Tag Archives: Human

Poems and Writings, Random Thoughts, Religious, Thought of the day, Thought's on World Issues

Embracing Inclusiveness, Compassion, and Tolerance: Building a More Loving and Accepting World

Leave a comment

Greetings, my friends,

Today, I want to talk about three essential values that can transform our society and create a more compassionate and inclusive world. These values are inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance, and they are the building blocks of a harmonious and thriving society.

Inclusiveness means embracing diversity and recognizing that each person has a unique and valuable contribution to make. We live in a world filled with different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds, and when we embrace this diversity, we create a sense of belonging for all. When we are inclusive, we uplift each other and foster a spirit of unity.

Compassion is about empathy and kindness. We all experience hardships and difficulties in our lives, and when we show compassion to those who are struggling, we help them to feel supported and understood. Let us never forget that everyone is fighting their own battle, and a little kindness can make all the difference.

Tolerance is about respecting and accepting others, even when we disagree with them. We all have different opinions and beliefs, but when we approach each other with an open mind and heart, we can learn and grow from each other. Tolerance means recognizing that every person is valuable and deserving of respect, regardless of their differences.

In our fast-paced and often self-centered world, it can be easy to forget the importance of inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance. But if we want to build a better world, we must embrace these values with all our hearts. Let us see the goodness in others and work towards creating a more harmonious and loving world.

May we all strive to live with an inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant spirit. Let us spread love, joy, and peace wherever we go.

In conclusion, the values of inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance are essential for building a healthy and harmonious society. By embracing diversity, showing kindness and empathy towards others, and accepting and respecting others, we can create a more loving and accepting world. Let us remember the Bible verses that remind us of the importance of these values and strive to live with an inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant spirit. May we all work towards building a world where everyone feels valued and appreciated, and where love and kindness are the guiding principles.

Now that we have reflected on the importance of inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance, it is time for us to take action. Let us commit ourselves to practicing these values in our daily lives and in our interactions with others.

Let us challenge ourselves to be more inclusive, to listen to those who have different perspectives, and to learn from them. Let us show compassion to those who are struggling and offer them support and encouragement. And let us practice tolerance by accepting and respecting others, even when we disagree with them.

We can also take action by advocating for these values in our communities and workplaces. We can encourage others to embrace diversity and create a culture of compassion and acceptance. By working together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and tolerant world for all.

So let us go forth from here with a renewed commitment to inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance. Let us be the change we want to see in the world and work towards building a better future for ourselves and for future generations.

Here are a few Bible verses that relate to inclusiveness, compassion, and tolerance

Inclusiveness

  • Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you, are all one in Christ Jesus.”
  • Romans 10:12 – “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.”

Compassion

  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  • Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Tolerance

  • Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
  • Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

These verses remind us of the importance of treating others with love, respect, and kindness, regardless of their differences or beliefs. Let us hold these values close to our hearts as we strive to create a more inclusive, compassionate, and tolerant world.

Blessings to you all, and may your heart guide you through this life.

Ray Barbier

Poems and Writings, Thought of the day

How to Find Your Passion and Turn It Into a Career

Leave a comment

We all have dreams and aspirations in life. We all want to do something that makes us happy and fulfilled. We all want to make a difference in the world. But how do we find our passion and turn it into a career?

Many people struggle with this question. They feel stuck in a job that doesn’t suit them. They feel bored and unchallenged. They feel like they’re wasting their time and potential. They feel like they’re living someone else’s life.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can find your passion and turn it into a career. You can do something that you love and get paid for it. You can create your own destiny and live your own life.

But how do you do that? How do you find your passion and turn it into a career? Well, there’s no magic formula or easy answer. It’s a process that requires some exploration, discovery, and experimentation. It’s a journey that takes some time and effort. But it’s worth it.

In this blog post, I’ll share with you some tips on how to find your passion and turn it into a career. These tips are based on my own experience and research. They’re not definitive or absolute. They’re just suggestions that might help you along the way.

Tip #1: Explore Your Interests

The first tip is to explore your interests. What are the things that you enjoy doing in your spare time? What are the topics that you’re curious about? What are the skills that you want to learn or improve?

These are clues to your passion. They’re indicators of what makes you happy and excited. They’re signs of what you’re naturally good at or drawn to.

So make a list of all the things that interest you, no matter how big or small. Don’t limit yourself by thinking about what’s realistic or profitable. Just write down everything that comes to your mind.

