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."
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| 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."
- 2 Maccabees 15:38-39
AMDG
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| Copyright All Rights Reserved 2026 JF Sobecki LLC |
