The Serviceberry: An Economy of Gifts and Abundance

The Serviceberry looks at different ways of making money. Instead of always being in competition and trying to bring others down, why not be like this berry, and show gratitude in giving and sharing, so all can prosper?

Rather than learn from natural wisdom, our economy now hoards resources and has surrendered its values to a system that actively harms what we love.

Yet a tree distributes its wealth (food, shelter, hibernation spots) to meet the needs of its natural community. Even a decaying (dead) tree offers crevices for wildlife to nest and protect.

I have never felt such a kinship with my namesake, Robin. As in this moment, when we are both stuffing our mouths with berries. This abundance of berries feels like a pure gift from the land. I have not earned or paid for them.

There is no mathematics of worthiness that I deserve them. And yet here they are – along with the sun and the birds and the rain. The Robins and I know them as gifts. We both sing  gratitude, with our mouths full.

The author notes above how a tree shares it wealth (food, shelter, hibernation spots) with others, and even a decaying or dead tree, offers crevices for wildlife to nest and protect.

Ecological writer Satish Kumar writes beautifully on this subject:

Sometimes I come across a tree which seems like Buddha or Jesus: loving, compassionate, still,  unambitious, enlightened, in eternal meditation.

Giving pleasure to a pilgrim, shade to a cow, berries to a bird, beauty to its surroundings, health to its neighbours, leaves for the soil.

Asking nothing in return, in total harmony with the wind and the rain. How much can I learn from a tree? The tree is my church, the tree is my template, the tree is my mantra, the tree is my poem and my prayer. Satish Kumar

Compare this with human media moguls and politicians and ruthless business tycoons. Trees are our generous neighbours, offering far more than beauty and leaves: