Respond your thoughts to any of the following questions in the comments or journal about them on your own:
Through illustrative, indigenous stories, and personal memoirs, Kimmerer expands on the need to nurture reciprocal relationships between humans and plants. She asserts that these relationships are required if we are to assure the habitats’ survival, e.g., “weeding and care for the habitat and neighboring plants strengthens its growth.”(p. 60) The themes of reciprocity and gratitude are continued in stories about the gifts we receive from nature and, in turn, our responsibility to return those gifts by, at a minimum, recognition of the gifts and expressions of thanksgiving.
1. In the story ‘Maple Sugar Moon’ (pp. 63-71), Nanabozho finds that people have grown lazy due to the bounty of the first Maple trees. Nanabozho removes this culture of plenty by diluting the sap and teaching the people to honor and respect the gift of the Maple tree. Can you draw any parallels from this story and our consumer-driven economy? In what ways are we wasting earth’s gifts – its non-renewable, natural resources?
2. . In ‘Allegiance to Gratitude’ (pp. 103-117), Kimmerer introduces the Thanksgiving Address used by the indigenous people to give thanks to the land. She states, “...it is the credo for a culture of gratitude.” (p. 115) How does the Thanksgiving Address support the concept of “our mutual allegiance as human delegates to the democracy of the species”? (p. 116) What does that mean to you?
From The Longwood Gardens Library and Archives staff
An Allegiance to Gratitude - "Like the maple, leaders are the first to offer their gifts." A leader with integrity is someone who offers up their gifts for the well-being of others. As a leader, it is your responsibility to offer up the gift of gratitude, a human gift.
1. She is so grateful for what the land has to offer, and even after going through all the work necessary to make maple syrup, she searches for a way to say thank you. It reminds me of the easy access I have to all my food and how convenient it is to buy syrup at the store. We are unwilling to do the work, let alone know about the history and work behind the food we eat. I am convinced that if people had to participate in the process of caring for and growing their own food, they would be more grateful and consume less after being able to partake in the beautiful relationship of caring for the land,…
"Maple Sugar Moon" and "Witch Hazel" have been the most memorable chapters so far. I really love how she tells stories about her loved ones. The connection between the earth and also her connection with family/neighbors is beautiful!
1. The many stories of gratitude and reciprocity illustrate how we should live together on earth. Just the presence of gratitude can completely transform the relationship between humans and the natural environment. The perspective to acknowledge all the earth gives us as gifts instead of something we own or can exploit would change that relationship.
The Consolation of Water Lilies - "Held by the hills and rocked by the water, the hand of the breeze against my cheek, I gave myself over to the comfort that came, unbidden." It is moments like this, ones that give unbidden comfort, that make me feel most alive. From feeling the cold wind against my skin to hearing an Irish folk song from my childhood, I am overwhelmed with comfort and the feeling of life.
Witch Hazel - "I cherish a witch hazel kind of day, a scrap of color, a light in the window when winter is closing all around." This is something I find myself cherishing lately. Find your witch hazel and hang on to it.