Dove’s Thoughts 1-10-2024

One voice, one person can make a difference and create change in our world. Look to the past and you will see it starts with one voice, one person crying out for change. From great philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle. Prophets from the bible, Koran and religious figures such as Buddha. One person can change the course of our future if they are willing to come forward and speak their heart and minds. The hard part is getting others to listen or to open their hearts and minds to a newer and possibly better way. Opposition will be out there, too many fear change and some just like things as they are because they are in good positions in their life. Be very persistent and hold fast to your ideals and beliefs, don’t let those who oppose your way of believing sway you from your course. It’s essential to stay committed to your cause. Remember, history is dotted with examples of individuals whose unwavering dedication led to significant transformations in society. Emulate these trailblazers and let their stories inspire and guide you in your journey to effect positive change. Often, the most remarkable achievements are born from the courage of standing alone, bravely advocating for what is right and just. Harness your inner strength, and with conviction, continue to champion your beliefs. In doing so, you may pave the way for a brighter and more enlightened future, setting the stage for progress and unity.

The path to success is often paved with challenges and obstacles, much like the journey of a blogger. It’s not uncommon for bloggers to encounter indifference, criticism, and opposition to their views. However, it’s important to remember that these experiences can be valuable teachers. Embracing criticism and opposing comments can provide insightful perspectives and opportunities for growth. They offer a chance to reassess beliefs, refine thoughts, and improve communication to foster a more vibrant and engaging blogging community. In the face of such challenges, it’s the ability to welcome these differing opinions and use them as steppingstones towards improvement that sets successful bloggers apart. Remember, every interaction, positive or negative, has the power to enrich and evolve your blogging journey.

The content provided already offers a succinct and clear message. Expanding on this thought could involve delving deeper into the idea of personal impact and the power of individual expression. Perhaps discussing the ways in which one’s “own little bubble of reality” can intersect with and influence the broader world. This could touch upon the interconnectedness of human experiences and the potential ripple effects of even the smallest acts of creativity and self-expression. Encouraging others to engage in their own forms of creative expression and highlighting the value of diverse perspectives could further enrich the message. It is through the varied voices and unique perspectives of individuals that the collective tapestry of human experience is woven, each thread contributing to the richness of the whole. Keep writing, keep sharing, and continue fostering a community of thoughtful expression and inspiration.

Blessings and Peace

Ray Barbier

June 6, 2023

Bushido: The Ancient Code of the Samurai and Its Lessons for Today

The samurai were the elite warriors of feudal Japan, who followed a strict code of conduct known as Bushido. The word Bushido means “the way of the warrior” and it embodied the principles of loyalty, courage, honor, and self-discipline that guided the samurai throughout their lives. Bushido was not a written set of rules, but rather an unwritten and organic code that evolved over centuries of military history.

Bushido was influenced by various philosophical and religious traditions, such as Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintoism. It emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature, respecting one’s ancestors, and serving one’s lord with absolute devotion. It also taught the samurai to value frugality, honesty, kindness, and personal honor above all else. The samurai were expected to be ready to face death at any moment and to perform seppuku (ritual suicide) if they failed to uphold their duty or honor.

But what can we learn from Bushido in our modern society? Is there any relevance or value in following the ancient code of the samurai? I believe there is. Here are some of the lessons that Bushido can teach us today:

Loyalty: In a world where loyalty is often seen as a weakness or a liability, Bushido reminds us of the importance of being faithful to our friends, family, and principles. Loyalty is not blind obedience or submission, but rather a conscious choice to stand by those who deserve our trust and respect. Loyalty also means being loyal to ourselves, and not compromising our integrity or values for the sake of convenience or popularity.
Courage: In a world where fear is often used as a tool of manipulation and control, Bushido reminds us of the importance of being brave and facing our challenges with confidence and determination. Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the ability to overcome it and act despite it. Courage also means being willing to take risks, try new things, and explore new possibilities.
Honor: In a world where honor is often seen as a relic of the past or a source of pride and arrogance, Bushido reminds us of the importance of being honorable and living up to our word and reputation. Honor is not a matter of external recognition or validation, but rather an internal sense of self-respect and dignity. Honor also means being respectful to others, especially those who are weaker or less fortunate than us.
Self-discipline: In a world where self-discipline is often seen as a burden or a limitation, Bushido reminds us of the importance of being self-disciplined and mastering our impulses and emotions. Self-discipline is not a form of self-denial or repression, but rather a form of self-control and self-improvement. Self-discipline also means being committed to our goals, following through on our plans, and staying focused on our priorities.

These are just some of the lessons that Bushido can teach us today. Of course, we do not have to follow every aspect of the samurai code literally or rigidly. We can adapt and apply its principles according to our own circumstances and values. But I believe that by learning from Bushido, we can enrich our lives and become better people.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with me? Do you have any other insights or opinions on Bushido? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope you enjoyed it and found it useful. If you did, please share it with your friends and family. And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more posts on personal growth, spirituality, and inspiration.

Until next time,

Ray Barbier

June 1, 2023

How to Overcome Your Ego with Eastern Wisdom

The ego is a tricky thing. It can make us feel good about ourselves, but it can also make us suffer. It can make us think we are better than others, but it can also make us feel insecure and inadequate. It can make us cling to things that don’t matter, but it can also make us miss out on things that do.

The ego is not who we really are. It is a false sense of self that we create based on our names, roles, beliefs, opinions, and experiences. It is what separates us from our true nature, which is pure awareness, bliss, and oneness with all existence.

So how can we overcome our ego and discover our true self? Here are some tips from Eastern philosophy and religion that can help us:

Meditate. Meditation is a way of quieting the mind and observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment or attachment. Meditation can help us realize that we are not our thoughts or feelings, but rather the awareness that witnesses them. Meditation can also help us dissolve the boundaries between ourselves and others, and experience a sense of interconnectedness and compassion.
Practice detachment. Detachment is not indifference or apathy, but rather a state of non-attachment to outcomes, results, or expectations. Detachment means accepting things as they are, without trying to control or manipulate them to fit our ego’s desires. Detachment can help us reduce stress, anxiety, and frustration, and cultivate peace, joy, and gratitude.
Cultivate humility. Humility is not self-deprecation or low self-esteem, but rather a recognition of our limitations and imperfections as human beings. Humility means acknowledging that we don’t know everything, that we make mistakes, and that we can learn from others. Humility can help us avoid arrogance, pride, and vanity, and foster openness, curiosity, and respect.
Embrace impermanence. Impermanence is the principle that everything in life is constantly changing and nothing lasts forever. Impermanence means accepting that our ego’s identity is not fixed or permanent, but rather fluid and dynamic. Impermanence can help us let go of clinging to the past or worrying about the future and live in the present moment.
Follow your dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit word that means duty, purpose, or law. Dharma refers to the ethical and moral principles that guide our actions in accordance with our true nature. Dharma means following our inner voice and intuition, rather than our ego’s whims and fears. Dharma can help us find meaning, fulfillment, and happiness in life.

By following these tips, we can overcome our egos and align ourselves with our true selves. This can lead to a more authentic, harmonious, and enlightened way of living.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them below.

Ray Barbier

May 12, 2023

The Secret Science of Mind Over Matter: How Your Thoughts Affect Your Health and Happiness

How to Use Your Mind to Change Your Reality

You may have heard the saying “mind over matter”, but did you know that there is scientific proof that your thoughts can affect your body and your environment? In this article, I will show you some of the amazing ways that your mind can shape your reality, and how you can use this knowledge to improve your health, happiness, and well-being.

Choose Your Words Wisely

Words have power. They can create or destroy, heal or harm, inspire or discourage. The words you use to yourself and others can affect your physical and mental health in profound ways.

One of the most fascinating studies on this topic was done by Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, and author. He exposed water to different words, prayers, music, and environment, and then froze it to see the crystals that formed. He discovered that the water exposed to positive words, such as “thank you” and “love”, formed beautiful and symmetrical crystals, while the water exposed to negative words, such as “fool” and “hate”, formed ugly and distorted crystals.

This is amazing because water makes up 80 percent of our bodies and rice. Many people have repeated Emoto’s experiment with rice and found similar results. The rice in the jar with positive words stayed fresh, while the rice in the jar with negative words turned rotten.

This means that the words you use to yourself and others can affect every cell, tissue, and organ of your body. David Chamberlain, a San Diego psychologist and one of the early pioneers of Pre and Perinatal Psychology, found that babies can be hurt for life by unkind words said at birth, such as “What’s wrong with her head?” or, “Wow, this looks like a sickly one.”

So be careful with your words. Use them to uplift yourself and others, not to tear them down.

Believe in Your Healing Power

Another way to use your mind to change your reality is through belief. Belief can activate your brain’s self-healing mechanisms and alter your perception of reality.

Two examples of this are hypnosis and placebos. Hypnosis is when a person becomes more open to suggestions and changes in their body and behavior. Placebos are fake treatments that have no real effect but make people feel better because they believe they work.

Both hypnosis and placebos can produce amazing changes in the body and behavior. For example, hypnosis can help people with chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Placebos can help people with pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and even cancer symptoms.

How do they work? One way is that they influence the brain to release chemicals that help the body heal itself. Another way is that they change how people see reality by creating positive expectations and reducing negative emotions.

So believe in your healing power. Use positive affirmations and visualizations to boost your confidence and well-being.

Be Present and Aware

A third way to use your mind to change your reality is through awareness. Awareness is being present and mindful of what is happening inside and outside of you without judging or reacting.

Two practices that can help you develop awareness are meditation and mindfulness. Meditation is when you focus on one thing, such as your breath, a word, an image, or on awareness itself. Mindfulness is when you pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and environment with curiosity and openness.

Both meditation and mindfulness can have amazing effects on your brain and body. For example,
meditation can make your brain bigger and better in areas related to learning, memory,
emotion regulation, empathy, and compassion. Mindfulness can lower your stress hormones,
inflammation markers, blood pressure, heart rate variability,
and chronic pain.

How do they work? One way is that they make your brain more flexible and adaptable by creating new connections between neurons. Another way is that they help you cope with challenges by making you calm
and resilient.

So be present and aware. Use meditation
and mindfulness to enhance your brain
and body.

Here is a possible conclusion for the second article:

Conclusion

Your mind is a powerful tool that can change your reality. By choosing your words wisely, believing in your healing power, and being present and aware, you can use your mind to improve your health, happiness, and well-being. Remember, mind over matter is not just a saying, it’s a science.

Here are some web links to research into mind over matter:

Ray Barbier

February 4, 2023February 4, 2023

The battle between the self-centered and benevolent sides of our ego

Oh, how easy it is to get lost in your own mind, caught in worries, and in your own insecurities. To be locked in a never-ending cycle of what if, why me, and life isn’t fair. We tend to be stuck in a tunnel view of life at times. It is so easy to fall into the trap of seeing things as always about ourselves or that the world is against us. I think everyone deals with such thoughts and feelings from time to time, and that is okay I think. But being constantly stuck in that train of thought is unhealthy and it keeps us from moving forward and from enjoying life.

Life is about everyone and everything around us, we are not the center of the universe though it is easy to feel like the center of things. I believe it is human nature to be somewhat self-centered, It is part of the self-preservation mechanism within us all. I do not think it is even possible to be totally selfless, though I do think we can reach a pretty high percentage of being such. But then again there are known mental illnesses such as the martyr syndrome and so on that may make one appear more so selfless and other mental illnesses that can cause the opposite effect.

I think people should regularly check themselves, see how they treat others, and how they react to being treated by others as well. Since how one person acts and treats others influences all those around them in one fashion or another, then we should try to be a force for good in society. We should try to lead by example, and treat others, and ourselves in a kind and compassionate manner. If more people focused on how they treated others around them, the less toxic people and environments we all would have to encounter. Being toxic and/or self-entitled is damaging to society and in the long run, will only eat away at the person being toxic and/or self-entitled.

A percentage of toxic and self-entitled people may be suffering some sort of emotional or mental illness, and we should remember that. It is best to avoid those people if you can not get through to them and set boundaries for them when it comes to your relationship. Do not allow the toxic behavior of others to bait you into being toxic yourself, you have to hold the high ground and lead by example. It is so easy to fall prey to being baited into a word battle with toxic people. They seem to enjoy causing turmoil and thrive in the toxic atmosphere.

It is not easy to try and be a good-hearted individual, to think of others as much if not more than yourself. But then anything worthwhile takes a lot of effort, and it does not only help you emotionally and mentally, but it also helps those around you. To love, have compassion for others, and be charitable are very important and are quite therapeutic in the end. When we help others we are also helping ourselves, it causes our body to produce chemicals that make us feel happy or content. The human body and brain are geared towards pleasure as a reward, reason why humans are so prone to addiction, But that’s a topic for another post.

In the end, it boils down to the battle between the self-centered and benevolent sides of our ego. When they are in balance all is good, when it tips one way or another there are complications. Either we will put ourselves before and above all others causing harm to others eventually or we will put others above ourselves to such an extent that we will neglect our own well-being. It is all about balance, and what balance is right for you as an individual.

Just some thoughts for you, not bad for me before my first cup of coffee lol.

Blessings and happiness to all

Ray Barbier

January 24, 2023

Dove’s Thoughts 1-24-23

Buddha said, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule”. Love is the energy behind what we call forgiveness, and is one of the most important keys to ridding ourselves of hatred and anger. The Qur’an has the verse “The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah… (Qur’an, 42:40)”. Forgiveness is found in almost every great religious text. In the new testament of the Christian bible “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13, NIV)“

It seems that forgiveness is something important in religion, but it is also important to philosophers, poets, and great thinkers throughout history. The following are just some of what has been said/written about the subject of forgiveness.

Confucius ~ “Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.”
Voltaire ~ “We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies – it is the first law of nature.”
Paramhansa Yogananda ~ “Today I forgive all those who have ever offended me. I give my love to all thirsty hearts, both to those who love me and to those who do not love me.”
Epictetus ~“When you are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.”
Friedrich Nietzsche ~ “And if your friend does evil to you, say to him, ”I forgive you for what you did to me, but how can I forgive you for what you did to yourself?”
Horace ~ “It is right for him who asks forgiveness for his offenses to grant it to others.”

So forgiveness is something important, it is the key to freeing yourself and others from past mistakes and all the pain and suffering those mistakes have caused. It is just as important to the forgiven as it is to the forgiver. Forgiveness may not always be easy, but in the end, it is well worth the effort. Holding on to a grudge, all the pain and suffering attached to it does no good for either side in the long run.

January 23, 2023

Ray’s Thoughts 1-23-23

anonymous ethnic man strolling on ocean beach

Too Much Violence in our country and around the world, lately we have been seeing killings at dance clubs and it seems to be target attacks on minorities or one sort or another. It seems hate has rooted itself in a percentage of the population, it seems bigotry, elitism, and terrorism are becoming too commonplace in recent years. Too many trying to justify hate and violence through belief systems and idealisms.

I never thought I would live to see a time in which there would be so many hate-driven mass shootings/killings in America. How anyone could take the lives of others so easily, why has it gotten to the point that so many have no concept of how valuable life is. Racism is still alive and hate seems to be on the rise around the world. It is sad that after all these years, all the suffering that people had to go through racism still has such a hold on a small but dangerous percentage of the population.

We all are a part of the same species, a species that has done some miraculous things, but we are a species that is stuck in a tribal-like mentality though we claim to be living in modern society. It is really shameful that a percentage of the human race still gives in to fear, hate, and tribal mentality. One would think that we would be beyond such early human instincts and social structures this far down the timeline. When will we as a species get to the point where we see that we all are the same species and that hate and fear are the enemies, not each other.

I guess the fear and hate will continue to grow as long as we keep enforcing the bad practices of using the labels made to describe our differences as a way to separate ourselves from others. Seems too much focus is put on such things as our nationality, race, political beliefs, and one’s religion. We should be focusing on the commonality within the human race. We all need certain necessities to survive, and we all desire to be happy and healthy. We all also desire a better quality of life for ourselves and our children. And I would believe we all would love to live in a world where we wouldn’t have to live with fear or hate. In the end, there is far more we have in common with each other than what is different.

