. It beautifully weaves together like a native basket personal anecdotes, scientific research, and inspiring stories of environmental leaders, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with the hearts of all who read this book.One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to engage and inspire the next generation. The author's writing style is accessible and relatable, making complex environmental issues and solutions easily understandable for all readers. By presenting heart felt, connected solutions and highlighting the impact individuals can have, the book instills a sense of empowerment and encourages readers to take action in their own lives by building a sense of responsibility and reciprocity with the world around them.Moreover, "Braiding Sweetgrass" goes beyond mere environmentalism, delving into the emotional and spiritual aspects of our relationship with nature. It delves into the profound connection between our own well-being and the health of the planet, urging readers to cultivate a deep sense of empathy and responsibility towards the Earth. This holistic approach sets the book apart, as it recognizes that true change begins within ourselves.The author's passion for the subject matter is contagious, and her unwavering optimism shines through even in the face of daunting challenges. She skillfully navigate the fine line between raising awareness about the severity of the environmental crisis and inspiring hope for a better future. By emphasizing the importance of collective action and the potential for positive change, the book leaves readers feeling motivated and ready to make a difference."Braiding Sweetgrass" is a timely and essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet. It serves as a whisper from our past, reminding us that we hold the power and responsibility to heal and restore our environment. Through its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking insights, this book has the potential to ignite a generation of passionate environmental stewards who will work tirelessly to protect and preserve our Earth Mother.In conclusion, "Braiding Sweetgrass" is a remarkable book that not only educates but also inspires and empowers readers to take action. It is a must-read for elders, parents, educators, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of this generation and the next generation. Let this book be the drum beat for change, as it restores our hearts and renews our commitment to heal and restore our environment.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
In a world plagued by environmental degradation and a growing disconnect between humanity and nature, "Braiding Sweetgrass" emerges as a beacon of hope and a powerful call to action for the next generation. Written with passion, connection, and root deep understanding of the urgent need for change, this book serves as a guidebook for all minds seeking to live harmoniously with the earth and restore our planet to the home she once was.
From the very first page, the author's love for Mother Earth shines through, captivating readers with her heartfelt words and unwavering belief in the power of connection and action. The book's central theme revolves around the restoration of both our hearts and the environment, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between the two. It beautifully weaves together like a native basket personal anecdotes, scientific research, and inspiring stories of environmental leaders, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with the hearts of all who read this book.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to engage and inspire the next generation. The author's writing style is accessible and relatable, making complex environmental issues and solutions easily understandable for all readers. By presenting heart felt, connected solutions and highlighting the impact individuals can have, the book instills a sense of empowerment and encourages readers to take action in their own lives by building a sense of responsibility and reciprocity with the world around them.
Moreover, "Braiding Sweetgrass" goes beyond mere environmentalism, delving into the emotional and spiritual aspects of our relationship with nature. It delves into the profound connection between our own well-being and the health of the planet, urging readers to cultivate a deep sense of empathy and responsibility towards the Earth. This holistic approach sets the book apart, as it recognizes that true change begins within ourselves.
The author's passion for the subject matter is contagious, and her unwavering optimism shines through even in the face of daunting challenges. She skillfully navigate the fine line between raising awareness about the severity of the environmental crisis and inspiring hope for a better future. By emphasizing the importance of collective action and the potential for positive change, the book leaves readers feeling motivated and ready to make a difference.
"Braiding Sweetgrass" is a timely and essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet. It serves as a whisper from our past, reminding us that we hold the power and responsibility to heal and restore our environment. Through its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking insights, this book has the potential to ignite a generation of passionate environmental stewards who will work tirelessly to protect and preserve our Earth Mother.
In conclusion, "Braiding Sweetgrass" is a remarkable book that not only educates but also inspires and empowers readers to take action. It is a must-read for elders, parents, educators, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of this generation and the next generation. Let this book be the drum beat for change, as it restores our hearts and renews our commitment to heal and restore our environment.
From the very first page, the author's love for Mother Earth shines through, captivating readers with her heartfelt words and unwavering belief in the power of connection and action. The book's central theme revolves around the restoration of both our hearts and the environment, emphasizing the intrinsic connection between the two. It beautifully weaves together like a native basket personal anecdotes, scientific research, and inspiring stories of environmental leaders, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with the hearts of all who read this book.
One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to engage and inspire the next generation. The author's writing style is accessible and relatable, making complex environmental issues and solutions easily understandable for all readers. By presenting heart felt, connected solutions and highlighting the impact individuals can have, the book instills a sense of empowerment and encourages readers to take action in their own lives by building a sense of responsibility and reciprocity with the world around them.
Moreover, "Braiding Sweetgrass" goes beyond mere environmentalism, delving into the emotional and spiritual aspects of our relationship with nature. It delves into the profound connection between our own well-being and the health of the planet, urging readers to cultivate a deep sense of empathy and responsibility towards the Earth. This holistic approach sets the book apart, as it recognizes that true change begins within ourselves.
The author's passion for the subject matter is contagious, and her unwavering optimism shines through even in the face of daunting challenges. She skillfully navigate the fine line between raising awareness about the severity of the environmental crisis and inspiring hope for a better future. By emphasizing the importance of collective action and the potential for positive change, the book leaves readers feeling motivated and ready to make a difference.
"Braiding Sweetgrass" is a timely and essential read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet. It serves as a whisper from our past, reminding us that we hold the power and responsibility to heal and restore our environment. Through its powerful storytelling and thought-provoking insights, this book has the potential to ignite a generation of passionate environmental stewards who will work tirelessly to protect and preserve our Earth Mother.
In conclusion, "Braiding Sweetgrass" is a remarkable book that not only educates but also inspires and empowers readers to take action. It is a must-read for elders, parents, educators, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of this generation and the next generation. Let this book be the drum beat for change, as it restores our hearts and renews our commitment to heal and restore our environment.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
