Why Are Periodic Phenomena So Common in Nature? A Physicist's Perspective

[BaghdadSerai]

We may observe that cyclical or loosely periodic phenomena are extremely common in nature with phases varying over more than thirty orders of magnitude. Is there some overarching physical principle at work here; some deep line of code in the cosmic program as to why this should be so?
This is a rather grand question, but I would like some insight as to how a physicist might approach it. Regards.

 

[Studiot]

A great many natural processes operate under the balance of two opposing influences (call them forces if you will).

So it is less than suprising that this balance swings back and fore between the two.

 

[jmatejka]

I would guess many different principles/mechanisms at work. Periodic atomic decay has a different mechanism than periodic phases of the moon.

"Wave function" most likely plays a role here too.