I love this! I'm a poet and environmental writer, and I think this idea of reciprocity is what is missing from the current conversations about our habitats. It reminds me of a section from Martin Buber's I Thou (where he talks about a tree). He writes:
"But it can also happen, if will and grace are joined, that as I contemplate the tree I am drawn into a relation, and the tree ceases to be an It. The power of exclusiveness has seized me.
This does not require me to forego any of the modes of contemplation. There is nothing that I must not see in order to see, and there is no knowledge that I must forget. Rather is everything, picture and movement, species and instance, law and number included and inseparably fused.
Whatever belongs to the tree is no impression, no play of my imagination, no aspect of a mood; it confronts me bodily and has to deal with me as I must deal with it—only differently.
One should not try to dilute the meaning of the relation: relation is reciprocity."
Brandi, thank you so much for raising Buber’s work here, as it is so timely and insightful. It reminds me of the difference between our connecting with nature and our seeking to manage or steward it. The first is kinship which involves respect and communication, while the latter involves accounting for the needs of everybody except for the living beings who are treated like objects to be organized.
I really can't read this book enough times:) You're right--relation is reciprocity in all dealings--human and nonhuman. I was checking out your new "Rewilding the Soul" certificate. As soon as I finish my yoga training, I want to sign up. Thanks for the work you do!
Thanks, Brandi, and until then we can learn from one another. Buber’s writings, and ecospirituality itself, challenge our capitalistic notion of objectification and control. While I tend to stay away from politics, I am reminded that there is no such thing as success in capitalism, as the system is built upon always wanting more. That treats the natural world like a great department store while being on an expense account, we want more without cost, but that “more” always comes from someplace, and that someplace is always limited. That exploitation removes our kinship and connection with others, and without connection, objectification is easy.
I think this is true, and I'm experimenting with ways of helping people to do this. I teach a course called "Connecting to SW Florida Ecosystems" (I live in Southwest Florida, obv) with a marine scientist, and students do a lot of hiking and immersive writing prompts. I have to believe that through embodiment and awakening the senses, people will discover this connection within themselves (although more-than-human beings truly facilitate this wisdom if we will let them!). There doesn't seem to be any other way for a true nonviolent revolution to happen. As Krishnamurti says, the revolution must begin within each person (why politics are dicey).
I love this! I'm a poet and environmental writer, and I think this idea of reciprocity is what is missing from the current conversations about our habitats. It reminds me of a section from Martin Buber's I Thou (where he talks about a tree). He writes:
"But it can also happen, if will and grace are joined, that as I contemplate the tree I am drawn into a relation, and the tree ceases to be an It. The power of exclusiveness has seized me.
This does not require me to forego any of the modes of contemplation. There is nothing that I must not see in order to see, and there is no knowledge that I must forget. Rather is everything, picture and movement, species and instance, law and number included and inseparably fused.
Whatever belongs to the tree is no impression, no play of my imagination, no aspect of a mood; it confronts me bodily and has to deal with me as I must deal with it—only differently.
One should not try to dilute the meaning of the relation: relation is reciprocity."
Brandi, thank you so much for raising Buber’s work here, as it is so timely and insightful. It reminds me of the difference between our connecting with nature and our seeking to manage or steward it. The first is kinship which involves respect and communication, while the latter involves accounting for the needs of everybody except for the living beings who are treated like objects to be organized.
I really can't read this book enough times:) You're right--relation is reciprocity in all dealings--human and nonhuman. I was checking out your new "Rewilding the Soul" certificate. As soon as I finish my yoga training, I want to sign up. Thanks for the work you do!
Thanks, Brandi, and until then we can learn from one another. Buber’s writings, and ecospirituality itself, challenge our capitalistic notion of objectification and control. While I tend to stay away from politics, I am reminded that there is no such thing as success in capitalism, as the system is built upon always wanting more. That treats the natural world like a great department store while being on an expense account, we want more without cost, but that “more” always comes from someplace, and that someplace is always limited. That exploitation removes our kinship and connection with others, and without connection, objectification is easy.
I think this is true, and I'm experimenting with ways of helping people to do this. I teach a course called "Connecting to SW Florida Ecosystems" (I live in Southwest Florida, obv) with a marine scientist, and students do a lot of hiking and immersive writing prompts. I have to believe that through embodiment and awakening the senses, people will discover this connection within themselves (although more-than-human beings truly facilitate this wisdom if we will let them!). There doesn't seem to be any other way for a true nonviolent revolution to happen. As Krishnamurti says, the revolution must begin within each person (why politics are dicey).
Wow, this sounds like such a powerful learning opportunity for your students, and you as well, as you continue to deepen into this practice.
How about letting the squirrels ruin my porch pumpkins to get to the seeds? They make me crazy, but they’re happy. 😵💫
At least this way the pumpkins send life forward!