A Ying Yanger New Year's Eve : Enjoy Yourself!

“…someone has written
 something

 new 
in the ashes of your life.

You are not leaving


even as the light fades quickly

now
 you are arriving….”

"The Journey” : The House of Belonging,  David Whyte

The long lost worn leather-covered journal opened magically to one particular page. A halfhearted scribbled title; “ A Ying Yanger New Year’s Eve” labeled the tattered page. The penmanship hasn’t improved much the moment of the reflection and discerning the script proved to be a task but the message was quite somewhat clear.

“The sweet sound of the soft slow surging surf sings of Bishop’s soul searching sandpipers .The tide comes in. The tide goes out. Footprints on the shore indicate to the wandering waiting pilgrim the path taken. Yet, the recollections of the path thus far are not washed away with the ocean’s cleansing.

That light that illuminated and brought warmth to every thing fades with the sun slowly silently sinking into the sullen horizon as the night arrives. Once read mystic’s prayer mysteriously resurrects the anticipation of a sacred love filled union.

With the immersion into the silence of the forthcoming black hole the absence of beach coasting gulls an awakening is delivered. Eyes closed; the soul sees and the heart is penetrated. Celestial guides once envisaged are seen for the heavenly wonder they are, no more - no less, as navigating the journey is let go.

This darkness is not necessarily a sad sign of endings but rather a revelation of the grace of new beginnings. “

As if it all this was planned there in the distance a older generation's song unexpectedly echoed up and down the halls conjuring a re commitment to fall upward…. the singer sang and the pilgrim danced…

“Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think

Enjoy yourself, while you're still in the pink

The years go by, as quickly as a wink

Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, it's later than you think “

Wishing all my friends and readers a Happy healthy joy-filled New Year
                        

                                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha04SVS3KMg

                                            "Enjoy Yourself!" Click link if you don't see video

                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa9Zx_3K0DA

                  “Will there really be a morning?”  Click link if you don't see video

amdg

Repeat as Necessary ( and Christmas Spirit Fanatics )

There is a story of a priest who continually has the same sermon each week. Over and over he tells the same story no matter what the scripture readings are for that day. Finally , the congregation volunteers a pilgrim to meet with the priest to discuss this repetitiveness . 

The pilgrim explains that those in church are getting concerned about how the priest keeps repeating the same message over and over and how he often uses the same words and sometimes the exact same sentences. The pilgrim explains how the members of the parish are concerned for the priest's mental welfare and continues to describe how those in the pews are getting restless each Sunday. Some of the parishioners have even left looking for another church to attend or have quit attending any kind of spiritual service altogether.

( Do They Know its Christmas - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjQzJAKxTrE )


The concerned priest grabs the pilgrim's hands and says asking ,

"Oh my, what are these words that I keep repeating over and over and over?"

The Pilgrim pulls out a prepared typed list and reads from the paper. "Well" he says, "The words include: mercy , love ,compassion , charity , hopefulness,  respect , gratitude , faith , forgiveness , service ( to the poor and sick ) , peace , prayer , joy and ... oh Father , there are so many on this list that mean the same thing over and over."

The priest looking into the pilgrim's eyes as he continued to hold onto the pilgrim's hands takes a deep breath and said ,

" Oh my, I thought that the reason everyone keeps coming back to church every week is because they that they want and need to hear the same message over and over again until they get it and live it in their daily lives."

The pilgrim dropped his hands from the priest's hands and queried,

"Gee , Father what makes you say that?"

The priest gently responded ,

"Oh my , you see , I see and hear how everyone says they are looking for something to complete their lives. I hear the concerns of the community. I read the newspapers and watch the news and I remain concerned about the social and spiritual welfare of our world . You know I hear confessions too every week and I see what goes on in our schools and I think ...'Maybe those I serve are just not getting it.Maybe I need to be like a coach and repeat the basics over and over.' " 

Disappointed the pilgrim began to walk away muttering

" Thanks, I think but I don't know what I am going to tell the congregation."

The priest waved to the young pilgrim and said ...

"Peace be with you and everyone .... and tell everyone that God loves you all and is with you  in all ways." 


___________________________________________________________


One of the most popular Second Chance Dance Blog posts, based on the number of readers and feedback is one from December 2009. As I reread it I realized how the essential message hasn't changed at all. Like the pilgrim in the story I guess I too am a slow learner , even with my own writings and observations!

Here is that post from December 2009.......

Christmas Spirit Fanatics

“We do not exist for ourselves alone, and it is only when we are fully convinced of this fact that we begin to love ourselves properly and thus also love others. What do I mean by loving ourselves properly? I mean , first of all, desiring to live, accepting life as a very  great gift and great good , not because of what it gives us , but because of what it enables us to give to others.”

-       Thomas Merton

One of my favorite comic strips is “Peanuts.” It is a vehicle that helps me laugh and be reflective at the same time. In one particular strip that appeared around this time of year Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy explained how it was "Christmas" and she explained further that this was the time of year to "spread joy, caring, compassion, giving and love." Charlie Brown wondered to Lucy, "Why do we just do these things at Christmastime and why can't we do those things all year round?" Lucy yelled at Charlie Brown "What are you some type of religious fanatic?!"

Every Christmas Eve both of my girls reminded me to put out milk and cookies for Santa. When they were old enough they dictated a note I had to leave for Santa to accompany the cookies and milk . They chose each word carefully and made sure that their message was clear and complete.

“Dear Santa

Here are some milk and cookies for your journey. Thank you for stopping by and leaving us gifts but please do not forget all the poor children who need food and clothing this Christmas and all year round.

Love you…

Lindsay and Leigh “

 I was touched by their “fanaticism” and prayed in hopefulness for them and the  poorest of the poor.

* Lindsay was born a couple of days before Christmas and we were so thrilled and blessed to bring her home on Christmas day. As we drove up to the house on Lindsay's first Christmas a song and record that was released just earlier that same month was playing on the radio. It was a fund raiser initiated by a "punk rocker" in Great Britain to help the victims of the great famine in Africa that year. (" Do they Know it's Christmas"[ Feed the world]) It somehow reminded us how blessed we were and how others still needed our prayers and help.

Three years later on Lindsay's birthday I received a call from Ginny's doctor as Lindsay and I waited for Ginny to arrive home from work. When Ginny opened the door to wish Lindsay a Happy Birthday we shared the news hat Ginny was pregnant with another baby girl, Leigh. (Another gift!) Just as we began to celebrate the good news a group of carolers wandered up our driveway singing "Joy to the World." We all hugged and laughed and cried in gratitude.

But it doesn't end there ! You see I had a habit or tradition of making a Christmas tape of some favorite Christmas songs to be played on my stereo from early morning and throughout the day on December 25. Now it's all digital on an iPod! But 22 years ago as we listened to the background Christmas music as Lindsay ripped through her presents when she suddenly stopped as "Do they know its Christmastime" (that same song we heard her first Christmas)came on the stereo. Lindsay surprised us when she volunteered exclaiming "That's my favorite Christmas song!" I think it is still one of her favorites.(see lyrics below and click on the picture on the left menu of this blog.)

* It seemed that the hour before dawn on Christmas morning was the secret alarm clock for both of the girls to wake and circle around the Christmas tree. The Christmas music , coffee and the video camera all seemed to start almost automatically and simultaneously with the girls' delight and laughter. The Christmas paper wrappings miraculously piled up in the middle of the floor as gifts became uncovered. However, one year Leigh opened a few presents when she stopped just as quickly as she started whispering softly "that's enough." Without hesitation she went under the tree and grabbed a decorated box and placed it on my lap and said "This is for you dad. You deserve it!" When I thanked her and encouraged her to continue with opening her presents she and her sister stood by my side smiling as I opened their gift as they reminded me that Christmas is "about giving not receiving."

* When the girls were young I was nominated to do the "Saturday errands", that included food shopping. I would bring them along as we would gather the necessities and and of course some treats for the week at our local grocery store. We noticed that there always seemed to be one vacant check out line at a cash register with an employee there at the ready to ring up a customer's tally. We learned quickly that the young man at this register was slow in scanning the items. He was always careful and deliberate but he was also slightly mentally disadvantaged and at times a supervisor would come along to help him "speed up." We always tried to get on his line and I would feel guilty if on a particular day I was rushed and thought of avoiding his line.

One very hot summer's day the food store's airconditioning didn't seem to bring much relief . One would need to stand in the frozen goods section and hold a bag of frozen vegetables if a cool down was desired. As we finished our aisle rounds and neared the check out I could hear this young man singing out loud Christmas carols over the store's piped in music. We got on line and started unloading our basket when I asked him why was he singing "Oh Come all ye' faithful." He immediately responded saying that he was singing Christmas songs to stay cool and to fend off the heat ! But then he added "Why do we have to sing Christmas carols only in December?" He must have been one of those "fanatics" that Charlie Brown's friend ,Lucy , worried about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XYFJUP84lE  

As I walk through
This wicked world
Searchin for light in the darkness of insanity.

I ask myself
Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred, and misery?

And each time I feel like this inside,
There's one thing I wanna know:
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding?

And as I walked on
Through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.

Cause each time I feel it slippin away, just makes me wanna cry.
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding?

So where are the strong?
And who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.

Cause each time I feel it slippin away, just makes me wanna cry.
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding? ohhhh
What's so funny bout peace love & understanding?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jEnTSQStGE

It's Christmastime

There's no need to be afraid

At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade

And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy

Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime

But say a prayer

Pray for the other ones

At Christmastime it's hard, but when you're having fun

There's a world outside your window

And it's a world of dread and fear

Where the only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging

chimes of doom

Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime

The greatest gift they'll get this year is life

(Oooh) Where nothing ever grows

No rain nor rivers flow

Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone

(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun

Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world

Feed the world

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmastime again

Feed the world

Let them know it's Christmastime again

- Remember those in need everywhere at Christmas and all year!

Click on the below for more info on each...........................

Kiva - helping people get back on their feet

Charity Water- clean water for EVERYONE!

FEED - No One should go hungry

Nothingbutnets - 3.3 billion people are at risk of getting malaria

amdg

Just One Victory

 "Sometimes it is more than a game to be played and more than a race to be run."

And so the last of the leaves find their peace creating a brown –red- orange – yellow quilt of remembrance on the fields of the boys of summer. Random gatherings at food stores and post offices hundreds of miles from the diamond cathedral in the town where freedom was born are faithful exiled pilgrims in humble celebration and gratitude.  The multitude of stories and congratulatory smiles of victory raises them from their daily travails. One pilgrim coated in his adopted city’s armor is saluted by strangers at almost at every stride.The significance of these greetings reaches into his core like some conformational holy spirit.

Just one victory is just what these wanderers desired. It was cosmic. Though Beelzebub’s mark remains, the burning leaves ashes and smoke of redemption rise up sanctifying the pilgrims. Jubilant natives convene at the blood stained finish line with collective whispers of their hallelujah hymn. That season that was, that time is done and as new one is being born .The circle of life complete.

The confidence and determination of a group of crusading players were aware that their mission was more than winning a game or reclaiming a ring. Church bells ring out  “Jerusalem!” in this New England town as the duck boats are readied to be launched into the waters carrying the bearded crusaders down the dirty water waving to the adulating liberated throngs. A great sigh rises up ...

                                       Please Click this link and listen     chirb.it/BpBftw

                                                    Just One Victory - Todd Rundgren

 

If you don't have flash or if your smart phone will not play this try clicking this link

http://youtu.be/6gmgQZKeNWM

Game Called

Game Called by darkness — let the curtain fall.

No more remembered thunder sweeps the field.

No more the ancient echoes hear the call

To one who wore so well both sword and shield:

The Big Guy’s left us with the night to face

And there is no one who can take his place.

Game Called — and silence settles on the plain.

Where is the crash of ash against the sphere?

Where is the mighty music, the refrain

That once brought joy to every waiting ear?

The Big Guy’s left us lonely in the dark

Forever waiting for the flaming spark.

Game Called — what more is there for us to say?

How dull and drab the field looks to the eye

For one who ruled it in a golden day

Has waved his cap to bid us all good-bye.

The Big Guy’s gone — by land or sea or foam

May the Great Umpire call him “safe at home.”

                                         - Grantland Rice

amdg

The Emmaus Dialogues: Act II Scene 4 “Ear Pollution” – draft 4.8

Butterfly and hummingbird

(Another short sound bite extracted  from a scene from a play  that is in the works.)

 (Setting: It is a new day, the sun is peaking over the horizon and almost as fast as the one beat of a heart all the darkness that filled the night has been transformed. The illumination by that great mystical star from heaven allows the pilgrims to experience the sacredness of colors of the trees and flowers. Birds sing in simple melodious delight. The wisp of the winds creates a “swooshing whisper” as if to pass on some great secret. The rippling of the stream is mantra to the dawn. The crickets’ nocturnal chorus fades with the warming daylight and the monarch and hummingbird pass the time in silence.)

.....Pilgrim 1: Music has a purpose you know. I don’t understand it but the creation of a piece of music has a mysterious mystical origin. Where do you think composers and songwriters get their ideas for creating a particular piece of music? A songwriter friend of mine says he has no idea where he gets the musical notes and the lyrics for his songs. It all just seems to pour out when he begins to compose the song. There seems to be some consecrated spark that fuels the flame that burns within the hearts and souls of these artists and finds it’s escape through a channel we call music.

Pilgrim 2: What?

Pilgrim 1: That unknown beatific source is that same source that had given the birds an intuitive desire to sing as well as creating the origins of the science that when orchestrated properly the wind can be heard  brushing the leaves and the waves sing softly and sweetly kissing the sand on a deserted beach..

Pilgrim 2: Oh come on now where are you going with this? All I was doing was walking, talking and listening to some music.

Pilgrim 1: Remember that the word “inspire” has it’s origins from the Latin “inspirare” which in turn means “breathe into” and there is this ineffable force that somehow breathes into everything and everyone nourishing their spark of life residing within them. As you remember your Latin the term vocation comes from “vocare” which is to listen to that voice within .There is that secret voice that calls some to be composers – songwriters and they create sounds and sometimes words that in turn blesses those who in turn open their hearts to hear the music .

Admittedly some music sounds as though it has origins that are not divine but that are a matter for another exchange. But isn’t it uncanny how some songs can lift our spirits, some console us, some reflect exactly what we are feeling, some grab us and suddenly our whole bodies respond by holding onto one we love and sharing the joy with movements called a dance….do you think all of that is an accidental coincidence? Some songs invigorate our weak spirits and nourish us with an energy we never thought we had to fight all injustice. What about the lyrics of some songs that say exactly what is written on your heart or blesses you just at the moment you require redemption or consolive illumination, do you think those lyrics found your soul by chance?

Pilgrim 2: OK, you are losing me completely now.

Pilgrim 1:  I heard this famous singer once describe how music has become a form of “ear pollution.” In some cases music has become a tool to help drown out the noise of the world. I guess there is a value in that at times. In other cases it has become an economic channel with its only purpose is to fill someone’s off shore accounts and have no grace-filled origins. Do the truly great gifted artists stop painting or sculpting if they are poor? Do you really think the masters of creating or performing music, or even those who write poetry or great literature are only motivated by the desire for attaining great wealth by using their gifts?

Music is sacramental and when one’s listening to music the originating gift becomes self-perpetuating …as long as there are ears and hearts to be present to what they hear. 

Pilgrim 2 returned the ear-buds back in his ears, he clicks on his MP3 player, adjusts the volume to loud and responds

Pilgrim 2: OK, we can continue another time? So excuse me “Professor IknowsomuchIwanttotellsomebody” as I get back to my gift and get blessed.

.....

The following music videos may not be available on some smart phones or iPads
but here are their you tube links...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnCtHwMAfD8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtrOYsNCPmg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCxZ82Cwg9I

http://video.pbs.org/video/2365086944/

http://video.pbs.org/video/2365087686/

amdg

Copyright 2013 JF Sobecki LLC

Exit Zero : A Cape May Prayer

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

where we can cast off 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

What is that voice, that essence, that power

that calls to wayward wandering sailor pilgrims?

What is the source of their uncontrolled

yearning to travel to that safe harbor?

What is this place, this home of serenity and solitude,

where the voice of God becomes the wind itself

that blows the sand and salt air and provides lift for coasting gulls and puffs the sails of all that venture to the great sea?

What is this place that finds a way to nourish equally all

the spirits who are present ?

What is this place where both the sunrise and sunsets

are majestic providing immediate consolation

to each heart that opens itself  to the horizon?

What is this lighthouse that can be seen by any eyes

of searching seafarers who dare to see?

Or, what is this lifeboat always ready for any swimmer who struggles with the tides that come in and go out ?

What is this place that is free from the hurricanes

and storms regardless of their source or nature?

Then what of those century old Victorian homes that house the souls

of the first  wanderers and respite seekers?

How is it that in this place the sound of the surf magically

effortlessly soothes the psyche and the sand on the beach relieves

the burden of the wearied travelers?

It is said that essence of joy and hope reside in this place.

Nourishment, revitalization, re-energizing, relief, inspiration,

relaxation and redemption are just a few of the gifts

thriving in this perpetual retreat that has always been and always will be.This place of origin and endings, this source of all peace

and love…. The alpha and omega.

Nature’s cathedral created on a blank canvas
by the master artist of artists,
sacred space, holy ground….just this
side of paradise ...

They call it Exit O….

                                               
                You tube - These are the days of the endless summer- Van Morrison
     May not play on some smart phones or watch in vimeo click this link http://vimeo.com/2925

 
                                                              Photos from John Sobecki

                          Paintings from Patricia Rainey Studios http://www.patriciaraineystudios.com/

amdg

Well it's All right - 5th Annivesary Second Chance Dance !

WARNING : FOR MATURE READERS ONLY!   ALSO...MUSIC VIDEOS MAY NOT PLAY ON ALL "SMART " PHONES!

“ Well it’s all right , even if your old an gray

Well  its’ all right , you still got something to say…

Well  it’s all right , even if the sun don’t shine

Well  it’s all right , we’re goin’ to the end of the line!”

So as the summer slowly began to slip away he sat again like most mornings in meditative musing. Those mystical constellations that told stories and guided his vessel in the heavens slowly faded as the sun of the new day burned away the mist that had hung like a worn halo above the tree line. He sat, stared silently and wondered. That cool ocean breeze, the voice of the new season waiting just around the corner whispered .

“Another anniversary at hand…Five years”

The day memorializing Ignatius and his exercises was five years since the pilgrim receiving the great sacrament of healing by one of the companions on the eve of the great repairing of his heart. That moment, that day was remembered as the commencement of the odyssey of the second chance, the new chapter…setting of the new course.

The mystical voice continued

“What is the purpose of remembering?” Why celebrate anniversaries ? Is it all about recollection or recapturing that semi-historic moment or is it refueling, a re commitment? Is it all of the above? Celebrations, solemn remembrances of holy events, victories, losses , births , weddings and graduations…what does it all mean? When the anniversary commemoration is finished …then what?”

The pilgrim remembered how he had gotten diverted on occasion over the years . If he were a golfer one would say that he had lost his swing. If he was a singer or writer another might suggest that every once in a while he had lost his voice.  Just about 43,000 hours ago, give or take a few minutes, he believed that he was given a great gift transforming into a metanoia that rekindled his true spirit . So on this memorial day his  grateful requital would be to show his indebtedness by allowing his authentic voice to raise up.

                                       

Sky cleared up, day turned to bright

Closing both eyes now the head filled with light

Hard to remember what a state I was in

Instant amnesia

Yang to the Yin.

All I got to do is to love you

All I got to be is, be happy

All it's got to take is some warmth to make it

Blow Away, Blow Away, Blow Away.

Wind blew in, cloud was dispersed

Rainbows appearing, the pressures were burst

Breezes a-singing, now feeling good

The moment had passed

                                        Like I knew that it should.

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
 All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
 To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
 Give me only your love and your grace,
 that is enough for me.”

-       Ignatius Loyola

amdg