Braiding Sweetgrass
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Book - 2020
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rosixdosi
Oct 19, 2019
“When a language dies, so much more than words are lost. Language is the dwelling place of ideas that do not exist anywhere else. It is a prism through which to see the world. Tom says that even words as basic as numbers are imbued with layers of meaning. The numbers we use to count plants in the sweetgrass meadow also recall the Creation Story. Én:ska—one. This word invokes the fall of Skywoman from the world above. All alone, én:ska, she fell toward the earth. But she was not alone, for in her womb a second life was growing. Tékeni—there were two. Skywoman gave birth to a daughter, who bore twin sons and so then there were three— áhsen. Every time the Haudenosaunee count to three in their own language, they reaffirm their bond to Creation.”
rosixdosi
Oct 19, 2019
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”
DBRL_ReginaF
Apr 26, 2018
“This is really why I made my daughters learn to garden—so they would always have a mother to love them, long after I am gone.”
Summary
Add a SummarySo much ground is covered is this one book. It speaks to the poet, the scientist, the mother, the conservationist, and the friend; the list goes on and on. Read this to discover the unyielding power of generosity and how a mindful, reciprocal relationship with the earth can ACTUALLY enact positive change.
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Add a CommentRecommended by Myrriah
Braiding Sweetgrass is one of the most important books I've read in my lifetime.
It not only strengthened my relationship with Mother Nature but also helped recognize the joy each day brings.
I've also recommended this book to many family and friends.
Audrey recommendation.
Some beautiful prose that enhances a mystical understanding of the connectivity of life.
Despite it's great potential I could not finish the book. Some serious editorial discipline is needed.
I suspect the publishing was rushed to jump on the indigenous wisdom bandwagon.
This is one of my all-time favorite reads. The blending of traditional and scientific ways of knowing the world combine to create a beautiful appreciation of the natural world.
Lovely read. Well written and interweaves different ways of knowing the world in a positive and valuable way.
Essays that lend depth to our understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and a point of view based on Indigenous history and teachings giving meaning to words like gratitude, reciprocity and home. A Milkweed Editions publication.
Some of Kimmerer’s essays just took my breath away. Having spent time outdoors in both parts of New York and Oregon, settings for much of her work, I could be right in her settings with her. Hope my gardening friends pick this one up; I waited months for a library copy. Interesting that just as it came it got a shout-out from 'Vesper Flights' writer Helen MacDonald when she was interviewed for the recent Minnesota Public Radio/Star Tribune ‘Talking Volumes.’ Perfect reading for this time.
Let's start with respect for the land and gratitude for every morsel we take from it.
"we perpetrate the illusion that the things we consume have just fallen off the back of Santa's sleigh, not been ripped from the earth. The illusion enables us to imagine that the only choices we have are between brands."
Resurging as a bestseller for this dark covidtime.
This book reads like home.