Second Chance Dance

The Mystery of The Golden Shadow

2026-09-30T12:29:51.820-07:00

Picture by John Keeley: Jenny Lake - Grand Teton National Park

" I Should be content

To look at a mountain

for what it is

Not as a comment on my life."

- David Ignatow

" Be complete as the Father is 'complete."

Matt 5 : 48

" No thing is perfect"

- Buddhist Saying

Inspiration:

It is said that Carl Jung suggested

when we admire

others - their qualities , values

and how they live their complete lives - it may

be because these qualities

exist deep within us .

However, those values

may not be as developed

or as complete as we would like them to be.

The complete flourishing of the

particular values -

compassion, selflessness, collaboration,

generosity ,

peacefulness, humility and others -

has been described as -

"The Golden Shadow."

Sometimes we see this "shadow " in the most

unlikely candidates.

The dark shadow contains what we don't want

to be ; the Golden Shadow contains what we don't

yet know we could become.

The Writing:

The Mystery of The Golden Shadow

The speaker shared a story of a saintly woman

that continues to be passed down among

wandering pilgrims :

The woman held a pale, weak baby

as she made the beds for the poorest

of the poor.

A pilgrim photographer asked ,

"Why are you holding caressing the baby as

you work.?"

The Mother Superior responded,

" The baby is most like going to die today,

and I want her to know

how much she is loved."

"Then why make the beds?",

the inquirer asked. .

The nun smiled -

"It is my job

and I can do both."

A few say this is a mythical parable.

Yet those who hear - sit still

in a deep, reflective silence,

with tears of hope ...

Belief returns that...

The Golden Shadow is real.

- JF Sobecki

________________

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs

and a Poem

October 1 , 2026 - listen

(Click on link below for playlist

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbP_xF_mRkw8&si=GV_0En741WbcsyPC

Coda: Sometimes I find a song or poem as kindling

to fuel the fire...Here are a couple I have used

( My wish for you is that "You 'live' until you die")

[click on the link ]

https://youtu.be/wSfnrL818mI?si=fbNEpCJIlNT_a2Zn

Release Control

https://youtu.be/6HdIEfWC0xA?si=zUx4vJNr8MQ3g2Ke

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired,

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Paracletes in Disguise

2026-08-31T04:42:55.489-07:00

"Look at he birds of the air ;

they do not sow or reap or

store away in barns , and yet the Heavenly Father

feeds them..."

- Matt 6:26

"Even a sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest

for herself where she may have her young - a place near

your altar , Lord Almighty,,"

- Psalm 84;3

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings

because it has a song."

- Maya Angelou

Inspiration

At dawn on my balcony I drift away witnessing

Two birds in flight together....

Ornithologists suggest that two birds in flight

instinctively bond, saving energy

traveling together , mutual protection ,

mating and finding places for rest and a home.

In a blink of an eye geese in chevron flight

glide together overhead .

Some scientists suggest these

birds have more than instinct and maybe

their intellect , mutual compassion and support

is something more than humans can comprehend.

The Writing:

Paracletes in Disguise

At first light over Kennebunkport

robins and larks take flight,

their simple songs

do not subtract from

the sanctified silence.

A divine iridescence,

blessed paracletes,

glorified messengers

of inquisitive admiration.

as scriptures ponder their virtue.

Proclamations of gratitude,

under a warming glow -

No fear, no worry,

they are who they are

the purpose is just to be.

Humbled insights spark intercessions

witnessing the divine favor.

Franciscan monks' chants echo

harmonizing with the radiant chorus -

persistent mortal pilgrims adrift

- in the magnificent cosmos.

- J.F. Sobecki

( Kennebunkport. , Maine)

------------

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs plus

Poems and Writings

September 1 , 2026 - listen and read

(Click on link below for playlist)

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHM5sUAxlLBs&si=pUw6PsjJDE_dm59u

The Wisdom of Geese

When you see geese flying along in V formation,

one might consider what science has discovered

as to why they fly that way.

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift”

for the bird following. By flying in a “V” formation, t

he whole flock adds 71% more flying range than

if each bird flew alone. r.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation,

it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying

to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation

to take advantage of the “lifting power” of the bird

immediately in front.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates

back into the formation and another

goose flies at the point position.

The geese in formation honk from behind encouraging

those up front to keep up their speed.

When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down,

two geese drop out of formation

and follow their fellow member down

to help provide protection. They stay with this member

of the flock until he or she is either able to fly again or dies.

Then they launch out on their own to rejoin another

"V" formation of geese, continuing their journey.

- Adapted "Wisdom of Nature"

Coda: Listen to these beautiful Songbirds

Rest In Peace Dolly Parton and thank you.

"If. you want the rainbow, you gotta

put up with the rain" - Dolly Parton

(Click link below)

https://youtu.be/o2XcBL6kWn8?si=ARjjv3WtpsY0QQjO

Happy Birthday G !

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired,

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

The Sondering

2026-07-31T05:08:27.670-07:00

"Treat and deal all. creation

as it is and not how we expect

or desire it to be.

Treat others as you

want to be treated."

- Unknown

"To sonder is the profound realization that every person we see has

a life as rich , complex and vivid as our own even if we know

nothing about it."

- John Koenig

"The beginning of love is the will to let those we love to be perfectly

themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit to our own image.

If in loving them we do not love we they are, but only their potential

likeness to ourselves, then we do to love them : we only love the reflection

of ourselves we find in them."

- Thomas Merton

"No one , no thing is perfect"

- Buddhist Saying

Zues's Law .. ( Xenios)

Treat all strangers and guests ( every person) with respec

and hospitality. Remember there is a sacred bond between us all.

(One never knows if the other person is a divinity

in disguise.)

Inspiration

It was interesting to read that the director of the latest film

version of The Odyssey recently observed that Homer’s—

and the early Greeks’—notion of Zeus’ Law suggests that,

with every breath we take, we are, in many ways, throwing

ourselves upon the mercy and kindness of strangers.

Zeus’ Law, which called for treating all strangers

as honored guests, is reminiscent of the Golden Rule

and of many spiritual and religious traditions.

The Greeks stressed the possibility that a stranger

might be a god or goddess in disguise.

I was reminded of the yoga practice of Anjali Mudra

and the greeting Namaste:

“I bow to the divine in you.”

The Writing:

The Sondering

Do stars glow in the night sky
for their own benefit?

Have navigators and astrologers
simply imagined that the heavenly bodies
have some purpose, rhyme, or reason?

Birds sing their welcome in gratitude,
celebrating the new dawn.

Clouds clear the way for the sun
to illuminate and warm
all creation below.

Winds carry seeds while providing
lift for winged friends,
and cool breezes help vessels
make their way.

The universe seems aware
of the perfect imperfection
of all creation—
interdependent, interconnected.

Is it all just some random accident?

Leaves fall as flowers sprout,
each fulfilling its contribution
to the air and the well-being
of ask who wander, sentient
and non-sentient alike.

Some contribute more,
but even the lesser is needed.

Everything has a history.
Everyone the same.

Awakening to the differences—
to the possibilities of how every piece,
everything, and everyone
plays a role,
sometime, somehow,
and somewhere—
illuminates and fuels
our own authentic selves.

Is this the time in my journey,
an invitation
to spend less time judging
and more time sondering
in quiet contemplation,
allowing the hidden truths
around us and within us
to unfold?

— JF Sobecki

------------

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs plus

August 1 , 2026 - listen

Click on the link below .

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDutwZe03Td0&si=wA5uP0Pvt0FlaaFt

Coda: Remembering a treasure: R.I. P. Glen Hansard

Thanks to Glen for the gift of and passion for music always

and being authentic in helping and inspiring others.

There have been those I admired who has passed on and

I was/am sad . I only knew him through his music, his values

and his energy .This man/artist left so soon. ...

Some people some how become part of your story-

"Airim uaim thu' "

( Gaelic translation - " I feel you missing from me")

(click the link below)

Glen Hansard - The Parting Glass

https://youtu.be/sCZcJHAcAZ4?si=qEBH61Q_XRkTf8eA

* 8/4/2008 - Celebrating in gratitude the 18th year anniversary

of my heart surgery and a rebirth

and the beginning of The Second Chance Dance Blog

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired,

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Moon Phases

2026-07-01T05:03:34.511-07:00

July Buck Moon

"Cold-hearted orb that rules the night,

Removes the colors from our sight.

Red is gray and yellow white

But we decide which is right

And which is an illusion."

- The Lament ( Nights in White Satin),

Moody Blues

"Enlightenment is like the moon reflected

on the water. The moon does not get wet,

nor is the water broken. Although its light

is wide and great , the moon is reflected even in a puddle

an inch wide."

- Zen Master Elhei Dogen

"I am but a finger pointing to the moon. Do not look at me;

look at the moon."

- Author unknown

Inspirations

A lifetime ago, sitting in the dark night, gazing at the

magical, mysterious glow of the brilliant ball

illuminating the sky , I didn't know what to think-

so I prayed.

The relationship with the moon began.

He was there at the end of a day of confusion,

a day of stress or grief and even days of peace, love and joy.

Some mornings he was visible through the growing brightness

of the the dawn.

Somedays clouds would hide its presence,

but I was learning the truth.

The belief that this orb was more than an accident

hanging in the sky began to grow.

He was a in me and me in him.

(Astrologists, mythologists as well a theologians , navigators of

the earth and the mind, philosophers, poets and scientists

have studied and tried to comprehend

our relationship to the moon and its purpose.).

A brief history of the moon.

* 4.6 billions year ago a solar nebula collapsed and much of the material

fell forming a young sun

* Much of the dust became rocks

* Some rocks were big and became planets (protoplanets)

- One of these became the earth

* The young earth was struck by Mars-sized protoplanet

* The impact of this collision produced the Earth's moon.

* Over a billion years, a remarkable relationship developed between

the Earth and its moon.*

* Their nearly perfect alignment has allowed the moon to

influence tides, ecosystems and perhaps our observations

(including werewolves), while philosophers, astrologers, poets and scientists

continue to study the orb's influence on life on earth.

It is written that the moon's distance and the angle of the

his orbit are finely balanced that even the modest changes could

place Earth's long-term stability in serious jeopardy.

There are multiple scenarios describing how changes

in that relationship might affect our planet

No thing lasts.

Some suggest that the forthcoming July "Buck Moon"

carries sacred and psychological significance -

- 'shedding and renewal,

- regeneration,

- inner strength

and deeper spiritual grounding.

Is all of this really some magnificent

accidental coincidence and speculation ?

Our earthly and celestial origins - mutual.

Perhaps it is no surprise then that

this connection and wonder continues ....

The Writing:

Moon Phases

Midnight companion

shining through the black heavenly shroud.

Celestial consoler ,

dark-sky influencer,

intervener..

Perpetual listener

and spark igniter -

flame of truth,

subconscious liberator.

Hemingway's conviction:

" The night is for rest"

Debunked!

The "I am" wakes in the dark night

The universe's cathedral illuminated

Waves roll.

The reflection glides-

selfless phases

for every time,

For every thing .

Who am I without you?

Who are you without one

to receive your glow

while guiding the tides?

Without this planet

you would not exist.

Without your presence

- I am not .

- JF Sobecki

------------

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs plus

July 1 , 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click the link below

( Click on the link below to listen and be )

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJC6dJTMsRGJl3yBWtvRc8MK&si=FtOit8r7YXHB_3k8

Coda:

One more short reflection and prayer

https://youtu.be/S0d9ck3sRw8?si=rq06XF-k3xwBhNM4

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired,

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Part 5:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

2026-05-31T04:30:32.878-07:00

[Note: This is the Fifth (and final) contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog post.This all started

with the witness and sharing of the Venerable Buddhist

Walk for Peace and a friend's reaction and what happened

and continues to occur with this writer.

(Thank you for your kind support and comments on this series.

I am humbled. )

" As the rain and the snow

come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower

and bread for the eater.

so is my word that goes out from my

mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but it will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which

I sent it

You will go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills

will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

will clap their hands.

IS 55: 10-12

"There is nothing permanent except change"

- Heraclitus

" I have seen all the works that are

done under the sun;

and behold , all is vanity and

chasing after the wind ."

Ecclesiastes 1;4

Inspirations and the Writing:

Sub Specie Aeternitas

Admittedly, this recent journey of recalling Zen-like moments

has focused on the magnificent overwhelming incidents of ineffable

experiences - moments of consolation and , dare I say , quiet illumination.

Yet, the deeper I dove the moments "'little victories" and everyday

occurrences , the more I awakened to the presence of the eternal spark.

A gentle stream of those simple

wonder-filled moments - bliss , Zen, consolation, illumination,

presence, flow , the eternal now and the cloud of unknowing

- continues to surface. I am humbled and grateful as these

remembrances arise.

What follows are two more recollections not considered

"significantly grand," but rather ones that left a flame burning on

my spirit that this seeker can not let go.

* The Zen of Fly Fishing

40 plus summers ago the seeker found his way to a Fly Fishing school

set in a pastoral Catskill valley.

The "father of fly fishing" in America , Lee Wulff, and his champion

fly caster wife were the proprietors and revered teachers.

Joan Wulff,the caster extraordinaire, observed how the novice

forced his casts with determined vigor,

jerking the rod and line that seemed to go anywhere except the

direction which he had envisioned.

She coached this student to let go and just be.

"Just let the rod and line be an extension of your body

and spirit. Relax.Take the rod and imagine waving it

gently like waving a flag with gentle joy

on the Fourth of July. Let it flow."

He did and almost miraculously changed everything. Victory!

The grand master, Lee Wulff, then guided a cadre of students to a local stream.

His soft,,experienced voice instructed them as they stood knee-deep

in the easy running water. Reaching down into the little eddy, he calmly

retrieved an insect floating innocently on the rippling surface.

A sudden smile spread across his wrinkled face as his eyes

glowed, piercing each of the gathered apprentices.

"Look at this . This little bug should not be here and watch the water ..."

as a local trout peaked through the slow ripples reaching for their meal.

Then this seventy-six year old, world renowned guru of rivers and streams,

joyously proclaimed ,

"Isn't life wonderful where one can learn something new everyday day?

All you have to do is just be - patient and present."

Fly fishing , the great peace - and the personal odyssey-

was never the same for this seeker student.

Sailing Serenity:

The seeker and his life companion decided that sailing might be

a way to enjoy the tranquility they sought.

Upon graduation with honors from "The Sailing School"

on the banks of the Chesapeake ,

they felt equipped enough to purchase their first sailboat.

On the day of launching their new vessel , a local

old salt observed their struggles in leaving the dock.

He offered his advice as they welcomed him aboard.

The two novice sailors were oblivious to the lake's sudden,

periodic wind shifts as the overconfident helmsman tried desperately

to keep the boat steady and on course.

Calm and deliberate, the old salt

counseled the pair, who were beginning to second guess

their decision. ,

"At times like these, when you feel you're losing control,

just let go of the tiller and she will right herself into the wind.

You know if you don't chase the wind. Adjust the sails

and just let the wind carry you

to where you think you want to go.""

The seeker -sailor did so, and the panic of losing control abated

as the sailboat rested calmly on the water ready to return to the journey..

"Letting go and not chasing the wind " became enduring

lessons - the wisdom the two sailors carried into managing

rough seas of every aspect of their quest.

" Well, it's not far down to paradise...

Oh , the canvas can do miracles.... sailing" - C. Cross

Amor Fati'

- JF Sobecki

( Sub Specie Aeternitas : "under the aspect of eternity."

Amor Fati : "A Stoic philosophy - love of fate , embrace everything")

------------

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry

June 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

There are some special videos here.

Click the link below

( Click on the link below to listen and be )

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJC0PWvIH2etMFyhFSQ_DbnW&si=fm5izYP7DOevqxlQ

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Coda:

Listen - be present - breathe ...what simple gifts do you recall ?

(click on link below)

https://youtu.be/baNueuDCue0?si=krLSFJg2N-CFevEo

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired,

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Part 4:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

2026-04-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

"Time present and time past

Are both perhaps in time future,

And time future contained in time past.

If all time is eternally present

All time is unredeemable.

- Burnt Norton , Four Quartets , T.S. Eliot

"Time is too slow for those who wait,

Too swift for those who live in fear,

too long for those who grieve , too short

for those who regret ,

but for those who love , time is eternity."

- Henry Van Dyke

" To set time in solitude is a period of contemplation ,

and being completely present. The purpose is not

to make a retreat but to welcome the retreat and

allow it to make you,

- Fr. Lou

"Set time to remember to remember ."

- Stephen Batchelor , Buddhism without beliefs

- The Moon waxes and wanes , a symbol of being born ,

growing , declining and rebirth ,- a reminder nothing is fixed -

everything moves through phases.

( multiple spiritual traditions)

- The Moon is not yours

yet it is not apart

- Zen Saying

[Note: This is the fourth contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog post and

to be continued this post and one fifth post. This all started

with the witness and sharing of the Venerable Buddhist

Walk for Peace and a friend's reaction and what happened

and continues to occur with this writer.]

Inspiration:

Tolstoy's seclusion and contemplation

was inspired by Thoreau's sequester

at Walden Pond -

who in turn was inspired by

eastern transcendentalists finding peace .

Buddha's disciples did the same as did

the religious ascetics seeking connection with the divine.

Jesus too would slip away into the silence.

St. Ignatius illuminated alone in a cave.

Merton in his hermitage wrote contemplating the mystery.

He often felt more connected to Buddhists monks

than with his own ordained brethren.

There is a time for solitude.

A time to remember, a time to be present,

and a time to savor every aspect

in the great expanse of the interconnectedness,

one's quest in the endless wisdom knot.

- April 13 , 2026 at The Maris Stella Retreat Center ,

Long Beach Island , NJ

(.... To be continued with more more post in this series

Part 5 - June 1, 2026)

The Writing :

The Endless Wisdom Knot

True gifts - in moments of the unexpected sacred.

Origins of the wind,

unknown -

No end in sight.

Gulls and a skein of geese in formation -

lifted - free - soaring.

Witness the waves breaking ,

brother moon's glow fading,

gray clouds providing

a narrow space -

for the brilliant gleam of the perpetual light.

In one breath

- clarity, satiated in

Mother Nature's safe harbor.

Prodigals and pilgrims welcomed -

all blessed , all loved -

without stipulations -

save presence ,

no supplications -

save gratitude.

The theophany -

of the endless wisdom knot

... the spirit takes flight,

prescient for the flower moon.

- JF Sobecki

------------

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry

May 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

There are some special videos here.

Click the link below

( Click on the link below to listen and be )

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJDPnw-BgXYevWkwoVEM51mp&si=iHOgazOcDsj3K7vU

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Coda:

Listen - be present - breathe

( This selection used on this pilgrim's recent retreat.

a musical- vocal "mashup" piece of different

religious and cultural traditions - prayer - peace,

grace - the great wisdom knot )

(Click on the link below)

https://youtu.be/cMYdm5cVEQs?si=zlCvx9-1EUj7-1v1

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well written and to the point , that is what I desired,

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Part 3:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

2026-03-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

Those who retrain their desire

do so as they are weak enough to be

restrained"

- Wm Blake

"How did it get so late so soon?"

- Dr. Seus

"Would you tell me please, which way I ought to

go from here?" Alice asked the cat.

The cat replied ."That all depends where you

want get to."

"I don't much care where' said Alice.

"Then it doesn't matter which way you go"

said the cat.

- Alice in Wonderland

[Note: This is the third contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog post and

to be continued in subsequent posts. This all started

with the witness and sharing of the Venerable Buddhist

Walk for Peace and a friend's reaction and what happened

and continues to occur with this writer.]

Inspiration:

Entering the portal of Erik Erikson's exploration of ego

integrity, the scattered points of my passage begin to align.

A forgotten piece of the puzzle stirs --

about to be illuminated ,

warming this pilgrim's spirit.

....To be continued

The Writing

The Way of Tea

Time does not move in straight lines.

It opens. It returns. It reveals.

Another long-forgotten encounter rises -

sparked by the memory of the Venerable Monks Walk for Peace.

A therapist, spiritual navigator , confidante and friend reached out

as this prodigal pilgrim's vessel strained sailing against life's storms.

Hi name , Kirk-- father of the witness who wept recently

as the monks passed in kindness and peace.

Kirks's lake house ---quiet, removed, a fitting threshold.

No explanations. A gentle smile.A gentle welcome

Two pilgrims mindfully step down to the yard in the back.

The lake wide . the sun descending placidly

behind the trees on the far coast of the still waters.

An altar waits:

a teapot of hot water, two ceramic bowls-

loose leaves within

Bamboo utensils,

linen, folded with care ...guardians

hymns to the silence.

Hands folded together heart center ---

Kirk bows, pilgrim returns a bow

acknowledging the sacred in each other

They sit - eyes meet .

Kirk forms a cup with his hands

The prodigal - follows ...

A bowl is placed---carefully --into open palms

Water is poured, a gesture shown:

cleansing the rim , then sipping the tea.

Together.

At last words - from the humble host:

"Chanoyou ---mindfulness, harmony ,

respect, tranquility."

A pause.

More words flow ---"An old friend --- Robert Kennedy,

a Jesuit, Psychoanalyst and Roshi.

A slight breath - inhaling/exhaling.

"This Roshi invited me to an inter-religious retreat.

I went...but after a few days, I told him ,

"I don't get it."

He said "At least you tried."

Kirk continues:

"I left .Days later --- here --- sitting by the lake --- at sunset ---

Eyes open - I said ...

"I get it."

The two then take a peaceful walk

passing an empty boat on the shoreline---

just two mindful shadows.

They speak of poetry, music, and Joseph Campbell.

No conferences or consultation

why the prodigal pilgrim came.

At their parting, Kirk speaks

with a kind smile and a hand

consoling the pilgrim's heart,

"Peace ...Courage."

Another time jump

More than twenty years hence

a room or retirees ...

a community gathered --

The pilgrim one pf this Jesuit Senior Volunteer Corps

Door opens No announcement,

no sacred hymn or chant.

Holy man enters -- long, dark robe flowing ( a kokomo).

The anointed mentor for this congregation -

speaking in a familiar soft voice:

"Let me introduce myself, I am

called Father and Roshi - Robert Kennedy

Recognition strikes ---sudden , undeniable.

Kirk's friend!

The heart stumbles ---

three, four beats lost.

The long lost story recalled---

the tea, the lake, the silence.

No need to speak

Another time jump

Here/Now ---awakening ---a pattern revealed:

another dot connected -

another piece finding its place

within the story of me...

quietly emerging-

" I get it!"

JF Sobecki

------------

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry

April 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

There are some special videos here.

Click the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJCHHspt23aXZb01sVzm5Iei&si=7YnvLbcX8tg5PKK1

Some music to take a moment for reflection...if you desire.

Do you have dots of your passage that have yet to be connected?

Is there a piece or two from your puzzle that needs to fit?

May peace be with you and yours all ways

This is a selection from the movie The Mission

A Spiritual Director once asked me to listen

to this piece while contemplating the words...

"I am with you al-ways."

Gabriel's Oboe
https://youtu.be/Ixby9BzJfEo?si=BRDlStyY9wFam3Lu

Coda:

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well told and to the point, that is what I desired;

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Part 2: The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

2026-02-28T03:57:00.000-08:00

[Note: This is the second contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog post and

to be continued in subsequent posts. This all started

with the witness and sharing of the Venerable Buddhist

Walk for Peace and a friend's reaction.]

As if summoned by seagulls, we come back to the beach

where we can cast of the shoes and our everyday cares

tell time by the tides and live in the moment

Our search for shells an echo of childhood

and the surf's refrain is music remembered

- author unknown

"Buddha means the awakened one."

- Wake up, Jack Kerouac

"All this happened more or less"

- Slaughterhouse Five , Kurt Vonnegut

"Remembrance is a form of meeting"

- Kahil Gibran

Inspiration & History :

Did you ever wonder why and how one event, moment, person,

book and on and on can so easily fire all those dormant memory synapses

bringing you back to one specific moment in your personal formation?

This is what the Buddhist Monk Walk for Peace and my friend's daughter's

reaction to witnessing the walk up close and personal and what the

experience did to me.

Within a New Jersey flash I was back at college in 1968.

My new found mentor who saved me by baptizing me into the

world of being an English Major referred me to a Russian literature

course and professor, Prof. Brody. The rationale was since I liked the book "Siddartha"

by Hermann Hesse and works by recently discovered Jack Kerouac

as well as Transcendentalist American writers Ralph Waldo Emerson

and Henry David Thoreau. I would like this Prof. Brody. I didn't \comprehend

the logic but was still learning and remain so today.

Brody's current class featured studying the works of Leo Tolstoy.

I read much by Tolstoy slowly becoming aware of how his works

became an inspiration for Mahatma Ghandi and how Ghandhi's

works and life inspired Martin Luther King.

But it was the fact how Tolstoy was inspired by my recent fav's,

Thoreau and Emerson that intrigued me. To be honest my only real

familiarity with Transcendentalism was founded in the Beatles meeting

with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,an advocate of Transcendental Meditation.

Beatle Goerge Harrison , my co-birthdate favorite,would

soon become an acolyte of eastern spirituality. I discovered how

Emerson and Thoreau were students of the Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads,

Tsao Tse Ching , Buddha , Krisna and on and on.

Inspired by the discovery I wrote a paper of the unique connection, the spiritual

synchronicity Eastern Spirituality -> Emerson/Thoreau ->Tolstoy -.

Gandhi -> MLK and of course a mention or two of the Beatles and the

current peace - anti- war movement in the '60's. Professor Brody was impressed

and suggested a potential rework to make it a scholar essay for possible publication.

I thanked him but did nothing further in terms of writing about this connection.

The recent Buddhist Monk Walk and that college baptism

almost 60 years ago - a mystical interconnectedness ,

... of my own Odyssey . A few pieces of the my own

puzzle begin to fall into place of my own quest.

.... To Be Continued

The Writing:

The Ballad of the Prodigal Pilgrim

A sudden snow squall blows, hiding the grit and

grime from sight.

Mystical words flow through pen to page,

filling flawed pages.

A lost soul reminds skeptical weathermen

that even grace is

ever-present, especially on bitter cold mornings.

Time is no time.

There is no thin red line, no gray area,

no safe harbor.

There is what was, what is, and what may be.

Yesterdays map the course

of what was.

Winds and waves carry sailors to where

and when they’re supposed to be.

The one who wakes just is.

No explanation necessary.

What is it that fuels a recollection, causing

proverbial passengers to become unstuck in time—

to that one oft-forgotten shining moment,

an incident once thought an insignificant

piece of one’s puzzle?

How did this wrinkle in time occur?

How does this piece contribute to the big picture?

Prodigal pilgrims get lost when they believe they know.

A voice in the wilderness echoes from that deep cavern within,

that it doesn’t matter if one knows where one is headed,

for the true quest is letting rivers flow

and tides roll where they will.

Geologists and delighted children

chasing every broken wave may or

may not appreciate the true history of

smooth, rounded beach gems.

Once large, rugged, broken chunks,

these soon-to-be gems were caught in

a landslide,

crashing into rambling rivers

that tumbled the random pieces,

bouncing them toward the welcoming sea.

Rough-edged stones roll,

rubbing the seabed and each other,

slowly being smoothed and polished.

Each has a story of its journey…

a beginning, an end, and a new

beginning.

The synchronicity of Divine Grandeur

suggests

that these pieces of stone may not

look back,

for all that happened contributing to

their becoming complete.

This place and time is where waves,

sandpipers, gulls, and pilgrims

admire these beached jewels,

as all are interdependent wayfaring strangers

on their their own journey.

- JF Sobecki

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Some songs and poetry

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen to one or more at one sitting without clicking

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry

March 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJCo9LO2fLzUn9Xntq25_MJP&si=jXRsn78Y7MxJ1tZZ

Coda:

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

Some music to take a moment for reflection...if you desire.

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Yo Yo Ma - Appalachian Waltz

https://youtu.be/-yxi1n8nD14?si=K4Fx1kPtfv57EkQ6

"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"If this is well told and to the point, that is what I desired;

if it is poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets - # I

2026-02-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Note: This contemplation is the first of Five Pieces

to be continued in subsequent posts.

"On the day of judgment , it matter more how devoutly one

has lived and what good works were done, rather than how

much was read."

- Thomas A'Kempis

Inspiration :

This pilgrim didn't realize the magnetic force of a group

of Venerable Monks walking for Peace would fuel

an avalanche of soul searching. Recollections of how

a piece of the great puzzle rediscovered fueled insights as to

how everything is connected and fits.

The Writing;

The Walk: Tears of Joy, Remembrance and Peace

Maybe April is not the cruelest month.

Sometimes when a soul enters that dark night as it wanders

it wonders if light will return. Belief in the experience doesn't suffice.

Faith fades and trust replaced with doubt . Weakened spirits forget experience

that all things pass . Sun sets, sun rises.

Yet, there is an eternal spark that refuses to fade. It requires a mystical

breath of unknown origin to be rekindled to flame.

Buddhists remind pilgrims, "you can't push a river."

For this accidental pilgrim that rekindling arrived without

the proclamation of a holiday parade. Rather, it was

a gentle walk - not protest nor political statement but a living

prayer of peace , hope and kindness. Step by step a line of

venerable Buddhist Monks making way from

Texas to Washington, DC..

Why and how did lost souls become drawn to this

Sangha making way on their journey. How and why was this

piece of the great puzzle of existence make appearance now?

What was its source? Does it fit , where and why?

Time wasted with a monkey mind.

The morning was breaking slow and grace filled. Being present

washed away the worry and fear. The wind blown chimes ceased their song.

An unexpected message appears on his small miracle of technology.

Was this a vision or reality ? It was a message and video from

a distant acquaintance , an in person witness to the procession

of monks. A flower in hand as tears flowed.

Tears of joy , remembrance and peace

This pilgrim joined the river of tears .

- JF Sobecki

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Something New:

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen one or more at one sitting without clicking

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry

February 1 , 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click on the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJDcY3mpFo5Ac5-okpE7E2oc&si=mo6y3dNYyNfeE65w

Coda: Faith, Trust and Purpose

Some music to guide your contemplation.

Music of eclectic different spiritual and religious perspectives

click on the link below

The Wisdom Knot

https://youtu.be/TJIbOsWfa3M?si=wAIduhs0t3phiful

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"If this is well told and to the point, that is what I

desired; if it is

poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Suscipe' 2026: A Time to Surrender to Hope and Kindness

2026-01-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

WARNING :

READERS BEWARE THIS IS SOMETHING

NEW AND DIFFERENT!

For the regular readers of this blog and even new visitors might find the approach and length of this particular post a tad different and a little longer that usual.

Be patient. A teacher asked me "How does one eat an elephant?"

I was lost as to how to respond to such a query.

The teacher provided just one minute to answer and said.

"One bite at a time. It is never good to bite off more than one can chew, right?"

So here it is . My suggestion is to savor any bit of this if you can.

I just hope you find something within this post worthwhile.

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches the soul."

- Emily Dickinson

" Hope is the spark , love is the flame ."

- Anonymous

"Surrender to the present...to hope and being"

-Att: Dalai Llama

Inspiration and Presentation:

Thinking about Auld Lang Syne , the Jesuit exercise of The Examen

came to mind where one reflects on the previous day, month , season or year

and contemplate where the divine,

hope , love, selflessness , peace were present.

Was I mindful of the blessings?

Or was I too preoccupied with with myself ,

with world and its promises and attachments?

Did I get lost in the worries , trials - on and

on and on?

Did I hold hope for the future - for myself, my

family, friends and those in need

throughout the world?

With the sound of winter's mystical winds

causing the chimes to sing outside my

window...I stopped and wondered:

"What about now? What about tomorrow ?

What about next year?

Have I learned anything about myself , others,

or even the great mysteries of the universe?

Then came the hard part - in two pieces.

First, what can I do about this?

second, How do I write about it or should I

even try?

After a few vain attempts, I was ready to

abandon the whole idea. So I distracted

myself by catching up on neglected emails.

Absentmindedly , I casually clicked open the familiar NY Times

- where, to my surprise, I

found an essay essay on a topic strikingly similar to

what I had been contemplating . A deeper dive

led me to a commencement address by writer

George Saunders . I was stunned - stopped in

my tracks.

He said nearly everything I had been thinking

or feeling. Had I read this before?

His words were so eloquent, so perfectly

expressed, that I considered setting aside my

own reflections entirely . Outside, the chimes

began to ring louder and louder -shaken by

the cold breeze sweeping up across

Chesapeake Bay.

So below is Saunder's commencement

speech. I hope you find it as hope-filled and

inspiring as I did - affirming ,somehow, that

my spirit may be traveling in the right

direction.

( This is the first occasion after 17 years of this blog that I have

deferred and given the featured

narrative or poem to another. Maybe there is a lesson here?)

The Writing:

Down through the ages, a traditional form has evolved

for this type of speech, which is: Some old fart, his best

years behind him, who, over the course of his life, has

made a series of dreadful mistakes (that would be me),

gives heartfelt advice to a group of shining, energetic young

people, with all of their best years ahead of them (that would be you).

And I intend to respect that tradition.

Now, one useful thing you can do with an old person, in

addition to borrowing money from them, or asking them to do

one of their old-time “dances,” so you can watch, while laughing,

is ask: “Looking back, what do you regret?” And they’ll tell you.

Sometimes, as you know, they’ll tell you even if you haven’t asked.

Sometimes, even when you’ve specifically requested they

not tell you, they’ll tell you.

So: What do I regret? Being poor from time to time? Not really.

Working terrible jobs, like “knuckle-puller in a slaughterhouse?”

(And don’t even ASK what that entails.) No. I don’t regret that.

Skinny-dipping in a river in Sumatra, a little buzzed, and looking

up and seeing like 300 monkeys sitting on a pipeline, pooping down

into the river, the river in which I was swimming, with my mouth

open, naked? And getting deathly ill afterwards, and staying sick

for the next seven months? Not so much. Do I regret the occasional

humiliation? Like once, playing hockey in front of a big crowd,

including this girl I really liked, I somehow managed, while

falling and emitting this weird whooping noise, to score on my

own goalie, while also sending my stick flying into the crowd,

nearly hitting that girl? No. I don’t even regret that.

But here’s something I do regret:

In seventh grade, this new kid joined our class. In the interest of

confidentiality, her Convocation Speech name will be “ELLEN.” ELLEN

was small, shy. She wore these blue cat’s-eye glasses that, at the time,

only old ladies wore. When nervous, which was pretty much always,

she had a habit of taking a strand of hair into her mouth and

chewing on it.

So she came to our school and our neighborhood, and was mostly

ignored, occasionally teased (“Your hair taste good?” — that sort of thing).

I could see this hurt her. I still remember the way she’d look after such

an insult: eyes cast down, a little gut-kicked, as if, having just been

reminded of her place in things, she was trying, as much as possible,

to disappear. After awhile she’d drift away, hair-strand still in her

mouth. At home, I imagined, after school, her mother would say,

you know: “How was your day, sweetie?” and she’d say, “Oh, fine.”

And her mother would say, “Making any friends?” and she’d go, “Sure, lots.”

Sometimes I’d see her hanging around alone in her front yard, as

f afraid to leave it.

And then — they moved. That was it. No tragedy, no big final hazing.

One day she was there, next day she wasn’t.

End of story.

Now, why do I regret that? Why, forty-two years later, am I still

thinking about it? Relative to most of the other kids, I was actually

pretty nice to her. I never said an unkind word to her. In fact,

I sometimes even (mildly) defended her.

But still. It bothers me.

So here’s something I know to be true, although it’s a little corny,

and I don’t quite know what to do with it:

What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.

Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me,

suffering, and I responded . . . sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly.

Or, to look at it from the other end of the telescope: Who, in your

life, do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth?

Those who were kindest to you, I bet.

It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I’d say,

as a goal in life, you could do worse than: Try to be kinder.

Now, the million-dollar question: What’s our problem? Why aren’t we kinder?

Here’s what I think:

Each of us is born with a series of built-in confusions that are probably

somehow Darwinian. These are: (1) we’re central to the universe

(that is, our personal story is the main and most interesting story,

the only story, really); (2) we’re separate from the universe

(there’s US and then, out there, all that other junk –

dogs and swing-sets, and the State of Nebraska and

low-hanging clouds and, you know, other people), and

(3) we’re permanent (death is real, o.k., sure – for you, but not for me).

Now, we don’t really believe these things – intellectually we k

now better – but we believe them viscerally, and live by them,

and they cause us to prioritize our own needs over the needs

of others, even though what we really want, in our hearts,

is to be less selfish, more aware of what’s actually happening

in the present moment, more open, and more loving.

So, the second million-dollar question: How might we DO this?

How might we become more loving, more open, less selfish,

more present, less delusional, etc., etc?

Well, yes, good question.

Unfortunately, I only have three minutes left.

So let me just say this. There areways. You already know that

because, in your life, there have been High Kindness periods

and Low Kindness periods, and you know what inclined you

toward the former and away from the latter. Education is good;

immersing ourselves in a work of art: good; prayer is good;

meditation’s good; a frank talk with a dear friend; establishing

ourselves in some kind of spiritual tradition — recognizing that

there have been countless really smart people before us who have

asked these same questions and left behind answers for us.

Because kindness, it turns out, is hard — it starts out all rainbows

and puppy dogs, and expands to include . . . well, everything.

One thing in our favor: some of this “becoming kinder” happens

naturally, with age. It might be a simple matter of attrition: as we g

et older, we come to see how useless it is to be selfish — how illogical,

really. We come to love other people and are thereby counter-instructed

in our own centrality. We get our butts kicked by real life, and people

come to our defense, and help us, and we learn that we’re not separate,

and don’t want to be. We see people near and dear to us dropping

away, and are gradually convinced that maybe we too will drop away

(someday, a long time from now). Most people, as they age, become l

ess selfish and more loving. I think this is true. The great Syracuse poet,

Hayden Carruth, said, in a poem written near the end of his life,

that he was “mostly Love, now.”

And so, a prediction, and my heartfelt wish for you:

as you get older, your self will diminish and you will

grow in love. YOU will gradually be replaced by LOVE.

If you have kids, that will be a huge moment in your

process of self-diminishment. You really won’t care what

happens to YOU, as long as they benefit. That’s one reason

your parents are so proud and happy today. One of their

fondest dreams has come true: you have accomplished s

omething difficult and tangible that has enlarged you as a

person and will make your life better, from here on in, forever.

Congratulations, by the way.

When young, we’re anxious — understandably — to find out if

we’ve got what it takes. Can we succeed? Can we build a viable life

for ourselves? But you — in particular you, of this generation — may

have noticed a certain cyclical quality to ambition. You do well in

high-school, in hopes of getting into a good college, so you can do

well in the good college, in the hopes of getting a good job, so you can

do well in the good job so you can . . .

And this is actually O.K. If we’re going to become kinder, that process

has to include taking ourselves seriously — as doers, as accomplishers,

as dreamers. We have to do that, to be our best selves.

Still, accomplishment is unreliable. “Succeeding,” whatever that

might mean to you, is hard, and the need to do so constantly renews

itself (success is like a mountain that keeps growing ahead of you as

you hike it), and there’s the very real danger that “succeeding” will take

up your whole life, while the big questions go untended.

So, quick, end-of-speech advice: Since, according to me, your life is going

to be a gradual process of becoming kinder and more loving: Hurry up.

Speed it along. Start right now. There’s a confusion in each of us, a

sickness, really: selfishness. But there’s also a cure. So be a good

and proactive and even somewhat desperate patient on your own

behalf — seek out the most efficacious anti-selfishness medicines,

energetically, for the rest of your life.

Do all the other things, the ambitious things — travel, get rich, get

famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim

naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)

– but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.

Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the

things that would reduce you and make you trivial. That luminous part of

you that exists beyond personality — your soul, if you will — is as bright

and shining as any that has ever been. Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as

Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Teresa’s. Clear away everything that keeps

you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists, come to

know it better, nurture it, share its fruits tirelessly.

And someday, in 80 years, when you’re 100, and I’m 134, and we’re both

so kind and loving we’re nearly unbearable, drop me a line, let me know

how your life has been. I hope you will say: It has been so wonderful.

Congratulations, Class of 2013.

I wish you great happiness, all the luck in the world, and a

beautiful summer.

