Part 4:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

 "Time present and time past

Are both perhaps in time future,

And time future contained in time past.

If all time is eternally present

All time is unredeemable.

 - Burnt Norton , Four Quartets , T.S. Eliot

"Time is too slow for those who wait,

Too swift for those who live in fear,

too long for those who grieve , too short 

for those who regret ,

but for those who love , time is eternity."

- Henry Van Dyke

" To set time in solitude is a period of contemplation ,

and being completely present. The purpose is not

to make a retreat but to welcome the retreat and 

allow it to make you, 

- Fr. Lou

"Set time to remember to remember ."

- Stephen Batchelor , Buddhism without beliefs

- The Moon waxes and wanes , a symbol of being born ,

growing , declining and rebirth ,- a reminder nothing is fixed -

everything moves through phases.

( multiple spiritual traditions)

- The Moon is not yours

   yet it is not apart

   - Zen Saying

 

[Note: This is the fourth contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog post and 

to be continued this post and one fifth post. 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:

Tolstoy's seclusion and contemplation 

was inspired by Thoreau's sequester

at Walden Pond -

who in turn was inspired by

eastern transcendentalists finding peace .

Buddha's disciples did the same as did

the  religious ascetics seeking connection with the divine.

Jesus too would slip away into the silence. 

St. Ignatius illuminated alone in a cave.

Merton in his hermitage wrote contemplating the mystery.

He often felt more connected to Buddhists monks

than  with his own ordained brethren.

There is a time  for solitude.

A time to remember, a time to be present, 

and a time to savor every aspect 

in the great expanse of the interconnectedness,

one's quest in the endless wisdom knot. 

- April 13 , 2026 at The Maris Stella Retreat Center ,

   Long Beach Island , NJ

 (.... To be continued with more more post in this series

 Part 5 - June 1, 2026)

The Writing :

The Endless Wisdom Knot

True gifts -  in moments of the unexpected sacred.

Origins of the wind, 

unknown - 

No end in sight.

Gulls and a skein of geese in formation  - 

   lifted - free - soaring.

Witness the waves breaking ,

brother moon's glow fading,

gray clouds providing

a narrow space -

for the brilliant gleam of the perpetual light.

In one breath

 - clarity, satiated in 

Mother Nature's safe harbor.

Prodigals and pilgrims welcomed -

all blessed , all loved - 

without stipulations - 

save presence ,

no supplications -

save gratitude.

The theophany - 

of the endless wisdom knot  

... the spirit takes flight,

prescient for the flower moon.

 - JF Sobecki

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

May 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

There are some special videos here.

Click the link below

( Click on the link below to listen and be )

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJDPnw-BgXYevWkwoVEM51mp&si=iHOgazOcDsj3K7vU

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Coda:

Listen - be present - breathe

( This selection used on this pilgrim's recent retreat.

a musical- vocal "mashup" piece of different 

religious and cultural traditions - prayer - peace, 

grace - the great wisdom knot )

(Click on the link below)

https://youtu.be/cMYdm5cVEQs?si=zlCvx9-1EUj7-1v1

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

Part 3:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

 

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."

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."

- Jack Kerouac

"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

 

Part 2: The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

[Note: This is the second 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.]

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

where we can cast of 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

"Buddha means the awakened one."

- Wake up, Jack Kerouac

"All this happened more or less"

- Slaughterhouse Five , Kurt Vonnegut

"Remembrance is a form of meeting"

- Kahil Gibran

Inspiration & History :

Did you ever wonder why and how one event, moment, person,

book and on and on can so easily fire all those dormant memory synapses

bringing you back to one specific moment in your personal formation?

This is what the Buddhist Monk Walk for Peace and my friend's daughter's

reaction to witnessing the walk up close and personal and what the

experience did to me.

Within a New Jersey flash I was back at college in 1968.

My new found mentor who saved me by baptizing me into the 

world of being an English Major referred me to a Russian literature

course and professor, Prof. Brody. The rationale was since I liked the book "Siddartha"

by Hermann Hesse and works by recently discovered Jack Kerouac

as well as Transcendentalist American writers Ralph Waldo Emerson 

and Henry David Thoreau. I would like this Prof. Brody. I didn't \comprehend

the logic but was still learning and remain so today.

Brody's current class featured studying the works of Leo Tolstoy.

I read much by Tolstoy slowly becoming aware of how his works

became an inspiration for Mahatma Ghandi and how Ghandhi's

works and life inspired Martin Luther King.

But it was the fact how Tolstoy was inspired by my recent fav's,

Thoreau and  Emerson that intrigued me. To be honest my only real 

familiarity with Transcendentalism was founded in the Beatles meeting 

with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,an advocate of Transcendental Meditation. 

Beatle Goerge Harrison , my co-birthdate favorite,would

soon become an acolyte of eastern spirituality.  I discovered how

 Emerson and Thoreau were students of the Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, 

Tsao Tse Ching , Buddha , Krisna and on and on.

Inspired by the discovery I wrote a paper of the unique connection, the spiritual

synchronicity Eastern Spirituality -> Emerson/Thoreau ->Tolstoy -.

Gandhi -> MLK and of course a mention or two of the Beatles and the

current peace - anti- war movement in the '60's. Professor Brody was impressed

and suggested a potential rework to make it a scholar essay for possible publication.

I thanked him but did nothing further in terms of writing about this connection.

The recent Buddhist Monk Walk and that college baptism

almost 60 years ago - a mystical interconnectedness , 

... of my own Odyssey . A few pieces of the my own

puzzle begin to fall into place of my own quest.

.... To Be Continued

The Writing:

The Ballad of the Prodigal Pilgrim

A sudden snow squall blows, hiding the grit and 

grime from sight.

Mystical words flow through pen to page, 

filling flawed pages.

A lost soul reminds skeptical weathermen 

that even grace is 

ever-present, especially on bitter cold mornings.

Time is no time.

There is no thin red line, no gray area, 

no safe harbor.

There is what was, what is, and what may be.

Yesterdays map the course

of what was.

Winds and waves carry sailors to where 

and when they’re supposed to be.

The one who wakes just is.

No explanation necessary.

What is it that fuels a recollection, causing 

proverbial passengers to become unstuck in time—

to that one oft-forgotten shining moment,

an incident once thought an insignificant 

piece of one’s puzzle?

How did this wrinkle in time occur?

How does this piece contribute to the big picture?

Prodigal pilgrims get lost when they believe they know.

A voice in the wilderness echoes from that deep cavern within,

that it doesn’t matter if one knows where one is headed,

for the true quest is letting rivers flow

and tides roll where they will.

Geologists and delighted children

 chasing every broken wave may or

 may not appreciate the true history of

 smooth, rounded beach gems.

Once large, rugged, broken chunks,

these soon-to-be gems were caught in

 a landslide,

crashing into rambling rivers

that tumbled the random pieces,

bouncing them toward the welcoming sea.

Rough-edged stones roll,

rubbing the seabed and each other,

slowly being smoothed and polished.

Each has a story of its journey…

a beginning, an end, and a new

 beginning.

The synchronicity of Divine Grandeur

 suggests

that these pieces of stone may not

 look back,

for all that happened contributing to

 their becoming complete.

This place and time is where waves,

 sandpipers, gulls, and pilgrims

 admire these beached jewels,

as all are interdependent wayfaring strangers

on their  their own journey.

- JF Sobecki

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Some songs and poetry

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen to one or more at one sitting without clicking 

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

March 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJCo9LO2fLzUn9Xntq25_MJP&si=jXRsn78Y7MxJ1tZZ

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)

Some music to take a moment for reflection...if you desire.

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Yo Yo Ma - Appalachian Waltz

https://youtu.be/-yxi1n8nD14?si=K4Fx1kPtfv57EkQ6

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

- Jack Kerouac

"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

 

 

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