Week 2 Reflection: Planting Sweetgrass Name: Bryana Nichelson
- What is your favorite quote from this section and why is this so memorable to you (100 word minimum).
My favorite quote from this section of the book is “It reminds me of who we are; it reminds me of our gifts and our responsibility to those gifts. Ceremony is a vehicle for belonging—to a family, to a people, and to the land” (pg. 37). This quote is memorable to me because it showed how the author overcame feeling disconnected from her culture and restored value to the ceremony that had been significant to her family for years. Because “ceremony is a vehicle for belonging,” it doesn’t matter if you have a different reasoning from someone else behind the purpose of the ceremony. If your personal reasoning is meaningful to you, you don’t have to concern yourself with where others believe it originated or why they choose to do it. I feel this way about everything and am a firm believer in “as long as it makes sense to you.”
- What does reciprocity look like in your culture? Provide specific examples (150 word minimum)
I think in black American culture we tend to be a bit selfish when it comes to things that we call “ours” because of how hard it can be to get these things, and because of this it is difficult for me to pinpoint specific examples of reciprocity in my culture. We are taught from young to only look after ourselves and that no one is going to have our back better than we have our own. I have witnessed reciprocity be prominent in black church culture. Black church is big on ‘tithes and offering”; the concept of giving a portion of your check to the church every time you get paid. This is an example of reciprocity because the church is supposed to also be the place where you can go for help if you face financial hardship. I’ve seen churches give loans before, pay pills, buy things for member’s children, feed the congregation, and many more actions that give back to the people that give to them every week.
- This section begins with the following quote, ““Sweetgrass is best planted not by seed, but by putting roots directly in the ground. Thus the plant is passed from hand to earth to hand across years and generations. Its favored habitat is sunny, well-watered meadows. It thrives on disturbed edges.” What does this mean to you? (150 word minimum).
To me this means the growth of sweetgrass is more meaningful when planted by hand because the act of planting sweetgrass by hand symbolizes the deep connection between people, plants, and the land. Not planting sweetgrass by seed demonstrates the idea of giving to the earth and something is given back in return while learning to appreciate the earth for what it produces for us.
- Specifically in “The Offering”, Kimmerer discusses how we focus our attention. What are ways in which you choose to focus your attention and are you happy with these choices? (100 word minimum)
The Offering was my favorite section to read because it helped me to realized that I don’t focus my attention very often. The only time I consciously choose to focus my attention is when I need to submit a school assignment; other than that, I am not as intentional as I would like to be about giving a second thought to everyday and not-so everyday tasks. Even with things that I care about, I do not practice being fully present in my interactions with people or the natural world. Moving forward I would like to pay closer attention to the details of the environment and be mindful about everything concerning me.
Week 5 Reflection Name: Bryana Nichelson
1) What was most interesting to you in reviewing these resources?
2) What did you learn from these resources about animal behavior?
3) What do these resources tell you about the types of people that do science?
4) What new questions do you have about animal behavior after reviewing these resources?
The most interesting thing to me was that Dr. Lee incorporated rap into her ted talk about science. I have never enjoyed anything science related, whether it be podcast, book, ted talk, etc, so it surprised me that Dr. Lee kept me engaged as well as the audience. I appreciated the crowd participation and loved that she made them laugh. Before this ted talk I had never been exposed to “hip hop science.” I love that Dr. Lee’s hip hop analogies references related to science allowed for her reach to expand and become more diverse, and I wish more scientists gave effort towards attracting all kinds of people to learning about science. Before reviewing these resources I hadn’t realized how close scientists actively researching animals are to the communities I am connected to. From these resources I learned that birds change partners and are not monogamous. I learned about extra pair copulation, which is essentially cheating for birds. I also learned what a nuisance animal was. These resources tell me that the types of people “doing science” are people who want to see change. I feel that all scientists want to make a difference, but the kind of difference depends on the personality type and what that specific person cares about. Dr. Lee was passionate about science and wanted to see change, but also tied that passion to outreach and advocacy. Although I have never been a science person, outreach and advocacy are right up my alley. I can really appreciate what Dr. Lee has done and is doing, and I hope to discover more scientists that can share their research in ways that are engaging for more than just people who already have an interest in science.
Week 6 Reflection Name: Bryana Nichelson
1. In “Picking Sweetgrass”, Kimmerer encourages us to consider the degree of reciprocity in our transactions.
a. How adequately do you think our money-based economy provides for reciprocity? (Kimmerer asks herself on page 177, “How do we consume in a way that does justice to the lives we take?”)
In our money- based economy, transactions are typically driven by market forces as opposed to personal relationships or mutual aid, so I don’t feel it adequately provides for reciprocity at all. If the system was less money based and more based around people and the earth, we might value reciprocity more, but until then the system will continue to not benefit people. A money based economy could support reciprocity through charitable giving, community support programs, and other forms of social investment, but the majority of society does not prioritize the helping of others. It is also hard to support other people financially when you are trying to avoid living paycheck to paycheck yourself. I don’t know of anyone personally that is intentional about consuming in a way that does justice to the life we’re making for ourselves. It is common behavior to take all that the earth has to offer with nothing to offer in return. I hope to one day prioritize living in a way that shows my appreciation for all that life has to offer me.
b. In what ways might the convenience of all of our “taking” — what Kimmerer sees as the rampant consumerism of modern life — complicate our participation in this reciprocity?
I think the convenience of online shopping and digital transactions has complicated our participation in reciprocity. People don’t need to go anywhere to get what they need, and barely need something physical, like money, to pay for things.
c. What do you think about Kimmerer’s conclusion that “[n]ot everything should be convenient” (179)?
I agree that everything shouldn’t be convenient. Convenience has created laziness and has also led to lack of human connection. People don’t need each other anymore for anything.
d. How might the rules of Honorable Harvest find adoption in our modern economy? What choices would consumers have to make in order for that to happen?
The rules of honorable harvest could be integrated into our modern economy by companies and individuals prioritizing sustainable practices that ensure resources are used responsibly and replenished, consumers being more mindful of their purchasing choices, and raising awareness about how beneficial it would be to foster a more balanced and respectful relationship with the natural world. Businesses and communities could also work towards a culture of reciprocity by giving back to the environment and society.
e. How might cultural values stand in the way of such adoption? (Recall Kimmerer’s description of early European who regarded the rules of Honorable Harvest as laziness.)
One thing that might stand in the way of the adoption of the rules of honorable harvest is the emphasis, American culture specifically, has put on consumerism and material wealth. Another setback to the adoption of the rules is that many current cultural values prioritize short term gains over long term sustainability.
f. Now focus on how this applies to the question of energy. Kimmerer says, “By no stretch of the imagination is coal given to us” (p. 187). Might the rules of Honorable Harvest be applicable to energy consumption?
The rules of honorable harvest can be applicable to energy consumption by focusing on using renewable energy sources, being mindful of energy usage and avoiding unnecessary consumption, and being intentional about respecting the natural limits of our environment.
g. What are some of the choices that Kimmerer is asking us to think about in this chapter?
Kimmerer wants us to practice mindfulness and gratitude while also considering the impact of our actions on the environment to show appreciation for the gifts that nature provides. She also wants us to harvest in a way that ensures the plant’s future growth, meaning take only what you need and leave enough for the plant to regenerate and for others to benefit from it as well. Kimmerer also would appreciate it if we reflected on the traditional practices and knowledge of indigenous people, who have long understood the importance of living in harmony with nature. Overall, Kimmerer encourages people to develop a more respectful relationship, rooted with gratitude, sustainability, and reciprocity, with the natural world.
Week 9 Reflection Name: Bryana Nichelson
After reviewing the background and scientific work of Ayana Johnson, write a reflection on what you discovered. You might wish to address some of the following:
1. What was most interesting to you in reviewing these resources?
2. What did you learn from these resources about ocean conservation?
3. What new questions do you have after reviewing these resources?
4. What do these resources tell you about the types of people that do science?
After exploring the work of Ayana Johnson, I am most interested in figuring out what I’m good at that could positively impact climate change. I also thought it was interesting to learn that Billie Eilish, like me along with a lot of other people like me, had no idea what global warming even was or meant for a long time. It’s interesting to think about the different moments in which we realize that climate health is something we need to be concerned about. From reviewing these resources about Ayana Johnson, I appreciate her idea that all kinds of people have something valuable to contribute to climate change. All that is necessary is that you find something you’re skillful at, that brings you joy, and is part of the work that needs to be done. I also really enjoyed the participatory element of Ayana Johnson’s ted talk. I love the idea of people in the audience being able to take their venn diagrams home and really put action behind incorporating behaviors that positively impact climate health into their daily personal and professional lives. I didn’t learn much about ocean conservation from these resources, but I did learn that there is a list of things affecting ocean health. From reviewing these resources I wonder how young people will successfully “lead the way” to a culture shift, without examples from previous generations. I also would like to know more about the stats behind white people having the least percentage of concern for climate health. These resources tell me that the types of people that do science are individuals who aren’t intimidated by the big picture. People who do science are willing and excited about unpacking grand problems and creating plans to address them.
Week 10 Reflection Name: Bryana Nichelson
Complete the following reflection in your own 400 words:
What does it mean to you to be “indigenous to the land?” Is it possible for the descendants of European white settlers to be indigenous to the land our ancestors occupied by displacement of native people? Why or why not?
In what ways do you feel yourself connected to the divine through relationship with the land?
An implicit part of all the stories Kimmerer shares is that she has somehow developed intimate familiarity with each of the natural settings with which she interacts. What are the features that invite lots of the kind of interaction Kimmerer seems to think is valuable?
To be indigenous to the land, you must have a reciprocal relationship with the natural world. In “Braiding Sweetgrass” the author emphasizes that through being indigenous to the land, they view themselves as part of the ecosystem and not separate from it. This connection involves a sense of responsibility for the land, based on the understanding that the health of the environment is directly tied to the health and well-being of people. I believe it is possible for descendants of European white settlers to be indigenous to the land their ancestors occupied by the displacement of native people, just like anyone else can. It’s possible for anyone to gain connection to the land around them and respect for nature playing part in keeping them alive. I feel most connected to the land around me when I look at the clouds in the sky or at a large body of water. When looking at the clouds I often think about how beautiful nature is and appreciate how the things in nature continue to “do their job” without being tired or asking something of humans in return. When I look at large bodies of water I am amazed that so much water can be held in one place and I start thinking about how I am such a small piece of this giant life puzzle.
Week 11 Reflection Name: Bryana Nichelson
After reviewing these resources, write a 250 word or more reflection with your responses TO BE SUBMITTED TO Blackboard, which addresses ideas related to the following questions:
1) What was most interesting to you in reviewing these resources?
2) What did you learn from these resources about indigenous knowledge and climate change?
3) What do these resources tell you about the types of people that do science?
4) What new questions about indigenous knowledge do you have after reviewing these resources?
It was interesting to me that Hindous’s mother can predict what the weather will be based on things like the size of fruit, the direction of the wind, cloud position, and the behavior of her cattle. It was also interesting to learn more about Pastoralists and how they travel with and manage their resources. Since reading Braiding Sweetgrass, I have reflected much on how we handle resources affects the resources themselves and our relationship with nature, but until watching this Ted Talk, I had not thought much about the effects of climate change on how we interact on a social level. Fighting with each other over resources does not solve the issue of resource supply running low. When will people come to terms with the fact that collaboration is necessary for climate improvement? Something I learned about Indigenous practices is that one way they can tell that rain is on the way, is by observing the insects in that environment. When rain is on the way, insects will begin bringing their eggs into their homes to protect them. These resources showed me that indigenous people who want to combine their knowledge with science knowledge do science.