Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

This book helps weave together scientific and spiritual ways of understanding our world and our relationships with it. Kimmerer’s writing is immersive, informative, and accessible. It’s hard to imagine walking away from reading this book without feeling you’ve experienced something both beautiful and worldview-changing.

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.

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.”

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a talented writer, botanist, and teacher. Her books inspire contemplation and reflection on our relationships with each other at every level - self, family, neighbor, citizen, human being.Her stories inspire me to slow down and appreciate the world around me. Her books have helped me better understand the ecology of the world we live in as well as the history and culture of indigenous people in my own country. What’s more, her work inspires American culture to transcend the rigid European educational categories that have developed in higher education in favor of a more complete way of knowing ourselves and our world. Why can’t a botanist ask questions about the beauty of plants? Why can’t a sculptor ask questions about the way moss grows?In addition to reading her books, I also recommend listening to her books as audiobooks because she reads them herself and her voice and tempo are very relaxing.The book arrived quickly, and in decent condition, although it was scuffed up a bit.

What a lovely book this is! It’s clear though, when you read the book, that Miss Kimmerer is an educator, and a scientist. Her descriptions, though sometimes extremely lovely, can be long. If you don’t have a scientific turn of mind, the descriptions can be tedious. But keep digging, keep reading, because the information in this book is not only important it is beautiful.I loved reading about the indigenous, creation, stories, and customs and people. I particularly enjoyed learning some of the prophecies concerning the earth and it’s future. The seventh fire, the time in which we live, is one of decision making. The author describes it as a Crossroads and I think it is. It is clear that we live in a time of climate change, though many people would deny that. In fact. they do. The weather in our world is becoming so extreme. What could be the cause other than climate change? It is time for us to decide: do we work to save the world and make it safe and healthy again or do we let our greed overcome our common sense and lose the world as we know it?I hope the answer is that earth.we take care of this earth, and the many gifts that it continues to give us on a daily basis. Yet I am not sure that that is the choice will make. This book is a fascinating guide and prompts contemplation of how we can care for the earth.When I was in high school, I dreamed of living the life that she Describes on her farm in Wisconsin. But my life turned out to be far different. I’ve spent my adult life traveling around the world working in other countries. I’ve loved it, but I don’t think it’s conducive to raising my own fruits, vegetables, and medicines. Still, reading this makes me hope that once I retire and return to one place with my friends, and loved ones, that I might be able to pursue those interests. I would love to have a garden again. I do appreciate all with which we’ve been blessed.

I love this book. Very easy to understand and there are a lot of stories in there.

Robin shares some very insightful indigenous wisdom with her audience. i never thought to thank a tree for its shade and truly become more in tune with mother nature and all of her wonderful gifts before i read this book. it changed my outlook and my view of nature and it also made me very aware of how badly we treat her. Another thing i really enjoyed was the mention of "indian giving" as the western world knows it, isn't what they think. See if an person of a tribe gives you a gift you are expected to pass on the kindness especially if that gift came from the earth (most gifts do one way or another) this is reciprocity and when you don't it is fair to take it back in mother natures defense."A gift isn't a single 'free' transaction, but rather part of an ongoing relationship between gift and giver" Robin Wall Kimmerer - Braiding Sweetgrass

I’m really glad I bought this in hardcover. It’s really well made and the book is a keeper, worth handing down to my granddaughter. I didn’t highlight it for once because the book quality is that good. It takes a lot for me not to highlight. I knew this book would be special after reading the first few pages. The outlook on life and tradition seemed authentic to me, although I can’t really judge this because I am not from this culture. It gave me a good perspective on what is important and reverent in life. Don’t hesitate to buy it and go for the hardcover.

This is Wisdom. Love this book! 5 stars!

About our place within the living ecosystem, this is a book profound in its reach that reminds us about right relationship with the natural world and each other. By shifting paradigms of community through indigeneous memories and with its emphasis on balance and humility, it is a book that offers a healing gift to a toxic world.

Es un libro bellísimo

I found this book when searching for something that covered indigenous wisdom. I couldn’t have been luckier. Robinson writes so poetically and insightfully. Thank you, Robin for sharing this with me. It’s profound.

El libro es una combinación de filosofíade los nativos americanos, botánica y poesía. Es una hermosa explicación y tributo a la Tierra y su generosidad.