The Sondering

 "Treat and deal all. creation 

as it is and not how we  expect 

or desire it to be.

Treat others as you 

want to be treated."

- Unknown

"To sonder is the profound realization that  every person we see has

a life as rich , complex and vivid as our own even if we know 

nothing about it." 

- John Koenig

"The beginning of love is the will to let those we love to be perfectly

themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit to our own image.

If in loving them we do not love we they are, but only their potential

likeness to ourselves, then we do to love them : we only love the reflection 

of ourselves we find in them."

- Thomas Merton

"No one , no thing is perfect"

- Buddhist Saying

Zues's Law .. ( Xenios)

Treat all strangers and guests ( every person) with respec

and hospitality. Remember there is a sacred bond between us all.

(One never knows if the other person is a divinity

in disguise.)

Inspiration

It was interesting to read that the director of the latest film 

version of The Odyssey recently observed that Homer’s—

and the early Greeks’—notion of Zeus’ Law suggests that, 

with every breath we take, we are, in many ways, throwing 

ourselves upon the mercy and kindness of strangers.

Zeus’ Law, which called for treating all strangers 

as honored guests, is reminiscent of the Golden Rule 

and of many spiritual and religious traditions.

The Greeks stressed the possibility that a stranger 

might be a god or goddess in disguise.

I was reminded of the yoga practice of Anjali Mudra 

and the greeting Namaste:

“I bow to the divine in you.”

The Writing:

The Sondering

Do stars glow in the night sky
for their own benefit?

Have navigators and astrologers
simply imagined that the heavenly bodies
have some purpose, rhyme, or reason?

Birds sing their welcome in gratitude,
celebrating the new dawn.

Clouds clear the way for the sun
to illuminate and warm
all creation below.

Winds carry seeds while providing
lift for winged friends,
and cool breezes help vessels
make their way.

The universe seems aware
of the perfect imperfection
of all creation—
interdependent, interconnected.

Is it all just some random accident?

Leaves fall as flowers sprout,
each fulfilling its contribution
to the air and the well-being
of ask who wander, sentient
and non-sentient alike.

Some contribute more,
but even the lesser is needed.

Everything has a history.
Everyone the same.

Awakening to the differences—
to the possibilities of how every piece,
everything, and everyone
plays a role,
sometime, somehow,
and somewhere—
illuminates and fuels
our own authentic selves.

Is this the time in my journey,
an invitation
to spend less time judging
and more time sondering
in quiet contemplation,
allowing the hidden truths
around us and within us
to unfold?

— JF Sobecki

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs plus

August 1 , 2026 - listen

Click on the link below .

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDutwZe03Td0&si=wA5uP0Pvt0FlaaFt

Coda: Remembering  a treasure: R.I. P. Glen Hansard

Thanks to Glen for the gift of and passion for music always 

and being authentic in helping and inspiring others.

There have been those I admired who has passed on and 

I was/am sad . I only knew him through his music, his values 

and his energy .This man/artist left so soon. ...

Some people some how become part of your story- 

"Airim uaim thu' "

( Gaelic translation - " I feel you missing from me")

(click the link below)

Glen Hansard - The Parting Glass

 

https://youtu.be/sCZcJHAcAZ4?si=qEBH61Q_XRkTf8eA

* 8/4/2008 - Celebrating in gratitude the 18th year anniversary

  of my heart surgery and a rebirth 

  and the beginning of The Second Chance Dance Blog

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

Moon Phases

July Buck Moon

"Cold-hearted orb that rules the night,

Removes the colors from our sight.

Red is gray and yellow white

But we decide which is right

And which is an illusion."

- The Lament ( Nights in White Satin), 

   Moody Blues

"Enlightenment is like the moon reflected

on the water. The moon does not get wet,

nor is the water broken. Although its light

is wide and great , the moon is reflected even in a puddle

an inch wide."

