It is the heart of winter, and although this may seem like an odd time to write about tending to our plant relationships, there is no better time than now! Many of our beloved tree and plant species are in a phase of dormancy: they are resting, but very much still present.
When the season of spring unfurls itself we will busy ourselves with tending to the physicality of our plants, admiring the beauty of new growth and being in the wonder of smell, sight and sound. But in the depths of January we can sow the seeds and begin to look inwards to explore what it might look like to deepen our relationships with our plant friends.
Plants are our kin
The inspirational work of Indigenous scholars such as Robin Wall Kimmerer and Enrique Salmon teach us about the commonly held Indigenous understanding that all living beings (as well as rocks, water and fire) are living entities. They are considered to be our siblings, and we are interwoven with them all. We are in relationship with everything we share the earth with (as noted in Braiding Sweetgrass by Kimmerer and ‘Kincentric Ecology’ by Salmon).
This sense of kinship with more-than human species offers guidance for the ways in which we live and the choices we make. I understand this can feel hard to connect with, as most of us have been brought up without these ways of knowing. And while we shouldn’t try to replicate the cultural teachings of Indigenous people, it doesn’t mean that we can’t find our own way into it.
Where do we begin?
We are all aware of the ‘aliveness’ of plants, and often find we have an affinity for certain trees or species. This is our way in. If we rest there in that feeling we can start to think about things such as ‘what does this plant need?’, ‘how might they be aware of their surroundings?’ and ‘how do they take care of other species in this ecosystem?’.
We could choose to observe this plant over the seasons; we could note the ways in which they thrive or struggle. We can always start by saying ‘hello’ to the plant! This may seem odd, but a little silent nod of appreciation for a plant that you know well always feels nice to do.
We can also ask permission from the plant before we harvest; this acknowledges their rights and aliveness. When we start to think about the importance of each species – and the ways in which they support life – we can begin to celebrate and appreciate them more greatly.
One of the most powerful teachings that Kimmerer speaks of is gratitude: giving thanks to the fruit tree or the humble carrot for providing us with the opportunity to continue living is an amazing way to connect with plants. We can use this way of thinking for everything we have in our lives: the water, the sunlight, the clothes we wear. And research shows that having a practice of gratitude can actually improve your physical and mental health.
Reciprocity
Because of our lifestyles, it can often feel like we are separate from the rest of nature. I believe that if we deepen our connection with other species, it can help us mend our sense of separation and also improve our wellbeing, as we feel more rooted in belonging and kinship.
The term reciprocity refers to giving back or ‘returning something of value’:
“One of our responsibilities as human people is to find ways to enter into reciprocity with the more-than-human world. We can do it through gratitude, through ceremony, through land stewardship, science, art, and in everyday acts of practical reverence.” – Kimmerer
I hope that this inspires you on your next walk through an orchard, or simply when interacting with a beloved house plant!
by Joe Ford, Manchester Project Manager (whose dog and fellow plant enthusiast, Chibchi, is pictured above)
Further reading:
Braiding Sweetgrass book
Kincentric Ecology – Indigenous Perceptions of the HumanNature Relationship
Scientific Benefits of Gratitude
Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier