Wabi Sabi: The Zen Way of Appreciating the Beauty of Imperfection and Impermanence

Life is a journey full of twists and turns, ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Nothing stays the same, and everything is constantly changing. This can be scary, frustrating, and painful for many of us who want things to be perfect and permanent. However, there is another way of looking at life that can help us embrace the beauty of imperfection and impermanence: the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi.

What is wabi-sabi?

Wabi-sabi is a term that means finding beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and simple things in life. It is a way of feeling and living that goes beyond words. Wabi-sabi comes from the tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony that values simplicity and naturalness as expressions of Zen Buddhism. Wabi-sabi teaches us to accept imperfection and impermanence as part of life’s beauty.

How did wabi sabi help me accept imperfection and impermanence?

Wabi-sabi helped me accept imperfection and impermanence in many ways:

It helped me see beauty in the ordinary. Instead of looking for what was missing, wrong, or broken, I started to appreciate what was there, unique, and authentic. For example, I learned to love the cracks in my favorite mug that showed its history and character, or the fading colors of the flowers that marked the passing seasons.
It helped me cultivate gratitude for what I have. Instead of taking things for granted, complaining, or comparing, I learned to acknowledge the blessings and gifts that I enjoy in each moment. For example, I learned to be thankful for the food I eat, the people I love, and the opportunities I encounter.
It helped me let go of attachment and control. Instead of clinging to things that were temporary, resisting change, or forcing outcomes, I learned to accept things as they are, flow with change, and trust the process. For example, I learned to release my expectations of how things should be, adapt to new situations, and embrace uncertainty.
It helped me simplify my life. Instead of accumulating more stuff, cluttering my space, or complicating my choices, I learned to reduce what was unnecessary, clear my environment, and focus on what matters. For example, I learned to declutter my home, donate what I don’t need, and prioritize my values.

How can you practice wabi-sabi in your daily life?

Here are some practical ways you can practice wabi-sabi in your daily life:

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Mindfulness can help you notice the beauty of imperfection and impermanence in yourself, others, and nature. You can practice mindfulness by paying attention to your breath, body sensations, thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
Practice self-compassion. Self-compassion is being kind and understanding to yourself when you suffer or fail. Self-compassion can help you accept your imperfections and limitations as part of being human. You can practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself with kindness, acknowledging your feelings without judgment, and giving yourself comfort and support.
Practice gratitude. Gratitude is being thankful for what is valuable and meaningful to you. Gratitude can help you accept impermanence by reminding you of what you have rather than what you lack or lose. You can practice gratitude by writing down what you are grateful for each day, expressing your thanks to others, or savoring positive experiences.
Practice creativity. Creativity is being able to generate new ideas or products that are original and useful. Creativity can help you accept imperfection by embracing mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. You can practice creativity by trying new things, experimenting with different materials or methods, or making something out of nothing.

Conclusion

Wabi-sabi is a philosophy that teaches us how to accept imperfection and impermanence as part of life’s beauty. By practicing wabi-sabi in our daily lives, we can live more peacefully, joyfully, and meaningfully.

I hope this blog post inspired you to look at life differently and embrace wabi-sabi as a way of living. Remember that you are beautiful just as you are and that everything changes for a reason. May you be happy, healthy, and free from suffering.

Ray Barbier

Some Related / Helpful Links

June 8, 2023June 8, 2023

What Eastern Philosophies Can Teach Us About Living a Better Life

We live in a world that is full of challenges, problems, and uncertainties. We often struggle to find happiness, peace, and meaning in our lives. We sometimes feel lost, confused, or hopeless. We wonder if there is a better way to live, a way that can bring us more joy, harmony, and wisdom.

Well, there is. And it is not something new or unknown. It is something that has been around for thousands of years, and that has been practiced by millions of people across different cultures and regions. It is something that we can learn from and apply to our own lives. It is the wisdom of Eastern philosophies.

Eastern philosophies are the various schools of thought that originated in East and South Asia, such as China, Japan, Korea, India, etc. They include philosophies such as Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Zen, and many others. These philosophies have a lot to offer us in terms of how to live a better life. They teach us some profound lessons that can help us improve ourselves and our relationships with others and nature.

In this blog post, I will share with you some of the lessons that I have learned from Eastern philosophies, and how they have helped me live a better life. I hope they will inspire you and help you too.

1. Accept imperfection and impermanence

One of the first lessons that Eastern philosophies teach us is to accept imperfection and impermanence as part of reality. Nothing in this world is perfect, nothing lasts forever, and nothing is separate from everything else. Everything is constantly changing and evolving.

This may sound depressing or scary at first, but it is actually liberating and empowering. It frees us from the illusion of perfection and permanence that causes us so much suffering and dissatisfaction. It helps us appreciate what we have and who we are, without taking anything for granted or being attached to anything. It also helps us embrace change and growth, without resisting or fearing them.

By accepting imperfection and impermanence, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude, humility, and compassion for ourselves and others. We can also learn to enjoy the present moment and the beauty of life.

2. Seek harmony and balance

Another lesson that Eastern philosophies teach us is to seek harmony and balance in ourselves and in our relationships with others and nature. Harmony and balance are the keys to health, happiness, and well-being. They are also the keys to peace, justice, and sustainability.

Harmony and balance mean finding the right balance between opposites or complementary forces that make up everything in the universe. For example, between yin and yang in Chinese philosophy, which represents the feminine and masculine principles; between dharma and karma in Hinduism, which represents the cosmic order and the law of cause and effect; between wisdom and compassion in Buddhism, which represents the two aspects of enlightenment.

By seeking harmony and balance, we can achieve a state of inner peace, harmony with others, and harmony with nature. We can also contribute to the common good and the preservation of the environment.

3. Practice mindfulness and meditation

A third lesson that Eastern philosophies teach us is to practice mindfulness and meditation as a way of cultivating awareness, wisdom, and compassion. Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. Meditation is a technique or method of training the mind to achieve a certain state or goal.

Both mindfulness and meditation are widely practiced in various forms and traditions of Eastern philosophies, such as Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Yoga, etc. They are powerful tools for enhancing our mental and emotional well-being. They help us develop a clearer understanding of ourselves and reality. They also help us cultivate kindness, empathy, and compassion for ourselves and others.

By practicing mindfulness and meditation, we can enrich our lives with more meaning, joy, and peace. We can also become more connected with ourselves, others, nature, and the cosmos.

Conclusion

Eastern philosophies have a lot to offer us in terms of how to live a better life. They teach us some profound lessons that can help us improve ourselves
and our relationships with others and nature. They help us accept imperfection
and impermanence; seek harmony
and balance; practice mindfulness
and meditation.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post
and learned something new from it.
I invite you to explore more about Eastern philosophies
and see how they can help you live a better life.
.

Thank you for reading
and have a wonderful day.

Ray Barbier

Some Related / Useful Links

How East and West think in profoundly different ways – BBC
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170118-how-east-and-west-think-in-profoundly-different-ways
This article explores how geography, history, and culture can shape our thinking styles and cognitive abilities, with examples from Eastern and Western philosophies.
Differences Between Eastern and Western Philosophy
http://www.differencebetween.net/science/differences-between-eastern-and-western-philosophy/
This article compares and contrasts the main features, themes, and concepts of Eastern and Western philosophies, such as unity, ethics, logic, and metaphysics.
7 Profound Lessons Eastern Philosophy Teaches Us about Life – Learning Mind
https://www.learning-mind.com/eastern-philosophy-life-lessons/
This article summarizes some of the key lessons that Eastern philosophies can teach us about life, such as accepting imperfection and impermanence, seeking harmony and balance, and practicing mindfulness and meditation.

June 8, 2023

How Taoism Can Help You Live a Better Life

Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy that teaches us how to live in harmony with the natural order of the universe. It is based on the concept of Tao, which means the way or the path. Taoism shows us how to follow the Tao in our daily lives, and how to achieve balance, peace, and happiness.

Here are some of the main principles of Taoism and how they can help you live a better life:

The Tao

The Tao is the source of all existence and the ultimate reality. It is beyond words and definitions, and can only be experienced directly. The Tao is not a person or a thing, but a process and a flow. Everything that happens in the universe is part of the Tao, and everything is connected and interdependent.

To live in harmony with the Tao means to accept what is, and to adapt to the changing circumstances. It also means to recognize our oneness with all things and to respect and appreciate the diversity and beauty of life.

In our modern world, we often face challenges, conflicts, and stress that can make us feel disconnected, frustrated, or anxious. We may try to control or resist what happens to us, or we may attach ourselves to certain outcomes or expectations. These attitudes can create more suffering and disharmony.

Taoism teaches us to cultivate a flexible and open mind, embrace change and uncertainty, and trust in the wisdom and goodness of the Tao. By doing so, we can find peace, joy, and freedom in any situation.

Yin and Yang

Yin and yang are the two complementary and dynamic forces that make up the Tao. They represent the balance and interplay of opposites in nature, such as light and dark, hot and cold, male and female, active and passive, etc. Yin and yang are not fixed or absolute, but relative and changing. They depend on each other and transform into each other.

Taoism teaches us to respect and harmonize the yin and yang aspects of ourselves and our environment. We need both yin and yang energies to be healthy and balanced. For example, we need both rest and activity, both silence and sound, and both receptivity and creativity.

In our modern world, we often favor one aspect over the other, or we may experience imbalance or conflict between them. For example, we may overwork ourselves or neglect our emotions; we may have too much noise or stimulation or too little; we may have difficulty expressing or receiving love.

Taoism teaches us to observe and adjust our yin and yang energies according to our needs and circumstances. We can do this by practicing meditation, breathing exercises, tai chi, qigong, acupuncture, massage, or other methods that promote harmony and well-being.

Wu Wei

Wu Wei is a key concept in Taoism that means “non-action” or “effortless action”. It does not mean doing nothing or being passive, but rather acting in accordance with the Tao, without forcing or interfering. It is a state of naturalness, spontaneity, and simplicity.

Taoism teaches us to practice wu wei in our daily activities, by following our intuition,
letting go of attachment to results,
and allowing things to happen by themselves.
When we act with wu wei, we are in tune with the present moment, with our true nature, and with the flow of life.

In our modern world, we often act with wei wu wei(the opposite of wu wei), which means “action against action “or “forced action”.We may try to impose our will or agenda on others or on ourselves; we may struggle against reality or resist what is;
we may complicate things or overthink them.

Taoism teaches us to practice wu wei by trusting in the Tao, being humble and flexible, and by enjoying the process rather than focusing on the outcome. When we act with wu wei, we are more effective, creative, and happy.

Conclusion

Taoism is an ancient wisdom tradition that can help us live more harmoniously with ourselves, with others, and with nature. By applying its principles to our modern life, we can discover a deeper sense of meaning, purpose, and joy.

Ray Barbier

Some Useful / Related links

Here are some related weblinks to the blog post:

June 8, 2023

The Benefits of Zen in Modern Society

Zen is more than just a form of Buddhism, it is a way of living that teaches us how to be mindful, compassionate, and creative. Zen originated in China and spread throughout Asia, influencing many cultures and traditions. Zen is not a religion that requires belief or worship, but a practice that helps us discover our true nature and potential.

Zen can be very beneficial for us in this modern society, where we face many challenges and distractions. Here are some of the benefits of Zen:

Zen can help us cope with stress and anxiety. By meditating regularly, we can calm our mind and body, and focus on the present moment. Meditation can also improve our health, by lowering our blood pressure, boosting our immune system, and enhancing our mental clarity.
Zen can help us develop compassion and empathy. By being mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, we can become more aware of how they affect ourselves and others. We can also learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of all life forms and respect their diversity.
Zen can help us unleash our creativity and innovation. By trusting our intuition, we can access our inner wisdom and inspiration. We can also learn to embrace uncertainty and change, rather than fear them. Zen can help us see things from different angles and find new solutions to problems.
Zen can help us enrich our lives and happiness. By practicing gratitude, we can recognize the blessings and opportunities we have in our lives. We can also learn to enjoy the simple joys of life, such as nature, art, music, or food. Zen can help us find meaning and purpose in our lives, rather than chasing after material possessions or fame.

Zen is not something that we can learn from books or lectures. It is something that we have to experience for ourselves, through practice and reflection. Zen is not a destination, but a journey. It is not a goal, but a process.

If you are interested in learning more about Zen, you can start by reading some books by famous Zen masters, such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Shunryu Suzuki, or D.T. Suzuki. You can also join a local Zen center or group, where you can meet other practitioners and receive guidance from teachers. You can also try some online resources, such as podcasts, videos, or apps that offer meditation instructions and tips.

Zen is not a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. It is a personal path that you have to discover for yourself. However, if you are willing to give it a try, you might find that it can bring positive changes to your life and society.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you want me to rewrite it or improve it in any way, please let me know.

Ray Barbier

Some Related / Useful Links

June 6, 2023

The Uses of Buddhist Philosophy in Modern Society

Buddhist philosophy has been around for thousands of years and has been used by many people to help them live happier and more fulfilling lives. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways that Buddhist philosophy can be applied in modern society.

The main goal of both Buddhist psychology and philosophy is to eliminate suffering and unhappiness. All of us have a great deal of mental suffering and psychological problems because of emotional difficulties. We have many problems because of being irrational and out of touch with reality. But don’t worry! Buddhist philosophy can help you deal with reality – how we understand reality and how we deconstruct our fantasies and projections about reality.

One of the most important concepts in Buddhist philosophy is the Four Noble Truths. The first noble truth is that life is suffering. The second noble truth is that suffering is caused by craving and attachment. The third noble truth is that suffering can be overcome by eliminating craving and attachment. The fourth noble truth is that the way to eliminate craving and attachment is through the Eightfold Path.

Another important concept in Buddhist philosophy is mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without trying to change them or react to them.

Compassion is another important concept in Buddhist philosophy. Compassion involves feeling empathy for others and wanting to help them. It involves recognizing that all beings suffer and that we are all interconnected.

Buddhism also teaches the importance of non-attachment. Non-attachment involves letting go of our attachment to material possessions, relationships, and other things that cause us suffering. It involves recognizing that everything is impermanent and that our attachment to things causes us to suffer.

In conclusion, Buddhist philosophy can be applied in many ways in modern society. It can help us eliminate suffering and unhappiness, deal with reality, achieve transcendence, develop a modern democratic society, create a socially and ecologically responsible economic system, practice mindfulness, feel compassion for others, and let go of our attachment to things.

So what are you waiting for? Start applying Buddhist philosophy in your life today! You won’t regret it!

I hope you find this blog post helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

Ray Barbier

Some Useful Links

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 14, 2023May 14, 2023

How to Feel Awesome in 4 Easy Steps: Exercise, Tai Chi, Meditation and Yoga

Do you ever feel stressed, anxious, depressed, or in pain? Do you ever wish you could feel happier, more confident, more energetic, and smarter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you how exercise, tai chi, meditation, and yoga can help you improve your mental health and well-being. These are four simple and fun ways to boost your mood, energy, and brain power in no time. And you don’t need to spend a fortune or a lot of time to do them. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. In fact, there is plenty of scientific evidence to back up these claims. And I’m going to show you how you can start practicing these mind-body techniques today. So keep reading and discover how to feel awesome with exercise, tai chi, meditation, and yoga.

Mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, but it can be affected by various factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to improve our mental health and cope with these challenges. In this blog post, we will explore how exercise, tai chi, meditation, and yoga can help us achieve a better state of mind and body.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most well-known and widely recommended ways to enhance our physical and mental health. It can help us:

Release endorphins, the natural chemicals that make us feel good and reduce pain
Improve our mood and self-esteem
Reduce stress and anxiety
Prevent or treat depression
Improve our sleep quality and energy levels
Boost our cognitive abilities and memory
Protect our brain from aging and neurodegenerative diseases

The best part is that exercise does not have to be strenuous or time-consuming to be beneficial. Even moderate activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing can have positive effects on our mental health. The key is to find something that we enjoy and do it regularly.

Tai Chi

Tai chi is a form of exercise that originated in China as a martial art. It involves slow and graceful movements that are coordinated with breathing and mental focus. Tai Chi can help us:

Relieve stress and anxiety by calming our mind and body
Improve our mood and mental well-being by enhancing our self-awareness and emotional regulation
Increase our flexibility, balance, and mobility by strengthening our muscles and joints
Boost our cognitive abilities by improving our attention, concentration, and memory
Manage chronic pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation

Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It can be practiced indoors or outdoors, alone or with others. There are many styles and forms of tai chi to choose from, depending on our preferences and goals.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing our attention on a single object, such as our breath, a word, a sound, or a sensation. It can help us:

Relieve stress and anxiety by lowering our heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels
Improve our mood and mental health by increasing our happiness, gratitude, and compassion
Enhance our cognitive function by sharpening our attention, creativity, and problem-solving skills
Prevent or treat depression by reducing negative thoughts and emotions
Improve our sleep quality by relaxing our mind and body

Meditation can be done anywhere, anytime, and for any duration. It does not require any special equipment or training. All we need is a comfortable position, a quiet environment, and an open mind.

Yoga

Yoga is a discipline that combines physical poses, breathing techniques, and meditation. It can help us:

Relieve stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation
Improve our mood and mental health by stimulating the production of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which are neurotransmitters that regulate our emotions
Increase our flexibility, strength, and endurance by stretching and toning our muscles
Boost our cognitive abilities by improving our blood flow to the brain
Manage chronic pain by releasing tension and improving posture

Yoga can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. There are many types and styles of yoga to suit different needs and preferences. Some of the most popular ones include Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Bikram yoga, and Yin yoga.

Conclusion

Exercise, tai chi, meditation, and yoga are all powerful ways to improve our mental health and well-being. They can help us cope with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain. They can also enhance our mood, self-esteem, cognitive function, and sleep quality. By incorporating these practices into our daily routine, we can achieve a more balanced and harmonious state of mind and body.

Ray Barbier

Some Related Links to help you on Your Journey

May 12, 2023

Aloha: The Secret to Health, Happiness and Harmony in Hawaiian Healing

Discover the Secrets of Hawaiian Healing

Have you ever wondered how the Hawaiians manage to stay healthy and happy in their tropical paradise? The answer lies in their ancient healing tradition that has been handed down for centuries. In this blog post, you will learn some of the secrets of Hawaiian healing and how you can use them to improve your own well-being.

What is Hawaiian Healing?

Hawaiian healing is based on the principle that everything is connected and that we are all part of a bigger whole. The Hawaiians call this principle aloha, which means love, compassion, and harmony. Aloha is not just a word that they use to greet or say goodbye, but a way of living in balance with themselves, others, and nature.

Hawaiian healing also acknowledges that there are different levels of reality: the physical, the mental, the emotional, and the spiritual. Each level influences the others, so to heal one level, you need to heal all levels. The Hawaiians use various methods and techniques to address each level and restore harmony and health.

What are some Hawaiian Healing Methods?

One of the most famous Hawaiian healing methods is La‘au Lapa‘au, which means medicinal healing. This method involves using plants from around the island and in neighboring forests to treat various ailments and diseases. Most Hawaiian medicinal plants are foods that have additional curative properties. Healers view food as medicine, along with fresh, clean air and water.

Another Hawaiian healing method is Lomilomi, which means massage. This method involves using gentle strokes and stretches to relax and heal the body. Lomilomi also incorporates the use of warm stones and implements like a wooden spatula or a coconut shell to stimulate blood flow and release tension.

A third Hawaiian healing method is Ho’oponopono, which means to make right. This method involves using four simple phrases to clear and heal any negative emotions or thoughts that may be affecting your relationships with yourself or others. The four phrases are:

I am sorry
Please forgive me
Thank you
I love you

By repeating these phrases sincerely and with intention, you can release any resentment, guilt, anger, or fear that may be blocking your happiness and health.

How can you practice Hawaiian Healing?

You don’t need to travel to Hawaii to practice Hawaiian healing. You can start by applying some of the principles and methods in your own life. Here are some suggestions:

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables that are native to Hawaii or your own region. Some examples are pineapple, papaya, coconut, taro, sweet potato, and ginger.
Massage yourself or a loved one with coconut oil or another natural oil. Use gentle strokes and focus on the areas that need attention.
Practice Ho’oponopono whenever you feel upset or hurt by someone or something. Say the four phrases in your mind or out loud until you feel a sense of peace and relief.
Cultivate aloha in your daily life. Be kind, compassionate, and respectful to yourself and others. Appreciate the beauty and abundance of nature. Express gratitude for all that you have.

Hawaiian healing is a powerful way to heal your body, mind, and spirit. By following some of these tips, you can experience more health, happiness, and harmony in your life.

Thanks for reading!

If you want to learn more about Hawaiian healing, you can visit some of these websites:

James Kawainui – Native Hawaiian Healer | Ancient Wisdom: This website belongs to James Kawainui, a native Hawaiian healer, mentor, and spiritual strategist who comes from a lineage of healers, mystics, and priests. He offers online courses, consultations, and retreats on various aspects of Hawaiian healing.
Traditional Hawaiian Healing – Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi: This website belongs to Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, a non-profit organization that provides health and wellness services to Native Hawaiians on Hawaiʻi island. They offer community workshops, classes, training, and consultations on traditional Hawaiian healing methods such as la’au lapa’au (herbal medicine), lomilomi (massage), ho’oponopono (conflict resolution), and more.
Traditional Healing – Nā Puʻuwai: This website belongs to Nā Puʻuwai, a non-profit organization that serves the Native Hawaiian community on Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. They support the Kūpuna Council, a group of traditional healing masters who protect and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian healing knowledge, history, values, beliefs, and spirituality.

I hope you find these websites helpful and informative.

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

May 1, 2023

Other People’s Opinions, your self-image and self-esteem

Throughout life, you have to face things such as peer pressure, social pressures, and judgment by your peers. It starts as early as your childhood, first in your home then even more in your school years. It never ends, you have to deal with the opinions of others around you and you have to deal with their impression of who you are. This puts a lot of stress on you and your self-image and self-esteem.

Some people seem to naturally or instinctively deal with such things with little effort or negative effects on their emotional and mental well-being, others take it all to heart and internalize all of the opinions and judgments aimed at them and wind up with poor self-esteem and poor self-image. I wonder what is the difference between both of those types of people, is it that some do not care what others think, or do they just have a better sense of self so what is thrown at them bothers them less?

Either way, if you are the type of person who takes other people’s opinions of you to heart and allows them to decimate your self-worth and self-esteem, you need to learn techniques in dealing with such. Finding the right tools to help you cope with such things and find ways to improve your self-image and so on.

How to Deal with Other People’s Opinions of You

One of the biggest challenges we face in life is how to deal with other people’s opinions of us. Whether it’s our family, friends, coworkers, or strangers, we often encounter criticism, judgment, or rejection from others who don’t understand us or share our values. Sometimes, these opinions can hurt us deeply and make us doubt ourselves and our worth.

But the truth is, other people’s opinions of us are not facts. They are just perspectives, based on their own experiences, beliefs, and biases. They don’t define who we are or what we can do. They don’t have the power to change our reality unless we let them.

So how can we deal with other people’s opinions of us without letting them affect our happiness and self-esteem? Here are some tips:

Remember that you are not responsible for other people’s opinions. You can’t control what they think or say about you, but you can control how you react to them. Don’t take their opinions personally or let them influence your decisions. You are the only one who knows yourself best and what is right for you.
Focus on your own opinions of yourself. The most important opinion you have is the one you have of yourself. Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Recognize your strengths and achievements. Celebrate your uniqueness and authenticity. Don’t compare yourself to others or seek their approval. You are enough as you are.
Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Choose to spend time with people who respect you, appreciate you, and encourage you. People who inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow. People who love you for who you are and not for who they want you to be. These are the people who matter the most and whose opinions you should value.
Learn from constructive feedback but ignore destructive criticism. Not all opinions are equal. Some opinions can be helpful and beneficial, while others can be harmful and detrimental. Learn to distinguish between constructive feedback and destructive criticism. Constructive feedback is honest, respectful, and specific. It aims to help you improve and grow. Destructive criticism is rude, vague, and general. It aims to hurt you and tear you down. Learn from the former but ignore the latter.
Express yourself confidently and respectfully. Don’t be afraid to share your opinions, thoughts, and feelings with others. Don’t let other people’s opinions silence you or make you feel ashamed. You have the right to express yourself and be heard. But also be respectful of other people’s opinions, even if they differ from yours. You don’t have to agree with them or change them, but you can acknowledge them and try to understand them.

Remember that other people’s opinions of you are not your problem. They are their problem. You don’t have to let them affect your happiness and self-esteem. You are a unique and valuable person who deserves respect and love from yourself and others.

Improving your self image and self esteem

Self image is how you see yourself, and self esteem is how you feel about yourself. Both are important for your well-being and happiness. However, many people struggle with low self image and self esteem due to various factors, such as negative feedback, unrealistic expectations, social comparison, or past experiences.

If you are one of them, don’t worry. You are not alone, and you can improve your self image and self esteem with some simple steps. Here are some tips to help you:

Recognize your strengths and achievements. You have many qualities and skills that make you unique and valuable. Make a list of them and remind yourself of them often. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Don’t let others define you or put you down.
Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Treat yourself as you would treat a good friend. Speak to yourself positively and respectfully. Avoid harsh criticism and self-judgment. Forgive yourself for your mistakes and accept yourself as you are. You are worthy of love and respect.
Challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs. Sometimes we have distorted or irrational thoughts that affect our self image and self esteem. For example, we may think that we are not good enough, that we have to be perfect, or that we can’t change. These thoughts are not true and they only limit us. Try to identify them and replace them with more realistic and positive ones. For example, instead of thinking “I can’t do anything right”, think “I can do many things well and I can improve on others”.
Take care of your physical and mental health. Your body and mind are connected, and they influence each other. When you take care of your physical health, you feel better mentally, and vice versa. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and avoid substances that harm you. Also, practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga, to reduce stress and anxiety.
Do things that make you happy and fulfilled. Find hobbies and activities that you enjoy and that bring you joy. Express yourself creatively through art, music, writing, or any other form. Learn new things and challenge yourself. Volunteer for a cause that you care about or help someone in need. These things will boost your confidence and self-esteem, as well as make your life more meaningful.

Improving your self image and self esteem is not easy, but it is possible. It takes time, patience, and practice. But it is worth it, because you deserve to feel good about yourself and to live a happy life.

Remember: You are amazing just the way you are! 😊

Ray Barbier