As winter turns to spring, it’s time to clean the cobwebs, dust and dirt from our home, wherever and whatever that may be. Open the windows to let in the fresh air, hang rugs in the sun and stow the winter blankets. The seasons tell us that indeed time is passing. No matter how consistent our routines, nature is here to shake things up and demand that we turn the page and adapt to new conditions. For many of us, seasonal changes can be abrupt, as this year, with snowbanks melting under 80 degree heat. Yet year after year, we adapt and adjust our surroundings for maximum comfort and safety. As mundane as that sounds, the human adaptation to climate is profound. It may be the story of humankind, yet we rarely give it a second thought.
Until recently in human history, adaptation to seasonal change involved moving to more hospitable places. Only recently (relatively speaking) has technology made permanent residence possible as humans abandoned their nomadic ways. I credit Bob Wells, Youtube star and nomad guru, with helping me see the connection between modern nomads and their ancient counterparts.