”Even a wounded world is feeding us. 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.”

I listened to the Braiding Sweetgrass audiobook narrated by Robin Wall Kimmerer herself and it was an amazing experience. I can honestly say that I am going to miss listening to this audiobook so much as I move through my morning routine. Kimmerer’s voice is warm and soothing and nobody else could have narrated this book.

Braiding Sweetgrass is more than a book. It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the indigenous people of our country as well as a glimmer of hope amidst a government that often seeks to destroy its nature and its people. It is also a call for radical change in society, including fixing our relationship with the land, and a reminder that humans are not the enemy of nature as indigenous people have lived in harmony with nature for thousands and thousands of years. Furthermore, the writing style in Braiding Sweetgrass is beautiful and Robin Wall Kimmerer is masterful at weaving in plenty of stories and examples to illustrate her points.

The indigenous teachings in Braiding Sweetgrass are antithetical to everything that we are taught under capitalism. Indigenous cultures view every plant and every animal as a nonhuman person unlike capitalism which views animals and plants as objects to exploit. The Honorable Harvest teaches us how to accept gifts from nature while honoring its limits and respecting all life around us. It teaches to only take what we need and to harvest in a way that minimizes harm. It teaches us to be respectful, to share, and to be mindful of the needs of others. Above all, it teaches gratitude for the world around us.

Braiding Sweetgrass has fundamentally changed the way that I view the world around me and approach my interpersonal relationships. While we are taught as kids to “give without expecting anything in return”, Braiding Sweetgrass has taught me that it is okay and necessary to expect reciprocity in return. Gift economies thrive on the dynamics of giving and taking. It is not okay for someone to take and take without ever giving in return as doing so can damage the whole community. There is a fine balance between giving and taking freely and practicing reciprocity.

The “Putting Down Roots” chapter was particularly helpful in helping me understand what healthy relationships look like. Kimmerer uses lichen symbiosis as an example of healthy giving and taking and how the roles of giver and receiver shift from moment to moment. She illustrates how the roles of giver and receiver are often dynamic and how people’s ability to give depends on where they’re at in life. In my marriage, rarely are me and my spouse at the same mental and physical capacity and thus our roles of giver and receiver change frequently. Reciprocation is important and necessary for friendships and relationships to thrive.

Like in The Serviceberry also by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the concept of reciprocity has been deeply impactful to me as someone who is autistic and chronically ill since I’m not able to live a typical life. Recovering from burnout and accepting my limitations has led me to feel immense amounts of guilt due to my reduced output and contributions to society. However, Kimmerer’s teachings and philosophies have taught me that as long as I live my life according to my capabilities and find my own ways to reciprocate and remain grateful for the earth’s gifts in my heart, there is no reason why I’m not deserving of mother earth’s love and care. Deprogramming from a capitalistic mindset is one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done but I’m glad that Braiding Sweetgrass has been a such great companion on my journey. Learning that life isn’t about deserving and that you can’t do anything to earn a gift has been deeply impactful and one of the best life lessons that I’ve earned.

The concepts of sustainability and overconsumption that the book teaches are essential for moving forward as a society and helping the planet heal. We must all find ways to reduce our consumption and be conscious of how our actions are damaging the earth. The book also teaches the importance of finding and investing in community and how we can’t survive by ourselves. There is strength in community and it is especially evident in the following quote:

”When times are easy and there’s plenty to go around, individual species can go it alone. But when conditions are harsh and life is tenuous, it takes a team sworn to reciprocity to keep life going forward. In a world of scarcity, interconnection and mutual aid become critical for survival.”

Overall, Braiding Sweetgrass reads like a soothing balm for the soul and it is a book that I will carry in my heart forever.