I’ve always been a person who is deeply connected to nature. It’s where I feel small but also where I believe in big things. Things far bigger than me. I’ve been delving into this feeling a lot more over the last year or so by taking more time to myself in nature, and learning more about plants. I’ve found while I’m not able to be in nature, one of the biggest ways I’ve found fun, new and educational ways to connect with nature is to read about this concept. I’ve found some books that are reshaping the way I see the earth, see humankind, the way I see our place in the world as a species, and the way we all interconnect and exist in it all. I thought if others are searching for a deeper understanding and connection, you might want to check out these books as well.

Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit by Lyanda Lynn Haupt

Rooted was the first book I read on this journey and I found such a deep connection with this book and the author. Lyanda just has a really beautiful way of describing the way that nature is a religion in itself and beyond that as well. It’s all about how we literally cannot live or function without nature.

My biggest takeaway, personally: I think my biggest takeaway from this book was genuinely feeling like I’m not alone in this journey and that there truly is a deep sacredness that connects us to the natural world around us. I felt like Haupt put into words feelings I had been experiencing my whole life. It just is a true spiritual journey all the way through the book.

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

I think Braiding Sweetgrass is probably the most famous book in this genre of nature-connectedness. And for good reason. This is a masterpiece that combines tales, narrative and science all in one place. One of the biggest standouts of this book is the interconnectedness of humanity’s role as a part of nature, not just something that exists parallel to it. Also, I love her explanation of the concept of reciprocity and the way the earth teaches us to give and receive. I didn’t really think about the fact that all things in nature are a gift and that if we take from it, it’s our job – and should be our joy – to give back in the same manner, through good stewardship. I love the idea that that’s how our economy and culture in general should be, a reciprocal, gift society. It’s truly beautifully written and worth the read.

My biggest takeaway, personally: An idea of reciprocity. It’s something I hadn’t put much thought into as a lifestyle. I also loved the notion of not hoarding onto things to simply have “more”. That if we have “more” that’s more to give to others. To share, live in-tune with nature and her cycles and to do all things in gratitude.

Rewilding Motherhood: Your Path to an Empowered Feminine Spirituality by Shannon K. Evans

I asked for Rewilding Motherhood for Christmas and was admittedly a little nervous when I received it and realized it has a strong Christian baseline to it. However, I was pleasantly surprised quickly into the book that the author, although a Christian, still took a critical look at the teachings of the church for women and motherhood. I also found that where she mentions god or prayer they’re easy to replace with universe or meditation for those who practice a different faith or no faith at all. There are are a couple of chapters that lean really heavy into religion and I just sort skipped over those, but they’d be an added bonus if that’s what you’re in to.

My biggest takeaway, personally: Motherhood doesn’t look the same for everyone. Motherhood doesn’t have to be all-consuming and my whole self doesn’t have to be sacrificed for my amazing children. I have to be nourished to continue to nourish my children. I want them to see me and motherhood as a well-rounded and fulfilled human being and practice.

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How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature by Scott Sampson

While How to Raise a Wild Child is absolutely a parenting book, I have to say that I think reading this absolutely reawakened a child-like curiosity and sense of wonder to how I look at things outside. Even in more urban situations. It also totally transformed the way I think about how I facilitate interactions between nature and the children in my life. It has also made me look at the concept of wildschooling being a large portion of the way that I (hopefully) homeschool my children in the near future. If I were a person who had kids in my life, whether my own or a niece or nephew, I would recommend this book. It’s the book I’ve felt the most refreshed and most inspired by because of the way that I am looking at time in nature again.

My biggest takeaway, personally: A nature connection isn’t about educating about nature. Yes, that can be part of it, but I should be fostering the curiosity for nature in my kids more than trying to each them something. I love this idea of letting them take charge of their journey outside. I’m there to foster and mentor a connection to the earth, not to be an educator.

Why We Need to Be Wild: One Woman’s Quest for Ancient Human Answers to 21st Century Questions by Jessica Karew Craft

Why We Need to Be Wild truly follows Craft’s journey to finding a wilder, simpler version of life for herself and her family. I found her honesty about the struggles, the highs, the gains, and the losses of this journey really refreshing. It’s easy to romanticize the notion of living wildly, but this gave me a really vivid concept of what this could and would actually look like. I also loved the emphasis on wild community that Craft brings forth and how rewilding your life can be a lonely endeavor. In addition to that, though, she brought a really unique and badass female perspective. I finished this book with a lot of respect for Craft and the things that she learned.

My biggest takeaway, personally: I learned that as much as I want to live a wilder life, I have some serious limitations, and that’s okay. I respect so much of what Craft learned and achieved, but I also know that I don’t have the desire to skin, prepare and cook roadkill for myself or my family, and that’s okay. I also have been looking into a lot more edible plant courses, though, thanks to this book. I want to learn more about what’s growing in my community, the opportunities to live from what the planet gives me.

These books are ones that have truly made me look more deeply into not only nature, but myself and the way I interact and connect with nature. This is a post I plan to continue to update as I find more books that fit into it and I’ll share this post on For the Love of Wanderlust’s Facebook page each time I finish one. I’d love to hear your recommendations for books that have deepened your connection to nature, live a little wilder, or if they discuss nature on a spiritual level.

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