Symbiosis

The most damaging relationships occur when both sides set out to destroy each other. At the other end of the spectrum, ideal relationships develop when both sides work to make life better for each other.

Mutually beneficial arrangements, known as symbiotic relationships, involve a healthy give-and-take. Think of the alliance between bees and flowering plants, where the flowers provide nectar and the bees transfer pollen from one plant to the next, helping the flowers to reproduce.

Even the "lowly" fungus joins in the symbiotic dance. By feeding on and decomposing dead organic material, fungi keep plants from being smothered in dead leaves, wood and animal matter. Some fungi also connect the roots of separate trees, creating an underground warning system that allows trees to send distress signals to each other when they face threats from insects, drought or disease.

Nature is a master at fostering symbiotic relationships, where both sides work for the benefit of the other.

Which brings us to the question of how we approach our own relationships in life. Do we look for one-sided power plays, where all the benefits flow to us at the expense of the other person, business or country? Or do we look to build symbiotic relationships where everyone can benefit – each side contributing to the mutual welfare?

Nature shows us that the symbiotic route is a constructive and viable way to go. I like to think that if the fungi on the forest floor can do it, we can do it, too.

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 Photographer's Footnote: I spotted these fungi growing on the stump of a large old tree in our yard.