Creative Commons Attribution – Page 10

April 9, 2022

Random Thoughts 4-9-22

There are those in life that serve themselves and never serve others, they get so self-absorbed they lose the ability to feel empathy. They lose focus on the importance of life, the blessings of compassion and charity. The lust for power and greed consume them to the point nothing else matters beyond acquiring more wealth and power.

I do not know if it is that they believe more power, possessions, and money will bring meaning into their life or that through such they can find some sort of happiness. To have some power and some wealth to give one security is something I can see all of us desiring to one degree or another, but it is hard to see it being more important than the well-being of others around us.

People like Putin that have way more than they need still seek more and put their dreams of a Legacy to leave behind above the worth of human lives around them. They see their own desires and ambitions as more important than the lives of others. Putin unfortunately has the power to take the lives of others, and it has cost the lives of thousands all in the name of his vision for his country and vision of a legacy.

Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com

There is always a diplomatic solution to every political situation as long as both parties desire peace and stability. Unfortunately, diplomacy is a long game strategy, something that takes time, and some world leaders do not have much patience. Diplomacy also usually requires some give and take and a lot of the time one or both sides only want to take and never want to give. So diplomacy, the best solution to most political problems is not always the most desired because it takes too long and it means both sides must give something up in order to bring things to a close.

World leaders should be more focused on serving humanity as a whole than serving just their own ambitions, desires, and only the interests of their piece of the globe. We all should be focused on helping one another to be happier, healthier, and successful as well. Sometimes you serve yourself best by serving those around you, strengthening your community, and making a better world for everyone.

Just imagine if all the nations of the world were to work together to combat hunger, poverty, disease, and climate change. If they poured all their resources into improving the world we live in instead into weapons . We would probably see an end to most of those things fairly quickly and the rest in the short term future. Only if we could put aside all our political and ideological differences and combine our strengths to build a better future for all of humanity.

Well, enough Rambling on from this old midwesterner. Peace be with you all and may you create meaning in your life.

Ray Barbier

April 8, 2022

The Meaning of life or The Meaning of your life

As one grows older they contemplate the meaning of life, what it all means, and what was the purpose of one’s existence in the grand scheme of things. The desire of having meaning in one’s life increases as you near the autumn and winter of your life.

Some fall into the trap of possessions and wealth, thinking life is all about what one can obtain for one’s own pleasure and comfort. Sure having plenty of money and nice trinkets and objects around you makes life a bit more pleasant in some ways, but do they really bring you happiness or do they just give you a temporary sense of achievement?

As long as you do not allow wealth and possessions to control your life and you avoid the addictive thing called greed you are fine. Having nice things and money is not wrong, just when you put more value on possessions and wealth than on human life and wellbeing you are walking a dangerous and addictive path.

Far as the meaning of life, or more precisely the meaning of your own life, it is something you create and chose. What you do, say, and how you live your life is what gives meaning to your own life. Being compassionate, charitable, and loving to others is one way to give your own life meaning. Far as the meaning of life in general, I believe it is to live, learn, love, and experience all life has to offer.

The biggest challenge I have found in my life is keeping the self in check, the side of myself that is selfish, self-serving, and constantly viewing life as if it was only mine. It is hard not to think everything said or done around you isn’t somehow aimed at you or done for your sake one way or another. It is part of the way the human mind works to a degree.

So I must remind myself daily, that I am but one of the many, just another passenger on the great spaceship we call earth. Though I am just a grain of sand on the beaches of life, I am a part of those beaches so I am neither greater nor lesser than the rest. I do my best to remove the shackles of individualism while in turn, I try not to get lost in being a part of the great wholeness of life. The Great balancing act of being a sentient being in the universe.

So instead of trying to find meaning in life, go out and create meaning in your own life. Serve others more so than just serving yourself in life, and find a balance between being an individual and being a part of the whole. Be yourself and accept both yourself and others as who they are without condition.

Ray Barbier

April 5, 2022

Random Thoughts 4-5-22

Democracy, In Greek, is demokratia which comes from 2 Greek words Demos which means people, and Kratos which means power. Thus, demokratia means rule by the people. This is where what we see as modern democracy from. Though the U.S. is a democracy of sorts, it is more of a democratic republic than just a simple democracy. We could get into all the details about how our nation works as a democratic republic but most people have a good grasp of the concept.

What seems to have happened in the last century is slowly but surely the people started losing their power in the U.S. to the big industries, corporations, and those with the money to lobby congress. For example, Big Pharma as we call it spends a big chunk of money lobbying congress in hopes of keeping pharmaceutical prices high to keep their profits high. They claim it’s all for research and development costs, but insulin as one example costs around 30 or so dollars outside the U.S. but costs Americans a hundred or more dollars. Of course, this is an oversimplified example when it comes to Big Pharma or any big industry Lobby campaign is about.

The point is, if any citizen group were to lobby for something that any big industry or wealthy lobbyist group disliked, the outcome would be more than likely in favor of those with the money to lobby congress and not for the lobbyist group with the most beneficial ideas. The question is how do we level the playing field between big money / big industry and the non-profit or civilian lobbyist groups?

Since it is supposed to be the will of the people of the United States and not just the rich and or powerful such as big industry etc. it is an issue that should be dealt with. I feel most of the time it is the ideals and agendas of the big money lobbyists that are being heard and acted upon and that the voices of the people the congress is supposed to serve are usually ignored or downplayed. It is all about the money I believe in the end and not about democracy or good politics.

In the end, I feel there should be some heavy regulation of the political lobby groups and term limits in congress as well. When people stay in power too long they lose focus and eventually lose touch with the people they are there to serve. Unfortunately, the house and senate both are starting to resemble the roman senate in their worst years before Rome’s demise.

Senators and Representatives are too focused on getting sound bytes and tv time, too rigid and uncompromising to get anything done that benefits the people they were elected to serve. But give them something to do to help their lobbyist buddies and their political supporters, then you will see things get pushed through. Both the Republican and Democrat parties are catering too much to the extremism and radical base of their own party which is not good politics.

I just find it funny, that if I were to act like some of those in congress, I would be viewed as a villain of some sort or someone that needs to be on medication. Oh, and more than likely I would have been fired from my job for some of the actions displayed and words uttered by those in congress. I guess I am just disappointed in how some of those folks are behaving and can not fathom why there are no consequences for such.

Maybe I will just chuck it up to the pandemic and trying times we are living in being too much for them to bear. Who knows, but they do need to remember they represent us all and the World is watching them and so are the voters.

Ray Barbier

January 5, 2022January 5, 2022

Random Thoughts 1-5-2022

Seems the world is full of anger, fear and distrust now days, Hard to know where to turn for the facts and truth. We have such a vast array of sources of information but unfortunately very few are reliable and the majority is opinion based far more than fact.

The Covid-19 pandemic has done far more than caused the illness and unfortunately death across this planet, it also has caused financial problems across the globe as well. Along with the financial issues there is also the cost of food and other goods increasing along with inflation to boot in the USA. Add the cost of gasoline going up and the supply chain issues it is a recipe for certain financial chaos.

Then you have the political chaos happening across the globe as well, the politicization of almost every issue involved with the pandemic, Racial tensions and all the conspiracy theories floating around causing nothing but trouble. On top of all that you have the major super powers playing sabre rattling games on top of it, seems to be times of uncertainty to say the least.

Times like these, we should not waste time pointing fingers or fighting with each other . We should instead do the right or better thing and reach our hands out to help others in need, spend time talking to people and letting them know they are not alone. Right now there are many people suffering from mental and emotional stress along with other problems due to the covid-19 pandemic and from the state of our world. Each one of suffers some what mentally or emotionally I believe from the lockdowns, financial worries and the fear associated with pandemics.

I know of quite a few of my friends that are homeless, living in their car or in the street due to financial problems caused by the pandemic. I have seen the fear in the eyes of friends and family throughout the last few years. I even experienced fear to the point of being glued to the television looking for hope of the end of the pandemic, cures and vaccines (prior their release). I finally had to tell myself to turn off the tv and focus on my family and etc. Once I turned off the tv I returned to normal for the most part.

I now rarely ever watch the news , since most of it is about political issues or the pandemic and opinions. Very little news to be had now it seems, keeping people scared of the virus, vaccines and keeping them upset over political issues is good for ratings I guess. My suggestion is turn off the tv, read a book, do something nice for your neighbor (safely of course). Live Life, make the best of the situation and learn to channel that fear or anger into more constructive things.

Well it has been a while since I have blogged a random thoughts post, figured today was a good day as any. I hope that you all are doing well and may you all be blessed and stay healthy

Ray Barbier

June 22, 2021

Pandemic: Rough Road Traveled

Pre Pandemic Possibility

Like a few i have talked with in the past year, I suspect that I may had had the Corona Virus in late dec 2019 / early Jan 2020. I suffered a Flu like ailment that peaked with the main symptom of Covid, Shortness of breath. I couldnt walk 4 feet without being out of breath.

I was fortunate though, this symptom started to subside with about 4 days but it seemed like it took me many months to feel close to back to normal. To this day I am unsure if I had Covid-19 or a severe Pneumonia like infection, though I had others around me in my family whom also suffered the same problems in the same date range.

Pandemic Panic

During the early months of the pandemic I did not seem to feel much emotional / mental anxiety or panic. But as the months passed I did start getting overwhelmed by both the News media hyping it up and the politicization of the pandemic itself.

I found myself glued to one news channel or another like most people, looking for some hope of it coming to an end and some unity in the congress to get things rolling towards getting the pandemic and its many problems it caused in our economy and society.

Between the Battle over mask wearing, lock downs on public gatherings and the unfortunate problems of our society being amplified during the pandemic, I was finding very hard to find any peace or tranquility within my own mind.

Fear of infection, loss of hope and the political madness that was gripping our nation both in the public and in the government itself was getting to the point I was losing most of my ability to think rationally.

Eventually I chose to turn off the TV, stop watching the news for a while. That gave me time to refocus and think about things rationally and logically. That choice of ending the binge watching of the news lead to me returning to my normal self mentally and emotionally.

This pandemic panic was short lived mind you, not even a month in time but i do believe it could have and probably would have lasted longer if I continued being glued to the tv watching news channels.

Pandemic Magnifying Glass

The pandemic has brought to light and caused a magnification of many social injustices along with amplifying the polarization of a already dysfunctional government.

Civil Rights, Civil Justice and equality has been in need of being addressed not only in the United States, but in most if not all of the world. A person should never be judged by religion, color, nationality , Financial status, sexual preference or even their political party.

Democracy or in our case a Democratic Republic is not a failed experiment like some world government leaders has stated, It is a on going ever changing and growing thing. Change is always hard and usualy is feared by most people, reason why there is always polarization and opposition when change comes.

Right now our congress is playing the partisan games, both sides doing what they need to to gain votes more so than to do what it right. The congress seems dysfunctional and only interested in fighting one another.

One side wants to spend and put the nation in debt, though spending is needed to fix the the nation up with such things as infrastructure. The other side don’t want to spend anything hardly at all and will do anything to stop the former side from succeeding.

Conclusion:

Times of trouble always brings out the best and worst in people and governments. This pandemic is no exception to that rule. Being Glued to News is not a good way to deal with the problems at hand and usualy leads to some kind of emotional problems if not brain washing lol. In the end it is what you do during this time that will make the most impact

How you treat others, Resect their opinions and position on topics at hand and if you are a helper or a watcher will determine how we get through this pandemic and troubling times.

Respect, Compassion and doing your part in being a helper in society and not just a bystander who watches will make a positive and large impact on our world and society.

Stay Safe, Be good and kind to others.

Raymond Barbier

July 30, 2015July 30, 2015

Random thought 7/30/15

When I Look at the smile on my niece’s face it reminds me of a time when I believe in humanity. It brings back the hope and wonder I once felt as child. It also makes me think about the world we are living in today and if as a whole we all don’t change course the world she will inherit will be one full of turmoil, fear and hate.

Hope is still in my heart that one day humanity will learn to get along with itself and all other living beings, creatures alike. Maybe one day we will learn to look beyond the illusion of separation and the misconception that one person can be above or below another. We all come into this world the same way and we all have only one way out. So between the miracle of birth and the certainty of death we should find the strength and courage to put aside all our differences to make a better world for the children of today to inherit as well as the future generations yet to come.

Truthfully most of the so-called differences between each of us is superficial or non-existent. We all desire happiness and peace within our lifetime. We all want a better world for the children and a happier existence for both ourselves and those around us. Only when we put aside such things as greed, fear and hate will we as a species be able to survive and flourish.

When I look at the smile on my niece’s face I see the hope of humanity, in the eyes of every child I see humanity’s salvation. The Children are the key to our future and we are the ones who decide what direction this world will be heading when those children inherit it from us.

July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Random Thoughts–7/3/2015

Reset to Zero, Put behind you the memories that do you more harm than good. Reset the counter and start over, give yourself another chance like you know you should. Let go of the past, worry little of the future because the present is where you belong. Put away your anger, fear and sadness and sing out your life song. Don’t allow others to control your mood and become the navigator of your own life. Learn its far better to choose your path than to leave yourself in an ocean of strife.

The past is to learn from, the future is there to inspire you to change and grow. The present is where you live, it is where you are at all times of the day. We can not travel backwards and we surely can not jump ahead. We must live by the rules of time, we must be creatures of the here and now. Forgiveness is but a way of releasing the hurt and pain that we accumulated in the past. Understanding is something we use to avoid hurt and pain in the present. Love is something that exists in all time and space. Love is the fuel for the heart and soul. Without love we would be less than alive, we would have little purpose to continue forward in time.

Each day you live is the day to change and grow. You are unique and special, for everyone is not the same. Be who you are and be true to yourself as well. For being someone you are not is silly and unproductive. Follow your own heart and mind and let others walk their own path as well.

Worry not if a person likes you or not, for it is what you think about yourself that matters most. Just be the best you that you can be and show mercy, compassion and understanding to others. Be an example of what you see as a good person. Life is way too short to allow others to influence you in a negative way. So steer clear of negative people if you can not limit their influence they have on you. For Negativity don’t only affect your mind, it also affects your overall physical health as well.

Be Positive, thoughtful and aim at being a good example for others to follow. Leave a legacy of kindness, compassion, peace and love for the younger generation to learn by. It is your life, your choice and the time is now.

Ray Barbier

May 10, 2015September 29, 2016

Random Thoughts 5/10/2015

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.

Like all things in our world, if you want something you must work hard, think quickly and use wisdom to guide your path in order to be successful or to gain the change you seek. Kind of like my blogging, I have many who either ignore my posts or dislike them. Some criticize , others just make comments that oppose my views. They are all welcomed, for I don’t fear criticisms nor comments etc. They teach me where I possible went wrong in trying to communicate through the posts and sometimes it enlightens me to flaws in my beliefs and thoughts.

My voice may not be one to make any change in this world beyond my own little bubble of reality, but I enjoy writing and thinking so I will continue on. At least I hope my posts inspire some to think or to write their own blogs and thoughts.

Blessings and Peace

Ray Barbier

Random Thoughts 5/10/2015 was originally published on Mind Exposure

May 10, 2015

Random Thoughts 5/10/2015

Blessings and Peace

Ray Barbier

Random Thoughts 5/10/2015 was originally published on Mind Exposure

May 8, 2015

Random Thoughts 5/8/2015

Honor, honesty, community and compassion are dying principles in our modern society. So are things such as communication and co-operation. Too many set in their ways, so many unable to see beyond their own little bubbles of reality. It is us or them mentality seems to be prevalent, while such things as compassion, mercy and charity seem to be put aside. We tend to make each other adversaries or enemies as we ignore the real threat to us all. Ignorance, bigotry, elitism,complacency and lethargy threaten humanity’s ability to function and possibly threaten our future.

We allow such things as greed, lust, selfishness and fear get in the way of a better world for our children and the generations to follow. What kind of world do we want to leave for them to inherit? A world full of poverty, social division and inequality? Wars, famine and hatred? I would hope we all desire a more peaceful and equally balanced world for our children. A world where knowledge, compassion, honor and co-operation are cornerstones to society.

What kind of legacy will we leave? what will we leave for the next generation to deal with? Shouldn’t we try to face and fix the problems in our generation so the next can focus on their own? Fear and hatred needs to be controlled and put aside for the good of all humanity.