One of the most fascinating examples of the interconnectedness that exists in both the natural world and within human systems is the Wood Wide Web—the underground network of trees and fungi that allows them to communicate and share resources. While this phenomenon is largely hidden from view, it serves as a powerful metaphor for human communities.
The Wood Wide Web is a system in which trees are connected by mycorrhizal fungi, which create a vast, subterranean network. This network allows trees to exchange nutrients, water, and information. When a tree faces stress—whether from drought, disease, or pests—it can send chemical signals through the network to other trees, which can then respond by providing extra nutrients or adjusting their behaviour to help. This hidden yet vital system of support ensures the survival of the whole forest, not just individual trees.
In human communities, we also rely on interconnectedness to thrive. Much like trees in the forest, we are not isolated beings. Our emotional well-being, resilience, and growth are deeply influenced by the relationships and systems we are a part of. Whether it’s within a family, a workgroup, or a broader community, the way we interact with and support one another determines our collective and personal strength and capacity to face challenges.
Bowen Family Systems Theory, developed by Dr. Murray Bowen, provides a framework for understanding human behavior within systems. Bowen suggested that individuals are not isolated entities but rather part of larger emotional systems, such as families or communities. These systems are interconnected, and each person’s emotional functioning can impact the entire system. In other words, just as a tree’s survival depends on its connection to others through the Wood Wide Web, individuals in human systems are deeply affected by their relationships with others.
One of the key concepts in Bowen’s theory is differentiation of self, otherwise known as emotional maturity—the ability to maintain one’s own thinking and emotional balance while staying connected to others. When trees communicate through the Wood Wide Web, they do so in a way that allows them to maintain their individual health while also supporting the broader system. Similarly, in human groups, emotional maturity allows individuals to stay grounded and make thoughtful decisions, even when emotional pressure from the group is high.
In Bowen’s terms, when we overreact to the emotions of others, we are engaging in emotional fusion, a state where our feelings become too intertwined with those around us. This can be likened to a tree becoming overly reliant on the network to the point where it loses its ability to function independently. The Wood Wide Web, in its natural balance, allows for both connection and autonomy, a dynamic that can serve as a valuable model for human behavior.
In families and other groups, we can see how emotional systems work in much the same way as the Wood Wide Web. When one member of the group is struggling, it often triggers a reaction from others. However, if each individual in the system is able to stay emotionally grounded and steady themselves, the group can function more harmoniously, much like a forest where trees are able to help one another without losing their own strength.
For example, consider a family dealing with a crisis, such as the loss of a loved one or a significant financial hardship. In an emotionally mature system, family members may offer support to one another—sharing resources, providing comfort, or simply being present—while still maintaining their sense of self and emotional stability. They are connected but not overwhelmed by each other’s emotions. This is a key aspect of Bowen’s theory: when individuals can function independently while remaining emotionally connected, the whole system becomes more resilient.
In contrast, in a more fused family system, individuals might react impulsively to the emotional distress of others, becoming over-involved or withdrawing completely. This is akin to a tree in the Wood Wide Web that either becomes overly dependent on its neighbours or isolates itself to the detriment of the forest. The balance between connection and independence is essential for the health of both trees and humans alike.
Trees teach us a powerful lesson about the importance of working together toward a common goal. In the forest, trees understand that their collective survival depends on mutual support. In human systems, we, too, are more successful when we collaborate, contribute and be a resource to the common good. However, just as trees must maintain their individual health to contribute effectively to the forest, we must also focus on our own emotional well-being in order to support others. This is where Bowen’s concept of self-regulation comes into play. Self-regulation allows individuals to manage their own emotional responses without being overwhelmed by the emotions of the group.
For example, in a workplace setting, collaboration is essential for success. However, if individuals within the team do not practice emotional regulation and differentiation, the team can quickly become dysfunctional. One person might dominate the group’s emotional energy, while another might withdraw entirely. In contrast, when team members can stay grounded and manage their emotional responses, they contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment. Just as trees rely on each other for nutrients and support, human communities thrive when each person plays a role in maintaining the collective health of the group.
The Wood Wide Web offers a profound insight into the way systems function, whether in nature or in human communities. Just as trees rely on their underground networks to thrive, we, too, rely on the interconnectedness of our relationships and communities to grow and face challenges. Bowen Family Systems Theory provides a valuable lens through which we can understand the dynamics of human behaviour within these systems. By practicing differentiation of self, emotional regulation, and mutual support, we can strengthen our ability to work together toward common goals, just as the trees of the forest support each other to ensure the health of the entire ecosystem. Through connection, collaboration, and self-awareness, both human and natural systems can flourish.
Reference
- Bowen, M., 1993. Family therapy in clinical practice. Jason Aronson.
- Wohlleben, P., 2016. The hidden life of trees: What they feel, how they communicate—Discoveries from a secret world (Vol. 1). Greystone Books.
- Wohlleben, P., 2019. The Secret Wisdom of Nature: Trees, Animals, and the Extraordinary Balance of All Living Things-—Stories from Science and Observation (Vol. 3). Greystone Books Ltd.