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Something New:

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen one or more at one sitting without clicking

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry

January 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click on the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJBN-L4c8MC_iSJi-zvulruz&si=2qiGTIaD2x7ZgnpS

(Please let me know if this works and if you like it)

Coda: Something further for your contemplation

Sit back sing along or reflect on the song...etc.

https://youtu.be/ZGWgthLT3ew?si=zwoRwOa_A7ZJfBDD

Whether you "believe" or not...this might be interesting:

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others, be selfless ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

"If this is well told and to the point, that is what I

desired; if it is

poorly done , it was the best I could do."

- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39

AMDG

Yin Yang Holiday

2025-12-01T05:54:00.000-08:00

( Sometimes we need to recall why seasons need to repeat over and over.

It is good need to "remember to remember".)

Confronted by the ghost of Jacob Marley ,his former business partner

Scrooge observed Marley wearing weights and chains. The ghost said he earned

them in his life. Scrooge said “But, you were a good man of business.

The ghost replied “Business!Business! Mankind was my business.

The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance,

and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade

were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

- A Christmas Carole, C. Dickens

RELIGIOUS FANATICS ONLY :

-A Charlie Brown Story..... Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy.

Lucy explained how it was "Christmas" and explained further that this was the

time of year to "spread joy, caring, compassion, giving, peace and love."

Charlie Brown wondered to Lucy "Why do we do these things at "Christmastime"

and why can't we do these things and be that way all year round?"

Lucy yelled at Charlie Brown , "What are you some type of religious fanatic?"

- (Att: C. Schulz)

The Inspiration:

Feeling sorry himself - the imperfect pilgrim-

and the seeming lack of concern

for his holiday virus ,

he departs the family gathering wrapped in

self pity.

Disappointed with self and the situation

as three grandchildren ran hug him farewell and

wishing that he would feel better - one saying

" I hope to see you soon" ---

- his heart and soul awakened to gratitude.

Driving through the cloudy cold country

roads

he remembers words of the Obi-Wan:

"Unfortunately these end-of-the-year holiday

celebrations have become instrumental

to he grand scheme of marketers promoting

a fantasy of complete joy, peace and love,

regardless of one's personal experience.

Yes, we feel the need to be grateful, giving

love,

and to live peace...but that is not the reality

for most. Sadness and fear are often

the prevailing moods in the season of joy.

The hungry, the poor, the lonely,

the unemployed,

the homeless, the sick and those hoping that someday

the jobs of defending freedom will become

obsolete - are all real.

It is said that this time of year is an ending

with a grand beginning or birth.

As anyone can tell you the process

of birth is not always an easy one ."

The pilgrim bowed his head in humility and

a reconciliation needed ... as one heavenly light

guides his journey home.

-----

The Writing:

Yin Yang Holiday

No thing is static.

Sometimes times are good,

sometimes not so much.

Sometimes words are just right,

sometimes not so much.

Sometimes feelings perfect,

sometimes not so much.

Yet, the master says, "No mud , no lotus."

The darkness of the night of the soul

is said to be the beginning of the awakening.

The reminder that the raft is not the shore

helps us recall one that the process, the

practice, the beliefs

are not the goal .

Life is those moments , people and practices,

indicating a grace, a promise , a light --

... and visions surface--- new births:

the first night I met my missing piece ;

the blessing of arrival of our first childl;

and the angelic hymns proclaiming

joy to the world

at the birth of our second child

In a flash

the spirit restored - reborn.

The storms subside , a light shines, and

prayers commence -

.... they call this Advent.

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

The Journey of the Magi - TS Eliot ( Read by Hugh Laurie)

https://youtu.be/qyas4QpWM-E?si=IJWe4bLW5bJKbVYp

Give All to Love - RW Emerson ( read by R. Armitage)

https://youtu.be/FrsTPdEWI84?si=_saTCwUNCVxSRxjC

----

Music: some unusual but hopefully

poignant choices for your reflection-

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Fairytale of New York - S. MacGowan ( performed at his funeral

https://youtu.be/6s8lvnSmISc?si=Q77jnzU0zIWA3ZxU

Running To Stand Still - Bono

https://youtu.be/8EAuep7vUdQ?si=HRAy2jvV_Arpmitw

Getting Ready For Christmas Day - P. Simon

https://youtu.be/DA81JjI40V0?si=B6rZ-FYOeISWMeNN

Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

https://youtu.be/bjQzJAKxTrE?si=IItiNHEajZwVkQ89

Cry of a Tiny Babe - Bruce Cockburn

https://youtu.be/uq1PpZKMBl8?si=5n0x5R0MNBr756nw

-----

Coda: Something further for your contemplation

Best Seasonal Commercial

https://youtu.be/6PH88aAL7hU?si=z5tVVAXTkl-ls96y

The Night We Met - Lord Huron

https://youtu.be/KtlgYxa6BMU?si=vHByGOicPnmCc8q4

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

December Celebrations - 22 nd L Bday, 27th - C Bday & J/G -1st met,

28th - F Bday & 29th J/G - 1st Date

AMDG

What Really Matters:There is No Them

2025-10-31T04:42:00.000-07:00

The Inspiration:

A famous life coach and author, Stephen Covey ,

promoted and practiced a popular exercise

where one would imagine their own retirement dinner or

funeral and think what words that family , friends and colleagues

may use to describe you- your life.

I would use forms of this exercise with corporate clients and

college students alike. (total at least a 1000 plus.)

It was very rare that respondents would use words

that described professional achievements or attachments

to things...i.e. jewelry , homes, boats, cars etc , or

financial wealth, career success , ego and status etc etc..

The most prevalent words and descriptions and responses

include : loving ; caring for and helpful others ; friendly ; peace filled ;

ethical; integrity; truth-filled; collaborative, creative, risk taker..

(concern for the common good) and spiritual.

Discussions would ensue about the reality of the world we live in,

the awareness of personal imperfections and and how and

when we exhibit those essential personal qualities we discussed

as to how we may want to be remembered .

It would become clear that these are the aspects of our journey

that really matter.

-----

The Writing:

What Really Matters: There is No Them

We are here to exist in relationship with

all creation;

everything and everyone is of the mystical

divine majesty.

We are here to be authentic contributors -

to respond and to serve,

wherever and however we can -

sometimes by lending an ear,

sometimes by lending a hand,

knowing when to speak,

and when and how to listen.

At times, it is simply a matter

of just sitting in grateful silence.

At times , it is leaping into the fray

to offer something- somehow- to someone

whose heart is weary.

At Times, it is sensing

when a smile is needed,

or when a shared tear

is the greatest consolation .

And at times it is taking

that modest gift we carry

and offering it to the great play

lifting the spirits

of wandering souls.

Remember this:

it is not -

it has never been --

- about just you or me alone.

it is, and always will be,

about us.

There is no them

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Some things are just worth repeating.

For What Binds Us - Jane Hirshfield

https://youtu.be/MQb5g5CISn4?si=-pSB5Ze75P4grn08

"What will your verse be? (Dead Poets Society)

https://youtu.be/-7OE6bDfM2M?si=aXHOD2UcdPp2ypfD

----

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Invisible - U2

https://youtu.be/HqqDExc8TF4?si=RxkDeme1M8K_z0MT

Get Together - Youngbloods

https://youtu.be/7xGxQXmu7Os?si=g72Ij5-1-JbP_Acf

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such times and Still Live

- Ry Cooder

https://youtu.be/LI0BtL_6Y50?si=lT_p15RHvppJY3H2

-----

Coda: Something further for your reflection

* The World Bank states that in using a poverty line of $6.85/day

for middle income countries is estimated at 3.5 billion people ,

or 44% of the world's population, live under that poverty line.

* Research indicates that even with significant differences

the major religions and spiritual practices around the world

they share the following common perspectives and themes:

- Compassion and love - how we treat others

- promote human welfare and reduce suffering

- Practice loving kindness all ways

- All life ( existence) is connected.

- A good life is measured by your kindness to others

- Seek truth, wisdom and understanding

- Be grateful , present and aware of each moment

- There is a higher purpose in life than materialism

- Service to and care of others ( especially those

who cannot help themselves)

https://www.findhelp.org/

"We sanctify all we are grateful for"

- Anthony DeMello

Have a blessed and Healthy Thanksgiving!

AMDG

Morning Matins: Breathing Under Water

2025-09-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

"We are the drop of water rising up , joining with the drops

in a cloud until in a blink of the cosmic eye the drop falls

returning to the expansive sea from whence it came...back home."

- Adapted from a Buddhist teacher

"Every moment and every event of

every person's life on earth plants

something in our soul. For just as the wind

carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment

brings with it germs of spiritual vitality

that comes to rest imperceptibly in the minds

and wills of everyone. Most of these

unnumbered seeds perish and are

lost, because we are not prepared to receive them:

for such seeds as these spring up

anywhere except in the soil of freedom, spontaneity and love.

- New seeds of Contemplation. Thomas Merton

Inspiration :

Waking in the morning can be a most mystical gift.

Sometimes rest and sleep do not arrive as we intend.

It can be restless, filled with passages into rabbit holes

that make Alice's experience seem like metaphors

while other storylines contain some hidden truths

or fears sparked by exaggerated interpretation

of the real.

Yet, when the wandering brain and body

signal it is time to return to the world's vibrancy,

there is no conscious awareness of the science that fuels

the moment of morning's reverie.

Sometimes - just sometimes -the divine

gift of epiphany

arrives in that dawning without warning or

prophecy.

The wonder returns.

The Writing:

Morning Matins: Breathing Under Water

Crickets chirping and morning bird songs

proclaim humble sweet gratitude.

Dark shadows of night evaporate

as the gleam of the forthcoming

brilliance begins to wash over

resting silent landscape.

The last flowers of summer

submit an offering of one final

proclamation of blessedness.

Nature's tranquility, evidence

- of the mystical

caresses with waves of grace.

A rekindled spark of a sanctified sanctuary

gifts the constancy of unconditional love

with gentle cosmic winds of mercy.

The sound of soft rolling waves on the shore line

sweep away the footprints of authentic

prayer-filled pilgrims,

gulls and scampering sandpipers.

A red bead of sun peeks over the horizon illuminating

and warming the waiting third planet

as she moves on in her journey.

Yet some insecure sentients deem this sanctuary

imperfect,

contriving plans to disrupt the grandeur of

the great cathedral.

The morning matins of wayfaring strangers

as if breathing under water,

conjure tears of deliverance -

fearing the universe's divine majesty

as it may abandon everything -

starting anew somewhere else in the great expanse.

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

A Day

I'll tell you how the sun rose-

A ribbon of a time.

The steeples swam in amethyst,

The news like squirrels ran

The hills untied their bonnets,

The bobolinks begun.

Then I said softly to myself,

"That must have been the sun!"

But how he set , I know not.

There seemed a purple stile

Which yellow boys and girls

Were climbing all the while

Till when they reached the other side,

A domine in grey

Put gently up the evening bars,

And led the flock away.

- E. Dickinson

Sandpiper - E. Bishop

https://youtu.be/y23xgttkUs0?si=qCr2NdnDdY3jlEF6

----

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Morning Has Broken - C. Stevens(Yusuf)

(Dawn at White House- Jesuit Retreat ,St. Louis, Mo)

https://youtu.be/e0TInLOJuUM?si=RmHWvT8OKbtn1DoO

Morning - Beck

https://youtu.be/UvKbBkiYN9Y?si=ifkK07uI5rNCcnHn

New Morning - B. Dylan

https://youtu.be/99s-B9YoGPA?si=Qwm_FNQYMI8TEEQ7

Light of the Clear New Morning- Conspirare

https://youtu.be/TkrIQ0XEeFU?si=XpLWYqJivM-0iOkj

-----

Coda: Something extra special for your consideration

and reflection ( wait until the end)

Intention and Kindness - W. Dyer

https://youtu.be/vmGQev-obBk?si=mKnKJQ7JwTV0DJ8p

AMDG

Humble Contemplation and the Art of Ageing

2025-08-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

"You cannot travel the path until you become the path itself."

- Buddha

"Three things in human life are important. The first is

to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is

to be kind"

- Henry James

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anymous"

- (Att) A. Einstein

"Remembrance is a form of meeting"

- Kahil Gibran

"It is not how much we read or accumulated that matters .

It is how we have lived , loved and served"

- (adapted) Thomas A' Kempis

Inspiration :

While organizing a series of "legacy projects" ...sort of selecting

bits and pieces of my life journey to date for my grandchildren

as "something to leave behind. "

Something happened.

While trying to organize different chapters of my passage.

Pieces of a long lost puzzle magically appear falling into place

by the power of a cosmic source.

Memories once lost begin to resurface like a river busting

through a dam overwhelming the heart . Unbridled emotions :

smiles, tears , gratitude , humility , joys , faces, places ,events

and the changes and the losses ...the glass once half full overflowing.

Mandala

_________

The Writing:

Humble Contemplation and Art of Ageing

Meheil, the ever-present angel of inspiration whispers,

"Who knows where the time goes? You have many stories

and the one's you recall are the one's that sanctified you.

Learn from them . Share them as others may remember.

Release the ego.

Release the desire and its shadows.

You are here now . Every thing and everyone has purpose.

Life's purpose is to be completely yourself

without pride, without reward,

without the hunger for recognition.

This moment is reality.

The path that brought you here -

the joys , the sorrow or indifference --

is the mandala of your arrival,

- soon to be swept away.

Every beginning has an end and every ending has

a new beginning..."

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

Oh me! Oh life!

Oh me! Oh life! of the questions
of these recurring.
Of the endless trains of faithless,
of cities filed with the foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself,
( for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light,
of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew'd,
Of the poor results, of the plodding
and sordid crowds I see around me,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest,
with the rest me intertwined,
The question,O me! so sad , recurring---
What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer,
That you are here ---that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute
---a verse

- W. Whitman

Swimming , One Day in August

It is time now , I said

for the deepening and quieting of the spirit

among the flux of happenings.

