All living beings are intrinsically connected to their environment, from the largest tree to the smallest amoeba (or virus…).
They only thrive if they are in the right conditions.
And even then, how they thrive and the exact form they take is context-specific.
Winemakers talk about the terroir. The distinctive soil, topography and climate that makes this particular variety of grape in this area taste like that.
Years ago, a good friend took me to a prestigious Christmas wine and food tasting in London. I couldn’t believe the difference between sparkling wine produced in Champagne and California. The same company made both with the same root-stock and identical equipment and techniques.
And isn’t it the same with us?
Context is everything. Let’s embrace it.
~ Same moss on driftwood by the ford, without the frost.