Then, try to find ways to pursue these interests. You can take online courses, read books, watch videos, join communities, attend events, volunteer, or do anything else that helps you learn more about your interests. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover what you’re passionate about.

Tip #2: Identify Your Strengths

The second tip is to identify your strengths. What are the things that you’re good at? What are the talents that you have? What are the compliments that you receive from others?

These are clues to your passion too. They’re indicators of what makes you confident and competent. They’re signs of what you can offer to the world.

So make a list of all the things that you’re good at, no matter how big or small. Don’t be modest or self-critical. Just write down everything that comes to your mind.

Then, try to find ways to use these strengths. You can offer your services, create a portfolio, start a blog, join a team, or do anything else that helps you showcase your strengths. The more you use them, the more you’ll develop your confidence and competence.

Tip #3: Experiment with Different Options

The third tip is to experiment with different options. What are the possible ways that you can turn your passion into a career? What are the opportunities that are available to you? What are the risks and rewards of each option?

These are clues to your passion as well. They’re indicators of what makes you challenged and satisfied. They’re signs of what you can achieve in life.

So make a list of all the possible options that you can think of, no matter how big or small. Don’t be afraid or hesitant. Just write down everything that comes to your mind.

Then, try to test these options. You can do research, conduct interviews, take internships, start side projects, or do anything else that helps you validate these options. The more you test them, the more you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t.

Finding your passion and turning it into a career is not a one-time event. It’s a process of exploration, discovery, and experimentation. It may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it.

Because when you find your passion and turn it into a career, you’ll be happier and more successful in life.

You’ll be doing something that you love and love what you do.

You’ll be creating your own destiny and living your own life.

And that’s what life is all about

Random Thoughts

The older generation has so much to give

2 Comments

The aging population in the world has been cast aside, and modern society looks upon the older generations as disposable. Politicians see the elderly as a financial burden due to social security and Medicare costs and have forgotten the many years of work and taxes the older generation had contributed to our great nation. The saddest part of all is that the good part of those wanting to do away with social security and so on, are old enough or close to the age of being recipients of social security.

This modern world is for the younger generation to enjoy and the elderly or older generation is considered disposable in many people’s eyes. Those who are the parents and grandparents of the current generation are no longer considered important to a percentage of those in power and in our population. The same people who got us to the moon revolutionized the technology industry, built skyscrapers, and raised the current generation are now looked upon as unimportant.

The not-quite-elderly, those in their 50’s suffer a lot of age discrimination when it comes to employment, either they have a hard time finding work or they get forced out of their job when employers hire younger staff to replace them and/or take the hours they once had. Experience and loyalty do not count for much nowadays in the workforce, it is all about being young, the quantity of work over quality, and in some cases, it is about physical beauty and so on.

I will say at least the federal government is stepping up when it comes to young children, but they sure drop the ball when it comes to the older generation and those not fortunate enough to have children. Life is precious be it in the spring, summer, fall, or even winter of its existence. To overlook or cast aside life in any of its seasons is wrong.

There is enough inequality and inequity in this world as it is, do we have to add to it by categorizing a certain age group as 2nd class citizens? We all are Americans, regardless of our age, sex, religion, color, or political affiliation. Seems we humans get too stuck on separating ourselves by labels and categories, falling prey to elitism and bigotry. No one is disposable, no one is lesser nor is anyone greater. We all matter, and we all are human beings.

The older generation has so much to give, wisdom from experience, stories of their lives that are memories of not-so-recent history, and most of all their love and companionship.

Ray Barbier

creative commons, Poems and Writings, Random Thoughts, Thought of the day, Thought's on World Issues, Ukraine

Will we move forward or will we move backward in our society?

Leave a comment

Children are exploited and forced to work jobs that are dangerous and should only be worked by adults. A sheriff and others spouting racist remarks and talking of murder or assassination of a reporter. Immigration problems and mass shootings are being sidelined for partisan politics and profit.

Ukraine, Russia, and China being a thorns in the side of the West, a battle of powers for what each side thinks is right. Countries raising the age for retirement which only adds to the suffering of the older population. Taxation is geared to make the working class shoulder the burden as the wealthy pay less.

Once again a security leak puts many in danger and all for an ego boost for a lost young soldier. We suffer severe weather, yet there is still disbelief in global warming and the science behind it. Book banning brings back fears of censorship and information control. The freedoms and rights of one group are attacked for the fears of another.

Compromises are rare due to the polarization of politics and the partisan agenda of both parties. Moderates of both parties are becoming rare and those who are moderate, keep quiet as the political divide grows. It is a time of rebirth it seems, and with birth comes great pain and disturbances.

The question is, Which way will humanity go? Will they seek out the path of inclusion and progress or one of status quo and stagnation? Will we move forward or will we move backward in our society? Can we come together for the betterment of all humanity or will we fall apart as a society?

The choice is in each individual’s hands and it is something we all have to take part in. Raise your voice to be heard and let your vision of what our future should look like be heard. Silence only allows others to make the choices that you will have to live with.

Be heard, be seen, and be open to compromise and new ideas my friends. Grow as an individual and contribute to the growth of the world and society we live in.

Ray Barbier

creative commons, Poems and Writings, Random Thoughts, Thought of the day

Learn to love unconditionally, be compassionate and find understanding for your fellow humans

Leave a comment

Hate is a very infectious and overwhelming emotion, it consumes you when it is in your heart. It blinds you to the love around you and it keeps you from being able to love those around you. Hate can come from fear, it can come from the feeling of not being in control, it has many sources but only love can help stop the hate.

We as humans get too wrapped up in our own minds to listen to our hearts sometimes. We tend to join in with what our peers think or do too quickly and without thinking about how it will affect others and ourselves. We also tend to like to rally against a common enemy or cause, it makes us feel like we are a part of something. We forget to look and think for ourselves when we get too focused on the moment.

Most religions teach us to love each other and embrace forgiveness. Unfortunately, some people get too wrapped up in seeing the sins of others instead of seeing the actual person that is sinning. They should love everyone for who and what they are, for no one is perfect and no one can live life without sinning in one way or another. You do not have to agree with how everyone else chooses to live their life, you however should respect everyone’s right to choose how they want to live.

I believe and have been taught that we all have been given the right to choose our paths in life, free will, and all. Who are we to say how another person must live or worship? We are not here to judge one another or to dictate how others should live or behave, we are here to help and love one another. Look beyond a person’s mistakes, sins, color, religion, or any other thing that you may want to dislike and see the person beneath all of that.

That person you are persecuting, hating, or harassing because of the choices you dislike is a human being. They are someone’s father, mother, sister, brother, daughter, or son. They could have been your friend or the person who could have helped you down the road when you needed help.

This world is already hard enough to live in, so why create more anger and pain in it when you could find love for your fellow human beings? We have much more pressing issues in this world than a lot of what people are getting worked up about. We have a world war looming around the corner if we are not careful, and it won’t be one any side will come out victorious and without tragedy.

Regardless if you believe in global warming or not, there has been an increase in disastrous weather events across the world. Viral outbreaks, food shortages, and clean water shortages have become more commonplace as well. On top of that, it seems that we are experiencing an uptick in mental illness which in turn adds to the current problem of violence and crime in the world.

Too many voices out there trying to divide, confuse and spread hate along with chaos. Not enough voices out there trying to spread love, compassion, and understanding. Too many people believe conspiracy theories over facts and science. Too many people have lost faith and trust in our governments and news agencies. Hard for many to know who or what they can believe nowadays.

And still the poor are getting poorer and the rich are always getting richer. The homeless, elderly, and childless are forgotten or cast aside in this world. People point fingers at one another instead of offering a hand to help. Some hold on to the past and won’t let go of either what they saw as the glory days, then there are those that can not let go of the mistakes and pain of the past.

We have so much to address as a species, but first, we must stop the hate and division so we can work together to make this world a better place. Learn to love unconditionally, be compassionate and find understanding for your fellow humans.

Ray Barbier

creative commons, Health, Poems and Writings, Religious, Thought of the day

Finding Peace in the Presence of God: Exploring the Intersection of Meditation and Christianity

Leave a comment

Meditation and Christianity may seem like two very different concepts, but in reality, they can complement each other quite nicely. As a Christian who practices meditation regularly, I can attest to the benefits that both practices have brought into my life. In this article, I would like to share my personal experience and understanding of how meditation and Christianity can coexist in a person’s spiritual journey.

Firstly, let’s define what we mean by meditation. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It is not a religious practice, but rather a tool that can be used to enhance any spiritual or secular practice. In the context of Christianity, meditation can involve prayer, reading scripture, or simply sitting in silence and allowing yourself to be present in the moment.

One of the main benefits of meditation is that it can help you develop a deeper connection with God. By quieting your mind and focusing your attention on God, you can create a space for him to speak to you. This can be done through prayer or simply by sitting in silence and listening for His voice. When you meditate, you become more aware of God’s presence in your life, and you begin to see the world through his eyes.

Another benefit of meditation is that it can help you manage stress and anxiety. As a Christian, it’s easy to get caught up in the worries of daily life and forget to take time to be still and connect with God. Meditation allows you to let go of your worries and anxieties and focus on the present moment. By doing this, you can find peace and clarity in the midst of chaos.

Now, you may be wondering, how does meditation fit into the Christian faith? Isn’t it a practice that belongs to other religions, such as Buddhism or Hinduism? The answer is that meditation is not tied to any particular religion or belief system. It is simply a tool that can be used to enhance your spiritual practice, regardless of what that practice may be.

In fact, there are many examples of meditation in the Bible. For instance, in Psalm 46:10, we are told to “be still and know that I am God.” This verse encourages us to take time to be quiet and connect with God, which is essentially what meditation is all about. Similarly, in Mark 1:35, we are told that Jesus would often go to a quiet place to pray and connect with God. This is a perfect example of how meditation can be incorporated into a Christian practice.

In conclusion, meditation and Christianity can coexist in a beautiful and meaningful way. Meditation can help you deepen your connection with God, manage stress and anxiety, and find peace and clarity in the midst of chaos. It is not a practice that belongs to any particular religion or belief system, but rather a tool that can be used to enhance any spiritual or secular practice. If you’re interested in incorporating meditation into your spiritual journey, I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can transform your life.

Some Related Websites you may enjoy

  1. Christian Meditation – This website offers resources, articles, and courses on Christian meditation. https://christianmeditation.com/
  2. Contemplative Outreach – An organization dedicated to teaching contemplative practices, including Christian meditation. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/
  3. The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society – A non-profit organization that promotes contemplative practices in various fields, including religion and spirituality. https://www.contemplativemind.org/
  4. The Jesus Meditations – A guided meditation series based on the life and teachings of Jesus. https://www.thejesusmeditations.com/
  5. BibleGateway – An online Bible resource that includes various translations of the Bible and a search feature for specific verses related to meditation and mindfulness. https://www.biblegateway.com/

Ray Barbier

Poems and Writings, Thought of the day

Remember the side of yourself that is playful, that loves to create and explore.

Leave a comment

Within each of us, there is the creative force that stirs underneath all of the complications we have embraced and allowed to grow in our psyche. That creative and curious side of our nature we once embraced as a child and decided to bury under all of our expectations and self-imposed regulations when we become what we call an adult. As we grew up we closed off the side of ourselves that had wonder and desired to be creative and free to express ourselves.

As adults, we are told to behave in a certain way and act what is considered mature by society. We are taught to restrict that side of ourselves that wants to play, create, be friendly, and enjoy life so that we can focus on being productive in the workplace and responsible in society. Some people still embrace that side of themselves and usually they wind up being laughed at or shunned by some people. I say Laugh at me if I am having fun and being myself, it just proves that what I am doing is fun.

It is said that having children keeps you young and that may well be because around our children we too can let go and be childlike. Children remind us of how to live and see life, even if it’s only for a short period and usually only at home. Then the other end of the age spectrum is the elderly, there is a percentage of them that return to the more childlike version of themselves, not due to any mental issues, it is due to the fact that they got to the point where they realize that what others think about them has no significance when it comes to being happy or their self-worth.

In our beginnings, we just are ourselves and hope others will accept us as we are. Even if they don’t we still continue being ourselves and growing as a person. Then we become overly concerned about the opinions of our peers and family, and we start modeling our behaviors and mentality after those we see having the most success in being liked around us. Eventually, we become a mix of our own self and that which society considers acceptable and popular. Then we become wiser as we age and go back to trying to be ourselves, stripping away all the garbage we collected during our lifetime.

To those of you in the earlier years of life, I say be yourself and do not worry about those that look at you funny or make fun of you. Avoid that kind of people and find those more like yourself. Bullying and hate will always exist in this world, we may not be able to totally remove those things from society but we can the people who are bullies and propagate hate to a smaller percentage of our society. Also, remember the bully is also a human and may be facing some issues either at home or in society and may need help in one way or another.

To those of you in your adult years, try to remember the side of yourself that is playful, that loves to create and explore. Find time to let that side of yourself out when you can. Balance being a responsible adult and being your real self. To those of you who are in the later years of your life try not to let bitterness, regret, and fear stop you from being who you are and enjoying life. What has been in the past, what you can not control is something you need to let go of and find happiness at the moment as you embrace those moments and things that make you happy as well as thankful for.

And most of all, young people respect and appreciate those who are older than you, because one day you will be one of them. Adults and elderly people need to respect and appreciate the young as well, they are the future and we all were young like them once as well. Times may change but the fact that we all go from young to old has not. So respect one another and learn from each other my friends, and be the creative, adventurous, and expressive person you were born to be.

creative commons, Thought of the day

Boosting Your Self-Esteem: Tips for Dealing with Low Self-Esteem

Leave a comment

Hey there! Today, I want to talk about something that affects a lot of us: low self-esteem. It’s a tough thing to deal with, but the good news is that there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

First, it’s important to understand what self-esteem is. Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself and your worth as a person. When you have high self-esteem, you feel good about yourself and believe in your abilities. When you have low self-esteem, you might feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve good things.

So, what can you do if you’re struggling with low self-esteem? Here are some tips that might help:

  1. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important for your overall well-being. This includes things like eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. When you take care of your body, you feel better physically and mentally.
  2. Challenge negative thoughts: Sometimes, we can be our own worst critics. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, try to challenge them. Ask yourself if they’re really true or if you’re just being hard on yourself.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity: Surrounding yourself with positive people and things can help boost your self-esteem. Spend time with people who lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. Surround yourself with things that inspire you and make you happy.
  4. Celebrate your accomplishments: When you accomplish something, no matter how small, take the time to celebrate it. Recognize your hard work and give yourself credit for a job well done.
  5. Seek help if you need it: If you’re struggling with low self-esteem and it’s affecting your daily life, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through your feelings and develop strategies for improving your self-esteem.

Remember, it’s okay to struggle with low self-esteem. You’re not alone, and there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. Just take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

creative commons, Personal, Poems and Writings, Random Thoughts, Thought of the day

Reflection, Retrospect and friends.

2 Comments

They say hindsight is 20/20, looking back on my life I realize I may have not always been the best person I could have been, I had done some of my best friends wrong. Most of the time it was unintentional, neither the less it was still a bad thing. To anyone I may have done wrong in my past, I hope you can forgive this foolish man for his wrongdoings.

Looking back I also realize how some of the smallest things I did do right helped some on their way in life. A few young teens made a successful life out of the technology industry after having a place to tinker around with computers etc. I will not claim any credit other than I gave them a place to sorta grow, it was all their talent and drive that made them the I.T. Specialists they are today.

I am proud of each and every one of them, though some of them have left our friendship in the past, it still makes me proud I had either played a very tiny part in their development or just got to watch them sprout from a seed to a seedling before the went off to become successful.

I too had friends that helped me grow, a few that carried me a long way too when I was down and out. To those people, I send the biggest thank you of all. I just wish I could repay those people, unfortunately financially I am not doing as well as I wish I was and time and distance have caused us all to grow apart.

Even if I never became what I wanted to be, I am proud to have been some tiny part of some people’s starting point. It makes me joyful to see those teens grown up, with a family of their own, and doing so well in life. I wish them a long, happy, and successful future.

Ray Barbier

3d Environments, Active Worlds, creative commons, Family, friends, Personal, Random Thoughts, Thought of the day

Online Families, Real and Important

2 Comments

In this modern age, the old practice of writing letters between penpals has pretty much faded into the anals of history. Now it is all social media, online communities, email, and chat programs. Sometimes you get lucky and find yourself extended family online, and if you are really lucky you will find someone who is like a real family member. Just because you never meet physically does not mean the friendship you built is any less valid or important to you.

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of one such family, I belong to a community on a 3d environment platform called Activeworlds (www.activeworlds.com) and have been building 3d cities and worlds for decades along side some of the most unique individuals I have ever known. Sure the community is like a somewhat dysfunctional family at times but I love everyone there. Even those who probably do not like me very much.

Just like in real life, I have lost quite a few people who were like real family to me, most of them to death a few to circumstances or they just moved on for one reason or another. Each one of them as they left our community took a piece of me and the community with them. Currently, I am praying for a few of those people in Activeworlds that are dealing with some medical issues of their own. I also worry over one or two that decided to either leave the community or just decided to no longer communicate with me.

The point is, does not matter if it is online, or if its in real life. Friends are friends, and they all mean something to your heart and soul. Just don’t forget those friends online are real people and need your support and deserve respect as well. Cherrish them for there is no guarantee of how long any of us are here on this shiny blue marble we call home. That really goes for both online and real-life people, life is short so forgive, forget and embrace those in your life that you have been blessed with to have as family and friends.

Be good to one another, rememebr to be kind and respectful.

Ray Barbier