Second Chance Dance
For some there comes a time when a second chance is given.That time then becomes a celebration of the unrecognized gifts of the past and humble gratitude for the wonder of present. This then is a collection of reflections and comments on life,work,love and faith to be sung ,and danced to, in thanksgiving for a second chance.
Thursday, October 31, 2024
A Septuagenarian Seeker's Sanctuary
Monday, September 30, 2024
A Reflection on Reflecting
the state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.
"No thing lasts , no thing can give you peace or happiness"
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves."
- W. Shakespeare , Julius Ceasar
Inspiration:
- All those years ago the pilgrim sauntered on the beach at midnight
accompanied by a colleague who was stressed about changes residing just
over the horizon that might turn his human experience upside down.
Pointing to the magnificent star and planet coated canopy the pilgrim
posed a question, "Look at that universe - stars and planets being
born while others evaporate or are blasted by wayward asteroids
into millions of pieces and scientists propose that all of that
continues to expand seemingly without control or influence-
do you think that we are also of that universe?"
All the colleague could conjure was a small simple smile
of acknowledgement .
- Sometimes we are surprised when a person passes from this
Sunday, September 1, 2024
A Labor Day Reflection : Gratitude
"It is not who I'm underneath but what I do that defines me"
- Bruce Wayne (Batman Begins)
"I am what I am and that's all that I am"
- Popeye
"It all turns out well.How?I don't know. It's a mystery."
- Shakespeare in Love (movie)
The Inspiration:
How is it that just when one needs a lifting up something happens
completely by surprise? No plan or strategic moves could ever
predict or anticipate a mystical magical embrace by the universe
as if to say , "Don't worry , no need to be perfect , just be your
authentic self, be selfless , generous and let go being present to the now.
You are good. You're ok ."
Pilgrims wonder and wander. Somehow every so often a recollection
of a grace-filled experience is re-ignited . That ineffable incident from
that solitudinal passage seems to have a life
of it's own emerging from the deepest darkest secret soul
at a time when a light is needed .
Just like that the spirit is immersed back in that memorable moment,
Abundant consolation , the transcendental reunion washes over
the spirit as if the occasion is a sacred resurrection.
A Labor Day Reflection: Gratitude
In the hour of not quite dawn the pilgrim
stood solo in the queue in the most empty cavern
of the post modern airport. A man and a woman busied themselves
with paperwork with a just waking solo ticket agent.
The unusual looking glasses on the male could not hide
his identity. A giant in his field of work this 5'6" singer
was recognized by the pilgrim.
The pilgrim cautiously and quietly moved his lips
as he caught the eye of this celebrity carrying his baggage.
"Bono?", his lips queried.
The found out passenger nodded affirmative.
Without hesitation and remaining completely still
the pilgrim found the courage to speak aloud,
"Thank you for the 'Beautiful Day'."
Without another breath and in a heartbeat the stranger
moved carefully and deliberately to the pilgrim
reaching out his hand and spoke " And , thank you for all you do."
Stunned and speechless the pilgrim nodded his head in acknowledgement .
Just like that the three departed on their way.
The pilgrim returned his focus to the reason for his journey that day.
Within a few hours he found himself sitting on a beach in paradise.
Suddenly a file folder filled with a powerpoint presentation
flopped spilling onto his lap.
Startled the pilgrim looking up sees the that the tosser
was a CEO he was meet later that day.
The sunbathing pilgrim began to flip the pages of the presentation.
He made a suggestion or two that was received with gratitude
from the stressed lonely man at the top.
The tired executive leaned closer to the pilgrim
reaching out his hand , "Thank you for all you do."
Taken back the pilgrim realizes
it was the second time in eight hours
he was humbled with the same words and wondered
"Have I done the same for others.?"
- JF Sobecki
___________-
Poetry and such as it relates to work and what we do.
