7 ethical guideposts to a richer, more sustainable relationship with nature.
By: Jennifer Bews
Plants as persons? A bonkers thought? Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer thinks not. I recently had the pleasure to view Dr. Robin’s presentation at Yale University on “The Teachings of Plants: Finding Common Ground Between Traditional and Scientific Knowledge”. Her teachings were profound in reminding us that our existence can be enriched by fostering a deeper ecological awareness. Without plants we would not survive, they are “our teachers”. Plants make medicine and give it away for free. They are incredibly generous, living organisms. Plus, we have only just discovered, through plant neurobiology, that plants can make choices, plan ahead and have relationships. Plants are communicative beings.
Throughout Dr. Robin’s teachings she highlights the importance for humans, in all the gifts we receive from plants, that we reciprocate the same generous nature. She suggests that by learning the names of the plants that surround us, we acknowledge and respect them. She attests, “children know more advertising logos than plant names” in our modern times. Acknowledging the plants surrounding us facilitates a relationship with a vital source of life that is more than just an object to be used.
So, what else can we do to honour our plant friends and achieve an honourable harvest? A few of Dr. Robin’s ethical guideposts include:
1. Never take the first fruit. Greet and be thankful for the opportunity to harvest.
2. Ask permission to take. Listen for the answer.
3. Take only what you need.
4. Minimize harm.
5. Use everything you take.
6. Be grateful. People who practice gratitude consume less.
7. Reciprocate the gift by weeding around your plants, picking the bugs off. Gift your attention and respect.
Harvest is a wonderful time of year, reaping what us humans, along with Mother Nature have worked so hard for. Gardening can be a joyful and fulfilling experience if we approach things from a reciprocative and reverent place. And as Dr. Robin suggests, “help people fall in love with the world again – when we fall in love with the world, all else follows and a garden is a great place to begin”.
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