Day 10: Equilibrium As "Homeostasis"

Equilibrium As "Homeostasis"

I

n ecology the term for equilibrium is homeostasis. We can better understand this in the context of two opposing climate patterns called El Niño and La Niña phenomena. El Niño and La Niña can both have global impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems and economies. In countries like the Philippines, the more frequently occuring pattern is the El Niño phenomenon or the dry spell which could cause devastation to vegetations.

When viewed within a greater ecological scheme, this is nature's way of finding its equilibrium or balance. Episodes of El Niño and La Niña typically last nine to 12 months, but can sometimes last for years which is a needed process in restoring the balance of nature.

I learned when I was in Bukidnon (Mindanao Philippines) one advantage of the El Niño. It means rest for the soil. It needs to sleep after a couple of harvest seasons and must enter into a period of dormancy for it to be productive again when the rain comes. It seems like nature too has to go through a period of fasting and abstinence. There is one beautiful lesson for us to think about which nature could point to us. When nature goes through its own lean months without rain, it does it with the purpose of restoring the homeostasis or equilibrium. The root word in Greek “ὁμοίωσις” (homoiōsis) means “likeness,” “mirror-image.” Whose likeness we ask? Does this mean the image and likeness of its Creator, most likely yes. On day ten of the Season of Creation let us feel the texture of the soil and the movement of the passing wind. How does the soil feel in your hand? Sandy or soggy? Parched or drenched? How does the air feel? Torrid or humid? Frigid or mild? What do they say they need at this point? 8thWorker.us