Emergence Magazine Podcast

The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance – Robin Wall Kimmerer

Dec 24, 2024
Robin Wall Kimmerer, a Potawatomi botanist and author, shares her insights on moving from an economy of scarcity to one rich in gratitude and relationships. She celebrates the joy of picking serviceberries, emphasizing their cultural significance and the deeper themes of reciprocity. Kimmerer critiques modern economic practices, advocating for communal gift economies that foster interdependence and ecological sustainability. Her vision highlights the importance of honoring nature’s gifts to create a flourishing and interconnected community.
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ANECDOTE

Serviceberry Harvest

  • Robin Wall Kimmerer describes harvesting serviceberries alongside birds, experiencing a feeling of kinship and abundance.
  • This abundance inspires reflection on gift economies and gratitude for nature's gifts.
INSIGHT

Serviceberry's Significance

  • The many names for serviceberry highlight its cultural importance, from food and medicine to ecological roles.
  • Its blooming signals seasonal changes and ecological events like shad running upstream.
INSIGHT

Gratitude and Reciprocity

  • Gratitude creates abundance, leading to taking only what's needed.
  • Reciprocity involves giving back in return for gifts, strengthening relationships and multiplying benefits.
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