Paracletes in Disguise

"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 

Copyright 2026 JF Sobecki LLC All Rights Reserved

The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets - # I

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

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2026 JF Sobecki LLC

 

Lucky:The Pilgrim and The Sherpa

" 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

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

    

The Art of Imperfect Perfection: The Retreat

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

Copyright 2025 JF Sobecki LLC All Rights Reserved