Braiding Sweetgrass

After this weeks discussion and readings on Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, several factors contribute to changing the ways I think about how the Earth was created. Kimmerer tells a story combining both creative and traditional factors to form this story. Oral traditions are stories passed town from generation to generation. This is a story that Kimmerer shares with her audience and talks about her traditions and her roots.

Being an environmental activist, this is an interesting take on where it all started. I have always loved the outdoors and connecting with nature. Like Robin, I take the environment seriously and I am grateful for what is given to us by the Earth. Even having had been the President of SEA (Students for Environmental Awareness) Club at my high school, hearing other points of views and their stories is a great way to get influence my own ideas and find connections between myself and others. She discusses her passion through stories like Braiding Sweetgrass and her oral story, told in the video that we watched during class to show her connection to nature. She shares a beautiful story about how families of turtles turned to help from her and students after their homes were destroyed from high water which prevented them from having shelter for the turtle itself and her babies. Kimmerer discusses her feelings towards that experience and feels humbled that the turtles turned to the right place to seek assistance.

 Robin uses animals in her work like the turtle that creates Turtle Island and foods like strawberries, to create vivid imagery in the readers mind. Chapter 1, Skywomen Falling, in Braiding Sweetgrass is an example of her use of various animals, metaphors, and abstract language to draw the reader in and try to get the reader to visualize what she sees. I find the imagery to be quite calming and beautiful. A world where nature is the center of attention; where humans can't take Earth for granted and expect the Earth to keep giving. It's people Like Robin Kimmerer that can make a huge impact on this Earth and can persuade others to take the time to thank the Earth for what is has given us and how we can help to create an environmentally friendly community.

Unfortunately, because the environment has changed so much as well as our ways of living, it is unrealistic that a lot of people would be able to have the mindset that the Earth is precious and needs to be taken care of better. We as humans have come to rely on the Earth for its materials whereas in the chapter The Offering, it's all about giving and receiving. I hope that in my life I am able to see positive changes in the environment because of people helping and I wish for Robin to see the same as well.