Ray’s Random Thoughts

December 12, 2024

Echoes of the Soul: The Interplay of Demons and Angels Within

In the vast and intricate tapestry of human experience, certain individuals possess the uncanny ability to summon forth the shadows that dwell within us. These people, knowingly or unknowingly, seem to masterfully press the delicate buttons of our psyche, igniting our ire and dragging us into the depths of emotional turmoil. Their perpetual dissatisfaction acts as a beacon of misery, attempting to pull others into the abyss of their own discontent.

Within each of us reside demons, sometimes lurking in the recesses of our consciousness. These demons, manifestations of our fears, insecurities, and past traumas, can be exorcised and transformed through introspection and healing. Some of these inner demons are reflections of our lived experiences, mirroring the scars and wounds we carry. Others are born of external influences, not of our own making, yet they nestle within us, shaping our thoughts and behaviors.

Our thoughts, the silent architects of our reality, wield immense power. They can elevate us to the pinnacles of success or plunge us into the chasms of despair. Some thoughts possess the transformative potential to change the course of our lives, inspiring growth and enlightenment. Conversely, others can corrode our spirit from within, becoming the very chains that bind us. The dichotomy of thought reveals that while some musings remain mere fantasies, others materialize into the tangible fabric of our existence.

Amidst this complex interplay, there are those remarkable individuals who have the gift of drawing out the best within us. These people, with their innate ability to uplift and inspire, turn ordinary days into celebrations of life. Their boundless hope and joy radiate outward, spreading positivity and light to all who are fortunate enough to encounter them.

The paths we tread in life are varied and numerous. Some lead us into the inferno of despair, engulfing us in suffering. Others circle endlessly, trapping us in a cycle of stagnation. Yet, there are those rare and precious paths that guide us towards the celestial realms of fulfillment and contentment.

In this intricate dance of existence, we hold the power to choose the company we keep. We possess the strength to confront and overcome the demons within us. The thoughts we entertain and cultivate are within our control, shaping our destiny. Ultimately, we choose the path we follow, for it is within our agency to determine the trajectory of our lives.

The question thus arises: Which paths will we choose to walk? Which thoughts will we allow to take root in our minds? Which people will we invite into our lives? The answers lie in our choices, and through these choices, we craft the narrative of our existence.

Thought of the day: To learn from one’s past is wise, but to dwell in the past is folly. Embrace the present with a heart full of hope and a mind open to the boundless possibilities of the future. Live well, for it is your life, and you alone hold the pen that writes your story.

Ray Barbier

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

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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

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

April 16, 2023

Dovestar’s Ramblings 4-16-2023

I don’t know, it may just be me but this recent trend in the USA of book banning seems to be censorship, it also seems to be motivated by some people’s prejudices and hatred of certain groups in society. The one that really gets me is the banning of books with the words butt and fart in them. That sounds so much like a South Park episode in which parents tried to ban a cartoon that featured the exact same thing. I guess it is all about one’s point of view there.

It is truly sad that in the land of the free that a few can decide what the many can see, read or do. Censorship is a dangerous thing, first people may censor things that may not be as important to you but then in time they censor more and more till there is only one view available in literature, and news, and allowed in public. It’s a dangerous slope to be walking along here people. Once you start down that road it sets you up for total censorship.

It seems like the right to pursue one’s happiness is only a right if it agrees with the beliefs and values of the most vocal group. You are only allowed to be happy if it is what others dictate as acceptable. I wonder if that is how the founding fathers saw it? I wonder if they wanted only a small group to be happy and the rest of the country to just fall in line and suffer or be denied their happiness.

I doubt they wanted it to be the pursuit of happiness if it is dictated by a single group or person. Does not matter if you like or believe in the way another individual seeks out happiness, that is their choice and life. I do however believe it is your right to speak your mind on the issue but not in a hateful or hurtful manner. If someone else dislikes your choice of how to seek happiness, you too must respect their opinion and not be angry or hateful in return.

Then we come around to the issue at hand, the fear of parents about their children being influenced by others. This has always been an issue, not just now and not just with the current issues being fought over. In the past, it was such things as religion in schools, desegregation, sex education, and so on. First off if you teach your children well at home about the things you fear, then those children should be well-armed to deal with the influences found in school and from peers.

Schools have been saddled with too much responsibility in trying to teach children social values. It is a hard balancing act and making sure the classrooms are inclusive and safe for all children regardless of their differences is not an easy task. Trying to teach children tolerance and respect for all people, regardless of their religion, color, sexual preference, and so on, should not be on the teacher’s shoulders but it should be the responsibility of the parents. The sad part is it seems there is a failure in that regard both in school and at home for some kids.

Jesus forgave and accepted all sinners, he taught forgiveness not judgmentalism. God is the judge, so we should leave the judging to him, we should instead love and forgive as we were taught by Jesus. To accept a sinner and love him/her is not accepting their sins. We all sin, and no sin is greater or lesser than another, and all is forgivable except one and that is blasphemy of the holy ghost/spirit. So why do we hate certain groups because of a certain sin, if we are to hate sinners then we must hate everyone including ourselves.

If you hate others, then you deny yourself the chance to know them, to understand them, and even the chance to be friends with them. Just because they live in a way you dislike or don’t understand doesn’t mean that they are not a good person. They are just different from you in that particular way. Look beyond your differences, put aside the things you see as unacceptable in each other, and look at the person in front of you and see them as who they really are.

I guess it boils down to this, you shouldn’t try to impose the values and morals of the religion you chose to follow on others. You should only apply those values and beliefs to yourself. It was your choice to believe in and follow the religion you chose and thus you must apply those values to yourself. Other people have chosen other paths in life and they are responsible for their own choices and actions. This does not mean you can not preach or try to counsel or advise. Just means you should accept it if they choose to do differently.

Love all people, regardless of their differences and shortcomings. Be a messenger of love and compassion not the harbinger of hate. and do your best to be a teacher or a preacher and not a persecutor. In the end, the choice is all yours, you can walk your path in the manner you chose and treat others the way you see fit. Just remember you are accountable for how you treat others in life and that you will reap the fruit of the seeds you have sewn in your life.

I wish everyone a happy life and love-filled days along this path of life.

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

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

November 9, 2022

Dovestar’s Ramblings 11-9-2022

There are many things in life we have little to no ability to change or affect. There are things though, that we have complete control over in our lives and that is where we should focus our energy on. For example, you may have no control over how others perceive you or how they think about you in general, but you do have control over how you treat other people and how you view yourself. One would hope that how we act and treat others, and the words we chose to have some influence on the opinions of others but in the end, it is something that is out of our control.

Basically, your life is yours to lead, and how you live it has a great influence on how much happiness you have in life. You can live your life selfishly, find some quick self-gratification and temporary bliss from possessions and wealth or you can choose to live a more selfless and humble life. Not everyone is cut out to be like a monk and live without any sort of possessions and be totally selfless, but we can find a balance between serving the ego and serving others.

I believe that we all have been given life not only to live and experience all it has to give but also to be stewards of the earth and to teach, help and love one another. Each one of us has a part to play in this grand design of life and each part is unique to each person. Some of us are here to teach, some are here to heal, and so on. Discovery your the part you are to play is not always easy but usually the gifts you were given usually give you clues as to what you are supposed to be doing in life. One example is if you have a natural talent for playing the piano, you could be here to give people entertainment or teach others how to play the piano or you may write a song that changes the minds of others.

Life can be complicated and so can how your mind works, the mind can be your best asset and it also can be an obstacle. Many people battle with depression, low self-esteem, and poor self-image and that will make it an uphill battle in finding happiness in life. Most of us face the memories of past mistakes and the regrets that come from them and many times we face trauma from past experiences that we have a hard time letting go of as well. And once again we come to things we can not change, things in our past are set and won’t change o matter how much we wish they would. Though we can not change the past, we can change how we deal with those past experiences and memories, how we process them, and how they affect us in the present.

We must let go of our past mistakes and the traumatic experiences we suffered due to circumstances and others. Forgiveness is one step in putting those things behind you, you must forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made and forgive others for what they had done as well. Forgiving others serves to free you from the hurt and pain others brought on you more than to free them of guilt. Think about it, how many times have you done something wrong and had been forgiven but yet hold on to the regret? That’s because you haven’t forgiven yourself, so you haven’t released yourself from the grief associated with your mistakes. So forgiving someone is more beneficial to you than it is for the person you are forgiving in the long run.

You can also look at it this way, if the person feels no regret over what they did to you in the first place, then how is the person you are forgiving gaining from your forgiveness? It is about letting go of the hurt, pain, and anger you hold towards the person that has done you wrong in the end. Also Just because you forgave someone does not mean you will forget what they did, and thus the trust they lost will stay the same.

Unloading that baggage of past hurt and regret frees up your mind to focus on more important things, such as being happy and enjoying life with those you love. So that leaves us dealing with poor self-image and self-esteem issues, which is a harder issue since we all have different reasons for being down on ourselves. Could be a combination of us accepting negative opinions of family and/or peers, our own negative opinions of ourselves, and past failures.

You can try to trace things back to their origin, try and figure out why you accepted it as truth, and then accept that it was only opinion, not fact. To be honest there are many self-help books out there dealing with this and if they are not helpful I would suggest getting help from a professional if it is a severe case.

Do your best to change what is within your power and learn to accept the things you can not control or change my friend. Peace and Blessings to all!

November 7, 2022

Dovestar’s Ramblings on 11-7-22

History shows us there always was a small percentage that was in power and possessed the majority of the wealth. Regardless of the type of political system, there were always a few that had and the rest that struggled to have or had not. Even Communism and Socialism fell into that problem, in theory, those two types of governing sounded good, but those on top hoarded the money and lived in luxury as those they governed lived a meager and sometimes very impoverished existence. And to maintain that power and privilege those in power use force and fear to keep the common citizens in control.

This happens in all political systems to one degree or another, be it in the governing body or through the power of the rich merchants and business leaders. It has been a battle between those in power and the common citizens for centuries. Even democracy has fallen prey to the wealthy and powerful in multiple ways. The problem lies in the human condition, the desire for power and wealth, and the fear of losing those things. There is also the fact those who are wealthy lose touch with how it is on the bottom of the financial ladder, how it is to live from paycheck to paycheck or be faced with the choice of getting food or medicine etc.

It is sad to see profits being a higher priority and wealth as more important than those people who are starving, living in the streets and struggling to survive. Also a shame when you see so many who want to sunset social security and medicare when it was paid into by those on it all their lives. Those in retirement where the ones that worked to maintain the level of life the rich enjoy and voted all those politicians into office. Elderly people are not disposable, they should be respected and looked to for the wisdom they possess and many of us have either forgotten or never learned.

The wealth divide is growing ever wider and there is very little hope to be seen at this point in history. Both democrats and republicans need to put thier rhetoric aside and start representing all the people not just a portin of their base. Time to stop the partisan bull hockey and reach across the isle and come up with real solutions that both sides can benifit from. Right now those that are representing us citizens are acting somewhat immature and seem set on dividing the nation instead of doing thier actual jobs.

We The People is meant to be all of us not just one political party or the other or just some obscure percentage. If things dont change soon we will be the divided states of america and what we once known as a democratic republic may be gone. Both political parties are to blame in one fashion or another. The greatest threat to our democracy is not which party is in power but how they goveren and if they serve us the people or their own agendas. Something to think about when you go out to vote tuesday!

Blessings to all

Ray Barbier