Sunday, December 19, 2004

Ripples v6.48: Ripples of MAGICAL, INTANGIBLE GIFTS!

Ripples v6.48: Ripples of MAGICAL, INTANGIBLE GIFTS!
Monday, December 20, 2004
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Life is the first gift, love is the second, and understanding the third.
-Marge Piercy, submitted by Charlene G., PA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The best thing to give an enemy is forgiveness;
To an opponent, Tolerance;
To a friend, your Ear;
To your child, a good Example;
To a father, Reverence;
To your mother, Conduct that will make her proud of you;
To yourself, Respect;
And to all, Charity.
-Benjamin Franklin, submitted by Jim Cissell

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

As many of us celebrate a holiday season that includes exchanging gifts, I hope we can all take a moment this week to be grateful for the many intangible gifts that we have received throughout the year. Sometimes even tiny gestures can be magical gifts: a few days ago I was spending a lazy afternoon in a cafe with a wonderful book and some hot cocoa. As I was staring out the window in a meandering stream of consciousness, I realized that someone walking by had stopped when she noticed my far off gaze. I don\'t know how long she had been standing there before I focused on her huge, warm smile that was clearly meant to encourage my daydreaming, but I know that by the time she continued on her journey, her infectious smile lifted by day beyond measure. Even as I describe this brief encounter to you days later, a grin creeps across my face and I wonder how many other people have been impacted by this friendly stranger.

Can you think of someone who has freely offered a gift of love, hope, kindness, sharing, laughter, smile, friendship, patience, or caring this year? I dare you to acknowledge this gift by telling us about it in our community section:
http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=518#518.

Peace,

Paul
p.s. No Ripples next week...we\'ll see you in 2005!!

Monday, December 13, 2004

Ripples v6.47: Ripples of COMING ALIVE!

Ripples v6.47: Ripples of COMING ALIVE!
Monday, December 13, 2004
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

What a wonderful day to be Alive.
-source unknown, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee, WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Don\'t ask yourself what the world needs;
ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that.
Because what the world needs
is people who have come alive.
-Harold Whitman, submitted by Carrie S., Indianapolis, IN

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

As we wind down 2004, I thought it could be powerful to spend these last few weeks of the year motivating each other to create an incredible 2005. Here is the question: What ACTIONS or ACTIVITIES you could begin doing in 2005 that would help you feel more Alive?

Be specific, and lets see if we can get at least 20 members to post something by Wednesday!

Post Here:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=468#468

Peace,
Paul

Saturday, December 4, 2004

Ripples v6.46: Ripples of WONDER!

Ripples v6.46: Ripples of WONDER!
Monday, December 6, 2004
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The wonder that shows itself today, tomorrow, and yesterday can never be relived.
Once you understand this, life can get a whole lot more interesting.
-Bernard S. King , submitted by John M., Mt Horeb WI.

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

May your mind forever sparkle like a star,
your heart remain pure as new fallen snow, and
your spirit forever sense the wonderment of a child.
-Mary Summer Rain, submitted by Melanie H., Central CIty, IA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

This week I traveled to the Pacific Northwest to participate in two different events for \"professional helpers.\" Both audiences were filled with remarkable souls who consistently strive to help other people improve their lives. Sometimes, of course, we helpers forget our own needs, and this week I\'d like you to focus on a powerful antidote to burnout: wonder. Can you find something that takes your mind off all the challenges and stress you\'re currently facing? Maybe watching a sunset, strolling through an art museum, or reading an inspirational book/movie/song can help you experience WOW! and allow your soul to refuel.

If you have suggestions on great ways to experience wonder, please help your fellow ripplers by posting a message here:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=451#451

Peace,
Paul