Every Thursday morning, an ever-growing group of curious humans gathers (now on Zoom) to start our days mindfully. We meditate, write, share courageously and listen generously to each other’s insights, creative writings, vulnerabilities, needs, fears and more.
Last week, we celebrated Earth Day by honoring Robin Wall Kimmerer and her book, Braiding Sweetgrass. This book changed the way I view my relationship with the land, and challenges me daily to think about how I can not only love the Earth, but also strive to heal her.
Below are several Sweetgrass quotes I pulled together on reciprocity. I recommend finding a peaceful place to sit outside, read through these quotes, take 3 deep breaths, set your timer for 30 minutes, and journal on the prompts below.
“Though the Earth provides us with all that we need, we have created a consumption-driven economy that asks, ‘What more can we take from the Earth?’ and almost never asks ‘What does the Earth ask of us in return?’
Nature asks us to give back, in reciprocity, for what we have been given . . . through gratitude, through ceremony, through land stewardship, science, art, and in everyday acts of practical reverence.
Reciprocity is rooted in the understanding that we are not alone, that the Earth is populated by non-human persons, wise and inventive beings deserving of our respect.
We are showered everyday with gifts, but they are not meant for us to keep … our work and our joy is to pass along the gift and to trust that what we put out into the universe will always come back.
“Give thanks for what you have been given.
Give a gift, in reciprocity for what you have taken.
Sustain the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.”
In the teachings of my Potawatomi ancestors, responsibilities and gifts are understood as two sides of the same coin. The possession of a gift is coupled with a duty to use it for the benefit of all. A thrush is given the gift of song—and so has a responsibility to greet the day with music. Salmon have the gift of travel, so they accept the duty of carrying food upriver. So when we ask ourselves, what is our responsibility to the Earth, we are also asking, ‘What is our gift?’”
WRITING PROMPTS:
What does reciprocity with the earth mean to you?
What gifts do you receive from the earth?
What are your gifts to return to the earth?
What would our world look like under the law reciprocity?
If you feel compelled to share, email me at cjowalton@gmail.com or tag me on Instagram at @camryn_walton or @theharmonyco.