Yin Yang Holiday

( 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

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2025 JF Sobecki LLC

Questions :An Advent Contemplation

"I will honor Christmas in my heart

and try to keep it all year."

- Charles Dickens

"Mankind was my business. The 

common welfare was my business;

charity, mercy , forbearance,

benevolence, were all my business. 

The dealings of my trade but a drop

of water in the comprehensive ocean

of my business!"

- Marley's Ghost to Scrooge - Dickens

Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy explainers

 how it was "Christmas" and how it was the time of year to 

"Spread joy , caring ,compassion, giving and love , and working 

for peace ." Charlie Brown  wondered out-loud ,"Why do we do 

these things at Christmastime and why 

can't we do these things all year round?" Lucy yells at 

Charlie Brown "What are you some type of religious fanatic?!"

The Inspiration :

In one of the few credible local newspapers remaining the pages in a recent edition were filled with ads as to the best sales for the best products that one really "needs" to get as presents for their loved ones during this holiday season . In between those color-filled pages were pictures and stories of the horrors of war and violence , famine in countries that seem to be from some faraway planet, debates and quotes from public figures who proclaim that they represent the truth about spiritual matters and why their religion is the only correct path, and how elected officials threaten physical harm to others who don't agree with them and on and on. 

Without warning right in the middle of the OpEd pages is an old picture of President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter, who had just passed , sweating as they worked at building a home for the homeless their post political office years . The caption on the picture read " Faith in Action."

On the same day as reading a digital world news report there was a short video vignette of an aging great grandfather holding his new born great grand child as the great grandfather wept whispering to the infant, "I am so sorry that I didn't do more to leave you a better world to live in. We really blew it ." 

This pilgrim author wondered , " Have I tried enough ?"

-----------

The Writing:

Questions : An Advent Contemplation

Oliver wondered while Cockburn conjured 

Purpose or rationalization ,

Commandments or subtle suggestions ?

Sometimes confused sheep wander as

A few somehow are lost in the most verdant of valleys

Gifted to every creature hoping for nourishment and serenity.

How is it that some of the most enlightened 

Of the most erudite of the Mensa membership

Not only get off course leading seekers 

Away from the truth as the answer that has

Been burning brightly within all ways?

Have the pieces of the cosmic  puzzle confused

Wandering sentient spirits seeking significance 

Of their place in this mandala ?

Hasn't all of Mother Nature ,the essence of the divine,

That eternal magnificent spark,

Graced every aspect of creation in all ways?

Is not this experience and space

Sanctifying all with the ever-present answers to

The great questions ? 

-  JF Sobecki

__________ 

The Poems and Such:

"Poetry is a gateway into intuitive consciousness. It knocks on the doors

 of the heart and the heart opens" 

 - Mirabai Starr

"Poetry is an Act of Peace . Peace goes into the making of a poet

as flour goes into the making of bread."

- Pablo Neruda

Some Questions You Might Ask

Is the soul solid, like iron? 

Or is it tender and breakable, like 

the wings of a moth in the beak of the owl? 

Who has it, and who doesn’t? 

I keep looking around me. 

The face of the moose is as sad 

as the face of Jesus. 

The swan opens her white wings slowly. 

In the fall, the black bear carries leaves into the darkness. 

One question leads to another. 

Does it have a shape? Like an iceberg? 

Like the eye of a hummingbird? 

Does it have one lung, like the snake and the scallop? 

Why should I have it, and not the anteater 

who loves her children? 

Why should I have it, and not the camel? 

Come to think of it, what about the maple trees? 

What about the blue iris? 

What about all the little stones, sitting alone in the moonlight? 

What about roses, and lemons, and their shining leaves? 

What about the grass?

- Mary Oliver

 God's Grandeur - GM Hopkins ( Read by Stanley Kunitz) 

https://youtu.be/vpEaCp8iiSc?si=u7YUv8gsN6Y2tond

"Into this world, this demented inn, in which there is no room for him

at all, Christ has come uninvited."

- Thomas Merton

_____________

The Music:

Running To Stand Still - Bono (U2)

https://youtu.be/8EAuep7vUdQ?si=DmW0oIUrA45iIxt6

Getting Ready for Christmas Day - Paul Simon

https://youtu.be/5Q_y4IqeQe8?si=-vClhAIG1HEr-aLi

I Believe in Father Christmas - G. Lake

https://youtu.be/U6-PAKOt7sM?si=WN98L1Kuqhu8u6P2

Do They Know it's Christmas - Band Aid

https://youtu.be/j3fSknbR7Y4?si=KBREFAwqEehkRW1D

Questions - Moody Blues

https://youtu.be/NP9iOqdxS8c?si=dLWlvQRRa9dq7svh

Nothing But a Burning Light - Bruce Cockburn

https://youtu.be/FrhECC6msak?si=hMZXZG8TCI6Vli-o

Videos for Meditation For Readers:

What are we meant to be?

What is our responsibility to our loved ones and the world?

To be or not to be - Alternatives (Shakespeare)

https://youtu.be/sw_zDsAeqrI?si=jlMQhcfIYxL7Gu_P

Scrooge - The Full Movie 1951

https://youtu.be/oPDNKbdW9P0?si=KQUfHaEfYGDi964V

CODA: Something more to consider

As I come of Age - S. Stills

https://youtu.be/BtB6hfvbrsA?si=VTwaQP0PogBEHN8n

How do we share the spirit of peace, love, compassion and mercy?

Have a Blessed and Peaceful Holiday Season.

Two  not-for-profits that keep the spirit alive year round.

Family Promise - https://familypromise.org

World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org

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

"Everything that we preach is what we need to hear."

         - Bono

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

- Jack Kerouac

"The most important thing is not why we write but how we write.

Write dangerously , Beckett.." 

- James Joyce ( From the new biopic on S. Beckett " Dance First.")

For my girls and their families.... 

AMDG

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

Calvin & Hobbes

The Advent Gift

Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy explained how it was "Christmas" and explained further that this was the time of the year to " spread joy, caring, compassion. giving , peace and love."

Charlie Brown wondered to Lucy "What 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?"

 

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

The Advent Gift

So he sat in the stillness with silence,

Letting go the contemplation, 

Surrendering to the sanctifying serenity..

Gazing through the ancient windows

Blurring all that magnificent gift of nature

Wondering if there would be one leaf

That would refuse to fall.

The noise of the world slowly 

Fading into nothingness.

His earthly vessel lost 

As the consciousness welcomed the light.

The soul slowly slipping 

Into the mystical cosmic void.

No conjuring analysis of the now,

Floating and free .

The eternal spark rekindled

Growing the flame warming the soul.

A secret voice of an unknown source

Seemed to speak softly to his spirit

"Who will love if you don't? 

Are you the selfless creation

Unafraid to to serve those pilgrims

Struggling to live in blessedness?

Are others aware of the abundant

Unconditional  perpetual grace?

What is your contribution to the solace?

How does your authenticity shine 

The light that has been gifted so

Every aspect of creation

Waking all to the great illumination,

The Divine DNA residing in every thing?

My gift to you :

Is that you are to give freely

All times - all ways.

All life is sacrament. All time is sacred.

All days are holy-days."

Eyes and  mind clear, heart and spirit filled.

He thought "Maybe this is heaven"

Advent complete.

- JF Sobecki

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

Some different music for the Holidays

You Got The Love - The Retrosettes Sister Band

https://youtu.be/fMEgZiCTW0M

When Love Comes to Town( w BB King)- U2

https://youtu.be/_TGU35i8czo

Long,Long, Long - Beatles( G. Harrison)

https://youtu.be/e9vUCdfwlgw

Peace Train - C. Stevens - Playing for Change

https://youtu.be/0QpjR6-Uuks

Do They Know its Christmastime- Band Aid

https://youtu.be/j3fSknbR7Y4

Field Of Dreams - "Maybe This is Heaven" (watch til the end)

* Warning: Men grab that box of tissues

https://youtu.be/lXjz-M_6eN8

Scrooge ( A Christmas Carol - Full Movie)

https://youtu.be/zvEMd7WLoew

amdg

Copyright JF Sobecki LLC All Rights Reserved 2022

A Simple Matter of Trust...

dis·cern·ment

diˈsərnmənt/

noun

noun: discernment

1               
the ability to judge well."an astonishing lack of discernment"





2. 
(in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to
 obtaining spiritual direction and understanding."without providing for a time of 
healing and discernment, there will be no hope of living through this present 
moment without a shattering of our common life"

co·in·ci·dence

kōˈinsədəns/

noun

noun: coincidence; plural noun: coincidences; noun: co-incidence; plural noun:
co-incidences

     1 
a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without  

       apparent causal connection

2      correspondence in nature or in time of occurrence.

OK, Let’s see if we can make some sense of this and that it doesn’t get too confusing. 
This pilgrim was going through the exercise of planning to outline the purpose and 
approach to the next blog post. Eventually, somehow, the proposed topics were
 narrowed down to a select three. So, as this exercise has gone in the past, an outline
 was drafted for each of the topics and possible approaches were thought about for
 each. Just as the stage of preliminary drafting was to commence the worldly distractions
 began like the rains and floods of early spring.It seemed that all the ideas and potential
 narratives had become flotsam and jetsam that could never be retrieved.

It wasn’t that the distractions were necessarily bad but they did interfere with the standard
plan and approach. Discomfort was first to surface and then a sense of anxiety increased. 
What to do? The words always seem to appear once that flame of inspiration is mystically
lit. Then it is a matter of human knowledge that attempts to arrange the words in a 
meaningful, grammatically correct and maybe even an impactful way. No words were 
conjured and the flame was barely visible by that inner eye.

Three topics remained….a good ole standard for the beginning of November  -
“Gratitude.”Another topic surfaced addressed the “After Glow of Pope Francis’ visit to
the United States.” Then there was a related topic about “Compassion, Mercy and serving 
the poor.” Still, nothing!

So when in doubt…that inner voices continued to whisper “let go.” There is an 
Ignatianexercise (The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius) on the discernment of the spirits
that proposes letting go three days and let God, that magnificent miracle of the universe
somehow mysteriously,provide the answer. In other words, don’t worry about it, don’t pray 
about it, stop trying to force it…just trust God. If you believe and you trust - the answer will 
become obvious. There is this story where a father of a sick boy wants the disciples or Jesus 
to heal his son. Jesus says to the man,“All things are possible for those who believe .” 
This is where the pilgrim completely
identifies with that boy’s father as it is reported that the father responds “I do believe;
it is trust I lack (help my unbelief.”) Mark 9:24.

So, the pilgrim went on with trying to be present to the moment. The topics and outlines
for the forthcoming blog post lay dormant on scraps of paper and in a word document 
on hiscomputer. The weekend came filled with creative energy that was directed at 
another passion, the writing, performing and recording of music. This activity filled the 
moments and hours for three full days. On the night of the third day he was drained, 
exhausted as all energy was spent on the music projects. He hoped that it was all 
worthwhile as he went to bed there was a memory flash about the blog. Without 
thinking about it any further he decided to focus his attention to
the writing of the post in the morning.

The next morning the routine of making coffee and grabbing his journal as he settled in  his
“quiet time” was a mechanical response to waking and rising. Before settling into serious 
reflection, meditation, prayer and writing in his journal he would always like to “warm up “ 
with a smile by reading the online comics (cartoons from the daily newspapers) that he 
received automatically on his computer and smart phone.

These are what he saw immediately that morning … 

 He thought "Sometimes we need to just trust our own hearts."

The rest of words fell into place, as it was this brief journey that is his story.

…. Enough said

Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous
                    - Albert Einstein

We Sanctify all we are grateful for
                   - Anthony De Mello SJ

                                      Looking For My Life - G. Harricon ( Smart Phones click on link)

                                                        https://youtu.be/zcXN-nAJ2R8

                                  Any Road – George Harrison (Smart Phones Click on link)

                                               from G. Harrison's last live TV performance

                                                          https://youtu.be/BldrJGDhIME

Suscipe (St. Ignatius of Loyola)

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.

amdg ….. 

Copyright 2015 JF Sobecki