541: An Epistle from Some Distant Tomorrow

"I urge you to please notice when you are happy, 

and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 

"If this isn't nice I don't know what is." 

- ManWithout a Country ,  K. Vonnegut

 

  ---------

541: An Epistle from Some Distant Tomorrow

( It wasn't too long ago that the following letter suddenly appeared in an odd shaped tattered 

envelope on the coffee table next to a new mysterious coffee cup ring stain.)

My Dear Friend,

It is hard to explain how unexpected time jumping for me has become as normal as clearing 

post nasal drip in the throat before speaking. It is uncontrollable and what , where , 

when and why the jump happens, to a deep past or some unforeseen distant future, 

cannot be anticipated. Lately the present never seems to be here and now. One breath 

this body and mind is in one place and time and a breath or two later everything is changed.

You see some aliens from a planet 446,120,000,000,000,000 miles from earth said this tired

traveller was one who had won the lottery where they would conduct some experiments 

while gifting me with the ability to time jump.So, here are a few questions and 

observations that might bring some clarity to someone somewhere sometime, 

if there is an interest..

The aliens made a sincere hint that "There is love enough in this world

for everyone, if people would just look"? Also, there is more enough food , shelter , 

medicine and health care for every living creature. They remain concerned

about why didn't anyone ever figure out how and why so called Homo Sapiens 

created borders and hoard resources ? What benefit is there in that? They continually ask 

why this traveller would seriously consider returning to  planet  earth permanently.

It wouldn't be appropriate to mention in detail what the near and distant future holds for those 

on planet earth. Some hearing what I have to say may be too overjoyed and forget the

point of their existence and what needs to be done while others might become so depressed

that getting out of bed would become a painful chore. Does everyone really believe in your 

time that the world can continue to behave without experiencing extreme consequences 

for the greed, the ignorance, arrogance, hate, violence and the obvious carelessness as to 

how others and Mother Nature are treated? Do most forget about living with 

compassion, mercy, selflessness, caring and service to others? No one , no thing is perfect, 

yet , one can continue to try to be authentic and be complete . 

How is it that so many seem to just give up?

Everything changes right? Well, this pilgrim has little confidence that things may not improve

if certain changes do not take place soon . Somedays this concern explodes this feeble mind

worrying about  the world and what's up next for our grandchildren and their grandchildren. 

I haven't seen the planet's finale but the trend is dubious at best and yet there just may be 

that ever so-slight flicker of optimism that remains. 

These aliens have hinted that the notion of a mystical magical divine light 

or energy is the essence of everything in the universe 

is in fact one real truth of the universe.This most holy of holy DNA resides in all aspects 

of creation and if we are present enough we can listen to and sense the great sanctification.

They are concerned though how certain "homo sapiens" seem to portray 

themselves and their interpretations of the cosmos as the "only right" answer or method 

and how their picture of the divine is the perfect picture of their "right God."

Actually they think it sad and simultaneously humorous that humans would

conjure such perspectives, dogmas and rigid practices about a supreme entity.

They say "all one has to do is listen and be present. Wherever you are there you are"

They added,"It's simple, follow your bliss and be happy since you are beloved.

So then...  love yourself, others, be humble and be grateful ."

And so it goes.

Until next time then. Whenever that is.

Your Friend, 

Billy

PS Here are Some videos that might help in your potential contemplation about the above note.

  

                                                                              

 Shape of Stories - K. Vonnegut

  

  https://youtu.be/GOGru_4z1Vc

 Follow Your Bliss - J. Campbell

  

  https://youtu.be/3v_TB3Ii8Qc

                                      

 B. Murray - Mark Twain Prize(watch to end)

https://youtu.be/tw0IRVMU7I4 

Who am I?- G. Harrison

 https://youtu.be/FxL69A5d7kk

Live Forever - D Holcombe                                                                                  

 https://youtu.be/ntbNQk2Tk7Q
                               

 Across the Universe - The Beatles

 https://youtu.be/iotagMCkJRE

Who Will Speak - M Haugen

https://youtu.be/OuQbegq5N0A

 

What is true happiness?

                                  

https://youtu.be/8KkKuTCFvzI

                    and one for the road

                     just clap along!

    

                        Happy - Pharrell                                                                                
              https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs

                                                                                   

(Thank you to David , Lou P ,  Kurt Vonnegut, Madeleine L'Engle,

Joseph Campbell and Jon Kabat-Zinn for the inspirations)

amdg

Copyright JF Sobecki LLC  All Rights  Reserved

Happy Birthday GG!

 

Aspects of The Great Chain of Being: A Few Considerations

" St. Bonaventure taught that to work up to loving God ( having a complete experience with the divine), start by loving the very humblest and simplest of things, and then move up from there."

 - Richard Rohr

(*Note:  Every aspect of creation is interconnected and interdependent. The Divine is that ineffable eternal spark, that perpetual ever-present sacred DNA in all creation . Just because one does not completely comprehend the simplicity and yet majesty of the universe does not mean the sanctity of everything does not exist.) 

"The love of the divine ( that eternal spark ) creates in us such a being that when truly seen, no person can separate themselves from another person ( any other aspect of creation). In the sight of the divine ( the light of all people creation , are connected ) and are one."

- Julian of Norwich

"Your grandfather once told me it was ok to think about what you want to be until it was time

to start doing what you were meant to do"

- The Rookie

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous"

- A. Einstein 

                                                                    

--------

The Great Chain of Being: Considerations

Consider Beethoven upon completing 

The fourth Movement (Ode to Joy) of his Ninth Symphony

Saying the full orchestra was not needed .

Since the first chair violinist was the best musician,

Only one instrument would suffice.

What is the sound of a violinist playing notes without an instrument?

Listen to the sound of one hand clapping.

What if there was no space or rest between notes, 

Is there music ?

Is the silence the one great connector of everything?

The internet reported Ringo releasing

A solo collection of the Beatles greatest hits

With only the sound of the drum tracks for each song.

Did Monet think how a single water lily would be enough?

Why use more paint than necessary?

Imagine Whitman after writing "Oh me oh my..." thinking additional words

Would be a potential distraction .

What if Papa Hemingway, tired of standing,

Pulled the ribbon from his weary worn typewriter after just a few words,

Silently self scrutinizing ," I only write what I know."

What about the teacher who directs the lesson

To just one of a class of 23 students

The remaining 22 being less attentive, 

Possibly less smart and maybe not as good looking?

Is there that mother loving, feeding and nurturing 

Just one of her hungry children?

Is meditating on blades of grass or egrets in the shallows

A waste of time and effort?

Would there be any future plants 

If the wind suddenly refused to blow seeds from one landscape to another?

Can the beach have an ocean without tides or waves?

Who decided why bees, other incects and critters

Play critical roles in pollination , rebirth and resurgence

With the magical result of feeding the world?

How do sailors who circumnavigate solo 

Know where they are headed if there are no stars

Or have no electronic navigation once created 

In a lab in New Jersey by a lonely 

Over caffeinated frustrated scientist?

Did Edison consider  the result of a Gallup poll questioning 

IF electric light was truly necessary?

Do you know any humble sentient beings grateful for the inspiration 

That motivated Dionysus to make grapes into wine?

Do we only give love if there is a guarantee of love being reciprocated?

- JF Sobecki

_______

( Sometimes simplicity is the perfect place to start and sometimes it is the answer)

----------

Aimless Love 

This morning as I walked along there lake shore

I fell in love with a wren

and later in the day with a mouse

the cat had dropped under the dining room table.

In the shadows of an autumn evening,

I fell for a seamstress

still at her machine in the tailor's window

and later for a bowl of broth,

steam rising like smaoke from a naval battle.

This is best kind of love, I thought

without recompense, without gifts,

or unkind words, without suspicion,

or silence on the telephone.

The love of the chestnut

the jazz cap and one hand on the wheel.

Bo lust, no slam on the door--

the love of the miniature orange tree,

the clean white shirt, the hot evening shower,

the highway that cuts across Florida.

No waiting , no huffiness, or rancor-

just a twinge every now and then

for the wren who had built her nest

on a low branch overhanging the water

and for the dead mouse,

still dressed in its light brown suit.

But my heart is always standing on its tripod,

ready for the next arrow.

After I carried the mouse by the tail

to a pile of leaves in the woods,

I found myself standing at the bathroom sink

gazing down affectionately at the soap.

so patient and soluble,

so at home in its pale green soap dish.

I could feel myself falling again

as I felt its turning in my wet hands

and caught the scent of lavender and stone.

- Billy Collins

------

                                                                    Water Lilles - C. Monet      

  

                                                                                     

                                     Beethoven 9th Symphony - Movement IV - "Ode to Joy"

https://youtu.be/hdWyYn0E4Ys

                    Bernstein Conducts NY SymphonyA Fanfare For The Common Man - A. Copeland

                                                       https://youtu.be/MK1N46dRPVg

                                                            Part of The Plan - D. Fogelberg                       

                                                         https://youtu.be/NqDyH-dMrKw

                                                           Shower the People - J. Taylor                                       

                                                            https://youtu.be/GfJWqjoekow

                                 My Lord - Michael Franti, Bono, Don Henley, and Jeff Skoll 

                                                         https://youtu.be/LyF7Mn6aL4k
          

                                       God's Grandeur - G. Manley Hopkins ( read by S. Kunitz)

                                                                                   

https://youtu.be/vpEaCp8iiSc

Life Itself - G. Harrison

                                                             https://youtu.be/bLltRayHHL4

                                                                   Oh Very Young - Yusuf

                                                              https://youtu.be/fLHCC3geTpc

                                                    Is This Heaven?  - Field of Dreams

                                                           https://youtu.be/lXjz-M_6eN

                                               Egrets - Breathe and be Mindful - "Sacrament"

https://youtu.be/210NioezEf0

Little Egg Harbor Religious Society of Friends Monthly Meeting House

Quaker - One of the Oldest Houses of Worship in Ocean County NJ

amdg

Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

My Camino : Sanctuary of Safe Harbors

"As if summoned by seagulls, we come back to the beach where we can cast off 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

------

Sometimes the Sanctuary of Safe Harbors

Sometimes the world's chaotic madness 

Seems to be spinning out of control.

Sometimes  a pilgrimage on one's Camino

Storms of all types and sizes surge within and without.

Sometimes seeking sanctuary of safe harbors 

Is considered an escape , a desire for refuge,

A place for security,

A need for retreat and sanctification.

Verdant spaces, beaches, retreats, houses of prayer -

Holy safe haven places all - simple sacramental space.

Even Lake Wobegonites had their 'Storm Homes'.

The great teacher and other mystics comprehend

The cosmic nature within the universe

And the maginifence of the light

That nourishes and bathes searchers

Desiring solitude,

The consolation and the illumination 

Found in the serenity and the solemnity 

Of everything and everyone.

Sitting in the stillness and silence

Savoring the ascent of the promised perpetual peace.

Another miracle for the grateful, 

The present , and mindful to the wonder - the beauty

Of the mystical truth.

Breathe...

- JF Sobecki (2022)

-----

Exit Zero

What is that voice, that essence, that power

That calls to wayward wandering sailor pilgrims?

What is the source of their uncontrolled

yearning to travel to that safe harbor ?

What is this place, this home of serenity and solitude,

Where the voice of God becomes the wind itself

That blows the sand and salt air and provides lift for coasting gulls

And puffs the sails of all that venture to the great sea?

What is this place that finds a way to nourish equally all

The spirits who are present ?

What is this place where both the sunrise and sunsets 

Are majestic providing immediate consolation 

to all the hearts who turn to the horizon?

What is this lighthouse that can be seen by any eyes 

Of seafaring spirits who dare to see or

What is this lifeboat always ready for any swimmer who struggles with

The tides that come in and go out ?

What is this place that is free from the hurricanes

And storms regardless  of their source or nature?

How is it that in this place the sound of the surf magically

Soothing souls and the sand on the beach relieves

The burden of wearied travelers?

It is said that essence of joy and hope reside in this place.

Nourishment, revitalization, re-energizing, relief, inspiration,

relaxation  and redemption are just a few of the gifts

of this perpetual retreat that has always been and always will be.

This place of origin and endings, this source of peace

And love…. The alpha and omega.

Nature’s cathedral , sacred space , holy ground….

They call it Exit O….

JF Sobecki  (2012 - previously posted on this blog))

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

                                              Storm Home - Lake Wobegon - G. Keilor

                                                         https://youtu.be/13S3peEqcQY

                                                               Santiago - David Whyte

                                                                                  

                                                              https://youtu.be/eYzIayVDN5o

                                                              Finisterre - D. Whyte

                                                                https://youtu.be/u9Lu85L111Y

                                                        These Are Days - V. Morrison

                                                                                   

                                             
                                                              https://youtu.be/_lyve_egY8o

                                                            The Beach - The Avett Brothers

                                                                                  

                                                            https://youtu.be/pKFJ8V5CNJQ

                                                   I Have a Need For Solitude - MC Carpenter

                                                                                     

                                                              https://youtu.be/S3ZMq24XnLk

                                                 Hard Times Come Again No More - J Taylor

                                                                               

                                                          https://youtu.be/uv2AcfmvIuw

                                                    How Can A Poor Man Live - R Cooder

                                                                                   

                                                               https://youtu.be/LI0BtL_6Y50

   

amdg

Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

"Simplicity, Integrity, Peace , Community , Equality , Stewardship"

Special Edition: Welcome Sean Joseph Malone

Special Edition: welcome Sean Joseph Malone  

"Dear Child of God, you are loved with a 

love that nothing can shake, a love

that loved you long before you were created, 

a love that will be there long 

after everything has disappeared.”

    —Desmond Tutu

"We are not human beings having a spiritual 

experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience."

  - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ

Dear Sean :

I am wondering if you recall and can tell us what it

was like before and as that eternal spark lit your flame delivering you into

this world? You are the one individual I know right now who has most recently

personally experienced the magnificent light , that wonder-filling complete 

abundant love. Yes, that divine DNA is in every aspect of all

creation. However , your entry into this world starting this journey your 

presence reminds us all of the sanctification we receive unconditionally.

We are here....here to be authentic , to be compassionate, selfless, loving,

living in peace, kindness, generosity , merciful and with integrity

using our gifted talents to serve others in need and 

do whatever you can to make this world just a little better.

We are here to love and live in relationship with others. 

No thing will bring you happiness. Any thing that you possess during your 

Odyssey will remain here once the journey ends. I remind my self constantly

that we will be remembered be how we live, love and serve the common welfare 

and not what world possessions we accumulated . Do't worry about being liked.

Just live in truth and you will be respected ... and loved.

Gratitude and humility are two essential constants for us. Let go and trust. 

The river's currents and the wind , the breath of the divine, will carry 

you to where you need to be. Follow your heart . 

Trust your intuition. We do not love or become kind to get a reward 

or recognition. We love and live in kindness

because we are born of love and...it is the right thing to do and to be.

Thomas Merton once commented that if we only love those who 

agree with us then we are only loving reflections of who we believe we are.

Thrive off the love of your mom, dad and sisters (Caroline and Charlotte). 

Savor the love and joy of your cousins (Especially the two beautiful boys - 

Quinn and Ollie) ,your aunts and uncles , good friends 

and of course your grandparents as we have been waiting for you 

and are so delighted that you are here now.

Be your self. Remember that Mother Nature is a special holy grace. 

Poetry and most music are a sacrament. Here's a secret - I have found

serenity in the silence, Mother Nature, poetry and prayer. 

You are loved always.

Te viglio bene assai, bene assai.

Nonno

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

                                   Everything is waiting For You - D. Whyte

                                                           

                                        https://youtu.be/b8Kg119Bm_Y

Follow Your Dreams - Poco (J. Messina)

https://youtu.be/b8Kg119Bm_Y

I Hope You Dance - R. Furay

\

https://youtu.be/5qwlheNznQQ

                                                       Live Forever - J. Sobecki ( D. Holcombe)

                                                                                     

                                                               https://youtu.be/6VN_RZTYbr0

                                              Beautiful Boy - J. Lennon

                                                              

                                          https://youtu.be/IbBQ55eb3EM

                     

                                                                                        

                      

amdg

Copyright 2022 All Rights Reserved JF Sobecki LLC

Twenty Six Million Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Minutes. (6/16/1972)

 

"The Love you take is equal to the love you make."

 - The End  , Lennon and McCartney

                                                     

                                                                     June 16 , 1972

                                        

         

                                              

" Life is what happens when you're busy making plans"

   - John Lennon

-------

Twenty six million two hundred and eighty thousand minutes.

As they sat at the hotel right across the street from the Watergate in Washington, DC

Little did the know the significance of that evening 50 years ago, 

It was Bloomsday and they should have not been surprised

As on their first night thieves broke into the Democratic Party Headquarters.

The prospect of thieves at their door would be

An on and off again perpetual threat.

No matter one's dreams or plans life follows it's own course.

Scientists conclude even with the falling of dominoes seeming aligned perfectly

The pieces may just not fall the way one anticipates.

They should have known this as five years earlier

A greater hand brought their hungry hearts to the same place at the same time.

Introduced by an unexpected friend their eyes met

The conversation began and continues to this moment.

"Every thing has a purpose under heaven."

"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous"

Isn't the journey one big series of accidents and coincidences?

They set sail hoping for the best. They didn't realize the work they would need .

Through the fair weather and storms they slowly learned

The gift of being -  mindful and letting go .

Their Obe Wan advised "Love one another as they are

And not how we want them to be," adding ,

" The greatest way that you can teach your children love

Is to love each other,"

As they were blessed with two children

Who would grow to be two loving mothers in their own right.

The officiant at the wedding ceremonies of their daughters

Reminded all gathered that life itself is a sacrament...

One of trust and faith each other and  in the future.

Another wayward passenger volunteered to the first one

That the purpose of existence is not accumulation of worldly possessions,

It is living in relationships , living in authenticity , 

Peace , selflessness, compassion and trust.

As their Camino reaches the Finisterre their passage together is remembered

and they are humbled and gifted with blank pages yet to be filled .

 - JF Sobecki

-------

                                                       Soneto De La Noche - Pablo Neruda

                                                         https://youtu.be/K3nYUQH2pWU

                                           When I die I want your hands on my eyes:

I want the light and the wheat of your beloved hands
to pass their freshness over me one more time
to feel the smoothness that changed my destiny.

I want you to live while I wait for you, asleep,
I want for your ears to go on hearing the wind,
for you to smell the sea that we loved together
and for you to go on walking the sand where we walked.

I want for what I love to go on living
and as for you I loved you and sang you above everything,
for that, go on flowering, flowery one,

so that you reach all that my love orders for you,
so that my shadow passes through your hair,
so that they know by this the reason for my song.

Translation by Nicholas Luridness

                                                The Wedding Song - Peter Paul and Mary

                                                            https://youtu.be/xxxsTYHvWa4

                                                          She Chose Me - R. Newman

                                                         https://youtu.be/vW76Sw925rI

                                           Until I Gain Control Again - JF Sobecki (R. Crowell)           

https://youtu.be/4sui9f3ahzw

The Island - P. Brady

                                                       https://youtu.be/CD4eS2Xb6Ls

If I Should Fall Behind - JF Sobecki (B. Springsteen)

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