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 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

 

Part 2: The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets

[Note: This is the second 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.]

 As if summoned by seagulls, we come back to the beach 

where we can cast of the shoes and our everyday cares

tell time by the tides and live in the moment 

Our search for shells an echo of childhood

and the surf's refrain is music remembered 

 

- author unknown

"Buddha means the awakened one."

- Wake up, Jack Kerouac

"All this happened more or less"

- Slaughterhouse Five , Kurt Vonnegut

"Remembrance is a form of meeting"

- Kahil Gibran

Inspiration & History :

Did you ever wonder why and how one event, moment, person,

book and on and on can so easily fire all those dormant memory synapses

bringing you back to one specific moment in your personal formation?

This is what the Buddhist Monk Walk for Peace and my friend's daughter's

reaction to witnessing the walk up close and personal and what the

experience did to me.

Within a New Jersey flash I was back at college in 1968.

My new found mentor who saved me by baptizing me into the 

world of being an English Major referred me to a Russian literature

course and professor, Prof. Brody. The rationale was since I liked the book "Siddartha"

by Hermann Hesse and works by recently discovered Jack Kerouac

as well as Transcendentalist American writers Ralph Waldo Emerson 

and Henry David Thoreau. I would like this Prof. Brody. I didn't \comprehend

the logic but was still learning and remain so today.

Brody's current class featured studying the works of Leo Tolstoy.

I read much by Tolstoy slowly becoming aware of how his works

became an inspiration for Mahatma Ghandi and how Ghandhi's

works and life inspired Martin Luther King.

But it was the fact how Tolstoy was inspired by my recent fav's,

Thoreau and  Emerson that intrigued me. To be honest my only real 

familiarity with Transcendentalism was founded in the Beatles meeting 

with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi,an advocate of Transcendental Meditation. 

Beatle Goerge Harrison , my co-birthdate favorite,would

soon become an acolyte of eastern spirituality.  I discovered how

 Emerson and Thoreau were students of the Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, 

Tsao Tse Ching , Buddha , Krisna and on and on.

Inspired by the discovery I wrote a paper of the unique connection, the spiritual

synchronicity Eastern Spirituality -> Emerson/Thoreau ->Tolstoy -.

Gandhi -> MLK and of course a mention or two of the Beatles and the

current peace - anti- war movement in the '60's. Professor Brody was impressed

and suggested a potential rework to make it a scholar essay for possible publication.

I thanked him but did nothing further in terms of writing about this connection.

The recent Buddhist Monk Walk and that college baptism

almost 60 years ago - a mystical interconnectedness , 

... of my own Odyssey . A few pieces of the my own

puzzle begin to fall into place of my own quest.

.... To Be Continued

The Writing:

The Ballad of the Prodigal Pilgrim

A sudden snow squall blows, hiding the grit and 

grime from sight.

Mystical words flow through pen to page, 

filling flawed pages.

A lost soul reminds skeptical weathermen 

that even grace is 

ever-present, especially on bitter cold mornings.

Time is no time.

There is no thin red line, no gray area, 

no safe harbor.

There is what was, what is, and what may be.

Yesterdays map the course

of what was.

Winds and waves carry sailors to where 

and when they’re supposed to be.

The one who wakes just is.

No explanation necessary.

What is it that fuels a recollection, causing 

proverbial passengers to become unstuck in time—

to that one oft-forgotten shining moment,

an incident once thought an insignificant 

piece of one’s puzzle?

How did this wrinkle in time occur?

How does this piece contribute to the big picture?

Prodigal pilgrims get lost when they believe they know.

A voice in the wilderness echoes from that deep cavern within,

that it doesn’t matter if one knows where one is headed,

for the true quest is letting rivers flow

and tides roll where they will.

Geologists and delighted children

 chasing every broken wave may or

 may not appreciate the true history of

 smooth, rounded beach gems.

Once large, rugged, broken chunks,

these soon-to-be gems were caught in

 a landslide,

crashing into rambling rivers

that tumbled the random pieces,

bouncing them toward the welcoming sea.

Rough-edged stones roll,

rubbing the seabed and each other,

slowly being smoothed and polished.

Each has a story of its journey…

a beginning, an end, and a new

 beginning.

The synchronicity of Divine Grandeur

 suggests

that these pieces of stone may not

 look back,

for all that happened contributing to

 their becoming complete.

This place and time is where waves,

 sandpipers, gulls, and pilgrims

 admire these beached jewels,

as all are interdependent wayfaring strangers

on their  their own journey.

- JF Sobecki

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Some songs and poetry

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen to one or more at one sitting without clicking 

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

March 1, 2026 -

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

Click the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJCo9LO2fLzUn9Xntq25_MJP&si=jXRsn78Y7MxJ1tZZ

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)

Some music to take a moment for reflection...if you desire.

