I think particles are part of the map, not the territory. That it's waves rising all falling, driven by the energy, all the way down.

Just that they either synchronize as a path of least resistance, or harmonize, due to the energy radiating out. So nodes and networks, organisms and ecosystems, particles and fields.

Someone more famous than me;

http://worrydream.com/refs/Mead%20-%20American%20Spectator%20Interview.html