Commensalism Imagine the Possibilities

Nature is a profound teacher. There is so much we humans can learn from her. Commensalism is just one concept that exists within the natural world that adds to our humanity.

I walked into the enclosed courtyard of the Museo de San Juan in Puerto Rico. The bright yellow arched walls contrasted perfectly with dark green shutters and window trim. Tall palms reached for a pale blue sky that offered sheltering clouds on a sun soaked day.

The abundance of flowering plants caught my eye. There on the trunks of palm trees I noticed flowering orchids. What an unusual and beautiful sight, making me wonder why this was done here? Was this for experimentation or expression?

Thank goodness for the library we carry in our pockets. Google always comes through.

I learned that in the wild there are many symbiotic relationships. One of these is orchids that grow on tree trunks, using them as anchors. The textured bark allows their roots to attach and orchids gain their nutrients from the tree, without harming the tree. Trees in turn convert the moisture offered by the orchids into nitrogen. This is commensalism.

Now imagine if we humans applied the same concept to ourselves. Fulfilling our needs and providing for the other. Creating a symbiosis within which we all can all thrive.

There are many people who do, yes, creators, artists, writers, musicians, the givers. Among us however are too many takers. Pillagers of people and planet, for profit. Vying for money and power at any cost. The cost is humanity.

If however, we found that balance between consumerism and creation, we’d become commensalists (new word). Imagine the possibilities.

What can you do today to become a commensalist?

---

This is the Journey to Joy series. Notice something that brought you joy and share it on your own blog or in the comments. Don’t forget to ping back so we can spread the joy further in this journey called life.