- Zen Master Elhei Dogen

"I am but a finger pointing to the moon. Do not look at me;

look at the moon." 

- Author unknown

Inspirations  

A lifetime ago, sitting in the dark night, gazing at the 

magical, mysterious glow of the brilliant ball

illuminating the sky ,  I didn't know what to think-

so I  prayed.

The relationship with the moon began.

He was there at the end of a day of confusion,

a day of stress or grief and even days of peace, love and joy.

Some mornings he was visible through the growing brightness 

of the the dawn. 

Somedays clouds would hide its presence,

but I was learning the truth.

The belief that this orb was more than an accident

hanging in the sky began to grow. 

He was a in me and me in him.

(Astrologists, mythologists as well a theologians , navigators of

the earth and the mind, philosophers, poets and scientists

 have studied and tried to comprehend

our relationship to the moon and its purpose.).

A brief history of the moon.

* 4.6 billions year ago a solar nebula collapsed and much of the material

fell forming a young sun

* Much of the dust became rocks 

* Some rocks were big and became planets (protoplanets)

   - One of these became the earth

* The young earth was struck by Mars-sized protoplanet

* The impact of this collision produced the Earth's moon.

* Over a billion years, a remarkable relationship developed between

   the Earth and its moon.* 

* Their nearly perfect alignment has allowed the moon to

   influence tides, ecosystems and perhaps our observations 

   (including werewolves), while  philosophers, astrologers, poets and scientists 

   continue to study the orb's influence on life on earth.

It is written that  the moon's  distance and the angle of the 

his orbit are finely balanced that even the modest changes could

place Earth's long-term stability in serious jeopardy. 

There are multiple scenarios describing how changes 

in that relationship might affect our planet 

No thing lasts.  

Some suggest that the forthcoming July "Buck Moon" 

carries sacred and psychological significance -

- 'shedding and renewal, 

- regeneration,

- inner strength

and deeper spiritual grounding.

Is all of this really some magnificent

accidental coincidence and speculation ? 

Our earthly and celestial origins - mutual.

Perhaps it is no surprise then that 

this connection and wonder  continues  ....

The Writing: 

Moon Phases

Midnight companion

shining through the black heavenly shroud.

Celestial consoler , 

dark-sky influencer, 

intervener..

Perpetual listener 

and spark igniter -

flame of truth,

 subconscious liberator.

Hemingway's conviction:

  " The night is for rest" 

Debunked!

The "I am" wakes in the dark night

The universe's cathedral illuminated

Waves roll.

The reflection glides-

selfless phases 

for every time,

For every thing .

Who am I without you?

Who are you without one 

to receive your glow 

while guiding the tides?

Without this planet

you would not exist.

Without your presence

 - I am not .

- JF Sobecki

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs plus

July 1 , 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click the link below

( Click on the link below to listen and be )

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJC6dJTMsRGJl3yBWtvRc8MK&si=FtOit8r7YXHB_3k8

Coda:

One more short reflection and prayer

https://youtu.be/S0d9ck3sRw8?si=rq06XF-k3xwBhNM4

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 5:The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

[Note: This is the Fifth (and final) contemplation in Five Pieces

that was initiated in the February 1, 2026 blog 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. 

(Thank you for your kind support and comments on this series. 

I am humbled. )

" As the rain and the snow

   come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

   without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

   so that it yields seed for the sower 

and bread for the eater.

so is my word that goes out from my

mouth:

   It will not return to me empty,

but it will accomplish what I desire

   and achieve the purpose for which 

I sent it

You will go out in joy

   and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills

   will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

   will clap their hands.

IS 55: 10-12

"There is nothing permanent except change"

- Heraclitus

" I have seen all the works that are 

done under the sun;

and behold , all is vanity and 

chasing after the wind ."

Ecclesiastes 1;4

Inspirations and the Writing: 

Sub Specie Aeternitas

Admittedly, this recent journey of recalling Zen-like moments

has focused on the magnificent overwhelming incidents of ineffable

experiences  - moments of consolation and , dare I say , quiet illumination.

Yet, the deeper I dove the moments "'little victories" and everyday 

occurrences , the more  I awakened to the presence of the eternal spark.

A gentle stream of those simple 

wonder-filled moments -  bliss , Zen, consolation, illumination,

presence, flow , the eternal now and the cloud of unknowing

- continues to surface. I am humbled and grateful as these

remembrances arise.

What follows are two more recollections not considered 

"significantly grand," but rather ones that left a flame burning on 

my spirit that this seeker can not let go.

* The Zen of Fly Fishing 

40 plus summers ago the seeker found his way to a Fly Fishing school 

set in a pastoral Catskill valley.

The "father of fly fishing" in America , Lee Wulff, and his champion

fly caster wife were the proprietors and revered teachers.

Joan Wulff,the caster extraordinaire, observed how the novice

forced his casts with determined vigor,

jerking the rod and line that seemed to go anywhere except the

direction which he had envisioned.

She coached this student to let go and just be. 

    "Just let the rod and line be an extension of your body 

     and spirit. Relax.Take the rod and imagine waving it 

     gently like waving a flag with gentle joy

     on the Fourth of July. Let it flow."

He did and almost miraculously changed everything. Victory!

The grand master, Lee Wulff,  then guided a cadre of students to a local stream.

His soft,,experienced voice instructed them as they stood knee-deep

in the easy running water. Reaching down into the little eddy, he calmly

retrieved an insect floating innocently on the rippling surface.

 A sudden smile spread across his wrinkled face as his eyes

glowed, piercing each of the gathered apprentices. 

  "Look at this . This little bug should not be here and watch the water ..."

   as a local trout peaked through the slow ripples reaching for their meal.

Then this seventy-six year old,  world renowned guru of rivers and streams,

 joyously proclaimed ,

    "Isn't life wonderful where one can learn something new everyday day? 

     All you have to do is just be  - patient and present."

Fly fishing ,  the great peace  - and the personal odyssey- 

was never  the same for this seeker student.

Sailing Serenity:

The seeker and his life companion decided that sailing might be 

a way to enjoy the tranquility they sought. 

Upon graduation with honors from "The Sailing School" 

on the banks of the Chesapeake ,

they felt equipped enough to purchase their first sailboat.

On the day of launching  their new vessel ,  a local

old salt observed their struggles in leaving the dock. 

He offered his advice as they welcomed him aboard. 

The two novice sailors were oblivious to the lake's sudden,

periodic wind shifts as the overconfident helmsman tried desperately

to keep the boat steady and on course. 

Calm and deliberate, the old salt 

counseled the pair, who were beginning to second guess

 their decision. ,

   "At times like these, when you feel you're losing control,

    just let go of the tiller and she will  right herself into the wind.

   You know if you don't chase the wind. Adjust the sails

    and just let the wind carry you 

    to where you think you want to go.""

The seeker -sailor did so, and the panic of losing control abated

as the sailboat rested calmly on the water ready to return to the journey..

"Letting go and not chasing the wind " became enduring

lessons -  the wisdom the two sailors carried into managing

 rough seas of every aspect of their quest.

    " Well, it's not far down to paradise...

    Oh , the canvas can do miracles.... sailing" - C. Cross

Amor Fati'

 - JF Sobecki

(   Sub Specie Aeternitas : "under the aspect of eternity."

     Amor Fati : "A Stoic philosophy - love of fate , embrace everything")

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

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

June 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=PLB8FrnVEQMJC0PWvIH2etMFyhFSQ_DbnW&si=fm5izYP7DOevqxlQ

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Coda:

Listen - be present - breathe ...what simple gifts do you recall ?

(click on link below)

https://youtu.be/baNueuDCue0?si=krLSFJg2N-CFevEo

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 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