(Many say poems are to be heard)
Click the links
What work is - P. Levine
https://youtu.be/NxJVgAJB6As?si=aIPAbVjToBJ_ZtiX
Shirt - R. Pinsky
https://youtu.be/XgION25gxx8?si=_VB3ZljYFLHHD8qs
-----
The music for reflection
Click on links
Beautiful Day - U2
https://youtu.be/co6WMzDOh1o?si=p6FHKEt-JPiDaXd7
The Man at The Top - B. Springsteen
https://youtu.be/IWXqPv9JY8k?si=i_S-WEixL5XshNhy
Coda : A thank you for all those who work, want to work, retired from work,
the poets, writers, musicians and artists any creation using their talents
as their work and all those...can no longer work.
Kind and Generous - N. Merchant
https://youtu.be/XS4XlzYsrH8?si=Nv6rwTaY6e-owClo
Ooh La La - The Faces
https://youtu.be/1_xwnb3cymc?si=sZ-QgzmAznem2_dS
It's Still Alright - N. Rateliff
https://youtu.be/Hw4MiegZxsU?si=Nwj_KzQNiUL2rYUf
(This blog's author retired from formal work a few years ago and contemplated
and still thinks about what he did and how.)
" So here I will end my story ( work).
If it is done well , that is what I desired, if it is poorly done and mediocre,
it was the best I could do."
2 Maccabees 14 :37-38
amdg
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Pacem. In Terris pt 3 / What Matters - the Art of Rediscovery
"To objectify spirituality , to make it the object of "study"
is almost equally absurd : it is the very well spring of all
valid art, culture, science and all humanly valid political
and economic structures."
- Frederick Franck
"Make your work your payer and your prayer your work."
- Pope John XXIII
"Art is neither a profession , nor a hobby,
It is a way of being."
- Frederick Franck
The Inspiration:
It was 16 years ago today that sergeant taught the waiting desperado
to play. "Courage", the "sarge" said. He added a story about an infamous humble
neighbor of his who listened to a deeper calling .That neighbor, a trained
oral surgeon, who assisted Albert Schweitzer on an African mission,
would become a. famous philosopher - artist and the only
lay person and artist invited by a Pope John XXIII to be
invited to the inner sanctum of the Vatican Council .
The result of the council was the publishing of
the encyclical " Pacem In Terris." The dentist/artist/bridge-builder
philospher became so inspired he wrote
about the journey and observations while creating a
non profit transreligious ( any sacred philosophy or consideration that leads to
love, peace and a relationship with the holiness ) without desire for harm,
the subjugation and control of others,
space created for reflection and peace, "Pacem In Terris."
It is a living museum of nature and art for promoting peace,
contemplation and meditations.
The desperado recently rediscovered books
authored by Franck gifted to
him by his sergeant. Suddenly the words , ideas and pictures
began to flourish -
a new life , rekindling the flame.
The Writing:
Pacem In Terris pt 3/ What Matters- The Art of Rediscovery
Surmising and suppositions speculate the purpose of everything.
Do oceans exist for their own benefit?
What of the streams and rivers who disappear as they
converge with the lakes and the majestic oceans of mercy?
Do they care?
Are the blackbirds and their feathered family friends
aware of how their sweet songs deliver serenity
for all ears who dare to hear?
Why do artists paint? How can the sculptors
squeeze a most realistic presentation out of
solid hardened blocks of stone?
Many poets and authors mysteriously
capture right words consoling lost pilgrim souls.
And the mystical music maker somehow rediscovers the
the essence of tranquility and , when needed,
lifting up spirits to dance and wipe away tears.
Maybe the mystics , priests and monks need to retreat
or retire to some isolated sanctuary for a few centuries
as many of their vocation often get out of control
or lost seemingly incapable of
herding the sheep down the right path.
It seems it is time to sing a new song.
- JF Sobecki
------------
Poetry:
The Bell and The Blackbird (excerpt)
The Sound
of a bell
still reverberating
or a blackbird
calling
from a corner
of a
field
Asking you
to wake
into this life
or inviting you
deeper
to one that waits.
Either way
takes courage,
either way wants you
to be nothing
but that self at all,
wants. you to walk
to the place
where you fund
you already know
how to give
every last thing
away.
- David Whyte
Music:
A few pieces for your consideration and contemplation:
Click on links - below the picture
The Maker - D. Lanois
https://youtu.be/w-JtAcpKtYQ?si=TCfvRGQxSsZpWC-D
Change Myself - T. Rundgren
https://youtu.be/dCU4P5EQNFs?si=OBivrQY8W_oU6w1T
U2- Peace on Earth
https://youtu.be/fdXT7L7i880?si=eIj2XHddbnOS-YFX
Give Me Love ( Peace) - G. Harrison
https://youtu.be/8LqCMF-nr8s?si=46r5klMFoowsrZFI
Coda:
Some additional info for your contemplation:
The Art Of Being Human - Frederick Franck( Interview
https://youtu.be/X6mqVUbSpO4?si=G-s2zO7dg9txK9ya
Words of Buddha "Let Your Love Flow" : Chant
https://youtu.be/DFREqIr6aD0?si=iyu8Q5Rs-dGnBSqA
Think it's Going to Rain Today - R. Newman
https://youtu.be/7zDt8xyVKtw?si=4tTmQIexkcZafxte
40 - U2 ( Live at The Sphere)
https://youtu.be/wUSB3gdHHZE?si=7IKPXkaubLh1tzwe
Note Bene:
(150 million people are homeless worldwide,
1 in 10 , 828 million people , in world suffer from hunger,
8 million die annually from lack of quality health care,
100's of thousands die from organized violence (war)
worldwide annually,
infant mortality worldwide remains about 2 million/year and
120 million people are forcibly displaced as a result of persecution,
conflict , violence or human rights violations.
A tragedy is that the world has the resources and technology
to end all of this with compassion.)
AMDG
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC
Monday, July 1, 2024
Impermanence and the Eternal Now
Saturday, June 1, 2024
The Walk of Life : A Revival
Meliorism -
a (noun) /'melya,rizam/ :
the belief that we can contribute to positive change
and improve the world through acts of love,
creativity , compassion and kindness
thalaophile:
a person who is magnetically drawn to the ocean
because of its calming and healing nature
The Inspiration:
There was that time when the youthful prodigal pilgrim
was asked to write about an aspirational future.
He saw himself as a cowboy or truck driver.
He believed that either. path would take him to the
open road and see things he never dreamed
he would see and meet other interesting pilgrims
on their own Camino.
Somehow the constructs and promises that
attachments would fulfill
every fiber of his being got him off track
from the sanctified passageway .
Then without warning a perfect storm
almost imploded everything.
Suddenly the seas calmed and a great light
illuminated his spirit and the dream of
going with the flow by just "being" returned
and the revival was born again.
The Writing:
The Walk of Life : A Revival
A baby's first breath leads to cries of freedom
as growing anxiety is mitigated by the comfort , consolation
and nurturing of unconditional love.
Exploration , inquisitiveness and unbridled imagination
rue the hours, days months and years.
Almost emancipated the now child is confronted
by constructs and controls that lock step his spirit
to abiding to the constraints and barriers.
The flock of companion seeking sheep are also led by the assurance
of security and serenity while winning some type of brass ring ,
a reward for staying on the insisted path
perpetually promulgated by the lords of the manor.
The Taoist type dream of accommodating the universe's rhythm,
riding with the great river's flow dissipated.
Without anticipation or expectation while
in the deepest silence and stillness,
"Forget your perfect offering",
a great light has found its way
through Cohen's crack in everything.
"The bells ring that still can ring again."
Just like that the flame that proclaimed the perpetual traveler's
initial arrival it is rekindled and a mystical revival blossoms.
The authentic cosmic essence returns.
He is free once more
on the precipice - his true self reborn, he sings .
- JF Sobecki
_____
Poetry and such:
Sometimes - Dr. Gilchrist ( David Whyte )
https://youtu.be/DlyfVzaox5M?si=cdAq-6Tn0ZKlUkPJMusic:
For your visual and listening pleasure.
The Walk of Life - Dire Straits
https://youtu.be/kd9TlGDZGkI?si=AvYvicshGuPN5I7e
Traveller - Chris Stapleton
https://youtu.be/_kBnFgLP8po?si=RawpHE5aMG6ozPMHCopyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC