Slow Reading
In collaboration with Will Chiles
Image Credits: Rick Briggenhorst, Shauna Le Ann Smith, Will Chiles
Words from participants:
“Rereading this book and having conversation with the many other people who were likewise drawn to the beautiful setting and who share a love and concern for Earth multiplied the experience wonderfully.”
“I was only able to attend one Slow Reading program, but it was truly an experience unlike anything I've ever participated in. I felt uniquely connected to the natural world while reading "Braiding Sweetgrass," and being able to experience that deeper, with other like-minded individuals within nature itself, felt magical. Shauna and Will facilitated a thoughtful, safe, and calming experience. Even though I only attended one program, I made friends with folks during it that I had never met before. I want more experiences like this to exist in Springfield, southwest Missouri, and the world!”
Book/Land Club, 2024
Slow Reading with “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
During the summer of 2024, from June to October, we savored Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants.
Each session, we came together at Rockspan Farm for guided walks through nature, silent observation of the surroundings, and group discussion at a location on the farm inspired by the reading. Our goal with this book/land reading club was to build better relationships with land and neighbors.
“Just as the name implies, what was most impactful was the pace. Even though I’m aware of the need to slow down, life often makes other plans. To gather with others (human and other beings) slowly and thoughtfully and to commune within the natural environment was profound.”
“I met many people whom I have continued to see around town and even keep in contact with! Slow reading facilitated such a warm and sincere sense of community and connection, both during the meetings and beyond them.”
“Huge bright spot during the hardest time of my life. So grateful.”