Nature's Lessons

Exploring how humanity learns and evolves through the wisdom and patterns found in nature.

Learning from Nature: Our Journey

Nature is a great teacher

If we want to have an integrated, cohesive, balanced and stable life, what can we learn from nature? Well, the universe itself is an integrated and balanced system. The whole Universe operates in an orderly fashion. Everything in nature is governed by the Universal principles. Nature never deviates from these principles until someone or something tries to mess with it. Nature teaches us order and discipline. Nature also reminds us that if we don’t follow the universal principles that govern our life, the consequences can be catastrophic. The Covid 19 pandemic is a great example of how nature can unleash its tyranny, when we provoke it.

Nature inspired designs are robust

In modern times, many of our technological and engineering marvels have been inspired by nature. Scientists and Technologists have designed many modern-day structures, monuments, machines etc. based on their learnings from nature. This is called bio-mimicry. In the above picture, you can see a few examples of nature inspired designs. We have learnt that nature inspired designs are robust designs. Aeroplane’s design was inspired flying birds. The design of modern day bullet train is inspired by the structure of Kingfisher. The shape and prowess of whales have inspired the design of submarines. The list goes on.

If nature inspired designs are robust designs, what about the design of our life? What can we learn from nature about our life. Let’s try to find out.

Every balanced system in nature is concentric

Let’s understand this better. In the solar system, all the planets float in vacuum. They are not connected with anything, yet they seamlessly remain in their orbit and never lose their balance. It is because the planets are concentric around the Sun. Even the small atoms in the Universe are concentric systems. The electrons and protons in the atom are concentric around the nucleus. The petals in a flower are concentric around the receptacle. Circumference of a circle is concentric around the center of the circle. All these systems are always maintain their balance and cohesiveness. These systems remain integrated and in tact as long they are concentric. If the earth doesn’t remain with the Sun, it would drift away and disintegrate into pieces. If the petals are not concentric around the receptacle, they would get disintegrated. If the circumference of a circle is not concentric around the center point of the circle, it would become a zig zag line. We cannot draw a circle without its center point.

Concentric means being with (or being attached to) one’s Center like the planets in the solar system are attached to the Sun, electrons, protons inside in an atom to the nucleus, petals in a flower with the receptacle and so on. One who is attached to one’s Center has a stable, integrated, balanced, harmonious and cohesive life.

Are you leading a concentric life? Do you have a Center that you are deeply attached to? If not, it is high time to find that Center. But the big question is who should be our Center? Well, we shall try to find answer to this question in the next edition.