We are excited to invite you to join our upcoming book discussion group centered around the much-celebrated collection of essays, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Dr. Kimmerer, “a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation,” invites us to explore the intertwined relationships between plant, animal, and human life on Mother Earth. She skillfully uses the sacred plant, sweetgrass, as a poetic metaphor to articulate the origins of these relationships, the loss of reciprocity, and the hopeful path toward ecological restoration.

Dr. Kimmerer’s gift of braided stories weaves together indigenous ways of knowing, scientific knowledge, and her personal narrative as an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe Indian woman) scientist, challenging us to reflect on our individual and collective roles in restoring balance and respectful relationships with the natural world.

One of the central themes of the book is the precept to “honor our responsibilities for all we have been given, for all that we have taken. Whatever our gift, we are called to give it and to dance for the renewal of the world.”

Themes that will be explored during our discussions include reciprocity, gratitude, community, gift economy, interdependency, the mutual sharing of gifts, learning the language of nature, and connecting to the land through the gifts of mind, body, emotion, and spirit.)

Important to note: We ask that only those individuals register who are able to commit to these regular gatherings, share their thoughts and faith, and complete the readings. With the limited size of our group, attendance, and participation will be key. Also, our very first meeting will conclude at 2:15 p.m., to allow extra time for introductions.

Please register by March 15, to ensure time for delivery of your book (we plan to use the paperback 2015 edition). Once we have received your registration, we will send you an invoice for the retreat. Please know we have scholarships available; if you would like to make a request, email S. Carol Ann at sophia@mountosb.org. We strongly encourage you to add sophia@mountosb.org to your email contacts to ensure the delivery of emails regarding your retreat.

Elizabeth Carrillo, OSB, has an M.A. degree in Religion and the Environment from the University of the South School of Theology in Sewanee, Tennessee. She is a board and staff member of the Center for Deep Green Faith, which provides offerings that blend eco-theology with eco-spirituality grounded in the Christian tradition. She is an alumna of the Center’s Contemplation and Care for Creation Certificate Program and provides workshops and retreats at Sophia Center and elsewhere.