Something has pestered me so much

I thought my heart would break.

I mean the mechanical part.

I went down in the afternoon

to the sea

which held me, until I grew easy.

About tomorrow , who knows anything.

Except that it will be time again,

for the deepening and quieting of the spirit.

- Mary Oliver

----

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Dear Time - J. Browne,S. Martin, A.Brown,J.Hanna

(my current theme for my daily reflections)

https://youtu.be/v_yJFbvOkXs?si=0chTmtTqkmWBDs5Z

Who Knows Where the Time Goes- Fairport Convention

(R. Thompson)

https://youtu.be/OkOB57UcYk8?si=Fg3VcdOkmy7ABfCs

Memory Lane - V. Morrison

https://youtu.be/gRbsj2HooGw?si=lMt92LdKVJyEl_lH

To Leave Something Behind - S. Rowe

https://youtu.be/mSgnC5eQ5u0?si=BsWxOJ-S1JhCUZCK

-----

Coda: Some extras for your reflection

The Circle Game - T. Rush ( J. Mitchell)

https://youtu.be/dURdp9tXa6k?si=zTw2dzFkxpCv2GQo

The Biggest Regret of an 80 year old - G. Mate'

https://youtu.be/K0yqlInedZM?si=qUfcAJchfLnXhzWE

(Happy Birthday - G)

Remembering Labor Day --- for all those who work, have worked.

and want to work ....

AMDG

A Metanoia Anniversary pt 17

2025-08-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

The News of my death is greatly exaggerated"

- Mark Twain

meta -naoia

: a transformative change of heart, a new perspective, turning point,

"He not busy being born is busy dying"

- Bob Dylan, It's Alright Ma

"Where your treasure is , there is your heart also."

- Matt 6:212

"Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses

that were rated the most passionate, the most pure. This one

left them all behind."

- The Princess Bride

Inspiration :

The ride had been mostly a mostly gentle sail.

Many days of letting wind and waves carry this

vessel availing this sailor to the ascent to peace.

Moments of fierce storms soon arrived shifting

me of course and the task of getting back

was almost impossible. Faith and courage waned as

the journey seemed out of control .Then the big knock

down arrived.The cardiologist said "You need heart surgery."

On Thursday July 31, 2008 , the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, I

found myself at a noon mass at a local Jesuit Retreat House.

Spartan attendance was the norm for these liturgies but on

this day the small chapel was filled to leaving many in attendance

standing. Fr. Gerry , the celebrant, informed the gathered believers

that I was scheduled to have open heart surgery on Monday August 4 .

A great gasp echoed throughout. Gerry then invited everyone to

participate in the Sacrament of Healing for me by laying hands

on me in prayer. Humility and gratitude grew.

The blessings began. My tears flowed like an underserved

prodigal.

While departing the chapel the Jesuit guru of the house,Fr. Tom,

satat the exit-way grabbing me gently whispering into my ear

"You know, I heard that this works."

The following Monday waiting with palms perspiring

in pre-surgery the surgeon invited Ginny for one more visit .

My attempt at being the strong positive one was a poor mask.

Ginny saw right through me and gave me a kiss

that I can still feel seventeen years later.It was the blessing I had not expected.

It was the kiss that exceeded the kiss of the Princess Bride.

I was unaware just how much everything was about to change again.

---------

The Writing:

A Metanoia Anniversary pt 17

"To Every thing there is a season, and

a time for every purpose under heaven "

- Eccl. 3:2

Seventeen years ago today

The sacred heart band taught this troubadour

What it means... to be.

Burned out working within the ivy walls

The student led the teacher..as it should be..

Fateful Ash Wednesday with nothing to lose

The collegial pastor marks the spot.

The retreating sun that day continued to mark a turn in

The wandering pilgrim's road .

A late night phone call, an interview,

a cosmic intervention.

The sojourner introduced to a new world

where faith and work overlapped.

Ying and yang.

Time and the journey never stands still.

Pieces of the puzzle falling perfectly into place.

Another accidental encounter leads

To a new invitation , a silent retreat.

The paralyzed prodigal was about to

lowered into the holy presence.

The seeker then is recommended

to a place of holy ground

within a stone's throw from his home.

There a guide to the spiritual realm continued to nourish

the prodigal's thirst and slow return.

The deep dive began as his worldly passage

begins spinning faster and faster.

Dizzied and heartache brings him to

the expert in matters of the heart .

The grand physician informs the lost soul

of his broken heart. A repair is urgent.

Hours before the chest being cracked open

the half hearted lost wanderer landed in the upper room

at the grace-filled place where those convened

placed there their hands in Sacrament on the pilgrim.

The healing, the transformation, the butterfly about

to break free into flight.

The heart repaired , ribs wired together.

The weak spark rekindled into flame-

Heart on fire , a metanoia being born.

Eyes are opened to see truth, purpose, compassion,

selflessness , peace , love and faith.

Every thing , every moment , every encounter ,

every place , the words of inspiration and encouragement

through both the calm and stormy seas

was all that broken hungry heart really needed.

Finisterre ... an ending - a beginning.

- JF Sobecki

--------

Poetry: some words and ideas to contemplate

(Please click on links underneath the video)

St. Ignatius' Day (8/2008)

Wel,it was St. Ignatius' Day

The presiding prelate put his hands on me

No words needed as the paralytic was lowered

Into the sanctified presence.

Immersed in the desire to be free

A proclaimed consecrated "exercise"

was suggested by the advocate.

Slowly silently slipping away

When the the community gathered

That had filled the upper room

Laid their hands on this frail worn creation.

A smudge of oil , spirit lifting higher and higher

Oh gentle intercessory prayers

It was St. Ignatius' Day

Fear need a dose.of love and

a confession of faith

Many demons to be slayed

No doubt they were real

Two standards recalled and contemplated

Simple choice

Hold me, hold me don't let me fall

Within the deepest silence

a voice sings out for love echoes

falling into grace

Would this suffice?

Was my desire to please be

satisfactory for hope

I fell to my weakened knees

It was St. Ignatius' Day

Leading by being led

A lighthouse above the breaking waves

From the storms

Shining the great beacon on

this fragile essence to

the safety of the shoreline.

Disappointed with my doubt

Tears of joy -

Pouring like eternal wine from a chalice

The prodigal pilgrim sanctified

From the abundant unconditional benevolence.

The lost vessel with filled with cosmic mercy,

consolations of peace while the

fear washed away with the withdrawing tide.

Nourished by the solemn invocation,

Humbled and grateful

This wounded bird took to flight.

- JF Sobecki

For What Binds Us - J. Hirshfield

https://youtu.be/MQb5g5CISn4?si=W5FXRHS9RRe8p9xA

Life is a Walking - Good Buffalo Eagle

https://youtu.be/ZQYPlEoU9ko?si=5E8i-DZmhCzsS2Yl

----

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

Second Chances - G. A. Isakov

https://youtu.be/makCY8JSqgE?si=7OcM3izuwd1zUtGg

A Promise of Living - A. Copeland

https://youtu.be/bLM_YTnmLto?si=P1-W1B25CndmwjVk

One Fine Day - D. Byrne

https://youtu.be/JvlT5fBIi4U?si=alyDyJIDZQxWs5oK

-----

Coda: Some extras for your reflection

Field of Dreams - "Is there a heaven?'

https://youtu.be/b_wnD6jxREU?si=pWu2d8CGnWr3e6ZW

(I'm not crying are you crying?)

Prayer- Beach Boys

https://youtu.be/X76ejh4EIV4?si=65-4YAWLRpejPaI4

A prayer of gratitude to all my "companions" I met

and continue to meet along the way.

!7 years since this Second Chance Dance Blog began to pour out.

AMDG

Lucky:The Pilgrim and The Sherpa

2025-07-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

" When in doubt just be...

present and your authentic self."

- Unknown

"Follow your Bliss"

- Joseph Campbell

"A small group of explorers were guided through

the Himalayas by one compassionate

sherpa helping the companions on the

journey. He would sing, raising and taking down

the traveller's tents , cooking meals , carrying and pulling

supplies and equipment, navigating the

small collective through the dangerous terrain

of the infamous mythical mountains.

One of the group was consistent sharing

his gratitude to the sherpa for his care and service.

The sherpa humbly explained it was just his job,

"no reason to be thanked," he said softly.

One night a most fierce winter storm

devastated the group's encampment.

Lives and equipment lost - destroyed.

The sherpa missing , one sole survivor,

the grateful explorer.

The survivor - weak, hungry and

in pain collapsed unconscious.

He woke covered in in multiple blankets

with group of monks carrying him to

a distant hidden magnificent Buddhist monastery.

There the man was bathed ,

fed and dressed with a fresh monk tunic.

One young contemplative gently invites

the man to meet the great guru,

the Abbot of the monastery .

On their way to the audience the man was told

all of this was a gift from the Guru who was

thankful that this adventurer

had graced their home, their temple.

When the Abbot unceremoniously entered the chamber

the refreshed traveler stood up ,

eyes wide opened ...smiling ear to ear

recognizing that this Guru

was the same sherpa who had been servant caring

for the man and his companions on their passage.

- A Zen Story by Anthony DeMello SJ (Adapted)

Inspiration :

Seasons roll on and questions grow deeper. Beliefs are challenged,

old baggage and wounds explored. New roads and rivers

along unending mountains appear.

No easy choices. No easy answers. Desiring something more

lasting than the worldly promise of brass rings and rewards.

Sometimes a guide, a sherpa, a voice in the wilderness suddenly

surfaces at unexpected cross roads.

The journey enters a restrained metamorphic season .

Seeds of purpose , authenticity , relationships , presence ,

and letting go begin to flourish . Lucky ?

Synchronicity.

The Writing:

Lucky: The Pilgrim and The Sherpa

As leaves turn brown some creatures become concerned

about the wind and the rain . Memories of the birth of the

once-budding trees and flowers,

and streams being relieved from spring

rain are not forgotten.

Walking into the dimly lit waiting room -

adorned with paintings of European Cathedrals -

the pilgrim had no idea his expectations

were about to be changed forever.

What followed was an unexpected

emotional, intellectual , spiritual

and psychological transformation.

Kirk , the therapist , welcomed the seeker

into an unmapped Odyssey.

Their conversations -- on poetry, music,

books, spiritual fabric of the universe -

led the pilgrim into

a rabbit hole of discovery.

Kirk was more of a navigator than captain,

more Sherpa than sailor.

One navigates the sea,

the other the soul.

Kirk gently advised:

"A helmsman can weather rough

seas and right the vessel by letting go. "

The pilgrim was a good student but slow learner.

He grew more comfortable with the idea of

egoless expectations and silent desires.

The two set out sailing into the deep.

Kirk, slowly peeling back the layers,

shared the story of his own passage..

The walls separating the heart from the soul, the intellect

and body began to crumble .

The reason for their relationship faded into yesterday.

A new chapter began:

Conversations on spirituality .

Attending The Dodge Poetry Festival, where their soulmate

philosopher-poets welcomed searchers

into their cosmic fold.

Lake sailing .

Zen tea ceremonies.

Musical jam sessions.

This spiritual journey - infused with wisdom,

art and silence---

was not what the pilgrim expected .

It was, however, exactly what both needed.

Kirk had shared a draft of his autobiography , Lucky.

The pilgrim noticed something missing:

the story of the "Failed Retreat."

Kirk, a lapsed Catholic, had once been invited by

his Jesuit Priest-Roshi (Buddhist monk) to an

interreligious retreat.

After a day or so ,Kirk told his priest friend ,

"I'm leaving.I don't get it.".

The sun set and rose a few more times.

Then, on a memorable morning Kirk woke

thinking ---

I get it!

When the pilgrim first heard that story, he thought

of the cathedral paintings in Kirk's office.

"You can take the boy of the church",he mused,

" but you can't take the church out of the boy.

Smiling , Kirk advised, "Write that down."

The seasons began to roll by faster .

The lives of the two friends drifted apart,

leaving space for occasional messages and calls.

One night after returning from a weekend with

his family the pilgrim checked his home phone.

It was the voice of Kirk's son.

The friend who helped him with solving

life's puzzle ---his guide --- had passed.

The Jedi in training now on his own.

At the wake in Kirk's home a heartbroken

daughter welcomed the somber seeker.

"My father spoke of you," She said,

"and I know some of your secrets."

Looking into the pilgrim's eyes, she shared something else:

On his deathbed ,

Kirk had looked up and said ,

"Help me pray."

Tears slipped down his face.

He was momentarily puzzled ---

then came his "ah-ha" moment.

- His life was his prayer.

And his prayer, his life.

- JF Sobecki

--------

Poetry: some words and ideas to contemplate

A few selections from a couple of Kirk's favorite Poets.

(Please click on links underneath the video)

News of Death

Last night they came with news of death

not knowing what I would say.

I wanted to say,

"The green wind is running through the fields

making the grass lie flat."

I wanted to say,

"The apple blossom flakes like ash

covering the orchard wall.

I wanted to say,

"the fish float belly up in the slow stream,

stepping stones to the dead."

They asked if I would sleep that night,

I said I did not know.

For the loss I could not speak,

the tongue lay idle in a great darkness,

the heart was strangely open,

the moon had gone,

and it was then

when I said, "He is no longer here"

that the night put its arms around me

and all the white stars turned bitter with grief.

- David Whyte

The Layers

https://youtu.be/wk6xW41EFoA?feature=shared

Everything is Waiting for you - D. Whyte

https://youtu.be/MgQf5tx1hi4?feature=shared

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

and reflection

(Please click on links underneath the video)

One Of These Days - N. Young

( Consider this an apology and a start)

https://youtu.be/XtRTA4u5QkU?si=6OgQc-WZV9LUC8-B

Rivers and Roads - Head and Heart

https://youtu.be/2gQLzoy5Jts?feature=shared

Any Road - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/KCOFOWwCZdc?si=UXZc3vgIyR_A67z_

Simple Gifts- Yo Yo Ma/Allison Kraus

https://youtu.be/baNueuDCue0?feature=shared

Coda: Some additional considerations for your reflection..

Remember who touched you while on your busy passage.

Hope - Bill Moyers ( R.I.P.) w Wendell Berry

(For Kirk [R.I.P.] Thank you for introducing me to B.Moyers- w The

Power of the Myth and The Dodge Poetry Festival and

your guidance and friendship)

https://youtu.be/2j_r4jb9AYw?feature=shared

The Holy Longing -J.W. VonGoethe (Favorite Poem Project)

https://youtu.be/8YWoOj5mJMo?feature=shared

And we always need and benefit from a healthy laugh ....

(Kirk would have laughed)

Dalai Llama Walks into a Pizza Shop

https://youtu.be/WZy02_OFErk?feature=shared

AMDG

The Pebble

2025-05-31T08:26:00.000-07:00

"The greatest disease in the west today is not TB or Leprosy;

it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for .We can cure

diseases with medicine , but the only cure for loneliness, despair,

and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are

dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for

a little love. The poverty of the West is a different kind of

poverty --- it is not only a poverty of loneliness

but also of spirituality. There is a hunger for love, the is a hunger

for the Divine."

- Saint Mother Teresa

Inspiration :

An executive on her way to a meeting noticed a homeless woman

she had passed time to time . The woman executive stopped ,

bought a sandwich for the woman. During her conversation

the executive learned how this destitute spirit became broken.

After a few years of serving sandwiches to the homeless

this executive left her corporate world to create a non for profit

to help the homeless by teaching them how to help themselves.

The organization grew rapidly around the U.S.

to over 200,000 volunteers in 43 states.

She received the "Points of Light Award"

from President H.W. Bush.

This pilgrim then met with this executive seeking her counsel

as to starting a not for profit service for the unemployed.

The compassionate executive placing her hand on mine,

"When you are ready your heart will know', adding,

"a helping hand can also be in the small things."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karen_Olson

This searcher in disguise then shared

the previous meeting with another

successful well respected empath female exec.

He trusted her impeccable judgment and ability

to see right through to the heart of the matter.

Listening intently a smile stretched across her face,

"You know you are filled with the spirit.

Whatever path you follow, be the pebble

the ripples will do the rest ."

https://www.ehstoday.com/safety/article/21914708/former-csb-chairman-dies

A consoling voice murmurs from

within a transcendental proclamation,

" We don't stop being or working

for good , showing compassion and helping those

who can't help themselves because we may not see

the result of our effort. One doesn't love another just

to be loved in return. We are not selfless and helpful for any

reward...in this life or the the next...we do it ,

....we live this way because

it is the right thing to do."

-----------

The Writing :

The Pebble

See the broken card board boxes

under the rusted overpass.

Torn sheet tents ,

three wheeled shopping carts adorning

the passage ways to the residents

reluctant to call this their home.

II.

The fragile factories shuttered and chained.

Remains of once bustling business cubicles

now abandoned , rats and more rats

roam seeking scraps

through the maze of the refuse of

once self proclaimed cathedrals of free enterprise.

Those at the beggar's banquet

inquire from those who have ears to hear.

More vacant office buildings

than hope filled homeless hungry citizens

needing just an opportunity

to feed and shelter loved one's.

Desitute cohorts in confusion

over the news of Richard Cory's tragic fate.

A misguided midnight one trick pony preacher

misses the existential synchronicity

of the moment imploring the disoriented herd ,

"How can the poor pull themselves

up by their bootstraps if they have no boots"?

III.

The roaming pilgrim blinks at a sudden

supernatural cosmic bright beam shining through

the fog, grime and clouds

hiding the divine virgin blue canopy.

This sublime gleam cannot be commanded as

it glows where and when it wills.

The pilgrim catches a glimpse of

the focal point bathed in the light ,

a drifter casually entering a tired donut shop

who reaches out to a young mother

on the never ending check out line. There two

toddlers tugging the mom's one hand

as her other hand frantically

sorts through the collect of dulled

worn down coins on the cashier counter.

Attempting to avoid attention he hands

his plastic money card

to a manic puzzled barista .

The drifter pays for the woman's order,

not stopping for a thank you he slips away.

A half humiliated-humble smile accompanies a

a solo tear carefully meandering down the mother's cheeks,

- a pebble drops.

- JF Sobecki

-------------

" For us , there is only the trying. The rest is not up

to us."

- T.S. Eliot

Words: Poetry and Such (for your Inspiration and reflection)

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

Have You Earned Tomorrow

Is anybody happier because you passed this way?

Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?

This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;

Is there anyone to utter a kind word of you?

Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came

along?

Or a churlish sort of 'Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?

Were you selfie , pure and simple as you rushed along the

way?

Or is someone deeply grateful for a deed you did today?

Can you say tonight , in parting with the day that's slipping

fast,

that you helped a single brother of the many you

passed?

Is a single voice rejoicing over what you did or said,

does a man who's hopes are fading now with courage

look ahead?

Did you waste the day , or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?

Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?

As you close your eyes in slumber do you think God

would say.

You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did

today?

- Edgar A Guest

If I can Stop One Heart From Breaking

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

if I can ease one life the aching,

on cool one pain

unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

- Emily Dickinson

The Speech That Broke the Internet

https://youtu.be/wHRdQVnR3XA?si=WRYyToAyqo_iGF_g

------

Music : for your listening pleasure and reflection

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

I think It's Going to Rain Today - R. Newman

https://youtu.be/7zDt8xyVKtw?si=m2pXnz3DyT0sEXEy

Hello In There - J. Prine

https://youtu.be/RfwGkplB_sY?si=w7sJRGMuuBBvrONN

What The World Needs Now - Ja okie DeShannon

https://youtu.be/YUaxVQPohlU?si=Liyjp9n3umSBMI0j

----------------

Coda: For your reflection and contemplation

Happiness is Amazing

https://youtube.com/shorts/IpqbaOc_OrI?si=p_ZdlA-Y0aklq5ZJ

Small Things Like These - Movie ( w Cillian Murphy)

( Based on the Novella (Booker Prize Winner) by Claire Keegan

If you do not to read ...watch this movie - now on cable/streaming)

https://youtu.be/Nqwn5Y_Y4xs?si=nVV73MtZIBjzrXBL

Kundun - ( the Dalai Lama escapes Tibet

from the Chinese invasion- movie ending)

https://youtu.be/WB5Buz0MvZM?si=aDiWWnvVEPq8FER6

R.I.P. - Chase

Miss you Chase -- I know you're with your pal Otis.

See you on that Rainbow Bridge

To YB and all the self exiling pilgrims - Remember everything

you have been seeking has been living within...

53 Years ! (6/16/72)

And two bonus tracks just because sometimes we just need

you get up and dance...TURN IT UP!!!

Protection - Colin James and Lucinda Williams

https://youtu.be/pOVJJjamYUA?si=GRJ_DTokuZCKr5wQ

Shine - Mondo Cozmo

https://youtu.be/QIXwAc-zSmw?si=Sv0rBWSPaAzcGxN0

Love And Mercy - B. Wilson

https://youtu.be/U6oYC0Gus-Q?si=huzIm2axWW-a5DUj

AMDG

The Art of Imperfect Perfection: The Retreat

2025-04-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Art of Imperfect Perfection: The Retreat

"Be Perfect perfect as your Heavenly Father

is perfect"

- Matt 5:48

"The wind blows where it wills, and you can

hear the sound it makes,

but you do not know where it comes from

or where it goes."

- John 3:8-9

"Our real journey in life is the interior; it is a

matter of growth, deepening , and of an ever greater

surrender to the creative action of love and grace in

our hearts. Never was it more necessary to that action."

- Thomas Merton

"There is another great difference between our civilization

and yours. You admire one who pushes their way to the top

in any walk of life , while we admire the one who abandons

their ego."( a Buddhist Monk)

- H. Harrer, Seven Years in Tibet

Inspiration

It's been written that the origins of the word for "perfection"

can be found in the adjective in the Aramaic/Hebrew "Tamiym"

from the root"Taman" meaning to "be complete" or "to be finished."

Many scholars suggest that in the New Testament Jesus' uses this word,

"tamin", intending to implore his followers on the importance of being

complete with personal character: live life with integrity ;selfless;

and compassion in a covential relationship with the divine and all creation.

The Writing :

The Art of Imperfect Perfection: The Retreat

The seeker's weather worn vessel carefully kept

on course , he believed, as storms came and went.

Winds of an unknown source filled his sails

directing him to the hidden-in-plain sight safe harbor.

Sometimes seekers take careful steps and

sometimes they might take a leap.

Seekers always looking for something to find.

Ulysses had nothing on this sailor.

His vessel finally arrived to what the local ascetics called-

"The Holy Ground."

Seven days and six nights of silence and contemplation

in solitude waited to welcome him into the mystic.

The resident stoic Obi-Wan , disguised

as a humble spiritual sherpa, with a generous smile

welcomed and counseled the sojourner,

"It's just you and the great Divine , pal."

With no map or cosmic GPS

the seeker commenced his long solitary walks

amid the transcendental pastoral sanctuary.

The result ...fatigue...physical, mental

and spiritual. His new mantra grew to "What a waste

of time.I'm done. What a waste of time.

I'm done."...over and over and over.

By the third dawn of this retreat it was time for the seeker

to meet the typically candid unassuming advisor

and informing him that he would withdraw

from these spiritual exercises.

An aroma of fresh columbian coffee filled the new

morning's air cut through the mist coated sanctorium .

A fully awake enthusiastic dining room server

approached him with the fresh brew asking,

"Cup of hope?" The seeker smirked responding,

"Yeh, sure . I can use all the hope I can get."

Within minutes he was proposing his conclusions to his spiritual

guide who just cracked that reverent smile.

"This is normal. Stay one more night. Tonight

go for your after dinner walk, have your cigar and don't

think ...just let it go and be."

Though a strange proposition the seeker agreed.

As the sun shone it's last glimmer

lighting his post dinner cigar he moved a little slower and

more deliberately than normal through the bucolic pathways.

Drifting lost in thoughts it hit him - "I'm lost!"

In a blink there were eyes curiously staring at him.

Four deer within ten feet surrounded him

in a sacramental semi circle.

A sound of silence of sanctified angelic voices

found their way to his unsettled spirit.

"Why are you worried? Don't you know you are blessed?'

Do you realize this is 'holy ground' , a sanctuary"?

Wiping the tears meandering down his cheek he realized

the deer had departed like that consecrated wind.

He scampered like a frightened startled buck

to the retreat house where he collared

his spiritual sherpa explaining what had just occurred.

"Was it real? Was it a dream?"

The wise one looked up smiling gently touching the seeker .

"The deer have always been there .You didn't see them before

because you were busy making a retreat and not allowing

the retreat to make you."

- JF Sobecki

--------------------------------

Words: Poetry and Such (for your Inspiration)

"Ring the bells that still can ring.Forget your perfect offering.

There's a crack in everything.That's how the light gets in.

- L. Cohen , Anthem

The Buddha's Last Instruction

"Make of yourself;f a light,"said the Buddha

before he died.

I think of this every morning

as the east begins

to tear off its many clouds

of darkness , to send the first

signal - a white fan

streaked with pink and violet,

even green.

An old man. he lay down

between two lala trees,

and he might have said anything,

knowing it was his final hour.

The light burns upward,

it thickens and settles over the fields.

Around him, the villagers gathered

and stretched forward to listen.

Even before the sun itself

hangs, disattahced, in the blue air,

I am touched everywhere

by its ocean of yellow waves.

No doubt the thought of everything

that has happened in his eternal life.

And then I feel the sun itself

as it blazes over the hills,

like a million flowers on fire_

yet I feel myself turning

into some inexplicable value.

Slowly, beneath the branches,

he raised his head

He looked straight into the faces of the frightened crowd.

- M. Oliver

News of Death - David Whyte

(for Francisco)

https://youtu.be/Lav7vWaLRSc?si=7pieYUYC_WKqPtyv

------

Music : for your listening pleasure and reflection

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

I have need for Solitude - Mary Chapin Carpenter

https://youtu.be/S3ZMq24XnLk?si=W1HpOmWsPDvJ5xzj

Sail On - Mary Black

https://youtu.be/zv113_HGT60?si=Jo_p0WF3F2Lwaf3I

Awake My Should - Mumford and Sons & Milk Carton Kidds

https://youtu.be/I1V73Asi19U?si=C44QvYnRD9Lsp3e4

Anthem - L. Cohen

https://youtu.be/c8-BT6y_wYg?si=ChDqww-rhjc6R-51

I Know There's an Answer - Beach Boys

https://youtu.be/9TfUo2Pg0Sg?si=uXN-wq2zCqu1vTDm

CODA: Now something from the lighter side

( No thing and no one is perfect)

The Meaning of Life - Everyone Loves Raymond

https://youtu.be/FZb4jBE0Gr0?si=7ERyTgHUWin_aA7d

and from the serious side

Kundun - ( the Dalai Lama escapes Tibet

from the Chinese invasion- movie ending)

https://youtu.be/WB5Buz0MvZM?si=V-npWOvcOyjbi-0K

Remembering -

There is an old joke about the Jesuits:

"A humble Jesuit? A Rarity.

A Jesuit Pope? An Impossibility.

A humble Jesuit Pope? A miracle."

( & miracles happen)

When Pope Francis was asked how he hoped he would be remembered

he said, "A good guy who tried to do good."

"Be a Francis."

For Fr. Lou and all my companions and friends who have guided ,

inspired and walked with me on my Camino

AMDG

Belief and The Great Intercession

2025-04-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

"Make your prayer your life

and your life your payer."

- Pope John XXIII

"If the only prayer you ever

in your life is, thank you, it

will be enough."

- Meitser Eckhart

"Being present to and grateful

for all the wonder around

and in you -- is prayer."

- Unknown

Inspiration/The Writing :

Aspiration is an unusual yet common condition . Hoping ,

wishing, dreaming or praying for something to

magically or mystically transpire with a

positive outcome is often what weary

passengers on the planet call "hope".

Frequently some meditate or contemplate

on a rescue or deliverance, healing ,

or achievement that might be beneficial for their well being.

However, when this personal practice is directed for the benefit

of another or group who may be experiencing a

current or potential difficult tragic circumstance -

Resulting with intercessions.

How many times this hobo seeker contemplated ,

"Have I been like the paralytic lowered into the presence

of the great teacher by the love of his friends"?

Then just like that - out of the blue

that unexpected transcedental wind

flipped the script.

How is it that random comets seem to eventually

discover in the great almost unending expanse

an intersection with a landing point?

How was it then that intermittent queues

of owners of lonely hearts meander their way

right into the middle of the seeker's

own circuitous voyage across the universe ?

Neighbors , family members and strangers on the road

reverently began to reach out for hope ,

compassion and healing

as they accidentally traversed paths

with this pilgrim, challenging

and humbling him .

These souls seeking consolation trusting

and believing that a prodigal's prayers

just might connect with some higher authority,

some light or unknowable source

for relief.

"Pray for ..." they requested respectfully .

Restless nights became the status quo...

He dreamed , he thought, as that inner voice

cried out in the darkness,

"Why me?'

"Why not " was an immediate answer.

"But, why --- me !? "

" Remember " a mystical voice warmly chided.

"I don't understand.." the pilgrim wept.

"It is your turn."

- JF Sobecki

(see Coda below)

--------------------------------

Words: Poetry and Such (for your Inspiration)

I'm Going to Start Living Like a Mystic

Today I am pulling on a wool green sweater

and walking across the park in a dusky snowfall.

The trees stand like twenty-seven prophets in

a field

each at a station in a pilgrimage--silent, pondering.

Blue flakes of light falling across their bodies

are the ciphers of a secret , an occultation.

I will examine their leaves as pages in a text

and consider the bookish pigeons, students of

winter.

I will kneel on the track of a vanquished squirrel

and stare into the blank pond for the figure of Sophia.

I shall begin scouring the sky for signs

as if my whole future are constellated upon it.

I will walk home alone with the deep alone,

a disciple of shadows , in praise of the mysteries.

- Edward Hirsch

------

Music : for your listening pleasure and reflection

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

Morning Glory - Tim Buckley

https://youtu.be/MgNxopvE3ro?si=ob-bm2mbXf08JICy

Turn!Turn! Turn! - Judy Collins and Pete Seeger

https://youtu.be/n0xzyhoeu1Y?si=8zOSEZC_eOVM0JU4

The Light that has Lighted The World - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/GbVQov4MuKQ?si=7Bjw4uISbSqn0jLd

Questions for The Angels - Paul Simon ( w B.Frisell)

https://youtu.be/3zcZhgczTF0?si=7VbrDE6Wo2CtH1i6

"40" (Sing a New Song) - U2

https://youtu.be/5ba4RqOY0Ck?si=jza6IL_76kI6eR29

CODA: Now something from the lighter side

Sometimes one can find a dose of wisdom in the most unlikely places---

Ted Lasso - "Believe"

https://youtu.be/olPLvuvMcSE?si=mF9kd0_VsV0EMkUV

( for Sarah B )

AMDG

The Sacrament

2025-03-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience."

-- Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Story:

The climber asked the sherpa ,

"What's the point? Where are we headed and why?"

The sherpa smiles, "We are all going somewhere

but we are already where we need to be.

This is the blessedness."

The Inspiration:

(Questions in a moring reflection)

Ok, how many incidents happen by chance

and suddenly become some mystical indicator

as to what is to come and what is truly the real?

How many times must a light bulb go on

or some eternal spark illuminate the way for

prodigal seekers?

Where and how does that wonder filling joy

burst upon the scene creating the great metanoia?

Who created that breeze that became the wind

that directed to the sailor to adjust the sails

helping the vessel have an ease filled tack

making way to paradise?

----------------------------

The Writing :

The Sacrament

The Divine DNA , the most mystical, magical

seed and source of every thing is

ever present all ways.

A searching soul asks "what of ancient aliens?"

the other answers , "and what is their origin?"

Time , the poet wrote, is the great sanctification.

A Greek chorus of the interior

echoes the observation of one's purpose ,

a discernment of this most simplest profound point.

In the silent depths of the calm contemplation

the monkey mind eventually rests

as the now is embraced and savored..

All the birds are taking flight.

How do they know if it is time

to go and where?

The helmsman , the navigator and the deck hand

play their roles executing what they believe are

their responsibilities for the safe efficient

trip of the vessel's passage.

Crying about what

the new story might be ...

and how it might be a scent of the glory.

Then somehow a wave of unwonted

origin working in collaboration

with the mystical wind that provides birds lift

points the worn meandering vessel

back on the right course. The waking commences,

wherever this ship is , is where it is

supposed to be.

This is sacrament .

- JF Sobecki

------------------------

Poems and such: For your inspiration

The Circle - Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers

https://youtu.be/ybdfuH6KUOQ?si=F6NmWSaOlk6S48pI

The Music : For your listening pleasure and reflection

Theologians- Wilco

https://youtu.be/tnjPYB-Zi04?si=uetJiB_F2DVpdbUA

When Will I ever Learn - Van Morrison

https://youtu.be/ZCLyFGgVdZM?si=CZg1W6yf1aj5uUjR

The Last Leaf - W. Nelson

https://youtu.be/NySpcFpPcQg?si=uocU2yVaMu5QUs4o

Who Knows Where the Time Goes - Fairport Convention

https://youtu.be/DeZL2FXkGqI?si=c6ArXawPWD30Jogb

Coda: Compassion

"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all

that is wrong with the world."

- Paul Farmer MD

AMDG

Waxing Crescent Moon and The Enchanted Forest

2025-01-31T14:51:00.000-08:00

"Anyway , I keep picturing all these kids playing some game

in this big field of rye and all...I have to catch everybody

if thy start to go over the cliff. I mean if they're running

and don't look where they're going I have to come out

from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day.

I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all."

- Catcher in The Rye , J.D. Salinger

"He who is not busy being born

is busy dying"

It's Alright Ma ( I'm only bleeding) - B. Dylan

"Make your work your play,

and your play your work"

- Phil Jackson

"Think about how many times I have fallen.

Spirits are using me , larger voices calling'."

- Southern Cross. Crosby, Stills and Nash

-----------------------------

The Inspiration:

Predawn meditations and reflections often conjure

ghosts of faces and places the desperado encountered

along the way. Smiles, tears , gratitude and humility

flow together like some rambling river into

the ever patient welcoming unknown sea.

The wondering begins ....

The voice of a youth baseball coach echoes over and over.

"Be yourself. Ask yourself if you are making the most

of your natural talents. Worry doesn't resolve a thing.

Let go...be present...trust your intuition...be authentic...

make your life a life of love and play(just being.)"

And just like that voice from a mentor from later

years reminds him that what motivates most is to

"avoid a loss or attain a gain."

Another the voice rises up from that compassionate one...

"If you want peace ...be the peace.If you want love

... be the love. If you think someone is in need - help."

----------------------------

The Writing:

Waxing Crescent Moon and The Enchanted Forest

( A Quartet)

Waxing Crescent Moon, the second phase of that orb,

shines less than half the glow of her "Full" sister

and yet the light that emanates

from both taking the same amount of time of

1.25 seconds to be experienced on this

lonely third planet from the sun..

Sleeping and busy sentients seem to

ignore the significance

of this gift , this constant gleam ,

Mystics agree with astrologers that

this second phase sister moon indicates

a resurgence , a re-energizing , a perfect time

to set intentions and move forward.

Guides, coaches , counselors, mentors and teachers

come in all sizes , orientations and styles .

Often the ones who have the most impact are those

who love what they do and why ,

and they seem to appear at a time

and place when they are least expected.

But, in a secret silent truth spirits are answering

a mystical call to enter

a pilgrim's life to inspire one to re-enter

the cosmic grandeur of the enchanted forest.

III.

What is it about any form of art that stirs

your needy heart and wandering spirit?

How is it that some song you heard a singer sing

almost a generation ago return in a new form

recapturing , re-stimulating that dormant seed

to begin aagin to burst through the grime

and walls you had built around that

original significant intensity ?

IV.

What of the poet or author who magically grabbed

the perfect absolute words arranged in such a manner

that would become the kindling lighting the spark

creating the flame that burned deep within you?

Are these the mustard seeds the teacher spoke of?

Consider how aspects of your adventure led

those words and images waited until they

found their way to meet your eyes, sooth your brain

and massage your heart -

while nurturing your ever-vibrant soul.

- JF Sobecki

-------------------------------------

["So they went off together. But wherever they go ,

and whatever happens to them on the way,

in that enchanted place on top of the Forest, a little

boy and his Bear will always be playing."

- Winnie the Pooh , A.A. Milne ]

-----------------------------

Poetry and Such:

( Please click on the link below each image

to view the video)

The Big Regret - Dr. Gabor Mate'

https://youtu.be/K0yqlInedZM?si=VEZgu9ycs7i4LLA4

The Layers - Stanley Kunitz

https://youtu.be/wk6xW41EFoA?si=5gSbzq3x1gwPevb4

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

https://youtu.be/gRdYv7g0r0A?si=Vtve-XioXAfvJfqK

------------------------

The Music:

For your viewing and listening pleasure:

( Please click on the link below each image

to view the video)

My Back Pages - Bob Dylan

https://youtu.be/wOXONBoP0So?si=ygm_oGG-STJe6npA

These Days - Jackson Browne

https://youtu.be/bAw-nY8hL6c?si=gAZonDw9lPZBuXXw

House at Pooh Corner - Loggins and Messina

https://youtu.be/fbt0Ik_LL2M?si=r2mTT3IiVCXHKcLE

Tomorrow is a Long Time - Timothee Chalamet B. Dylan)

https://youtu.be/ByFMSu9qC5U?si=sa9xvh3sB5mqkwRk

For your own Reflection:

( What are those songs, poems, books and who are

those who touched / inspired you ?)

Just the Motion - Linds and Richard Thompson

https://youtu.be/p0JI73rKKPI?si=WgOpIhOXZgVMjW7T

The Parting Glass- Glen Hansard

https://youtu.be/sCZcJHAcAZ4?si=8N4aEGIodFtCzQ-u

Coda : Reflections for today's world

" I desire mercy, not sacrifice"

- Matt 9:13

American Tune - P. Simon

https://youtu.be/0OEWBq_jzuA?si=OnKhW4g2JvlumS1Q

Who Will Speak - Marty Haagen

https://youtu.be/OuQbegq5N0A?si=UrIwQoX7oiC-pZyg

Rt. Rev Marian Budde

On Purpose. and What Matters

2025-01-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

The flower is not concerned with tomorrow

It doesn't worry about death,

nor does it make an effort

to smell beautifully.

The flower teaches being,

Being what one is.

- Wu Hsin

"For last year's words belong to last year's language.

And next year's words await another voice.

And to make and end is to make a beginning."

-T.S. Eliot

"For where your treasure is, there is your heart also."

- Matt 6:21

The Inspiration:

Minding one's own business does not always imply that it is the right

thing to be doing. Oftentimes there is a flash that disrupts a given tack.

Magically sailors rethink and adjust their charted course. Same vessel,

same helmsman, same sea just a new way to get to where one should

be headed and how the vessel's sails need to be trimmed to make way

effectively. There might be more tacks involved. How the sails

can be trimmed to make the most of the change in wind , currents and

the rolling sea.

It seems that recent end of the year storms of queries and

propositions caused this pirate pilgrim to stop and reconsider

how his passage is really not a race but more of a cruise

of presence , hope and mercy..

The Writing:

On Purpose and What Matters

Christmas had come and gone and the great wait

to celebrate the end of a year and the birth of

a new set of seasons commenced.

Conversations in and out of church about

the Virgin birth are somehow set aside

like the crumbled balls a wrapping paper

absent their packaged gifts underneath a weeping balsam fir.

The pilgrim's examen of the ending year's

blessings , missteps and distractions soon

become the focal points of his discernment .

The cosmic lamp's flame shines brilliantly

on the purpose and progress or lack thereof.

No points to accumulate. No points to subtract.

No grand prize to win or lose.

No sanction or prison sentence for ignoring

a mystical nudge . Even wise men

put aside their egos and crowns.

Their conviction and trust leads them

to being present and grateful.

A soft quiet voice of the teacher

can be heard ...

"And so there it is -

Love all , serve all , be selfless, generous, always be present,

grateful , merciful , authentic and faith filled.

No more , no less."

- JF Sobecki

-------------------

Poety and such:

( Please click on links below each picture

to see and hear video)

Fall In Love

Nothing is more practical than

finding God , than Falling in Love

in a quite absolute final way.

What you are in love with,

what seizes your imagination, will effect everything.

