THE PRINCIPLE OF ADAPTATION
In lesson five we looked at the principle of geometry and the sacredness of all life. We understood that the structures and patterns made by living creatures look the same whether the animal, bird or insect is in New York, USA or Dodoma, Tanzania. They are all guided by inert infinite intelligence that is constant and automatic. In this lesson we will look at how this infinite intelligence works in nature in order to maintain balance of all living things. The harmony principle of adaptation will reveal the mechanisms that enable life to persist and thrive in a specific geographical place.
Adaptation refers to modification in being or doing for the purpose of surviving changes. In nature, organisms are constantly adjusting to their environment to fit in and thrive. Organisms can adapt to an environment by altering their body functions to increase their chances of surviving. Human bodies too adjust to their environment. For example; people who live on higher altitudes where air is much thinner than at sea level, inhale fewer oxygen molecules with each breath so their bodies adapt by developing an ability to carry more oxygen in each red blood cell. In other words, although they breathe like everyone else at sea level they are capable of supplying enough oxygen to their bodies without any mountain sickness, which a traveller in their area might experience. There are many examples of how living creatures adapt to their environment. Likewise, all human societies undergo adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts. Adaptation causes changes in processes, practices, and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change. Examples abound; we have seen how humans prepare for storms, floods, and disasters.
We can see clearly here that the harmony principle of adaptation is teaching us to constantly “read” what nature is saying and adapt. It teaches us not to overuse resources because something else, somewhere must compensate to maintain balance. Over time, the number of predators and prey in an ecosystem rises and falls in a predator-prey cycle. As the number of prey increases, so does the number of predators shortly afterwards. This is because there is more food. This reduces the number of prey because they are hunted. Which reduces the number of predators because there is less food. This increases the number of prey and the cycle repeats.
As humans, we consider ourselves the stewards of the earth, because we have imagination, and the ability to create sophisticated technologies for managing our own adaptation to our environment. The question is the sustainability of our development/adaptation models.
Architecture for instance is at odds with how life is organised. We live in one-area and travel miles to work in another. Same with food production, leisure etc. We are overdependent on motorised transportation for our everyday need. Looking at modern life through the lens of the principle of adaptation we are faced with a big question: why are we not adapting?
While the case for adaptation is clear, some communities most vulnerable to climate change are the least able to adapt because they are poor and/or in developing countries already struggling to come up with enough resources for basics like health care and education. Equally, the same communities might not want to stay on the right path of “simplicity” simply because they are stigmatised as not “developed.”
We need to rethink our perception about progress and have the courage to make adaptations that respect cultural and environmental specificity.
An adaptation researcher Max Mckeown says: “All failure is failure to adapt, all success is successful adaptation.”
Values for ADAPTATION:
COURAGE: Is mental or moral strength to push through a difficult situation
KINDNESS: Is caring about others and doing things to help make their lives better.
Competency: Flexibility
Flexibility refers to the ability to see the merits of differing positions: to change plans if circumstances dictate and modify even strongly held opinions in the light of conflicting evidence. Unlike Adaptability, Flexibility focuses on the ability to modify/change behaviour within the same culture or environment, whereas Adaptability focuses on different or changing environments.
For further explanation and understanding, please read our handbook from page 48 to 50 on www.tukosawa.com
Comments
Post a Comment