Ripples v7.10: Ripples of FORGIVENESS!

Ripples v7.10: Ripples of FORGIVENESS!
Monday, March 7, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The weak can never forgive.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
-Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), submitted by Jen C., Madison WI

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

Here is a mental treatment guaranteed
to cure every ill that flesh is heir to:

sit for half an hour every night and
mentally forgive everyone against whom
you have any ill will or antipathy.
-Charles Fillmore, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

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

This week included an opportunity to visit with my friends who serve on the Diversity Council at Duke Realty. In our efforts to understand why well-intentioned people sometimes make insensitive comments that can offend or hurt their co-workers, we explored the possibility that most people are doing the very best they can. It doesn\'t mean we tolerate inappropriate language or actions. It does mean we may find more power in the perception that individuals are more often thoughtlessly unkind rather than intentionally mean.

Of course we are all guilty of thoughtless words/actions that have caused unintended pain, and I wonder if you could help me declare this week \"Forgiveness Week!\" Choose your goal: ask someone to forgive you for a mistake you made, or forgive someone who has wronged you. This may harder than you think, so perhaps start small and if it feels right then expand the forgiveness to someone else.

Peace,

Paul