A Constant……

In a world full of continual change, stress and flux - Lake Merritt to me is a constant!

Known as the Jewel of Oakland, it is indeed a haven that, for many years I took for granted. In the midst of a busy life, where time spent in silence and solitude helps slow things down, there is no better place than Lake Merritt. Leisure is the privilege of those who chose to enjoy it so I consider it very fortunate to have such a beautiful place in the centre of a thriving city.
I go there throughout all seasons and each time I discover new things. There is so much on offer, that to participate in all would be a full time occupation in itself -
Rowing, painting, walking, running, cycling, birdwatching, the gardens, heritage centre, wilderness skills, boating, volunteer clean-ups, the 70 yr old Breakfast Club (I have not yet had the opportunity to attend) and much, much more.

Despite all of these choices, what I enjoy most of all is walking and sometimes just sitting and relaxing. I have strolled and walked aerobically, around the 3.5mile perimeter of the lake. Over time I must admit, my favourite of all is to walk and stop at different locations, observing life going on all around me. It took some time before I realised this. At first, I tried to fit my walks into my busy schedule – time being a very scarce resource, but then I began to enjoy them, look forward to them, need them and they became a very important part of my life.

When the sky is blue and the sun is shining and I am indoors Lake Merritt calls to me “to come out and play” – and I do. I have never been disappointed yet and always feel exhilarated afterwards. This applies to all seasons, not only bright sunny days!
Spring and the awakening of nature brings hope, expectations of new things – what a lovely season – what will the year bring?
Summer, endless enjoyment, long days, balmy weather, good humour.
Fall – beautiful colours, carpets of leaves, wonderful to walk and kick through.
Even Winter itself has it’s own beauty. - Fresh air, wind chill, rainfall, wrapped up well with a bright umbrella the patter of the drops bring their own message.

The contrast of weather makes me appreciate the good weather days; it is a reflection of life itself. Life is about balance – balance of home/work, public/private, family/friends, good/bad, yin/yang .The joys and difficulties of life must knit together in order to appreciate it – balance, for me Lake Merritt provides this balance.
While sitting on a seat overlooking the lake, just to breathe, or listen to the birds sing – talking to me, the wonderment of it all. I have observed a sense of community among the people around, all ages, races, denominations expressing all of life’s emotions. Enjoying nature and its simplicity. There is an interconnectedness of - people, animals, birds, and nature. A parallel of life and the seasons it transcends, across time and eternity. The people who have sat on the seat before me and will sit again long after I have gone, taking time out from being “too busy being busy”.
It is a paradox although continually changing it is a constant — a treasure, there to be enjoyed by all – Lake Merritt.