I have been seeing it displayed in many different ways, “Happy Earth Month!” What started off as a single day back in 1970 is now being celebrated as an entire month by some. I see hope in that. So Happy Earth Month!
I would like to touch on a book recommendation this week. I recently finished the book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It was originally published back in 2014 and won the Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award in 2014. It is also a New York Times Best Seller.
Why this book?
Robin Wall Kimmerer has a career as a botanist and ingenious scientist. As the title suggests, this book is a collection of Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teaching of plants; all written so beautifully within a single book.
I saw this book recommended as a great environmentalist book and I was eager to expand my environmental knowledge. It discusses the relationships between us and our environment. It does this while also tying in such wonderful perspectives and stories from Robin’s experiences and indigenous background.
Science and Poetry? Who would have thought.
At one point in the book, Robin mentions how she has been told that science and poetry cannot go together. She proves them wrong by painting pictures with her words while also educating us within the very next sentence. Multiple times throughout this book, I found myself wishing I was on a hike enjoying this beautiful planet we have.
I have little experience with poetry in general. My only experience even reciting poetry was in high school speech in which I subjected my peers to my cringe-worthy reading of a well written poem about the Dust Bowl. Ironically, I had no idea the cause of the Dust Bowl at the time and how it was directly linked to the importance of soil conservation.
Quotes and take aways from the book.
“What we contemplate here is more than ecological restoration. It is the restoration of relationship between plants and people.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
I often find myself looking more for facts and proven theory, which surprisingly can be difficult to come by, even with access to the internet. I forget about this invisible connection between us and the planet that seems to be overshadowed by facts and figures. Can’t we just work to protect something because we are grateful for it? Like the happiness of taking in the warm sun or the overwhelming awe you feel when a powerful windstorm rolls through.
In Braiding Sweetgrass, she describes how the plants and animals can be viewed as a gift. As a receiver of those gifts, it serves as a reminder of gifts bringing a sense of gratitude and responsibility to care for them.
This book does not just discuss the joys, but loss as well. Loss of lives in terms of the indigenous people. Loss of culture and languages due to our history and how the land is treated. Loss of biodiversity all over the world.
“Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand. But because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
She shares these joys and losses within stories that are woven into this book. Stories of her education, her teachings, and her family and friends. Botany is also brought up as key component which fits in so well with her stories.
“We are dreaming of a time when the land might give thanks for the people.”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
This is one of my favorite lines in the book and one that I found very thought provoking. We have the ability to continually take from the planet, but when we start to consider looking at the planet with gratitude, it changes my perspective. Leaving the world as a net positive for those around me and the planet that helped create all these wonderful memories.
“That is a question we all face in a time of climate change. What do you love too much to lose? Who and what will you carry to safety?”
Robin Wall Kimmerer
I loved the way she worded this. We all value different things when it comes to the planet and so much of it is interconnected. Is it the fishing trips you take with your family or friends? Is it the hikes you take on the weekend? Maybe it is the fields you grew up farming. There is so much beauty and joy that is worth saving.
Would I recommend it? Yes, yes I would.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels they need a break from facts and figures of environmentalism. It would be fantastic for someone who is looking to learn more about what troubles our planet. If you are interested in slow living, I find elements sprinkled throughout this book. I am also thankful that she was able to share some indigenous cultures, traditions, and perspectives. If that also interests you, I encourage you to check it out.
*As a side note, If you are not much of a reader, I listened to it on Audible and she is the narrator, which I really enjoyed.
Resources:
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plant
2 thoughts on “Braiding Sweetgrass is Refreshingly More than Facts and Figures”
Sounds like an awesome read. I’m going to check it out as soon as I finish what seems like it could almost be the yang to this book’s yin in terms of facts and figures – “The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where to Go from Here,”by Hope Jahren. She includes a ton of revealing stats, but they come in the midst of great storytelling so there’s not the overwhelming effect of less lyrical writing. Really a great read. Anyway, thank you for the wonderful review.
Thank you so much for checking out my review Martin. I will add the book you are reading now to my reading list as well. I hope you are doing well.