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. )
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."
------------
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
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