Showing posts with label Lord Huron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lord Huron. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Moon Phases

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 

Copyright 2026 JF Sobecki LLC All Rights Reserved








Monday, December 1, 2025

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

Thursday, June 1, 2023

The Mystic and the Giving Tree


"You don't choose a life ,dad, you live it" 
- The Way , Movie  ( Emilio Estevez/ Martin Sheen)

"And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make." - Lennon/McCartney


"I desire mercy , not sacrifice" - Matt 9:13



                                                                    

                                                                      The Giving Tree


                     Click link for video Reading of the Book "The Giving Tree" - S. Silverstein 

                                                           https://youtu.be/HgDWvLOodHw


"A tree gives glory to God by being a tree.For in being what God means it to be it is obeying [God]. It 'consents,'so to speak , to [God's] creative love. It is expressing idea which is in God and which is not distinct from the essence of God, and therefore a tree imitates God by being a tree."

- Thomas Merton New Seeds of Contemplation


The Inspiration :

Sometimes there can be the most simple book , the sweetest song or a

pleasant poignant poem that echo the most profound messages found 

in the great innocence of children's voices fueling that eternal spark

that will never succumb to the darkness in the world. They 

are all the source of sanctifying grace and the inspiration that

 transcends time. Often the message is most obvious for the ears 

who hear and it is seen with eyes closed, even in a child's 

book about trees .

 

The Writing:

The Mystic and the Giving Tree

The aged wrinkled wise ascetic 

Desert monk contemplated without shelter from the storm

Just on the outskirts of Nag Hammadi.

Sitting on the roadside , legs crossed , whispering what passers-by

Considered a soft mantra repeated over and over

And over. No beginning, no ending. 

Pilgrims making their Camino

With no Compostela or scallops pointing the path,

Retreat on their sojourn , sitting ,seeing , listening and waiting in wonder ,

Was this recluse lama mumbling gibberish quietly imparting a convoluted fable

or was it some Joycean emotion of a Homeric epic poem 

About the meaning  and rights of passage?

In-between the solo mystic's faint breaths 

The words flow like a river smoothing the stones

That were once rough edged pebbles cast to the water.

The stone's ripples reach out to kiss the shore and

Disappear into the great sea of mercy.


Transcribing the sounds this pilgrim filled the virgin pages

Of rugged worn journal, what he believed he heard. and observed.


"Loaves and fishes comes to mind.

The pilgrims fed, nourished and nurtured with no concern

About the seekers' depth or lack of faith wisdom , ignorance or conviction.

It was more than words they ate up."


The monk spoke:

"Release control and surrender to the flow of love.

The wounded healer will be healed.

Loving with desire for reward or receiving abundant 

Love in return is not real love.

Ignorance and indifference erode hope

As they fuel avarice and narcissism.

Be like all of Mother Nature... especially the trees,

Be authentic , be true to your be-ing and purpose. 

Be thankful as we have enough trees and stars 

To teach and inspire us."

- 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


" To see the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower.'

- Wm. Blake


Miracles

Why , who makes such a miracle?

As to me , I know of nothing else but miracles,

Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan

Or dart my sight over there roofs of houses toward the sky.

Or wade with naked fee along the beach just

in the edge of the water,

or stand under trees in the woods,

Or talk by day with anyone I love , or sleep in the 

bed at night with anyone I love.

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest,

Or sit at a table at dinner with the rest,

Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,

Or watch honey bees busy around the hive of a

summer forenoon,

Or animals feeding in the fields,

Or birds , or the wonderfulness of insects in the air,

Or the wonderfulness of the sundown or the stars

shining so quiet and bright,

or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon

in spring;

These with the Reston in all , are to me miracles,

The whole referring , yet each distinct and in the place.


To me every hour the light and dark is a miracle.

Every cubic inch space is a miracle.

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is

spread with the same,

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.


To me the sea is a continual miracle,

The fishes that swim-the rocks- the motion of the 

waves- that ships with the men in them,

What stranger miracles are there?

- Walt Whitman

-------

The Music:

(Musical reflections on the inspiration)

I Release Control - Alexa Sunshine Rose
(Thanks Barry for the inspiration)


I still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2 

Days Like This - Van Morrison
https://youtu.be/3UUWkr4FUlo



Coda: For your listening and viewing pleasure if you desire:
Here are a couple of random bits and pieces - consider them
kindling for the fire.

Not Dead Yet - Lord Huron
Banshees of Inisherin - Movie ( Nice and/or Music, art and poetry- legacy?)
https://youtu.be/a0RBIOxpco8

The Mission - The movie ( 1 Corintians 13)
https://youtu.be/dmUxkdTZY18

Mission: The Movie-  On Earth as it is in Heaven
(This blog's creator was asked to contemplate to this music
while on an eight day in silence. It's serenity and illuminating beauty
lives on )

Silence - The Movie 
( an interesting exchange- watch to the last line)

The Stable Song - Gregory Alan Isakov
(Sometimes we need just a simple smooth sounding song)
https://youtu.be/AqyAmmEkVvI

Yesterday -The Movie (spoiler alert! )
Meeting John Lennon - 
[Happiness = Success/Fight for what you believe in]

 6/16  51 years



amdg


Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC
















Happy Birthday Eugene...














Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Of Mornings , Breaking Waves and Purpose

  
There's a reason we are drawn

to gazing at the ocean.

It is said the ocean provides

a closer reflection of who

we are than any mirror.

- R. Rubin



I want to run, I want to hide

I want to tear down the walls

That hold me inside.

- Where the Streets have No Name, U2


The Inspiration :

( There is something to be said when one is present to breaking 

waves especially on the beach at dawn.)


The Writing:

(Sometimes an inspiration surfaces from the most unusual and surprising

events and situations. Sometimes it is the sun peaking over the horizon

casting its glow across the waves, or a chorus in a song or line in a poem.

Sometimes some unexplainable presence casts a light making the darkness

less intimidating if not neutralizing it altogether. )


Of Mornings, Breaking Waves and Purpose


Isn't it enough that we have the sea,

The sand, the shore and the eternal sanctuary 

Where the soul can be perfectly present?

The dramatic arrival of that consecrating illumination

Brings light, color and consolation to the exterior and

Interior without prejudice. 

How are we surprised by the sanctification,

The soul - filled serenity always available ,

Where no cover and no minimum charges are required?

The self imposed busy-ness keeps us distracted

And fooled just long enough to think we 

Just might be in control enough to give birth 

To a great universal cosmic peace within and without.

Shamans indicate that infants and children

Know the secret and even maybe some like minded 

spirits will also know the essence of the truth.

What is it that fuels the spark

Initiating our hearts to pump and circulate

The life giving force through the 60,000 miles

Of superhighway blood vessels?

And, who planted those magical thoughts 

Finally flowing seeping words into the space

Between us or between the lines on some virgin journal

Awaiting patiently to be filled with

Wisdom , hope , love and gratitude?

What is it that causes silence to

Transform tones in music?

Where is that magnificent warehouse of creativity

That inspires a tortured artist to carve stone

Or wood into iconic statues or mix chemical pastes painting

The colors of the universe into waterlilies on canvas?

Gamblers, no matter their motivation,

Know why they show up everyday.

Hungry sailors and shipwrecked souls sometimes have that sixth sense

About the tides and the waves.

Time will tell , that unknown source of the wind

And the holy point of the coastal hills and 

Their sister sacramental dunes, uncovering the absoluteness of the truth.

Hissing rolling surf washes away footprints

Of beach combing wanderers , seekers and sandpipers .

Pilgrim reflections of sacred instances when 

The morning light shinning on the breaking waves 

Lifted the fog clarifying 

That the purpose for us is not to make a living...

It is letting go and letting our life be who we are ...

That is our purpose.

              - JF Sobecki

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

The Poems and Such:

( Poetry etc Reflections on the inspiration)


Equanimity means profound

stability, like trees planted by the water

That shall not be moved.

That's the fierce equanimity that

Comes from an open heart, open 

mind, and a clear direction of our energy

toward changing the direct

trajectory of history. 

- L. Ward , Awakening to the Apocalypse


Why I wake early - M. Oliver

https://youtu.be/R4O_QcpJlzc

"For Whatever we lose

( like a you or a me )

It's always ourselves

We Find in the sea."

- e e cummings


The Music:
(Musical reflections on the inspiration)


Morning - Beck

Not Dead yet - Lord Huron


Daylight - Watchhouse ( Formerly Mandolin Orange)

Time Will Tell - Gregory Alan Isakov

Pacing The Cage - B. Cochburn
https://youtu.be/mlnJs4WpUjc


Every Breaking Wave - U2
https://youtu.be/BdVIJNnzNQc

Heaven/Where True Love Goes- Cat Stevens ( Jusuf)







amdg

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC