Delta Explorer - Spring 2008 - (Page 52) meditative moments in the california delta NATURE PERSPECTIVE Michael Pieretti “We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understanding and our hearts ” recognizing the value of the Delta’s natural beauty as a source for rest, relaxation and renewal Often we seek escapes from life’s complexities and challenges, periods of time when we can immerse our mind’s and body’s focus away from the stress and anxiety we are feeling in the moment in order to enjoy one’s own form of pleasure. Today’s escapes commonly include TV, sports, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc. Escapes serve a purpose, and it is not the intent of this column to judge the value of one form of escape compared to another. My purpose is to point out an often overlooked and undervalued form of “natural” escape - one located right here all around us - yet one so easy to take for granted or miss completely. The escape I am referring to is immersing ourselves in quiet moments of natural beauty so abundant right here in the California Delta. Whether it is the quiet beauty of a foggy Delta morning in February, an intricate, spring sunrise slowly embracing our farms, fields and towns with warm and radiant light, the calm, slow-moving summer waters of our sloughs and rivers reflecting back to us the natural beauty that surroundings them, or a blazing fall sunset that lights up the western horizon with majestic colors of oranges, purples, blues and crimsons, we are truly blessed with countless opportunities to enjoy profound moments of world class natural beauty right here in California where we live, work and play. The Delta is recognized and valued for many attributes, most widely for its fresh water which is pumped out of the Delta to serve over 23 million people and thousands of acres of irrigated agricultural land throughout central and southern California. It is recognized for its fragile levee system, its below sea level island land, and the devastating consequences that would be felt throughout the region should the Delta’s levee system ever become significantly compromised. The California Delta is also recognized for its water-based recreation, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing, slower paced lifestyle, smaller, more rural communities tucked in around much larger and busier urban communities, and its agricultural farm land and once proud heritage of being known as the Bartlett Pear capital of the world - and more recently as an internationally recognized source of regional, national and world quality wine grapes and vineyards. But seldom does the media or press coverage stop to point out the priceless value of the Delta’s natural beauty as a stand-alone resource, and the need to wisely care for this precious and timeless blessing if it is to continue quietly serving anyone who takes the time to enjoy and appreciate what is here and to experience the value it can provide us. Our hearts resonate to nature’s beauty when we stop long enough to take it in and listen. We were wired that way by the One who made us all. Get lost in a quiet sunset, spend time sitting along a river bank, enjoy the open space around you during a quiet walk along a Delta levee chances are very good that you will find a source of rest, relaxation and renewal where you may have least expected it. You don’t need a pill, a drink, or a Dr. Laura or Dr. Phil to enjoy and experience it. There’ll be no hangover or depressing after effects. And best of all, the price of admission is free while the peace and serenity the Delta’s natural beauty offers is priceless! Enjoy the Delta’s natural beauty this spring and always care for it wisely. I look forward to sharing more about how we can connect with the Delta’s natural beauty as a source of calming, meditative moments when we visit through future columns in the Delta Explorer. Michael Pieretti is a life-long Sacramento River Delta resident and photographer Stress and anxiety are an almost ongoing way of life for many of us today. Home, family, work, money, health - you name it and most of us can probably relate in our own way to these common sources for ongoing stress and anxiety. Yet we know that there is a calmer, deeper, more meaningful and peaceful way of life to enjoy if we can just stop long enough to find it. BATHROOM REMODELS KITCHEN REMODELS NEW CONSTRUCTION ROOM ADDITIONS delta explorer / 52 Michael Pieretti
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