"As if summoned by seagulls, we come back to the beach where we can cast off 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
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Sometimes the Sanctuary of Safe Harbors
Sometimes the world's chaotic madness
Seems to be spinning out of control.
Sometimes a pilgrimage on one's Camino
Storms of all types and sizes surge within and without.
Sometimes seeking sanctuary of safe harbors
Is considered an escape , a desire for refuge,
A place for security,
A need for retreat and sanctification.
Verdant spaces, beaches, retreats, houses of prayer -
Holy safe haven places all - simple sacramental space.
Even Lake Wobegonites had their 'Storm Homes'.
The great teacher and other mystics comprehend
The cosmic nature within the universe
And the maginifence of the light
That nourishes and bathes searchers
Desiring solitude,
The consolation and the illumination
Found in the serenity and the solemnity
Of everything and everyone.
Sitting in the stillness and silence
Savoring the ascent of the promised perpetual peace.
Another miracle for the grateful,
The present , and mindful to the wonder - the beauty
Of the mystical truth.
Breathe...
- JF Sobecki (2022)
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Exit Zero
What is that voice, that essence, that power
That calls to wayward wandering sailor pilgrims?
What is the source of their uncontrolled
yearning to travel to that safe harbor ?
What is this place, this home of serenity and solitude,
Where the voice of God becomes the wind itself
That blows the sand and salt air and provides lift for coasting gulls
And puffs the sails of all that venture to the great sea?
What is this place that finds a way to nourish equally all
The spirits who are present ?
What is this place where both the sunrise and sunsets
Are majestic providing immediate consolation
to all the hearts who turn to the horizon?
What is this lighthouse that can be seen by any eyes
Of seafaring spirits who dare to see or
What is this lifeboat always ready for any swimmer who struggles with
The tides that come in and go out ?
What is this place that is free from the hurricanes
And storms regardless of their source or nature?
How is it that in this place the sound of the surf magically
Soothing souls and the sand on the beach relieves
The burden of wearied travelers?
It is said that essence of joy and hope reside in this place.
Nourishment, revitalization, re-energizing, relief, inspiration,
relaxation and redemption are just a few of the gifts
of this perpetual retreat that has always been and always will be.
This place of origin and endings, this source of peace
And love…. The alpha and omega.
Nature’s cathedral , sacred space , holy ground….
They call it Exit O….
JF Sobecki (2012 - previously posted on this blog))
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Storm Home - Lake Wobegon - G. Keilor
https://youtu.be/13S3peEqcQYhttps://youtu.be/eYzIayVDN5o
