Thursday, October 31, 2024

A Septuagenarian Seeker's Sanctuary











"For all the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not
return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater , so shall my word
be that that goes out from my mouth ; it shall not return to me
empty , but shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall
succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
- IS 55:10-11


"Imagine the earth devoid of human life, inhabited by only plants and animals. 
Will it still have a past and a future . Could we still speak of time in a meaningful way?
The question "What time is it? or "What is the date today?" - if anybody
were to ask it ---would be quite meaningless. The oak tree and the eagle would
 be bemused by such a question....they would answer 
"Well of course , it is now . The time is now. What else is there?"
- Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

We call the current moment - "present" as it is a gift"
- Unknown





















Inspiration:

It might be more interesting to say how an inspiration
came in the gift of an angel speaking softly in a dream.
Things do not always happen when and how we expect, right?
Sad to say that no midnight or dawn illumination caused this
particular spark. Rather, as the years begin to add up
it was at a moment of contemplation of the journey - 
people I have met and friends I have made, 
places I have been , events in storms or with calm prevailing
winds , how and  when mercy washed me down. It seems 
as this pilgrim ages those moments of soul filled sanctuary 
the heart is filled with the present and all that has prepared 
me for the now as I settle into mindfulness. 

Ah, sanctified solace..

The Writing:

A Septuagenarian Seeker's Sanctuary 

Ominous clouds squeeze out the rain
nourishing every aspect of creation.
Streams flow into to rivers,
the rivers spill into the sea only to have
this world of water release itself forming
new clouds. Trees release their last leaves
where the mystical wind of an unknown source
carries seeds across the landscape where 
seedlings slowly sprout reaching to heaven.
Silverstein's tree becomes shade and comfort
to resting robins and squirrels or eventually cutdown 
carefully crafting it into a scribner's pencil or writing desk.
The remaining stump comforts that boy who
once delighted in climbing limb to limb,
now a tired old man needing
a place to rest. While remnants of the forest family
are carefully carved into a boat launching
pilgrims out into the deep of the unknown sea.

- JF Sobecki

-------

Poetry and such:
(A thanks to the Irish poets)

(On the possibility of a divine presence in all creation)
"I do not need to believe. I know."
- Carl Jung

This is the time to be slow - John O'Donohoe

When You Are Old -WB Yeats (read by Cillian Murphy)


For a New Beginning - John O' Donohue


and one American poet

Song of Myself - Walt Whitman (Read by John Doherty)

Music: 

For your listening and inspiration.
click on the link below each feature

Be Here Now - G. Harrison
 


Hello in There - John Prine


Who Knows Were the Time Goes - J. Collins


The Circle Game - T. Rush ( J. Mitchell)


Coda:

Something extra for your listening pleasure and contemplation:
( How and when do you savor being in the now- 
letting go , being authentic and present to the magnificence?)

"For us there is only the trying. The rest is not our business"
- T.S. Eliot 

The Adventure of Being Alive - Joseph Campbell

Old - P. Simon 


Have a grace filled Thanksgiving

AMDG

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC










Monday, September 30, 2024

A Reflection on Reflecting







im·per·ma·nence
/imˈpərmənəns/
noun







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
journey to the next and we somehow discover how their spirits influenced,

consoled and  inspired us with help navigating our own passage 

to the unknown sea.

-----

The Writing:

A Reflection On Reflecting

A spirit on a common Camino cautioned the cavalier

wondering wandering one "Remember to remember."

With that exhortation a fading flicker was fueled

and the reflection disguised as contemplation

echoed selected incidents and allegations almost long forgot.

Was the brain working overtime on false memories

or were they incomplete pieces to a greater imagined puzzle?

Though as clear as the brilliant sky a flash burned brightly

from yesteryears yesterdays. The first recollection

flowed like a river to the sea.


A story told of how Mother Teresa was interviewed 

by a struggling photo journalist who noticed the aged nun

was holding a recently poor malnourished ill newly born infant

cradled in her arms as the nun made the beds in the children's

ward. "Why are you holding the baby?", the journalist asked

seeking a story. Mother Teresa explained how the baby suffered

from a fatal disease and she did not have a family and

 would not probably make it through the end of the day.

.Mother Teresa went on how she wanted t

o have the baby feel and know love

and that this sweet innocent soul was never alone.

Puzzled the journalist added "Then why are you making the

beds at the same time."

The nun looked at the woman explaining that making

the beds was her job and that she could do both -

give love and compassion while working .



The photo journalist's husband was so impressed

with the story about Mother and the baby that he

volunteered to stay and work for Mother Teresa's congregation.

The nun counseled the man to return to America, where he lived.

She added that she met so many people in America who were

lonely. She implored the husband to seek out the lonely souls

and let them know love and compassion...and that they 

are never alone.


The pilgrim pondered "when will I ever learn?"

- JF Sobecki
-------
Poetry and such:

David Whyte - Finisterre and Camino
( two poems within a brief talk- click on link)


If I could Tell you - WH Auden



Music : For your listening pleasure and inspiration

Falling at Your Feet - U2 and Daniel Lanois
( click on the link)


When I was Younger - Bonny Light Horseman
Click the link


That's the Way it Goes - G. Harrison
click the link

Memory Lane - V. Morrison
click the link

Coda: And they continue to move on . 
Yet, their music lives on.

please click the links

All Things Must Pass - G. Harrison (RIP)


You're Only Lonely - JD Souther (RIP)


Sunday Morning Coming Down - K. Kristofferson (RIP)


When Will I Ever Learn - V. Morrison


amdg

















Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC




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.

frederickfranck.org

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


"(Schopenhauer suggests)Just as you have met those in your life by 
chance became agents of the structure of your life, so you have 
become an agent to help
in the structuring of the lives of others....
.... follow your bliss - there is something inside you 
that knows if you are on the beam or
when your off the beam ... 
('this moment now is the heavenly moment')"
    - J.Campbell

 "If a problem is fixable, if the situations is such that
 you can do something about
there is no need to worry. If the problem is not fixable ,then there is
no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worry at all."
- Dalai Lama

"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans"
      - John lennon

The Inspiration:

So, there the pilgrim pirate stood as the plan he had conjured
seemed to be ready to have the specified grains of multi-colored
sand fall into place into a yet to be designed great mystical Mandala.
Before he could exhale a sacred wind swept in dispersing the sand
in the blink of an eye changing everything
He was stuck in the moment.
Slowly the reality of his attachment evaporated.
The voice of his master sherpa echoed in the distance
" Not to decide is to decide.All things change, you know "
The pilgrim chose to be awake to the present and let go.

The Writing:

Impermanence and the Eternal Now

The words loop into an infinite mantra,
"Let it be simple and let it be ."
There is no need to choose between Simon of Cyrene,
Dismas or even Trina's caterpillar.
Mary wrote that the final instruction
from Buddha was "Make yourself a light."
Students of Siddartha suggest that the teacher's
last word was simple - "Care." 
Do any of the discrepancies really matter in the end?
Does not the universe experience
the comings and goings of every star?
Does the recent trimmed blade of grass
refuse to grow again?
Do trees mourn autumn
or over-celebrate spring?
Whatever this moment is -
Whatever state you are in -
Mindfulness , presence and being 
the authentic compassionate creation 
is what matters -  isn't it?
- JF Sobecki

Poetry:

"Poetry is the window to the soul"

"For us there is only the trying. The rest is not our business."
 - T.S. Eliot

"Poetry is an act peace. Peace goes into the making of a poet
as flower goes into the making of bread."
 - P. Neruda

 O Me! O Life!

Oh me! Oh life! of the questions of these recurring
Of the endless trains of the faithless of cities fill'd with
   rage foolish,
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more
   foolish than I , and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light , of the objects mean,
   of the struggle ever renew'd ,
Of the poor results of all , of all the plodding and sordid
   crowds I see around,
Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest
   me intertwined.
The question , O me! so sad recurring---What good
   amid these , O me O life?

                Answer.
That you are here ---that life exists and identity
That the powerful play goes on, and you may
   contribute a verse.

- W. Whitman

Music:

Did you ever hear a song or musical piece that seems
to speak to you and the light becomes more than you ever imagined
and for that moment you find peace?

Be Here Now - G. Harrison
https://youtu.be/B5MwgMKcHdI?si=_pvhxYLufHyPopAV

My Cousin Caterpillar - Incredible String Band
https://youtu.be/B_gZu1xK29s?si=j9srzgke7BcFA1ba

Across the Universe - The Beatles
https://youtu.be/iotagMCkJRE?si=t8HIumceaPiQy2yS


Coda:

Some additional pieces or grains sand to consider:

The Eternal Principle - J. Campbell
https://youtu.be/qX8j9TE7P38?si=_dWWuUOknV-SkeH4

Eternity is The Ever Present Now
https://youtu.be/vuMTVLvAzak?si=Qug-JBR5-oC3mAM9

One more - Just Because

The Rescue Blues - R. Adams
https://youtu.be/zJz9fzgENgg?si=HTWwmeyP19RHA_WQ

amdg


Copyright 2024 - All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC





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-6Tn0ZKlUkPJ

The Open Road - W. Whitman
https://youtu.be/bCgbc_RcKF8?si=jjuvCzsySaYAku3b

A Seeming Stillness - D. Whyte
https://youtu.be/XRxrq6udIuc?si=w5HmztnSpyCVb0aB

Anthem - Leonard Cohen
https://youtu.be/c8-BT6y_wYg?si=qxETwmGHOyyh17mw

Music:

For your visual and listening pleasure.

The Walk of Life - Dire Straits

https://youtu.be/kd9TlGDZGkI?si=AvYvicshGuPN5I7e


A New Morning - Bob Dylan
https://youtu.be/99s-B9YoGPA?si=oeSKzDGNSyIPXCLF

Nowhere to Hide - Trampled by Turtles


Born Again - Tyler Childers
https://youtu.be/hXRmU2U2YBg?si=NaYE8eOvuBpTYeF_

Sing To the Mountain - Elephant Revival

https://youtu.be/-pxJe83McU8?si=FameK27ylOT5kNMP

Some music to contemplate the light :

If I Needed You - Emmylou Harris?Don Williams ( T. Van Zandt)
https://youtu.be/ZrBjQ2ydlTQ?si=NqewKhgkeZhNR4d4

Earth Song - F. Tickle
https://youtu.be/JJewD4xdJ3c?si=ot9GS0HOeC13V-US

Ten Thousand Words - Avett Brothers
https://youtu.be/WDNQFiWRZnE?si=3vD4gLSL3q2U9JV0

Coda:

I am humbled and grateful to announce that an essay I have written
has been published in South Jersey's premier arts and culture magazine 
"Breaker" - Issue Nineteen May - Nov 2024.

Sample: 

EINSTEIN AND FROST WERE RIGHT

    I have come to believe Einstein was right when he said 
"Coincidences are God's way of remaking anonymous. Once the spirit 
 is awakened to that possibility , everything can change....

    Great truths can revel themselves in coincidental places, at unusual times.
    
    Watching this past April's full Worm Moon led me to recall 
a significant conversation, under the last harvest Moon , with a dear 
Quaker friend from Philadelphia. We spoke ofd life and purpose, 
and I revealed I had admired Quakers from a distance.

     I live just minutes from a historic wooden building situated at 
the very center of Tuckerton , long known as a Quaker meeting house.
When she asked me " Have you ever stopped by ?" I was embarrassed 
to admit I hadn't.

    "I was never invited ," I heard myself tell her.
    "Well, I invite you," my dear Quaker friend smiled.

"You know the Quakers say 'All Are Welcome'.".....

[ for more info visit www.Breakerzine.com or message me for
the complete essay through comments below.]

* Thank you to my inadvertent sherpas -  for 
helping me see the cracks and experience the light again . 



AMDG

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC