Second Chance Dance: September 2024

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)

https://youtu.be/u9Lu85L111Y?si=P8hDpx4n1yNQbeNk

If I could Tell you - WH Auden

https://youtu.be/3AeefPqVZKA?si=gBXTVDJxMKR0AD-P

Music : For your listening pleasure and inspiration

Falling at Your Feet - U2 and Daniel Lanois

( click on the link)

https://youtu.be/oRI7GcEAHCE?si=eOjw6D8x5GRiCtTG

When I was Younger - Bonny Light Horseman

Click the link

https://youtu.be/-czCyia1IoE?si=6V1hEUjZ7XGmtOz5

That's the Way it Goes - G. Harrison

click the link

https://youtu.be/D_zCulFuXkM?si=CdVqGS2zOaJGX1EH

Memory Lane - V. Morrison

click the link

https://youtu.be/gRbsj2HooGw?si=N6AlEeCql8JCET3A

Coda: And they continue to move on .

Yet, their music lives on.

please click the links

All Things Must Pass - G. Harrison (RIP)

https://youtu.be/pv1f0VbGzW4?si=HUS4oPThAvSO6E7c

You're Only Lonely - JD Souther (RIP)

https://youtu.be/quglprlSQ8k?si=TC1238hRFJHZWdLT

Sunday Morning Coming Down - K. Kristofferson (RIP)

https://youtu.be/vbqGWTxwZEA?si=JM6M1Y8HTVRxxmE2

When Will I Ever Learn - V. Morrison

https://youtu.be/kbuFha69kg0?si=zikVByxvMRxEIVrZ

amdg

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

New Blog - Rain and Rivers Revisited: A Journey of a Lost Weekend

Well you may recall I have been working on a piece of fiction for a while now. It is still a work in progress. However, I decided

to release drafts of the first few episodes ( chapters.) Much of the work is completed but I am always cutting and editing.

http://rainandriversrevisited.blogspot.com/

It is difficult to release just pieces at a time as they are created as independent episodes they are also all parts of a larger piece (and picture .) I could share more but I am curious to read or hear your feedback.

I want to thank those friends and supporters who have already provided feedback ...and of course all the folks who have been following my Second Chance Dance Blog ( by the way that will continue.)

The material in the Blog is all copyrighted and cannot be reproduced in any form. Though, I welcome you to share the link and this blog with others .So please when you have a few minutes take a read and let me know what you think. I expect to be posting a series of subsequent episodes shortly.

Thanks....

News of Death

(This is for Coach)

Last night they came with news of death
not knowing what I would say.
I wanted to say,"The green wind is running through the fields making the grass lie flat."
I wanted to say,"The apple blossom flakes like ash covering the orchard wall."
I wanted to say,"the fish float belly up in the slow stream,stepping stones to the dead."

They asked if I would sleep that night,
I said I did not know.
For this loss I could not speak,the tongue lay idle in a great darkness,the heart was strangely open,the moon had gone,and it was then when I said, "He is no longer here"
that the night put its arms around me
and all the white stars turned bitter with grief.
- David Whyte

What Work is

We stand in the rain in a long line

waiting at Ford Highland Park. For work.

You know what work is--if you're

old enough to read this you know what

work is, although you may not do it.

Forget you. This is about waiting,

shifting from one foot to another.

Feeling the light rain falling like mist

into your hair, blurring your vision

until you think you see your own brother

ahead of you, maybe ten places.

You rub your glasses with your fingers,

and of course it's someone else's brother,

narrower across the shoulders than

yours but with the same sad slouch, the grin

that does not hide the stubbornness,

the sad refusal to give in to

rain, to the hours wasted waiting,

to the knowledge that somewhere ahead

a man is waiting who will say, "No,

we're not hiring today," for any

reason he wants. You love your brother,

now suddenly you can hardly stand

the love flooding you for your brother,

who's not beside you or behind or

ahead because he's home trying to

sleep off a miserable night shift

at Cadillac so he can get up

before noon to study his German.

Works eight hours a night so he can sing

Wagner, the opera you hate most,

the worst music ever invented.

How long has it been since you told him

you loved him, held his wide shoulders,

opened your eyes wide and said those words,

and maybe kissed his cheek? You've never

done something so simple, so obvious,

not because you're too young or too dumb,

not because you're jealous or even mean

or incapable of crying in

the presence of another man, no,

just because you don't know what work is.

Philip Levine

On Marriage - Kahil Gibran

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love:Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loafSing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.And stand together yet not too near together:For the pillars of the temple stand apart,And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

A favorite "Journey" poem from a favorite poet

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.
-- Mary Oliver

Send or post one of your favorites! They can be lyrics to a song!

Playing For Change

Please see the current music video from "Playing for Change" at the bottom of this page. It is a movement. Enjoy!

"Playing for Change" is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world

Fall in Love

“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” --- Pedro Arrupe SJ