Observing patterns

Is there any order to the placement of trees? Or the arrangement of moss in a landscape? It may appear chaotic, yet a careful organizational structure is at work. Each tree needs enough space to receive sunlight, spread its roots, and avoid overcrowding, which would deplete the soil’s nutrients. It is not random but deliberately intricate—so much so that we initially perceive it as chaos.

With patience and keen observation, a pattern emerges: trees sprout branches and leaves in a pattern known as phyllotaxis., which often follows the Fibonacci sequence. You can observe this beautiful, mathenatical pattern in the placement of the seeds in a sunflower, the curvature of a pinecone, the sprial of a shell.

Having the patience, time, and care to observe and recognize patterns is a great treasure. Although it can be done in any setting at pretty well any time, it often is neglected by a sense of urgency and the need to be doing something. I hope to take more time to sit and observe the beautifully designed patterns that exist before me.