Yin Yang Holiday

( Sometimes we need to recall why seasons need to repeat over and over.

It is good need to "remember to remember".)

Confronted by the ghost of Jacob Marley ,his former business partner

Scrooge observed Marley wearing weights and chains. The ghost said he earned 

them in his life. Scrooge said “But, you were a good man of business. 

The ghost replied “Business!Business! Mankind was my business. 

The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, 

and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade 

were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!” 

 - A Christmas Carole, C. Dickens 

RELIGIOUS FANATICS ONLY :

-A Charlie Brown Story..... Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. 

Lucy explained how it was "Christmas" and explained further that this was the 

time of year to "spread joy, caring, compassion, giving, peace and love." 

Charlie Brown wondered to Lucy "Why do we do these things at "Christmastime" 

and why can't we do these things and be that way all year round?"

Lucy yelled at Charlie Brown , "What are you some type of religious fanatic?"

- (Att: C. Schulz)

The Inspiration:

Feeling sorry himself - the imperfect pilgrim-

and the seeming lack of concern

for his holiday virus ,

he departs the family gathering wrapped in 

self pity.

Disappointed with self and the situation

as three grandchildren ran hug him farewell and

wishing that he would feel better - one saying

  " I hope to see you soon" ---

- his heart and soul awakened to gratitude.

Driving through the cloudy cold country 

roads

he remembers words of the Obi-Wan: 

"Unfortunately these end-of-the-year holiday

celebrations have become instrumental 

to he grand scheme of marketers promoting 

a fantasy of complete joy, peace and love,

regardless of one's personal experience.

Yes, we feel the need to be grateful, giving 

love,

and to live peace...but that is not the reality

for most. Sadness and fear are often

the prevailing moods in the season of joy.

The hungry, the poor, the lonely, 

the unemployed,

the homeless, the sick and those hoping that someday

the jobs of defending freedom will become 

obsolete - are all real.

It is said that this time of year is an ending 

with a grand beginning or birth. 

As anyone can tell you the process

of birth is not always an easy one ."

The pilgrim bowed his head in humility and 

a reconciliation needed  ... as one heavenly light

guides his journey home.

-----

The Writing:

Yin Yang Holiday

No thing is static.

Sometimes times are good,

sometimes not so much.

Sometimes words are just right,

sometimes not so much.

Sometimes feelings perfect,

sometimes not so much.

Yet, the master says, "No mud , no lotus."

The darkness of the night of the soul

is said to be the beginning of the awakening.

The reminder that the raft is not the shore 

helps us recall one that the process, the 

practice, the beliefs

are not the goal .

Life is those moments , people and practices,

indicating a grace,  a promise , a light --

    ... and visions surface--- new births:

the first night I met my missing piece ;

the blessing of arrival of our first childl; 

and the angelic hymns proclaiming

joy to the world 

at the birth of our second child

In a flash

the spirit restored - reborn.

The storms subside , a light shines, and

prayers commence - 

    .... they call this Advent.

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

The Journey of the Magi - TS Eliot ( Read by Hugh Laurie)

https://youtu.be/qyas4QpWM-E?si=IJWe4bLW5bJKbVYp

Give All to Love - RW Emerson ( read by R. Armitage)

https://youtu.be/FrsTPdEWI84?si=_saTCwUNCVxSRxjC

----

Music: some unusual but hopefully 

poignant choices for your reflection- 

(Please click on link below each picture to see video)

Fairytale of New York - S. MacGowan ( performed at his funeral

https://youtu.be/6s8lvnSmISc?si=Q77jnzU0zIWA3ZxU

Running To Stand Still - Bono

https://youtu.be/8EAuep7vUdQ?si=HRAy2jvV_Arpmitw

Getting Ready For Christmas Day - P. Simon

https://youtu.be/DA81JjI40V0?si=B6rZ-FYOeISWMeNN

Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

https://youtu.be/bjQzJAKxTrE?si=IItiNHEajZwVkQ89

Cry of a Tiny Babe - Bruce Cockburn

https://youtu.be/uq1PpZKMBl8?si=5n0x5R0MNBr756nw

-----

Coda: Something further for your contemplation

Best Seasonal Commercial

https://youtu.be/6PH88aAL7hU?si=z5tVVAXTkl-ls96y

The Night We Met - Lord Huron

https://youtu.be/KtlgYxa6BMU?si=vHByGOicPnmCc8q4

* 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 ( especially those 

   who cannot help themselves)

 December Celebrations - 22 nd L Bday, 27th - C Bday & J/G -1st met,

       28th - F Bday &  29th J/G - 1st Date

               

AMDG

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2025 JF Sobecki LLC

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

Questions :An Advent Contemplation

"I will honor Christmas in my heart

and try to keep it all year."

- Charles Dickens

"Mankind was my business. The 

common welfare was my business;

charity, mercy , forbearance,

benevolence, were all my business. 

The dealings of my trade but a drop

of water in the comprehensive ocean

of my business!"

- Marley's Ghost to Scrooge - Dickens

Charlie Brown asked Lucy why she was so happy. Lucy explainers

 how it was "Christmas" and how it was the time of year to 

"Spread joy , caring ,compassion, giving and love , and working 

for peace ." Charlie Brown  wondered out-loud ,"Why do we do 

these things at Christmastime and why 

can't we do these things all year round?" Lucy yells at 

Charlie Brown "What are you some type of religious fanatic?!"

The Inspiration :

In one of the few credible local newspapers remaining the pages in a recent edition were filled with ads as to the best sales for the best products that one really "needs" to get as presents for their loved ones during this holiday season . In between those color-filled pages were pictures and stories of the horrors of war and violence , famine in countries that seem to be from some faraway planet, debates and quotes from public figures who proclaim that they represent the truth about spiritual matters and why their religion is the only correct path, and how elected officials threaten physical harm to others who don't agree with them and on and on. 

Without warning right in the middle of the OpEd pages is an old picture of President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter, who had just passed , sweating as they worked at building a home for the homeless their post political office years . The caption on the picture read " Faith in Action."

On the same day as reading a digital world news report there was a short video vignette of an aging great grandfather holding his new born great grand child as the great grandfather wept whispering to the infant, "I am so sorry that I didn't do more to leave you a better world to live in. We really blew it ." 

This pilgrim author wondered , " Have I tried enough ?"

-----------

The Writing:

Questions : An Advent Contemplation

Oliver wondered while Cockburn conjured 

Purpose or rationalization ,

Commandments or subtle suggestions ?

Sometimes confused sheep wander as

A few somehow are lost in the most verdant of valleys

Gifted to every creature hoping for nourishment and serenity.

How is it that some of the most enlightened 

Of the most erudite of the Mensa membership

Not only get off course leading seekers 

Away from the truth as the answer that has

Been burning brightly within all ways?

Have the pieces of the cosmic  puzzle confused

Wandering sentient spirits seeking significance 

Of their place in this mandala ?

Hasn't all of Mother Nature ,the essence of the divine,

That eternal magnificent spark,

Graced every aspect of creation in all ways?

Is not this experience and space

Sanctifying all with the ever-present answers to

The great questions ? 

-  JF Sobecki

__________ 

The Poems and Such:

"Poetry is a gateway into intuitive consciousness. It knocks on the doors

 of the heart and the heart opens" 

 - Mirabai Starr

"Poetry is an Act of Peace . Peace goes into the making of a poet

as flour goes into the making of bread."

- Pablo Neruda

Some Questions You Might Ask

Is the soul solid, like iron? 

Or is it tender and breakable, like 

the wings of a moth in the beak of the owl? 

Who has it, and who doesn’t? 

I keep looking around me. 

The face of the moose is as sad 

as the face of Jesus. 

The swan opens her white wings slowly. 

In the fall, the black bear carries leaves into the darkness. 

One question leads to another. 

Does it have a shape? Like an iceberg? 

Like the eye of a hummingbird? 

Does it have one lung, like the snake and the scallop? 

Why should I have it, and not the anteater 

who loves her children? 

Why should I have it, and not the camel? 

Come to think of it, what about the maple trees? 

What about the blue iris? 

What about all the little stones, sitting alone in the moonlight? 

What about roses, and lemons, and their shining leaves? 

What about the grass?

- Mary Oliver

 God's Grandeur - GM Hopkins ( Read by Stanley Kunitz) 

https://youtu.be/vpEaCp8iiSc?si=u7YUv8gsN6Y2tond

"Into this world, this demented inn, in which there is no room for him

at all, Christ has come uninvited."

- Thomas Merton

_____________

The Music:

Running To Stand Still - Bono (U2)

https://youtu.be/8EAuep7vUdQ?si=DmW0oIUrA45iIxt6

Getting Ready for Christmas Day - Paul Simon

https://youtu.be/5Q_y4IqeQe8?si=-vClhAIG1HEr-aLi

I Believe in Father Christmas - G. Lake

https://youtu.be/U6-PAKOt7sM?si=WN98L1Kuqhu8u6P2

Do They Know it's Christmas - Band Aid

https://youtu.be/j3fSknbR7Y4?si=KBREFAwqEehkRW1D

Questions - Moody Blues

https://youtu.be/NP9iOqdxS8c?si=dLWlvQRRa9dq7svh

Nothing But a Burning Light - Bruce Cockburn

https://youtu.be/FrhECC6msak?si=hMZXZG8TCI6Vli-o

Videos for Meditation For Readers:

What are we meant to be?

What is our responsibility to our loved ones and the world?

To be or not to be - Alternatives (Shakespeare)

https://youtu.be/sw_zDsAeqrI?si=jlMQhcfIYxL7Gu_P

Scrooge - The Full Movie 1951

https://youtu.be/oPDNKbdW9P0?si=KQUfHaEfYGDi964V

CODA: Something more to consider

As I come of Age - S. Stills

https://youtu.be/BtB6hfvbrsA?si=VTwaQP0PogBEHN8n

How do we share the spirit of peace, love, compassion and mercy?

Have a Blessed and Peaceful Holiday Season.

Two  not-for-profits that keep the spirit alive year round.

Family Promise - https://familypromise.org

World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org

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

"Everything that we preach is what we need to hear."

         - Bono

"One day I will find the right words , and they will be simple."

- Jack Kerouac

"The most important thing is not why we write but how we write.

Write dangerously , Beckett.." 

- James Joyce ( From the new biopic on S. Beckett " Dance First.")

For my girls and their families.... 

AMDG

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

Calvin & Hobbes