Unpacking the Layers of Community Strength and Their Impact

Communities shape our lives in countless ways. They provide support, connection, and a sense of belonging. Yet, understanding the complex layers within our communities can be challenging. How do we see who supports us, who we support, and how energy flows between us? During my three semesters as a Master of Social Work student, one of my many assignments included creating a critical events timeline, a genogram, and an eco-map of my life.

A genogram is a graphical representations of your family. It's like a family tree but includes a little more detail about the strength of each family relationship and how they are connected to you. Genograms help to increase awareness and understanding of how families influence their members. Eco-maps complement genograms by highlighting energy-enhancing or energy-depleting relationships in our lives (Cournoyer, 2017). Eco-maps help visualize the broader social environment and identify sources of support or stress. Genograms and eco-maps used together reveal the often unseen dynamics of community support.

Eco-map illustrating energy dynamics in a person's life, depicting enhancing and depleting systems such as family, work, school, and social activities through directional arrows.

Understanding the Layers of Community

Community is not just a group of people living in the same place. It includes family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and even casual acquaintances. Each layer offers different types of support and interaction. For example:

• Family often provides emotional and practical support. Family is typically our first introduction to relationships and community.

• Friends offer companionship and shared interests.

• Work or school groups can provide professional or educational support.

• Neighborhoods and local groups create a sense of belonging and safety.

  
  

These layers overlap and interact, creating a network of relationships that influence our well-being. However, these connections are not always visible or easy to understand.

The Energy Exchange Within Communities

Every relationship involves an exchange of energy—time, attention, care, and emotional support. Healthy communities thrive when this exchange is balanced. You give support and receive support in return. This balance creates a positive cycle that strengthens bonds and builds resilience.

When energy exchange is balanced:

• Relationships feel rewarding and uplifting.

• People feel valued and understood.

• Support flows naturally in both directions.

  
  

By contrast, when energy exchange is one-sided, problems arise.

The Draining Effects of One-Sided Energy Dynamics

One-sided relationships drain energy and can harm well-being. If you constantly give without receiving, you may feel exhausted, unappreciated, or isolated. On the other hand, if you mostly receive without giving, relationships may become strained or unsustainable.

Signs of one-sided energy dynamics include:

• Feeling emotionally drained after interactions.

• Avoiding certain people because they demand too much.

• Feeling guilty or resentful about the imbalance.

• Noticing that some relationships rarely involve mutual support.

  
  

Genograms and eco-maps can help identify these patterns by showing where energy flows are uneven. For example, an eco-map might reveal that you rely heavily on a few people for support but rarely offer support back, or vice versa.

Finding a Healthy Balance in Relationships

Achieving balance requires awareness and effort. Here are practical steps to foster healthier energy exchange:

• Reflect on your current relationships: assess your community interactions. Consider these questions:

  • Who do I turn to when I need support?

  • Who turns to me for support?

  • Are these exchanges balanced or one-sided?

  • Which relationships energize me, and which drain me?

  • How can I strengthen or expand my support network?

  
  

• Set boundaries: protect your energy by saying no when needed and prioritizing relationships that feel reciprocal.

• Offer support intentionally: look for ways to give back to those who support you, even in small ways.

• Expand your network: Build new connections to diversify your support system and reduce pressure on any one person.

  
  

We all get the same 24 hours, 7 days a week. Your community truly makes a difference.

Join us at the next Mama Bear's Zen Workshop to meet new people, expand your network, and connect in a safe and encouraging environment.