Image by AndreasAux from Pixabay
Thoughts of reciprocity and gratitude for our precious Mother Earth come to mind more often as we read about or engage in Earth Day celebrations, so now is the perfect time to renew or create a new “Reciprocity Pledge.”
Reciprocity has been defined as “giving back” to someone or some thing for something you have received. Sometimes the gifts we have received are so abundant that we don’t know how or to whom to return the gifts. Luckily, the universe is not keeping a score card just give back where you find a need and you are practicing reciprocity, whether it’s a kind word, standing up to a bully on behalf of a friend, tending a pollinator garden, singing of peace, working in a soup kitchen, writing letters to elected officials, or donating to a charity.
Take a moment now to think about how you can or do express reciprocity for our planet, our community, a place or an individual, and then enjoy some of the resources below. (Hint: No one needs to hear your reciprocity pledge, but it might be more powerful if you do share it with others. They can then join you in action or support you in other ways.)
Stop by the Water League/Southern Oregon Pachamama Alliance table Earth Day Celebration in Ashland or Medford to say “Hi” and, if you like, you can share your reciprocity pledge with us.
The challenges we face in light of climate chaos, social unrest, wars, economic insecurity, and more probably feels overwhelming at times, but fortunately, there are generous thought and ceremonial leaders offering suggestions that turn our hearts to a more positive place while inspiring actions that make our world a better place to be.
Reciprocity is fundamental to many Indigenous cultures and has endured for thousands of years in spite of colonization, repression, cultural suppression, displacement and genocide, so it is prudent to turn to Indigenous authors, artists, spokespersons, and ceremonial leaders for guidance. We must start this path to learning more about reciprocity though, by expressing immense gratitude for these wisdom keepers who have chosen, in spite of past wrongs perpetrated, for continuing to share so much guidance with those of us who have forgotten our own cultural practices of reciprocity.
Some of the resources mentioned below provide pathways toward practicing reciprocity for Indigenous communities, artists and activists, while others offer suggestions for reciprocal actions in a myriad of ways close to home. These are just a sampling of the countless ways you can practice reciprocity:
In his latest book, The Spirit of the Glacier Speaks, Author and Ceremonial Leader Arkan Lushwala imagines what it might have been if outsiders coming to the Americas recognized the true gifts the Indigenous people had to offer, one of which was the practice of reciprocity woven into the very fabric of the people’s lives. In this and his other books (The Time of the Black Jaguar and Deer and Thunder), Lushwala speaks to the many ways his ancestral communities practice reciprocity for the Earth. In this interview, hear what he has to say about how indigenous practices can be recalled to help us face our current multi-crisis.
Many have been touched by Botanist and Author Robin Wall-Kimmerer’s books (Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants and Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses). Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She lives in Syracuse, New York, where she is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. Here is her beautiful explanation of practiced reciprocity.
Reciprocity Project lifts up the value of reciprocity in Indigenous ways of storytelling through film, podcasts, and other creative mediums. Its aim is to create a paradigm shift that reframes our relationships to the Earth, other living beings, and one another. The Reciprocity Project is co-produced by Nia Tero Foundation (Nia Tero has an outstandingly rich website so check it out!) and Upstander Project (An upstander is a person who takes action in defense of those who are targeted for systemic or individual harm or injustice.) and in association with REI Co-Op Studios.
Local Organizations Practicing Reciprocity
Opportunities for Housing, Resources and Assistance helps people build better lives by offering hope and access to social service resources and encouraging those in need on the path to self-sufficiency. By helping people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a better community.
Peace House’s vision includes thinking globally and acting locally to address and manifest available clean, healthy food and water for all beings, fair and available housing for all in our community, respect for the human rights for all, including the imprisoned and the houseless, nondiscrimination and justice for BIPOC and LGBTQ communities, a willingness to dialogue about racism, sexism, patriarchy, and economic injustice, diplomatic conflict resolution to avoid wars, and worldwide nuclear disarmament.
Pollinator Project Rogue Valley works to inspire, engage, and educate about the ecological importance of native pollinator species and the diverse native plant communities essential for their survival – and ours. We are committed to the creation and restoration of pesticide-free pollinator corridors throughout the Rogue Valley.
Rogue Riverkeeper has been working to protect, defend, and restore clean water, native fish, and healthy communities in the Rogue River Basin for the past decade. They aspire to build broad-based community support that fosters and nurtures community responsibility for good stewardship of the Rogue River and fill a critical niche as a watchdog, steward, and voice of the River and watershed.
Rogue Climate works toempower Southern Oregon communities most impacted by climate change, including low-income, rural, youth, seniors, and communities of color, to win climate justice by organizing for clean energy, sustainable jobs, and a healthy environment. It does so through leadership development, political education, fostering conversations, and campaigns for policies that benefit our communities over the special interests of the largest corporations.
Southern Oregon Climate Action Now The mission of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN) is to promote awareness and understanding about the science, causes, and consequences of climate change. We work with individuals and organizations in Southern Oregon, statewide, nationally, and internationally to advocate for both personal and governmental actions that reduce the emissions and atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases. Within this framework, we are committed to supporting climate solutions that address the social injustices that have undermined vulnerable communities for many decades and that still plague our society today.
Water League Under Oregon law, all water belongs to the public. Water League works to engage the public in the stewardship of the water that is theirs. In Oregon, the law states that Beneficial Use of the public’s water shall be the basis, the measure and the limit of all rights to the use of water in the state. The legal meaning of Beneficial Use is the reasonably efficient use of water without waste for a purpose consistent with the laws, rules and the best interests of the people of the state.
Especially for Children
Heart-Mind Online is for all those who are searching for evidenced-informed resources that educate the hearts of children. The collection of resources builds capacity in individuals and communities to support the Heart-Mind well being of children, and promotes their positive social and emotional development. This website was developed by the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education.