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Cultivating a sense of kinship with nature is essential for our wellbeing from "summary" of Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

In the old times, before the arrival of the colonizers, the people lived in harmony with the land. They knew that the earth was not just a source of resources, but a living being deserving of respect and reciprocity. This understanding formed the foundation of their relationship with nature, a relationship based on gratitude and kinship. Over the years, however, this connection has been severed. We have come to see the land as nothing more than a commodity to be exploited for our own gain. This mindset has led to the degradation of the environment and the loss of biodiversity. But what we fail to realize is that in harming the earth, we are also harming ourselves. We are all interconnected, part of a larger web of life, and when one part suffers, we all suffer. Cultivating a sense of kinship with nature is not just about saving the planet; it is about saving ourselves. By rekindling our relationship with the land, we can heal not just the earth, but also our own souls. When we take the time to listen to the wisdom of the natural world, we are reminded of our place in the universe. We are humbled by the beauty and complexity of the ecosystems that sustain us, and we are grateful for the gifts they provide. Through this deep connection, we can find a sense of purpose and belonging that is often lacking in our modern lives. We can learn to live in harmony with the earth, to give back as much as we take, and to honor the beings that share this world with us. In doing so, we can experience a profound sense of wellbeing that comes from being in right relationship with the land.

Braiding Sweetgrass

Robin Wall Kimmerer

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