How green the grass is, is not the only metric to measure by.

The old saying goes "The grass is always greener on the other side". The inference here is another position, choice or situation is 'better'. However the colour is only a single metric to measure 'better' by.

Recently a younger extended family member has visited the UK from Australia. In discussion about the differences he noted from his home country he mentioned a few things that highlighted reasons for me to be grateful of my homeland. The item that has stuck with me most is how much he valued our grass lawns.

In his reasoning he recalled a number of factors that differed to grass back home.

Our grass is much softer, more welcoming to touch. There are no hidden bindis, and doesn't require us look out for poisonous, well anything really.

His list made no mention of the grass being greener. This discussion and the subject matter reminded me that frequently the things that make us feel safe to interact and connect, are not the obvious visible things, like colour. Rather the sum of many stimuli in an environment that can heighten or allay our feelings and fears.

I now make a point of relishing the cushiony grass that I walk on barefoot, and the quietude this brings.