May peace be with you and yours all ways

Yo Yo Ma - Appalachian Waltz

https://youtu.be/-yxi1n8nD14?si=K4Fx1kPtfv57EkQ6

"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

 

 

The Waste Land Redux: Five Quintets - # I

Note: This contemplation is the first of Five Pieces

to be continued in subsequent posts.

"On the day of judgment , it matter more how devoutly one

has lived and what good works were done, rather than how 

much was read."

- Thomas A'Kempis

 Inspiration :

This pilgrim didn't realize the magnetic force of a group

of Venerable Monks walking for Peace would fuel

an avalanche of soul searching. Recollections of how 

a piece of the great puzzle rediscovered fueled insights as to

how everything is connected and fits.

The Writing; 

The Walk: Tears of Joy, Remembrance and Peace

Maybe April is not the cruelest month.

Sometimes when a soul enters that dark night as it wanders

it wonders if light will return. Belief in the experience doesn't suffice.

Faith fades and trust replaced with doubt . Weakened spirits forget experience

that all things pass . Sun sets, sun rises. 

Yet, there is an eternal spark that refuses to fade. It requires a mystical

breath of unknown origin to be rekindled to flame. 

    Buddhists remind pilgrims, "you can't push a river." 

For this  accidental pilgrim that rekindling arrived without

 the proclamation of a holiday parade. Rather, it was

a gentle walk - not protest nor political statement but a living

prayer of peace , hope and kindness. Step by step a line of 

venerable Buddhist Monks making way from 

Texas to Washington, DC..

Why and how did lost souls become drawn to this 

Sangha making way on their journey. How and why  was this

piece of the great puzzle of existence make appearance now? 

What was its source? Does it fit , where and why? 

Time wasted with a monkey mind.

The morning was breaking slow and grace filled. Being present

washed away the worry and fear. The wind blown chimes ceased their song.

An unexpected message appears on his small miracle of technology.

Was this a vision or reality ? It was a message and video from

a distant acquaintance , an in person witness to the procession

of monks. A flower in hand as tears flowed.  

Tears of joy , remembrance and peace

This pilgrim joined the river of tears . 

- JF Sobecki

-------

Music and Poetry ( for your listening pleasure

and contemplation) - Something New:

This is a complete YouTube Playlist of songs and poetry .

You can listen one or more at one sitting without clicking 

on each entry...or all in one sitting.

Second Chance Dance Playlist Songs and Poetry 

February 1 , 2026 - 

For your listening pleasure and contemplation:

 Click on the link below

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8FrnVEQMJDcY3mpFo5Ac5-okpE7E2oc&si=mo6y3dNYyNfeE65w

Coda: Faith, Trust and Purpose

Some music to guide your contemplation.

Music of eclectic different spiritual and religious perspectives

click on the link below

       The Wisdom Knot

https://youtu.be/TJIbOsWfa3M?si=wAIduhs0t3phiful

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)

"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

 

Lucky:The Pilgrim and The Sherpa

" When in doubt just be...

  present and your authentic self."

- Unknown

"Follow your Bliss"

- Joseph Campbell

"A small group of explorers were guided through 

the Himalayas by one compassionate  

sherpa helping the companions on the 

journey. He would sing, raising and taking down

the traveller's tents , cooking meals , carrying and pulling

supplies and equipment, navigating the

small collective through the dangerous terrain

of the infamous mythical mountains.

One of the group was consistent sharing

his gratitude to the sherpa for his care and service.

The sherpa humbly explained it was just his job, 

"no reason to be thanked," he said softly.

One night a most fierce winter storm 

devastated the group's encampment. 

Lives and equipment lost - destroyed. 

The sherpa missing , one sole survivor,

the grateful explorer.

The survivor - weak, hungry and

in pain collapsed unconscious.

He woke covered in in multiple blankets 

with group of monks carrying him to

a distant hidden magnificent Buddhist monastery. 

There the man was bathed , 

fed and dressed with a fresh monk tunic.

One young contemplative gently invites 

the man to meet the great guru, 

the Abbot of the monastery . 

On their way to the audience the man was told 

all of this was a gift from the Guru who was 

thankful that this adventurer

had graced their home, their temple.

When the Abbot unceremoniously entered the chamber 

the refreshed traveler stood up ,

eyes wide opened ...smiling ear to ear 

recognizing that this Guru 

was the same sherpa who had been servant caring

for the man and his companions on their passage.

- A Zen Story by Anthony DeMello SJ (Adapted)

Inspiration :

Seasons roll on and questions grow deeper. Beliefs are challenged,

old baggage and wounds explored. New roads and rivers 

along unending mountains appear.

No easy choices. No easy answers. Desiring something more 

lasting than the worldly promise of brass rings and rewards.

Sometimes a guide, a sherpa, a voice in the wilderness suddenly

surfaces at unexpected cross roads. 

The journey enters a restrained metamorphic season . 

Seeds of purpose , authenticity , relationships , presence , 

and letting go begin to flourish . Lucky ? 

Synchronicity.

The Writing:

Lucky: The Pilgrim and The Sherpa

As leaves turn brown some creatures become concerned

about  the wind and the rain . Memories of the birth of the 

once-budding trees and flowers, 

and streams being relieved from spring 

rain are not forgotten. 

Walking into the dimly lit waiting room - 

adorned with paintings of European Cathedrals -

the pilgrim had no idea his expectations 

were about to be changed forever. 

What followed was an unexpected

emotional, intellectual , spiritual 

and psychological transformation.

Kirk , the therapist , welcomed the seeker 

into an unmapped Odyssey. 

Their conversations -- on poetry, music, 

books, spiritual fabric of the universe - 

led the pilgrim into

a rabbit hole of discovery.

Kirk was more of a navigator than captain,

more Sherpa than sailor.

One navigates the sea,

the other the soul.

Kirk gently advised: 

"A helmsman can weather rough 

seas and right the vessel by letting go. "

The pilgrim was a good student but slow learner.

He grew more comfortable with the idea of

egoless expectations and silent desires.

The two set out sailing into the deep. 

Kirk, slowly peeling back the layers,

shared the story of his own passage..

The walls separating the heart from the soul, the intellect

and body began to crumble . 

The reason for their relationship  faded into yesterday. 

A new chapter began:

Conversations on spirituality . 

Attending The Dodge Poetry Festival, where their soulmate 

philosopher-poets welcomed searchers 

into their cosmic fold. 

Lake sailing .

Zen tea ceremonies.

Musical jam sessions.

This spiritual journey - infused with wisdom,

art and silence---

was not what the pilgrim expected .

It was, however, exactly what both needed.

Kirk had shared a draft of his autobiography , Lucky. 

The pilgrim noticed something missing:

the story of the "Failed Retreat."

Kirk, a lapsed Catholic, had once been invited by 

his Jesuit Priest-Roshi (Buddhist monk) to an 

interreligious retreat. 

After a day or so ,Kirk told his priest friend ,

"I'm leaving.I don't get it.".

The sun set and rose a few more times.

Then, on  a memorable morning Kirk woke 

thinking ---

I get it!

When the pilgrim first heard that story, he thought

of the cathedral paintings in Kirk's office. 

"You can take the boy of the church",he mused,

" but you can't take the church out of the boy.  

Smiling , Kirk advised, "Write that down."

The seasons began to roll by faster . 

The lives of the two friends drifted apart, 

leaving space for occasional messages and calls.

One night after returning from a weekend with

his family the pilgrim checked his home phone.

It was the voice of Kirk's son. 

The friend who helped him with solving 

life's  puzzle ---his guide --- had passed.

The Jedi in training now on his own.

At the wake in Kirk's home  a heartbroken

daughter welcomed the somber seeker.

"My  father spoke of you," She said, 

"and I know some of your secrets."

Looking into the pilgrim's eyes, she shared something else:

On his deathbed , 

Kirk had looked up and said ,

          "Help me pray." 

Tears slipped down his face. 

He was momentarily puzzled ---

then came his "ah-ha" moment. 

   - His life was his prayer.

      And his prayer, his life.

- JF Sobecki

--------

Poetry: some words and ideas to contemplate

A few selections from a couple of Kirk's favorite Poets.

(Please click on links underneath the video)

News of Death

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 the 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

The Layers 

https://youtu.be/wk6xW41EFoA?feature=shared

Everything is Waiting for you - D. Whyte

https://youtu.be/MgQf5tx1hi4?feature=shared

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

and reflection 

(Please click on links underneath the video)

One Of These Days - N. Young

( Consider this an apology and a start)

https://youtu.be/XtRTA4u5QkU?si=6OgQc-WZV9LUC8-B

Rivers and Roads - Head and Heart

https://youtu.be/2gQLzoy5Jts?feature=shared

Any Road - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/KCOFOWwCZdc?si=UXZc3vgIyR_A67z_

Simple Gifts- Yo Yo Ma/Allison Kraus

https://youtu.be/baNueuDCue0?feature=shared

Coda: Some additional considerations for your reflection..

Remember who touched you while on your busy passage.

Hope - Bill Moyers ( R.I.P.) w Wendell Berry 

(For Kirk [R.I.P.] Thank you for introducing me to B.Moyers- w The 

Power of the Myth and The Dodge Poetry Festival and

your guidance and friendship)

https://youtu.be/2j_r4jb9AYw?feature=shared

The Holy Longing -J.W. VonGoethe (Favorite Poem Project)

https://youtu.be/8YWoOj5mJMo?feature=shared

And we always need and benefit from a healthy laugh ....

(Kirk would have laughed)

Dalai Llama Walks into a Pizza Shop

https://youtu.be/WZy02_OFErk?feature=shared

AMDG

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC