Life thrives far from equilibrium, driven by dynamic energy flows that build complexity and break symmetry. These flows create patterns, from the mesmerizing murmur of starlings to the rippling protein waves in cells, revealing a self-organizing dance in the physics of living systems. By understanding these patterns, we can understand the arrow of time, energy, and the processes that sustain life, challenging us to perceive existence as a vibrant, evolving ballet.Nikta is an associate professor in the department of physics at MIT and the physics of living systems group. She studies how to adapt and extend physics concepts to describe how tiny biological components give rise to living organisms. Her research group combines concepts from physics, biology, and engineering to decode non-equilibrium mechanisms in active living matter and exploit these mechanisms to engineer functional, active materials.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx