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Becoming Rooted: One Hundred Days of Reconnecting with Sacred Earth
What does it mean to become rooted in the land? How can we become better relatives to our greatest teacher, the Earth? Becoming Rooted invites us to live out a deeply spiritual relationship with the whole community of creation and with Creator.
Through meditations and ideas for reflection and action, Randy Woodley, an activist, author, scholar, and Cherokee descendant, recognized by the Keetoowah Band, guides us on a one-hundred-day journey to reconnect with the Earth. Woodley invites us to come away from the American dream--otherwise known as an Indigenous nightmare--and get in touch with the water, land, plants, and creatures around us, with the people who lived on that land for thousands of years prior to Europeans' arrival, and with ourselves. In walking toward the harmony way, we honor balance, wholeness, and connection.
Creation is always teaching us. Our task is to look, and to listen, and to live well. She is teaching us now.
Through meditations and ideas for reflection and action, Randy Woodley, an activist, author, scholar, and Cherokee descendant, recognized by the Keetoowah Band, guides us on a one-hundred-day journey to reconnect with the Earth. Woodley invites us to come away from the American dream--otherwise known as an Indigenous nightmare--and get in touch with the water, land, plants, and creatures around us, with the people who lived on that land for thousands of years prior to Europeans' arrival, and with ourselves. In walking toward the harmony way, we honor balance, wholeness, and connection.
Creation is always teaching us. Our task is to look, and to listen, and to live well. She is teaching us now.
242 pages, Hardcover
Published January 4, 2022
125 people are currently reading
1164 people want to read
About the author
Randy Woodley
25 books76 followersRev. Randy Woodley (PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary) is Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture and Director of Intercultural and Indigenous Studies at Portland Seminary. Woodley is a Keetoowah Cherokee (legal descendent) teacher, poet, activist, former pastor, missiologist and historian. Woodley received his baccalaureate degree from Rockmont College in Denver. He was ordained to the ministry through the American Baptist Churches in the USA in Oklahoma after graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree from Eastern Seminary (now Palmer Seminary) in Philadelphia. Randy's PhD is in intercultural studies from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Professor Woodley is active in the ongoing discussions concerning new church movements, racial and ethnic diversity, peace, social justice, interreligious dialogue and mission. He regularly blogs in these areas and publishes his own blog, Ethnic Space and Faith. He is also a regular contributor to God's Politics Blog: Jim Wallis and Friends, Emergent Village Voice and The Huffington Post’s religion page.
He also hosts the "Peacing it all together" podcast about journey and place with Bo Sanders.
Rev. Woodley was pastor of the Eagle Valley Church in Carson City, Nevada, which for many years served as a unique role model as an authentic Native American Christian church. He and his wife Edith, cofounders of Eagle's Wings Ministry, are considered early innovators in what has been dubbed the “Native American Contextual Movement.” The Woodleys have spent over 25 years of culturally contextual service in Native North American communities.
Professor Woodley is active in the ongoing discussions concerning new church movements, racial and ethnic diversity, peace, social justice, interreligious dialogue and mission. He regularly blogs in these areas and publishes his own blog, Ethnic Space and Faith. He is also a regular contributor to God's Politics Blog: Jim Wallis and Friends, Emergent Village Voice and The Huffington Post’s religion page.
He also hosts the "Peacing it all together" podcast about journey and place with Bo Sanders.
Rev. Woodley was pastor of the Eagle Valley Church in Carson City, Nevada, which for many years served as a unique role model as an authentic Native American Christian church. He and his wife Edith, cofounders of Eagle's Wings Ministry, are considered early innovators in what has been dubbed the “Native American Contextual Movement.” The Woodleys have spent over 25 years of culturally contextual service in Native North American communities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 11, 2025
Read as part of a Lenten study group, this book, written by a clergyman of Native American descent, offers 100 reflections on the ways we can reconnect with the earth, as inspired by indigenous cultures. There are many meaningful observations regarding how one can experience the air, the earth, the plants, the animals, the stars and other natural phenomena, conveyed by stories of Cherokee and other Native American practices.
The author theorizes on how we have become disconnected from our roots. He holds that indigenous cultures have long histories of interacting with particular locales, and therefore should be valued. He argues that everyone is indigenous to somewhere, even if many of us are immigrants, and that we should reconnect with our own indigenous cultures. I suppose my indigenous culture would be Celtic, and while I am happy to learn more about it, I am not sure that is the most fruitful line of study for me.
The author is hard on “Western Civilization” (and “Platonic dualism”), which is understandable in light of the impact of colonizers on Native Americans. But I think he oversimplifies and ignores the fact that the roots of “Western Civilization” in Greek and Hebrew civilizations were also indigenous once, and may be fruitful in their own right. Anyhow the trend these days is to talk about “Classics of World Literature,” rather than about “Western Civilization,” so that Asian and African cultures are included, as well as indigenous cultures worldwide.
I am happy to consider how I might nurture the plants around me, or appreciate the sources of water in my life, or avoid contributing to global warming, and the like. I can also appreciate the value of “forest-bathing” and hospitality. So despite my quibbles, I found much to appreciate in this book of meditations, as well as a better understanding of Native Americans.
The author theorizes on how we have become disconnected from our roots. He holds that indigenous cultures have long histories of interacting with particular locales, and therefore should be valued. He argues that everyone is indigenous to somewhere, even if many of us are immigrants, and that we should reconnect with our own indigenous cultures. I suppose my indigenous culture would be Celtic, and while I am happy to learn more about it, I am not sure that is the most fruitful line of study for me.
The author is hard on “Western Civilization” (and “Platonic dualism”), which is understandable in light of the impact of colonizers on Native Americans. But I think he oversimplifies and ignores the fact that the roots of “Western Civilization” in Greek and Hebrew civilizations were also indigenous once, and may be fruitful in their own right. Anyhow the trend these days is to talk about “Classics of World Literature,” rather than about “Western Civilization,” so that Asian and African cultures are included, as well as indigenous cultures worldwide.
I am happy to consider how I might nurture the plants around me, or appreciate the sources of water in my life, or avoid contributing to global warming, and the like. I can also appreciate the value of “forest-bathing” and hospitality. So despite my quibbles, I found much to appreciate in this book of meditations, as well as a better understanding of Native Americans.
December 13, 2022
This book was unlike any other I've read. In 100 reflections Woodley talks about the Indigenous principle of being connected to the created order, and how Western societies can benefit from such an ethic. Much of the content discussed protecting the created world rather than following the Western idea of exploiting the world for whatever humanity can benefit from.
During a few COVID lockdowns, I discovered how much being outside, even in my own back yard, puttering in the garden or watching cardinals and hummingbirds was calming and edifying. Woodley's book re-inforced my belieg that we do, indeed, have a connection to the earth.
I find it interesting that as an evangelical Christian, I was taught that we are created from the dust of the earth, yet distance ourselves from the earth, and regard it in utilitarian ways. Christians who value the earth and feel connected to it are often accused of being pantheists.
One element of Indigenous theology that I appreciate is one that Woodley emphasizes in this book and in his Indigenous Theology: the principle of harmony; harmony among human creatures, animal creatures, and creation.
"I really believe that the harmony way, in all its many forms, contains the original instructions for people everywhere."
I agree. If we believe in the creation and the fall, then we must believe that harmony existed and was broken. Whatever one's theology, she must recognize that much of humanity is not seeking harmony with anyone, never mind the created order. Woodley's encouragements to find ways to connect with creation can be a benefit to everyone, whether it is spending more time outdoors or merely choosing to use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one. Every little bit helps.
During a few COVID lockdowns, I discovered how much being outside, even in my own back yard, puttering in the garden or watching cardinals and hummingbirds was calming and edifying. Woodley's book re-inforced my belieg that we do, indeed, have a connection to the earth.
I find it interesting that as an evangelical Christian, I was taught that we are created from the dust of the earth, yet distance ourselves from the earth, and regard it in utilitarian ways. Christians who value the earth and feel connected to it are often accused of being pantheists.
One element of Indigenous theology that I appreciate is one that Woodley emphasizes in this book and in his Indigenous Theology: the principle of harmony; harmony among human creatures, animal creatures, and creation.
"I really believe that the harmony way, in all its many forms, contains the original instructions for people everywhere."
I agree. If we believe in the creation and the fall, then we must believe that harmony existed and was broken. Whatever one's theology, she must recognize that much of humanity is not seeking harmony with anyone, never mind the created order. Woodley's encouragements to find ways to connect with creation can be a benefit to everyone, whether it is spending more time outdoors or merely choosing to use a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one. Every little bit helps.
October 8, 2022
I really loved this inspiring little book. I found myself underlining, taking notes and sharing little tidbits with my husband often, and found the daily prompts for further thought or practice valuable. Randy is a fantastic storyteller and I love reading about his perspectives on faith and relationship with Creator and creation. This way of being resonates with me.
December 5, 2024
We read this as part of our morning prayer practice at work. Each day includes a question/suggestions for reflection or action. If you are new to engaging with Indigenous thinkers or creation care, this would be a great place to start.
I found it a bit simplistic and reductionist. I would highly recommend Woodley's other book, Shalom and the Community of Creation.
I found it a bit simplistic and reductionist. I would highly recommend Woodley's other book, Shalom and the Community of Creation.
May 9, 2022
Keetoowah Band Cherokee activity, author, and theologian Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley has crafted this brilliant 100 day devotional for people to connect with their faith more deeply by finding ways to become more rooted in the land from which we came, the land on which we live, and the land to which we will return.
Each day starts with a short quote from an important figure to help calm our minds and prepare for the day’s reflection. Next comes a 2-3 page reflection on humanity, the land, and/or the living beings around us and how we can become more deeply connected with all creation. Finally, each day ends with a call to action, further reflection, or meditation. This enables folks to extend the learnings of the day into more rigorous/in-path/tangible ways throughout the day, as they are able. The book is divided into 10 thematic sections with 10 deviations each. It is a wonderful journey of reflection, discovery, and connection.
One of the most powerful outcomes of this book is how I was challenged to connect with my family’s cultural roots in deeper and more intentional ways through history, food, and cultural practices. Not only is this important for my own growth and learning, but also to challenge the pitfalls of white supremacy that force white folks to give up all cultural specificity for the privileges of supremacy and uniformness. As a result, this intentional work is vital for white folks to regain specificity, resist the uniformness of white supremacy, and learn how to be solidarity conspirators with our non-white siblings and all of creation.
This book is a powerful meditative tool for personal growth and reflection that leads to tangible communal outcomes and solidarity. Invest in this journey or reconnection with Sacred Earth today!
Each day starts with a short quote from an important figure to help calm our minds and prepare for the day’s reflection. Next comes a 2-3 page reflection on humanity, the land, and/or the living beings around us and how we can become more deeply connected with all creation. Finally, each day ends with a call to action, further reflection, or meditation. This enables folks to extend the learnings of the day into more rigorous/in-path/tangible ways throughout the day, as they are able. The book is divided into 10 thematic sections with 10 deviations each. It is a wonderful journey of reflection, discovery, and connection.
One of the most powerful outcomes of this book is how I was challenged to connect with my family’s cultural roots in deeper and more intentional ways through history, food, and cultural practices. Not only is this important for my own growth and learning, but also to challenge the pitfalls of white supremacy that force white folks to give up all cultural specificity for the privileges of supremacy and uniformness. As a result, this intentional work is vital for white folks to regain specificity, resist the uniformness of white supremacy, and learn how to be solidarity conspirators with our non-white siblings and all of creation.
This book is a powerful meditative tool for personal growth and reflection that leads to tangible communal outcomes and solidarity. Invest in this journey or reconnection with Sacred Earth today!
April 16, 2022
Read this in a book group. We were supposed to read one chapter a day (100 short chapters/reflections) and end on earth day, but we sped up at the end. 😬
If you are new to indigenous world views and desire to learn and practice living in harmony with the community of creation and the Great Mystery behind it, then this is a great starting point. The message that streams through the book is our need to respect and honor ALL of creation. This runs counter to western world views that work against our own self interest, destroying the Sacred Earth that gives us healing and life.
Each short chapter offers reflections and story telling with something to meditate and/or put into practice at the end. The book is light and beautiful in its simplicity.
If you are new to indigenous world views and desire to learn and practice living in harmony with the community of creation and the Great Mystery behind it, then this is a great starting point. The message that streams through the book is our need to respect and honor ALL of creation. This runs counter to western world views that work against our own self interest, destroying the Sacred Earth that gives us healing and life.
Each short chapter offers reflections and story telling with something to meditate and/or put into practice at the end. The book is light and beautiful in its simplicity.
August 6, 2023
I really wanted to like this book - 100 short, 2-page meditations and reflections on how Native perspectives can help Christians reclaim a fuller theology. Instead, Woodley demeans and condescends to the Western Christians he purports to attempt to reach and convert. I think there are definitely lessons that Western Christians can learn from Native American spirituality but they are lost in the condemnation dripping from Woodley’s voice.
January 7, 2024
Although it is written with the intent for the reader to read one short chapter a day, I often read several. This was due partly because Woodley brought up several points/issues/concerns/actions that are already part of my life. His writing and presentation is non-threatening, often beautiful, and should impact even those who are neutral about environmental and related concerns.
September 16, 2025
Reading Becoming Rooted felt like being gently guided back to something I didn’t even realize I had lost. Randy Woodley writes with such sincerity and wisdom that you can feel his connection to the land and his respect for creation in every word. The format of daily reflections makes the journey both practical and deeply personal I often found myself pausing after each entry just to sit in silence and reflect on what it meant for my own relationship with the Earth.
What struck me most was how this book doesn’t lecture, but rather invites you. It invites you to listen more, to notice the lessons that nature has always been teaching, and to slow down enough to truly feel rooted. I especially appreciated how Woodley weaves together Indigenous wisdom, spiritual insight, and practical actions. It reminded me that caring for the Earth isn’t just an environmental duty it’s a sacred relationship, one that calls us into balance and harmony.
By the end, I didn’t just finish a book; I felt changed. Becoming Rooted isn’t something you read once and put away it’s a guide you return to when you need grounding, clarity, or a reminder of what it means to live well with creation.
What struck me most was how this book doesn’t lecture, but rather invites you. It invites you to listen more, to notice the lessons that nature has always been teaching, and to slow down enough to truly feel rooted. I especially appreciated how Woodley weaves together Indigenous wisdom, spiritual insight, and practical actions. It reminded me that caring for the Earth isn’t just an environmental duty it’s a sacred relationship, one that calls us into balance and harmony.
By the end, I didn’t just finish a book; I felt changed. Becoming Rooted isn’t something you read once and put away it’s a guide you return to when you need grounding, clarity, or a reminder of what it means to live well with creation.
May 6, 2022
Randy Woodley has many gifts, and among them are his ability to make the subtleties of his Indigenous heritage accessible to those of us not similarly blessed. His words come from deep experience and study. His writing is accessible, informative and entertaining. The words ring loud and clear with the truth that we non-indigenous inhabitants of this section of earth need to understand.
Randy is a man of this moment and of this culture, with roots that go far deeper than so many of us who are generational products of a migration and colonialism fueled society.
I really appreciate Woodley's voice and non-preachiness. His doses of reality are both information and encouraging. For full disclosure, I have met Randy on occasion at seminars and other learned gatherings. His book is him... the real him. And it can make any of us a "better me."
igenn
The overall impact in uplifting and empowering.
Randy is a man of this moment and of this culture, with roots that go far deeper than so many of us who are generational products of a migration and colonialism fueled society.
I really appreciate Woodley's voice and non-preachiness. His doses of reality are both information and encouraging. For full disclosure, I have met Randy on occasion at seminars and other learned gatherings. His book is him... the real him. And it can make any of us a "better me."
igenn
The overall impact in uplifting and empowering.
December 31, 2022
I was inspired to read Becoming Rooted by a colleague and community friend who invited anyone who wished to read the book together over 100 days to finish 2022. I somehow completed the reading a day early - maybe there was a day when I read two entries.
I appreciated starting each day with these reflections which invite me as the reader to consider my own relationship with the land, with my ancestors, and particularly with the people who inhabited this land well before white settlers overtook it and began using land for profit. The mixture of indigenous and Christian worldviews in the meditations gave me an opportunity to reflect on how I can incorporate my own faith into a life that acknowledges the gifts of the land and the opportunity to partner with the land and with one another for a more sustainable future.
I appreciated starting each day with these reflections which invite me as the reader to consider my own relationship with the land, with my ancestors, and particularly with the people who inhabited this land well before white settlers overtook it and began using land for profit. The mixture of indigenous and Christian worldviews in the meditations gave me an opportunity to reflect on how I can incorporate my own faith into a life that acknowledges the gifts of the land and the opportunity to partner with the land and with one another for a more sustainable future.
November 22, 2022
Dr. Woodley provides a beautiful introduction to a life informed by the wisdom and practice of indigenous peoples. As Woodley reminds us, we all come from people that are indigenous to somewhere. None of us were always colonizers or conquerors. We all have people in our ancestry who were once lived connected with the earth, in harmony with the land.
This book offers 100 short reflections, each with a recommended practice for leaning into values and lives informed by qualities of indigenous wisdom that Woodley recommends:
-respect, harmony, friendship, humor, equality, authenticity, history, work/rest balance, generosity, and accountability.
This book offers 100 short reflections, each with a recommended practice for leaning into values and lives informed by qualities of indigenous wisdom that Woodley recommends:
-respect, harmony, friendship, humor, equality, authenticity, history, work/rest balance, generosity, and accountability.
March 15, 2025
Overall, I really loved going through this book slowly, one day at a time. Some entries were better than others, but by the end I felt I had a new appreciation for the Indigenous way of looking at and treating nature. It's like a devotional, but not Bible focused. It points out the differences in how the Western world looks at nature vs. the Native American way from someone who was raised in a Christian home but who was half Native American. It was enlightening and thought provoking. I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel more connected to our sacred earth.
January 3, 2022
Woodley’s memoir writing is captivating and beautiful. There is a delicate voice that jumps off the page as one reads and the daily questions allow for our own stories to be visited. I committed to connecting to sacred earth this year and it is the perfect short meditation that can fit while drinking morning coffee and planning to be more conscious of our relationship to nature. Will be excited to do this continuously with others for 100 days.
April 20, 2022
Remarkable Devotional Book!
This remarkable devotional book helped me to see the importance of needing to connect with nature and be in tune with the earth through attentive listening. If we listen well enough, creation is groaning for us to be better stewards of creation as human beings.
This remarkable devotional book helped me to see the importance of needing to connect with nature and be in tune with the earth through attentive listening. If we listen well enough, creation is groaning for us to be better stewards of creation as human beings.
December 15, 2022
There is wisdom here which is helpful, an appreciation for the interrelatedness of the world, the goodness of Creator, and the importance of the Indigenous worldview. Each day contains a challenge to live in greater balance with creation, to walk softly, to be kind, to honour neighbours and the natural world.
April 13, 2023
This is a decent daily devotional that I read during a class in seminary.
I'm not normally one for these kinds of daily reading books though, and only read this because it was part of the course-work.
I did find it engaging, and some of the meditations and practices were rewarding.
If this kind of thing is of interest to you, I recommend it.
I'm not normally one for these kinds of daily reading books though, and only read this because it was part of the course-work.
I did find it engaging, and some of the meditations and practices were rewarding.
If this kind of thing is of interest to you, I recommend it.
May 24, 2023
I loved everything about this book and I'm sad that it's over. The readings were short they always ended in as quick application question or statement. And it kept me grounded I think about the Earth in new ways.
I love the values in the last chapter as he summarizes. To remember that people are sacred and always show respect. I've been leaning into those two.
I love the values in the last chapter as he summarizes. To remember that people are sacred and always show respect. I've been leaning into those two.
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August 30, 2025100 meditations on the significance of our relationship with all of creation. This is a sobering invitation to an indigenous worldview and is an inspiring read that offers contemplative chapters and proposes specific ways to practice harmony, balance, respect and hospitality. I find the possibility of collective healing a bit more attainable after this.
December 23, 2021
Hard not to find this book helpful and inspiring. Woodley writes with as much respect and care for the reader as he does all living things. This is a wonderful book for anyone looking for an accessible, practical, and unpretentious handling of worldview and ecology.
May 22, 2022
Becoming Rooted
This book awakened a desire in me to help all creation survive and thrive by learning to live with the land. I recommended this book to friends and sent copies to two of my sisters, because I know both of them are rooted in nature, as few people are.
This book awakened a desire in me to help all creation survive and thrive by learning to live with the land. I recommended this book to friends and sent copies to two of my sisters, because I know both of them are rooted in nature, as few people are.
May 26, 2022
I loved all the stories in the book, but found many of the challenges to come off as filler content on days the author wasn’t feeling too inspired. Not every day can impress in any devotional, but I’d have rather this be a shorter book with the best of the collection.
May 31, 2024
I’ve read several books by this author. He blends his Christian faith with his Cherokee background. He seems to find harmony in all aspects of his life. I enjoy learning the traditions and beliefs of America’s natives. It is sad that we’ve lost so much respect for Mother Earth that gives us life.
January 27, 2022
A beautiful invitation to reconnect to the earth and to the land. Each chapter is thought provoking and followed by an action prompt to engage more deeply with the earth.
March 28, 2022
Inspiring!
A book that every American should read and wrestle through. Change that impacts collective wellness is possible. This book inspires hope.
A book that every American should read and wrestle through. Change that impacts collective wellness is possible. This book inspires hope.
April 9, 2022
Truth and wisdom
April 26, 2022
A wonderful daily meditation
August 13, 2022
"In Silence there is eloquence. Stop weaving and see how the pattern improves." -Rumi
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book’s many strong and beautiful teachings about learning to live in harmony with all beings.
January 22, 2024
There are a lot of valuable tidbits in this book. A little superficial and dogmatic at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews