Blog #211--More Evidence of Simplicity Within Complexity

I have encouraged a search for common ground between seemingly different aspects of our world in my book “It’s a Secret, So Pass It On: a Toolbox For Life” and subsequent blogs. Most of us are blind to the simplicity of this world, due in part to our individually unique perspectives on how the world works. Often, what seems to be opposite phenomena turn out to be variations on one theme. This article will describe a few more examples of this situation.

Our digestive system draws in foodstuffs and fluids at one end and pushes them out the other end. That seems like opposite processes, but it isn’t. Certainly, drawing in is a return instinct, and pushing out is an escape instinct, as described in my book. But in reality, it is one process. The alimentary canal is animated by peristaltic waves (energy waves) that push foodstuffs from the mouth through the stomach and intestines and out the anus.

Vomiting is an opposite process, expelling foodstuffs and digestive acid from the stomach. This is actually the same process as constipation. In both cases, the direction of peristaltic energy is opposite the usual situation.

It appears we are doing two opposite things, but the alimentary canal is actually outside the body. Food and fluids merely pass through on their way from one place to another, with some of it being absorbed to fulfill nutritional needs. It appears we have two opposite instincts, and indeed the two halves of our body are doing opposite things. But it is the exact same peristaltic wave, with a back-and-forth capability, that makes all this happen.

Plants and trees seem to have two opposite forces involved in their growth process. On the one hand, they grow upward toward the sun since it provides the energy needed for survival. But they also grow roots downward into the soil and away from the sun.

However, both the main stem and the roots are growing toward the same sun since the molten core of the Earth is a piece of our solar system’s sun. We don’t see it because it has been cooled by space and hardened on its surface to appear different than the fire of the sun. But both are made of the same stuff. Thus, while vegetation requires two opposite instincts to carry out its life purpose, it is actually doing only one thing: growing (returning) toward its origin.

Weather patterns are the result of high and low pressure systems. These systems are opposites. For instance, in the northern hemisphere a high pressure system rotates clockwise, drawing air downward and outward. This gives those within its path calm, dry air. Low pressure systems rotate counterclockwise, with air being drawn upward and outward. This plus the rotation of the Earth cause the area closest to the ground to get smaller and have a tighter spin rate. At an extreme, low pressure systems can produce tornadoes and hurricanes. Everything is opposite in the southern hemisphere, with high pressure rotating counterclockwise and low pressure rotating clockwise.

This seems highly complex, and it certainly can be considered that. But what it really represents is a cycle of up and down, in and out, warm and cold, wet and dry. So while opposites are plentiful and basically balance each other, there is one energy wave pushing both systems. We make them seem even more separate from one another by perceiving them in a variety of ways.

For instance, if we are standing in the northern hemisphere East of a high pressure system, we feel the wind coming toward us from a northeasterly direction. This tends to cool the air around us. If we are South of it, we feel the wind moving in from a northeasterly direction. If we are standing West or North of it, we feel a warmer wind coming from the South or southwest. A winter high pressure system might feel good to us, but it might produce excessive heat and humidity in the summer.

If we are standing East of a low pressure system in the northern hemisphere, we would perceive wind from the South or southwest and moving toward the northeast. If we are standing North of it, we perceive the wind moving West. Standing West or South of it, we feel the wind coming from the North or northwest, respectively. A low pressure system might bring heavy rains, strong storms and a possible threat of tornadoes in summer. Tornadoes don’t usually occur in winter, but heavy snow and blizzards are winter possibilities. As is true with high pressure systems, low pressure systems are all variations on one theme.

All these variations make us feel like there is tremendous complexity in our world. Certainly, as we perceive it there is indeed tremendous complexity. But again, all this complexity is merely two opposite actions, which together make one continuous energy wave weaving back and forth across a middle ground.

As a species, we are in awe of the amazing variety of life, and we study each aspect in extreme depth. But doing this tends to make us less aware of all that we have in common with the rest of Nature. I believe we can begin to see a higher purpose behind our existence once we start looking for the commonality of all life. That way, we won’t miss the forest for all the trees.

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