On My Mind

musings and insights on my learning journey

Flourishing in 2025 – A Reflection on The Serviceberry

Over the past two years, I often quoted from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer (in particular I love the story of how our garden reciprocates “I love you” with beans), so I was so excited to see her new book coming out near the end of 2024. I bought The Serviceberry for myself for Christmas, and even bought a few extras as gifts for special women in my life. It’s a short & thoughtful read, and so very timely.
Kimmerer uses the serviceberry, a humble and abundant tree, as a metaphor for generosity and reciprocity in nature. She explores the concept of a “gift economy,” urging us to recognize the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of giving without the expectation of direct return. Her reflections challenge modern capitalist values, offering an alternative rooted in gratitude, humility, and care for the Earth.
Both Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer are excellent reads for post-secondary educators, particularly those interested in fostering inclusive, interdisciplinary, and socially impactful teaching practices. These two books contribute meaningfully to the discourse on reconciliation, decolonization, and sustainability in education. Kimmerer’s words also helps me understand and envision how to create learning environments that honor the diverse histories and contributions of Indigenous peoples while fostering sustainable and ethical relationships with the Earth.
As we head into the very uncertain 2025 ahead of us, I consider The Serviceberry a call to action: to live more attentively, to honor the gifts of the natural world, and to build relationships based on reciprocity and respect. For me, as an immigrant and a settler in Canada, this book has deepened my understanding of the responsibilities I hold—not just to the land I now call home, but to the Indigenous peoples whose histories and knowledge have been marginalized for too long. Grappling with my white privilege and my place in reconciliation is an ongoing process, and engaging with works like Kimmerer’s is an essential part of that journey. Her assertion that “all flourishing is mutual” lingers as a powerful reminder that true abundance comes not from individual gain but from the well-being of the whole. Inspired by her words, I chose FLOURISH as my word for 2025. When I looked up flourish in the dictionary, the definition that resonated with me most was: to grow or develop vigorously. I embrace this vision not just for myself,  but also for my family, and my community.
The Serviceberry will be my favourite gift this year. I am thankful for the wisdom it offers us, not just for understanding our world, but for beginning to heal it.

 

Positionality Statement

photo of Helena

Helena Prins

I am a white, heterosexual, cisgender, middle-class woman, able-bodied, and neurotypical.   My strong South African accent is a constant reminder to others that I am not from here. I am a settler here on what the First Peoples call Turtle Island. I will continue to wrestle with my inaction during apartheid and my role in upholding that racist regime, a political system that was modeled after the residential school system of Canada.  Now, as a Canadian citizen I value and understand my responsibility to continue the work required towards reconciliation and decolonization.  Throughout my life I have had access to education which has further advanced my position of privilege. I do believe that education should be for all, and as an advisor at BCcampus I have access to a provincial platform connected to the post-secondary sector. I consider it my responsibility to continue the break down of barriers to learning, finding new pathways for access to learning opportunities, and to create opportunities for those previously overlooked.

 

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