Dec 19, 2024 3 min read

Virtuous Circles

Inspired by a world of kindness and gratitude

The circular forms of nature. Photo by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

As we near the end of the year, here's a simple reminder about the flow of energy, specifically the energy in feedback loops.

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When energy flows, it often becomes amplified in loops where one action triggers another action that then reinforces the first action and so on. For at least two reasons, these reinforcing feedback loops have become a hot topic among business leaders, policy makers, scientists, economists, farmers, and many other thinkers.

grandmother and granddaughter — Positive feedback loops on a human scale. Photo by Eko Hernowo from Pixabay

One reason is that feedback loops build energy and amplify consequences, including economic, ecological, and social consequences. Another reason is that old school linear thinking doesn't work, and hasn't been working, so more and more people are looking closely at the circularity of self-sustaining natural systems as a model for the future.

ice crystals — Nature provides many models of circularity. Photo from Pixabay

There are countless examples of feedback loops in nature, ranging from hydrologic cycles to soil cycles, to ants signaling the location of food to attract more of their nestmates. And many natural cycles involve human engagement, such as farmers planting wildflowers and setting aside habitat for bees who then help farmers by pollinating their crops.

ants on branch — Ants and bees signal the presence of food to help their nestmates. Photo by Sandeep Handa from Pixabay

Feedback loops are often positive, but the danger is they can spiral in negative directions in the presence of cheating, mistrust, greed, or ill intentions. I mention this in the spirit of the holiday season because this is a great time to remember that each of us can chose to create virtuous circles and break the power of vicious circles.

helping hands — Finding strength and unity in helping each other. Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

Gift-giving may be one example of a virtuous circle, but virtuous circles can be forged by any type of kind word or gesture. For example, I put considerable energy into catching and releasing every insect or spider that gets trapped in our house (even gnats as small as a pinhead), not because I expect a reward but because it's an act of kindness that can only amplify positive energy.

"Goodness is the only investment that never fails." ~ Henry David Thoreau

As we wrap up this year and head into a new year, let us focus on creating virtuous circles. Personally, I look forward to keeping this term in mind as a reminder to pay more attention to all the ways that positive actions help others. I plan to be more conscious about giving, sharing, and inspiring. And I will celebrate the ways that being in nature motivates me to do more of this good work.

David Lukas in nature — Finding and celebrating virtuous circles in nature. Photo by David Lukas

In this spirit, I wish everyone a happy holiday!