It will decide

what will get you out of bed in the morning,

what you will do with your evenings,

how you will spend your weekends,

what you will read, whom you know,

what breaks your heart,

andnwhat amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love, stay in love,

and it will decide everything.

- J. Whelan SJ

The Eternal Now

https://youtu.be/2tPExMBsj4U?si=95Utv2uQ957avWpk

Sir Ian McKellen reading Kurt Vonnegut

https://youtu.be/zlDV0-mFbbc?si=f5JsVnYCtmgf_vPp

Dr. Francis and Stephen Colbert - Endorphins

https://youtu.be/UE45-DcXiiY?si=-Aq54-O05e7XvM6f

The Music:

You Gotta Be - Desire

https://youtu.be/QNgT7fskt44?si=R41yjd7fEsVSN_XQ

Horse to The Water - Sam Brown(G. Harrison)

https://youtu.be/TvDSsxL3Hc8?si=WdjW0K40TyOAHnKK

Sewing The Seeds of Love - Tears For Fears

https://youtu.be/AvRXKziYYtk?si=gsri1R25MIABJ2Nh

Coda: Questions....How have I been present today

and how have I given or received love?

In the End - The Beatles

https://youtu.be/12R4FzIhdoQ?si=AAo4IE3X6XqGK3rd

Wishing you all a peace-filled , loving and healthy New Year.

amdg

A Septuagenarian Seeker's Sanctuary

2024-10-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

"For all the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not

return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater , so shall my word

be that that goes out from my mouth ; it shall not return to me

empty , but shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall

succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

- IS 55:10-11

"Imagine the earth devoid of human life, inhabited by only plants and animals.

Will it still have a past and a future . Could we still speak of time in a meaningful way?

The question "What time is it? or "What is the date today?" - if anybody

were to ask it ---would be quite meaningless. The oak tree and the eagle would

be bemused by such a question....they would answer

"Well of course , it is now . The time is now. What else is there?"

- Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

We call the current moment - "present" as it is a gift"

- Unknown

Inspiration:

It might be more interesting to say how an inspiration

came in the gift of an angel speaking softly in a dream.

Things do not always happen when and how we expect, right?

Sad to say that no midnight or dawn illumination caused this

particular spark. Rather, as the years begin to add up

it was at a moment of contemplation of the journey -

people I have met and friends I have made,

places I have been , events in storms or with calm prevailing

winds , how and when mercy washed me down. It seems

as this pilgrim ages those moments of soul filled sanctuary

the heart is filled with the present and all that has prepared

me for the now as I settle into mindfulness.

Ah, sanctified solace..

The Writing:

A Septuagenarian Seeker's Sanctuary

Ominous clouds squeeze out the rain

nourishing every aspect of creation.

Streams flow into to rivers,

the rivers spill into the sea only to have

this world of water release itself forming

new clouds. Trees release their last leaves

where the mystical wind of an unknown source

carries seeds across the landscape where

seedlings slowly sprout reaching to heaven.

Silverstein's tree becomes shade and comfort

to resting robins and squirrels or eventually cutdown

carefully crafting it into a scribner's pencil or writing desk.

The remaining stump comforts that boy who

once delighted in climbing limb to limb,

now a tired old man needing

a place to rest. While remnants of the forest family

are carefully carved into a boat launching

pilgrims out into the deep of the unknown sea.

- JF Sobecki

-------

Poetry and such:

(A thanks to the Irish poets)

(On the possibility of a divine presence in all creation)

"I do not need to believe. I know."

- Carl Jung

This is the time to be slow - John O'Donohoe

https://youtu.be/VOi9ifapO7E?si=n8FoiUpNN5VArRo2

When You Are Old -WB Yeats (read by Cillian Murphy)

https://youtu.be/dEHjBPS21A8?si=iht0cMTsIG5PZlwC

For a New Beginning - John O' Donohue

https://youtu.be/mIsAETqj9w4?si=PdDoBdHwerLYjrSw

and one American poet

Song of Myself - Walt Whitman (Read by John Doherty)

https://youtu.be/hPLHVQpm1JA?si=_sQEwqf3n_t2KGGs

Music:

For your listening and inspiration.

click on the link below each feature

Be Here Now - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/oSYmD6kHdKo?si=w5CBx20zz_f19lSG

Hello in There - John Prine

https://youtu.be/RfwGkplB_sY?si=vQoP7JGFozpdJMP8

Who Knows Were the Time Goes - J. Collins

https://youtu.be/M4loOplI_tA?si=8PZulEV0RlyWU_aZ

The Circle Game - T. Rush ( J. Mitchell)

https://youtu.be/dURdp9tXa6k?si=RfTJmcyb3lyWrLZ6

Coda:

Something extra for your listening pleasure and contemplation:

( How and when do you savor being in the now-

letting go , being authentic and present to the magnificence?)

"For us there is only the trying. The rest is not our business"

- T.S. Eliot

The Adventure of Being Alive - Joseph Campbell

https://youtu.be/ZIbeotfWiJg?si=XQPGJLrV0Q-aLjOA

Old - P. Simon

https://youtu.be/tKsjty-yT6U?si=v2Gi9mEXwxWmJ632

Have a grace filled Thanksgiving

AMDG

A Reflection on Reflecting

2024-09-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

im·per·ma·nence

/imˈpərmənəns/

noun

the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.

"No thing lasts , no thing can give you peace or happiness"

"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."

- W. Shakespeare , Julius Ceasar

Inspiration:

All those years ago the pilgrim sauntered on the beach at midnight

accompanied by a colleague who was stressed about changes residing just

over the horizon that might turn his human experience upside down.

Pointing to the magnificent star and planet coated canopy the pilgrim

posed a question, "Look at that universe - stars and planets being

born while others evaporate or are blasted by wayward asteroids

into millions of pieces and scientists propose that all of that

continues to expand seemingly without control or influence-

do you think that we are also of that universe?"

All the colleague could conjure was a small simple smile

of acknowledgement .

Sometimes we are surprised when a person passes from this

journey to the next and we somehow discover how their spirits influenced,

consoled and inspired us with help navigating our own passage

to the unknown sea.

-----

The Writing:

A Reflection On Reflecting

A spirit on a common Camino cautioned the cavalier

wondering wandering one "Remember to remember."

With that exhortation a fading flicker was fueled

and the reflection disguised as contemplation

echoed selected incidents and allegations almost long forgot.

Was the brain working overtime on false memories

or were they incomplete pieces to a greater imagined puzzle?

Though as clear as the brilliant sky a flash burned brightly

from yesteryears yesterdays. The first recollection

flowed like a river to the sea.

A story told of how Mother Teresa was interviewed

by a struggling photo journalist who noticed the aged nun

was holding a recently poor malnourished ill newly born infant

cradled in her arms as the nun made the beds in the children's

ward. "Why are you holding the baby?", the journalist asked

seeking a story. Mother Teresa explained how the baby suffered

from a fatal disease and she did not have a family and

would not probably make it through the end of the day.

.Mother Teresa went on how she wanted t

o have the baby feel and know love

and that this sweet innocent soul was never alone.

Puzzled the journalist added "Then why are you making the

beds at the same time."

The nun looked at the woman explaining that making

the beds was her job and that she could do both -

give love and compassion while working .

The photo journalist's husband was so impressed

with the story about Mother and the baby that he

volunteered to stay and work for Mother Teresa's congregation.

The nun counseled the man to return to America, where he lived.

She added that she met so many people in America who were

lonely. She implored the husband to seek out the lonely souls

and let them know love and compassion...and that they

are never alone.

The pilgrim pondered "when will I ever learn?"

- JF Sobecki

-------

Poetry and such:

David Whyte - Finisterre and Camino

( two poems within a brief talk- click on link)

https://youtu.be/u9Lu85L111Y?si=P8hDpx4n1yNQbeNk

If I could Tell you - WH Auden

https://youtu.be/3AeefPqVZKA?si=gBXTVDJxMKR0AD-P

Music : For your listening pleasure and inspiration

Falling at Your Feet - U2 and Daniel Lanois

( click on the link)

https://youtu.be/oRI7GcEAHCE?si=eOjw6D8x5GRiCtTG

When I was Younger - Bonny Light Horseman

Click the link

https://youtu.be/-czCyia1IoE?si=6V1hEUjZ7XGmtOz5

That's the Way it Goes - G. Harrison

click the link

https://youtu.be/D_zCulFuXkM?si=CdVqGS2zOaJGX1EH

Memory Lane - V. Morrison

click the link

https://youtu.be/gRbsj2HooGw?si=N6AlEeCql8JCET3A

Coda: And they continue to move on .

Yet, their music lives on.

please click the links

All Things Must Pass - G. Harrison (RIP)

https://youtu.be/pv1f0VbGzW4?si=HUS4oPThAvSO6E7c

You're Only Lonely - JD Souther (RIP)

https://youtu.be/quglprlSQ8k?si=TC1238hRFJHZWdLT

Sunday Morning Coming Down - K. Kristofferson (RIP)

https://youtu.be/vbqGWTxwZEA?si=JM6M1Y8HTVRxxmE2

When Will I Ever Learn - V. Morrison

https://youtu.be/kbuFha69kg0?si=zikVByxvMRxEIVrZ

amdg

A Labor Day Reflection : Gratitude

2024-09-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

"It is not who I'm underneath but what I do that defines me"

- Bruce Wayne (Batman Begins)

"I am what I am and that's all that I am"

- Popeye

"It all turns out well.How?I don't know. It's a mystery."

- Shakespeare in Love (movie)

The Inspiration:

How is it that just when one needs a lifting up something happens

completely by surprise? No plan or strategic moves could ever

predict or anticipate a mystical magical embrace by the universe

as if to say , "Don't worry , no need to be perfect , just be your

authentic self, be selfless , generous and let go being present to the now.

You are good. You're ok ."

Pilgrims wonder and wander. Somehow every so often a recollection

of a grace-filled experience is re-ignited . That ineffable incident from

that solitudinal passage seems to have a life

of it's own emerging from the deepest darkest secret soul

at a time when a light is needed .

Just like that the spirit is immersed back in that memorable moment,

Abundant consolation , the transcendental reunion washes over

the spirit as if the occasion is a sacred resurrection.

A Labor Day Reflection: Gratitude

In the hour of not quite dawn the pilgrim

stood solo in the queue in the most empty cavern

of the post modern airport. A man and a woman busied themselves

with paperwork with a just waking solo ticket agent.

The unusual looking glasses on the male could not hide

his identity. A giant in his field of work this 5'6" singer

was recognized by the pilgrim.

The pilgrim cautiously and quietly moved his lips

as he caught the eye of this celebrity carrying his baggage.

"Bono?", his lips queried.

The found out passenger nodded affirmative.

Without hesitation and remaining completely still

the pilgrim found the courage to speak aloud,

"Thank you for the 'Beautiful Day'."

Without another breath and in a heartbeat the stranger

moved carefully and deliberately to the pilgrim

reaching out his hand and spoke " And , thank you for all you do."

Stunned and speechless the pilgrim nodded his head in acknowledgement .

Just like that the three departed on their way.

The pilgrim returned his focus to the reason for his journey that day.

Within a few hours he found himself sitting on a beach in paradise.

Suddenly a file folder filled with a powerpoint presentation

flopped spilling onto his lap.

Startled the pilgrim looking up sees the that the tosser

was a CEO he was meet later that day.

The sunbathing pilgrim began to flip the pages of the presentation.

He made a suggestion or two that was received with gratitude

from the stressed lonely man at the top.

The tired executive leaned closer to the pilgrim

reaching out his hand , "Thank you for all you do."

Taken back the pilgrim realizes

it was the second time in eight hours

he was humbled with the same words and wondered

"Have I done the same for others.?"

- JF Sobecki

___________-

Poetry and such as it relates to work and what we do.

(Many say poems are to be heard)

Click the links

What work is - P. Levine

https://youtu.be/NxJVgAJB6As?si=aIPAbVjToBJ_ZtiX

Shirt - R. Pinsky

https://youtu.be/XgION25gxx8?si=_VB3ZljYFLHHD8qs

-----

The music for reflection

Click on links

Beautiful Day - U2

https://youtu.be/co6WMzDOh1o?si=p6FHKEt-JPiDaXd7

The Man at The Top - B. Springsteen

https://youtu.be/IWXqPv9JY8k?si=i_S-WEixL5XshNhy

Coda : A thank you for all those who work, want to work, retired from work,

the poets, writers, musicians and artists any creation using their talents

as their work and all those...can no longer work.

Kind and Generous - N. Merchant

https://youtu.be/XS4XlzYsrH8?si=Nv6rwTaY6e-owClo

Ooh La La - The Faces

https://youtu.be/1_xwnb3cymc?si=sZ-QgzmAznem2_dS

It's Still Alright - N. Rateliff

https://youtu.be/Hw4MiegZxsU?si=Nwj_KzQNiUL2rYUf

(This blog's author retired from formal work a few years ago and contemplated

and still thinks about what he did and how.)

" So here I will end my story ( work).

If it is done well , that is what I desired, if it is poorly done and mediocre,

it was the best I could do."

2 Maccabees 14 :37-38

amdg

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Part 5:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

Part 4:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

Part 3:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

Part 2: The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

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If you or someone you know needs help

Search and connect to support. financial assistance, food pantries,

medical care, and other free or reduced-cost starts here:

Morning Matins: Breathing Under Water

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Lucky:The Pilgrim and The Sherpa

The Pebble

The Art of Imperfect Perfection: The Retreat

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The Sacrament

Waxing Crescent Moon and The Enchanted Forest

On Purpose. and What Matters

A Septuagenarian Seeker's Sanctuary

A Reflection on Reflecting

A Labor Day Reflection : Gratitude