January 11, 2023

Dovestar’s Ramblings 1/11/2023

Classical Music, something we all were exposed to in one way or another, has a very calming effect on one’s mind and body. I grew up listening to rock and roll and pop music as well, but as I grow older I have found myself listening to classical music more and more. The more I listen to classical music, the more I can see the complexity of the musical pieces and how it helps the mind destress along with how it seems to relax the body. I have noticed that it even has some effect on my heart rate and blood pressure to a small degree.

Music in general is therapeutic to both the mind and body, some research has been done on how music affects our body and our state of mind. One study suggested that different genres of music have different effects on longevity, classical music was one of the genres that seemed to increase one’s lifespan and rock seemed to have the opposite effect. How accurate such a study could be is somewhat questionable due to so many other factors that could skew the results. But it is nice to think that listening to music of any genre could increase one’s lifespan.

Other studies looked at how music affected one’s ability to heal. Here is an article on Harvard health

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healing-through-music-201511058556

It gives some examples of how music can aid in healing and aid during operations and also links to some Music therapy programs.

Regardless of the possible health benefits, classical music is something everyone could enjoy if they were to give it a try. there is a lot of free downloadable classical music that is either public domain or creative commons on websites such as Jamendo and the Internet Archive. Some other genres I frequently listen to are the Jazz and Blues Genres and on occasions, I listen to Electronic music genres.

Just remember there is more out there than your usual musical genre preference and it is good to venture out from your comfort zone when it comes to music and art.

Be good to one another and live life with compassion in your heart and understanding in your mind.

Ray Barbier

December 12, 2022

Dove’s Thoughts 12-12-2022

Why all the stigma around mental health? Why do people have to be so cruel to those that just need a little help? We all need a little help now and then (even if some folks won’t ever admit it). There is no shame in admitting you need help and asking for it is the best thing to do. Life can be quite challenging at times, and our hearts and minds can be somewhat fragile at times as well. Getting help shows courage and demonstrates you have the strength to do what is needed to move forward in your life.

We face so much negativity in life, and a good part of it is during our youth, during the years we are developing our emotional and mental makeup and forming our personality as well. School years can be both the most wonderful and also the most dangerous time for us as individuals. During those years we form social bonds and face opposition from others in the form of bullying and social stereotyping. This is when we tend to gain many emotional and mental scars and problems. If we do not learn to overcome them eventually they just get worse as we age.

With all the suicides and gun violence and other forms of violence on the rise, it should be very apparent there is a need for more extensive mental health programs for all ages. Parents and teachers alike should be more observant and responsive to signs of depression, being bullied, and psychotic behavior. If we can catch a lot of the problems early we may avert the negative outcome that many may have to experience later in their lives. More has to be done both on the local and federal levels to make mental health services easier and more affordable to access so we can get a handle on this mental health problem our nation is facing.

Just remember the next time you see someone who needs help don’t just laugh at them or ignore them, instead try to help them find the help they need.

Ray Barbier

December 7, 2022December 7, 2022

Dove’s Thoughts 12-7-2020: Holidays and life.

It is the holiday season yet again, it seems as I get older it gets a bit tougher to get through it without reflecting on the times I had with friends and family that had passed away. Only this year I lost three friends and two family members. Very recently lost a former employer and friend with another friend that I have known for some time online in active worlds (3d community).

Though I feel sadness, I also feel blessed that I have gotten to know and share time with those I lost. We feel sad because of the loss we endure, and the absence of those we care about in our lives. However, they live on in our memories as well as in the memories of those who were in their lives. Some think it is hard to be joyous when you have lost so much, I say it is hard not to be Joyous of what we had and that which we still have and shall receive in the future to come. I remember how blessed I was to have those people in my life.

I wish everybody a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a happy holiday season. Know the blessings you have and remember the blessings that have passed your way in life. Embrace the people you love and celebrate each day with vigor, my friends. Remember those that went on before us and live for them and cherish their memories and pass on the wisdom they may have shared with you as well. Count your blessings, and forget the negative things that only get in the way of being happy in life.

Dovestrar

Ray Barbier