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

What Really Matters:There is No Them

The Inspiration:

A famous life coach and author, Stephen Covey ,

promoted and practiced a popular exercise

where one would imagine their own retirement dinner or 

funeral and think what words that family , friends and colleagues 

may use to describe you- your life. 

I would use forms of this exercise with corporate clients and 

college students alike. (total at least a 1000 plus.) 

It was very rare that respondents would use words

that described professional achievements or attachments

to things...i.e. jewelry , homes, boats, cars etc , or 

financial wealth, career success , ego and status etc etc.. 

The most prevalent words and descriptions and responses

include : loving ; caring for and helpful  others ; friendly ; peace filled ;

ethical; integrity; truth-filled; collaborative, creative, risk taker..

(concern for the common good) and spiritual.

Discussions would ensue about the reality of the world we live in, 

the awareness of personal imperfections and and how and 

when we exhibit those essential personal qualities we discussed 

as to how we may want to be remembered .

It would become clear that these are the aspects of our journey

that really matter.

-----

The Writing:

What Really Matters: There is No Them

We are here to exist in relationship with 

all creation;

everything and everyone is of the mystical 

divine majesty.

We are here to be authentic contributors -

to respond and to serve,

wherever and however we can - 

sometimes by lending an ear,

sometimes by lending a hand,

knowing when to speak,

and when and how to listen.

At times, it is simply a matter 

of just sitting in grateful silence.

At times , it is leaping into the fray 

to offer something- somehow- to someone 

whose heart is weary.

At Times, it is sensing

when a smile is needed,

or when a shared tear 

is the greatest consolation .

And at times it is taking 

that modest gift we carry

and offering it to the great play   

lifting the spirits

of wandering souls.

Remember this: 

it is  not -

it has never been --

- about just you or me  alone.

it is, and always will be,

about  us.

There is no them

- JF Sobecki

-----

Poetry (and such for your Contemplation)

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

Some things are just worth repeating.

For What Binds Us - Jane Hirshfield

https://youtu.be/MQb5g5CISn4?si=-pSB5Ze75P4grn08

"What will your verse be? (Dead Poets Society)

https://youtu.be/-7OE6bDfM2M?si=aXHOD2UcdPp2ypfD

----

Music: and such for your listening inspiration

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

Invisible - U2

https://youtu.be/HqqDExc8TF4?si=RxkDeme1M8K_z0MT

Get Together - Youngbloods

https://youtu.be/7xGxQXmu7Os?si=g72Ij5-1-JbP_Acf

How Can a Poor Man Stand Such times and Still Live 

- Ry Cooder

https://youtu.be/LI0BtL_6Y50?si=lT_p15RHvppJY3H2

-----

Coda: Something further for your reflection 

* The World Bank states that in using a poverty line of $6.85/day 

for middle income countries is estimated at 3.5 billion people , 

or 44% of the world's population, live under that poverty line.

* 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)

If you or someone you know needs help

Search and connect to support. financial assistance, food pantries, 

medical care, and other free or reduced-cost starts here:

 https://www.findhelp.org/

"We sanctify all we are grateful for"

- Anthony DeMello

Have a blessed and Healthy Thanksgiving!

AMDG

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2025 JF Sobecki LLC

Belief and The Great Intercession

"Make your prayer your life 

and your life your payer."

- Pope John XXIII

"If the only prayer you ever 

in your life is, thank you, it 

will be enough."

- Meitser Eckhart

"Being present to and grateful 

for all the wonder around 

and in you -- is prayer."

- Unknown

Inspiration/The Writing :

Aspiration is an unusual yet common condition . Hoping , 

wishing, dreaming or praying for something to 

magically or mystically transpire with a 

positive outcome is often what weary 

passengers on the planet call "hope".

Frequently some meditate or contemplate 

on a rescue or deliverance, healing , 

or achievement that might be beneficial for their well being.

However, when this personal practice is directed for the benefit 

of another or group who may be experiencing a 

current or potential difficult tragic circumstance -

Resulting with intercessions. 

How many times this hobo seeker contemplated ,

"Have I been like the paralytic lowered into the presence

of the great teacher by the love of his friends"?

Then just like that - out of the blue 

that unexpected transcedental wind

flipped the script.

How is it that random comets seem to eventually 

discover in the great almost unending expanse  

an intersection with a landing point?

How was it then that intermittent queues

of owners of lonely hearts meander their way

right into the middle of the seeker's 

own circuitous voyage across the universe ?

Neighbors , family members and strangers on the road

reverently began to reach out for hope , 

compassion and healing 

as they accidentally traversed paths 

with this pilgrim, challenging 

and humbling him .

These souls seeking consolation trusting

and believing that a prodigal's prayers

just might connect with some higher authority,

some light or unknowable source 

for relief.

"Pray for ..." they requested respectfully .

Restless nights became the status quo...

He dreamed , he thought, as that inner voice

cried out in the darkness,

"Why me?'

"Why not " was an immediate answer.

"But, why --- me !? "

" Remember " a mystical voice warmly chided.

"I don't understand.." the pilgrim wept.

"It is your turn."

- JF Sobecki

(see Coda below)

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

Words: Poetry and Such (for your Inspiration)

I'm Going to Start Living Like a Mystic

Today I am pulling on a wool green sweater

and walking across the park in a dusky snowfall.

The trees stand like twenty-seven prophets in

a field

each at a station in a pilgrimage--silent, pondering.

Blue flakes of light falling across their bodies

are the ciphers of a secret , an occultation.

I will examine their leaves as pages in a text

and consider the bookish pigeons, students of

winter.

I will kneel on the track of a vanquished squirrel

and stare into the blank pond for the figure of Sophia.

I shall begin scouring the sky for signs

as if my whole future are constellated upon it.

I will walk home alone with the deep alone,

a disciple of shadows , in praise of the mysteries.

- Edward Hirsch

------

Music : for your listening pleasure and reflection

click on "links" below each picture for video and sound

Morning Glory - Tim Buckley

https://youtu.be/MgNxopvE3ro?si=ob-bm2mbXf08JICy

Turn!Turn! Turn! - Judy Collins and Pete Seeger

https://youtu.be/n0xzyhoeu1Y?si=8zOSEZC_eOVM0JU4

The Light that has Lighted The World - G. Harrison

https://youtu.be/GbVQov4MuKQ?si=7Bjw4uISbSqn0jLd

Questions for The Angels - Paul Simon ( w B.Frisell)

https://youtu.be/3zcZhgczTF0?si=7VbrDE6Wo2CtH1i6

"40" (Sing a New Song) - U2

https://youtu.be/5ba4RqOY0Ck?si=jza6IL_76kI6eR29

CODA: Now something from the lighter side

Sometimes one can find a dose of wisdom in the most unlikely places---

Ted Lasso - "Believe"

https://youtu.be/olPLvuvMcSE?si=mF9kd0_VsV0EMkUV

( for Sarah B )

AMDG

Copyright 2025 JF Sobecki LLC All Rights Reserved

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

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved 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

Leap Day Humble Intentions

"No Mud , No Lotus"

The Inspiration

Does having an extra calendar day

in a Leap year make a substantive difference in a day in a life?

Sometimes it rains and sometimes it seems that the frozen

wild whipping wind of winter will never cease.

Just as the darkest hour appears to be infinite

a sweet sounding song of the solo thrush who 

journeyed in advance  in community

to welcome in celebration the crack in from 

the heavens letting in the light.

Sometimes the universe just nudges those

who worry or forget .

If seekers listen closely ,with eyes closed , their souls

know that song , that illumination, that hopefulness and faith.

Sadness comes and goes. Tides come in and out.

Creatures of all sizes have no say in their arrival.

Yet, there is a secret awakening to  how all

creation is of an abundant unconditional love

and how all things do pass.

In between the the falling sands of time

there is a positive power in how 

the universe responds to intentions

of the desire to let go , just being , hopeful , 

humble and grateful.

Many mystical traditions understand the interconnectedness

of everything . Is it a coincidence that one seeker discovered

the commonality of how the gleam responds to humble intentions?

One practice that has helped wandering spirits....

is known as " Metta Meditiations."

(The author has been practicing forms of Metta meditation for years

in his daily journals and contemplations)

(Loving Kindness Metta Meditation

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/meditation/loving-

kindness-meditation-script-and-7-reasons-to-use-it  )

The Writing

Leap Day Humble Intentions: A Metta Meditation

(For myself , you , our families, friends, neighbors , mentors,

those who suffer and those in need , those we met and will meet)

May this space, this moment , this time, this day , this journey -

Be joyous , filled with  - love - peace - hope - mercy - selflessness

- holiness -  good health - mindfulness - gratitude - humility and

authenticity , free from worry , pain , suffering and harm.

May we have the strength , wisdom , courage and faith 

to stay the course that we are meant to be on - letting go .

May we all love one another without judgment about 

our own worthiness and the worthiness of others.

- JF Sobecki

---------

______ 

"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

"Ring the bells that can still ring 

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack , a crack in everything

That's How the light gets in"

- Anthem, L. Cohen

Spring

In the north country now it is spring and there 
Is a certain celebration. The thrush 
Has come home. He is shy and likes the 
Evening best, also the hour just before 
Morning; in that blue and gritty light he 
Climbs to his branch, or smoothly 
Sails there. It is okay to know only 
One song if it is this one. Hear it 
Rise and fall; the very elements of you should 
Shiver nicely. What would spring be 
Without it? Mostly frogs. But don’t worry, he

Arrives, year after year, humble and obedient 
And gorgeous. You listen and you know 
You could live a better life than you do, be 
Softer, kinder. And maybe this year you will 
Be able to do it. Hear how his voice 
Rises and falls. There is no way to be 
Sufficiently grateful for the gifts we are 
Given, no way to speak the Lord’s name 
Often enough, though we do try, and

Especially now, as that dappled breast 
Breathes in the pines and heaven’s 
Windows in the north country, 
Now spring has come, 
Are opened wide.

- Mary Oliver

The Music 

Anthem - L. Cohen

https://youtu.be/c8-BT6y_wYg?si=QLyTHexF3RoLs79B

Your Got the Love - Retrosettes Sister Band

https://youtu.be/vANd9o22j5Y?si=HcB4GQ-rDTaAJ-Hz

Love and Happiness - E.Harris/M. Knopfler

https://youtu.be/qlPR11Ke2II?si=Osi9OOV7vfV39vAb

Happy - P. Williams

https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs?si=kGtIi--NTPCXqllp

Peace on Earth - U2 Live at the Sphere

https://youtu.be/MWwOK5p1ArQ?si=J-DaFHo0j6JVYFtN

Love and mercy - Brian Wilson

https://youtu.be/PISkFEzC5XE?si=56gKU8mTyM8QtmAu

Meditation time:

Sit Listen/Watch

Being Here - B. Murray

https://youtu.be/o9TvFkiLLMo?si=iTUsPzUS7GZZkG7t

Gabriel's Oboe - The Mission

https://youtu.be/fiCX4w1BCVQ?si=WLv_jJNIVtZgi10a

"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.")

AMDG

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC