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4.The earthlings


No3, Sol,Oort Cloud, Orion arm, Milky way, local group, Laniakea supercluster.

Who is an earthling ?

“Earthling,” a term that elegantly denotes the essence of life that flourishes upon our cherished planet, Earth. It extends an encompassing embrace to all life forms that call this blue-green sphere their home, celebrating the symphony of existence that unfurls across its landscapes and skies.In the symphony of existence, an exquisite harmony resonates as we grasp the profound truth that every entity, irrespective of its stature or realm, assumes a pivotal role within life’s intricate choreography. Such a realization beckons forth an entrancing ballet of interdependence that escorts our every stride, meticulously binding each presence in a fragile waltz that sustains every breath of the place we call home.

‘Earthling’ unites us all in a global kinship. It speaks of the phytoplankton that silently contribute to the very foundation of our terrestrial existence, the regal lions that paint the Savannahs with their prowess, the birds that grace the heavens with their flight, and the bustling humans who tread the vibrant boulevards of cities.

Image of a bee sitting on a dog and observing the whales.

Humans, bees, great whales, frogs and dogs.

The honeybee is a diligent artisan of nature, delicately dancing on blossoms, pollinating flowers as if waltzing with the soul of the planet itself. Its tireless efforts are not in vain, for it sets in motion the magic of life’s propagation.

“In nature, there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are consequences.” Each touch of a wing, each sip of nectar, creates a cascade of events, shaping life itself.

Robert G. Ingersoll

In a world where the oceans thrived with life, there was an extraordinary friendship that spanned across vast distances, connecting the majestic whales with the industrious honeybees. In the heart of a lush forest, nestled near a pristine river, a hive of honeybees buzzed with purpose. Led by their wise queen, they diligently collected nectar from colorful wildflowers, creating golden honey that was renowned for its sweetness. The honeybees took great pride in their work, understanding that their efforts contributed not only to the prosperity of their hive but also to the thriving ecosystem around them.

Just beyond the dense forest, the ocean waves roared with life. Beneath the surface, a graceful pod of humpback whales journeyed through the deep blue, following ancient migratory routes etched in their hearts. These gentle giants embarked on long and arduous journeys, traveling thousands of miles to reach their feeding grounds rich in krill and small fish. Unbeknownst to them, their journey was subtly intertwined with the busy honeybees’ endeavors in the distant forest. As the whales made their way along the coastline, the coastal plants, nourished by the bees’ pollination, flourished and bore vibrant blossoms.

The sweet aroma of these blossoms carried on the sea breeze, attracting clouds of butterflies and other pollinators. These creatures, in turn, became a delectable feast for migratory songbirds traveling overhead. With each flap of the songbirds’ wings, tiny particles of pollen were lifted into the air, traveling great distances like seeds on the wind. Some of these microscopic pollen grains found their way to the ocean’s surface, riding the ocean currents like celestial messengers. And there, amidst the vast expanse of water, the whales awaited a magical gift from the honeybees – a sea teeming with life. The pollen, which had traveled so far from the forest, landed on the ocean’s surface, enriching the water with essential nutrients. These nutrients acted as a catalyst for the growth of phytoplankton – the microscopic plants of the sea. As the phytoplankton flourished, they became a bountiful feast for the ocean’s smallest creatures, attracting swarms of krill and small fish. These phytoplankton constantly converted sunlight to energy and released oxygen to sustain every organism that needed it.

As the whales swam through the nutrient-rich waters, they opened their massive jaws, taking in mouthfuls of krill and fish, and with them, the magic of the honeybees’ distant forest. The whales thrived on this abundant food supply, gaining the strength needed for their long migration journeys and, in turn, maintaining the balance of ocean life.

Meanwhile, back in the forest, the honeybees continued their tireless work, pollinating not only wildflowers but also fruit and vegetable crops that humans relied upon for sustenance. The fruits borne from their labour would nourish not only the humans who harvested them but also the birds and animals that fed on the ripened fruits. In the skies above, migratory birds took flight, carrying seeds from one corner of the world to another. These seeds, scattered by the winds and the birds themselves, would take root in different environments, fostering new life and biodiversity in distant lands.

In the enchanted world, the stray dogs also have a role to play. Fending for themselves , they adapt to a life of scavenging, relying on the scraps left behind by humans or other animals. As they roam through meadows and forests in search of sustenance, the resourceful dogs encounter the industrious honeybees collecting nectar from wildflowers. Beyond their accidental interaction with the bees, the stray dogs contribute to the ecosystem as scavengers. They help in cleaning up organic waste, including leftover food and carcasses, playing a role in decomposing and recycling organic material, which contributes to nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. Additionally, as they roam through various habitats, they may carry seeds on their fur or paws, unintentionally aiding in seed dispersal and promoting plant diversity.

Just like the honeybees unknowingly gift the whales , all organisms leave their mark on our planet. What they consume, they depend on, and what they leave behind, others depend on.

And so, the story of the whales, the honeybees, the humans, and the stray dogs unfolded, as a testament to the intricate and interconnected dance of life on Earth. Every organism, big or small, played an essential role in sustaining the delicate balance of the planet. The actions of one affected the lives of many others, creating a beautiful harmony of existence where no being was an island unto itself. In this enchanted world, the grandeur of the whales, the industriousness of the honeybees, the actions of humans, and the plight of stray dogs are equally celebrated, for each was a participant in the cosmic dance of life, contributing to the symphony that resonated across the planet.

Alfred Adler and his community feeling

In a world where everything is intricately interconnected, the concept of “community feeling” emerges as a powerful reminder of our shared spaces. This term encapsulates an individual’s remarkable ability to empathize, shoulder responsibility for society’s well-being, and wholeheartedly participate in the greater good. Echoing the wisdom of Alfred Adler, we recognize that nurturing a robust sense of social interest stands as a vital cornerstone for mental well-being and holistic health. Adler astutely observed that those who overlook the interconnectedness of life are susceptible to the unraveling threads of psychological turmoil and behavioral challenges. In embracing the profound truth of our interdependence, we unlock not only personal growth but also the transformative potential of feeling like we belong !

Up next – The humans !