Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,652 subscribers and growing every day!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We can\'t outvote the militarists,
the multi-national businesses
and the disastrous consumer economy....
But every individual who
responds to current conditions
with integrity, care and intelligence
becomes a source of ripples
that spread through the world,
and enough ripples could become waves.
In the meantime,
they give us strength and spirit.
-Jo Hanson, submitted by Rachel C., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
During the last few weeks, we made a valiant effort to combine a few of our individual ripples of concern about Katrina victims into a wave of support. The result: a few dozen people sent in checks for the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and the \"Katrina Disaster Fund\" which is helping several families displaced by Katrina and currently living here in Madison. The Ripples Project matched the funds and over $3,000 went to the three causes. Woohoo!
I like the idea of combining our ripples, and I would like to experiment by creating some non-financial waves. Eventually, I believe we will be able to coordinate some massive splashes of inspiration and I want to initiate this process by spreading some ripples about Ripples! We currently have 13,652 subscribers, most of whom signed up at one of my presentations. I propose we spend the next few weeks telling others about this free Monday morning email and encouraging them to join us! Do you think we could add 1,000 in a week? Is it possible to imagine 20,000 total subscribers before Halloween? What if we could DOUBLE our numbers between now and Thanksgiving? Now that we have automated the process of subscribing and unsubscribing, encouraging others to join now creates some exciting ripply possibilities. Imagine if 20,000 people decided to send 5 notes of gratitude in the same week or promised to make 10 people smile all on the same day? Our combined ripples would have an even larger impact on our world!
Your task this week is to forward Ripples on to several of your friends, classmates, co-workers and/or family members who you think deserve to get a free weekly splash of inspiration each Monday morning. Include in your email a short note: share how long you have been subscribing, why you think they might enjoy Ripples, and what you like most about being a part of The Ripples Project. You may also want to tell them three important facts about Ripples:
1. Ripples are FREE!
2. The Ripples Project values privacy and protects email addresses vigorously!
3. Each issue arrives on Monday morning, takes 60 seconds to read, and includes an \"unsubscribe\" link.
Encourage them to join by visiting our website OR by simply sending a blank email to us with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line.
If we can get to 20,000 subscribers by Halloween, I will reward all of us by unleashing a special new feature that we have been dreaming about but hesitant to pay for (hint: it involves inspiring quotes and a mesmerizing web page!).
I will keep you updated each week as to the current number of new subscribers. (If you think you can get 20 or more people to join, keep track of who you invite because I will offer you some Ripply treats at the end of the contest!)
Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you can make some big WAVES, and I hope you can also find....
....Peace,
Paul
P.S. Spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Ripples v7.35: Ripples of VISION & ACTION!
Ripples v7.35: Ripples of VISION & ACTION!
Monday, September 19, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Sight counts the seeds in an apple.
Vision counts the apples in a seed.
-Chris Carey, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA
Someone\'s sitting in the shade today because
someone planted a tree a long time ago.
-Warren Buffet, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The vision must be followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare up the steps -
We must step up the stairs.
-Vance Havner, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI
Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.
-Joel A. Barker
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week included two days of hanging out with some fun trainers at CUNA\'s Experience Learning Live! event just five blocks from home in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Then I had to drive a whole 10 miles over to Sun Prairie to teach a few courses at General Casualty Insurance. Then I headed back to Madison, only this Madison was in New Jersey, to help some student leaders ponder their possibilities at Drew University.
Even though each group was at different points in their lives, at each presentation I was asking participants to imagine what they wanted their work or school or life to look like. I then asked them what actions they could take to move toward that. We often forget that creating a clear VISION of what you want is an important part of creating a successful life and then you have to put that vision into ACTION.
I challenge you this week to spend a few moments developing or refreshing a VISION for some specific area of your life (work, school, etc.). Don\'t forget to spend a few more moments putting that vision into ACTION!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, September 19, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Sight counts the seeds in an apple.
Vision counts the apples in a seed.
-Chris Carey, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA
Someone\'s sitting in the shade today because
someone planted a tree a long time ago.
-Warren Buffet, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The vision must be followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare up the steps -
We must step up the stairs.
-Vance Havner, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI
Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.
-Joel A. Barker
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week included two days of hanging out with some fun trainers at CUNA\'s Experience Learning Live! event just five blocks from home in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Then I had to drive a whole 10 miles over to Sun Prairie to teach a few courses at General Casualty Insurance. Then I headed back to Madison, only this Madison was in New Jersey, to help some student leaders ponder their possibilities at Drew University.
Even though each group was at different points in their lives, at each presentation I was asking participants to imagine what they wanted their work or school or life to look like. I then asked them what actions they could take to move toward that. We often forget that creating a clear VISION of what you want is an important part of creating a successful life and then you have to put that vision into ACTION.
I challenge you this week to spend a few moments developing or refreshing a VISION for some specific area of your life (work, school, etc.). Don\'t forget to spend a few more moments putting that vision into ACTION!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Ripples v7.34: Ripples of REACTIONS!
Ripples v7.34: Ripples of REACTIONS!
Monday, September 12, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
To succeed, it is necessary to accept the world as it is- and rise above it.
-Michael Korda, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro NC
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us,
but how we react to what happens;
not by what life brings to us,
but by the attitude we bring to life.
A positive attitude causes a chain reaction
of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.
It is a catalyst....a spark that creates extraordinary results.
-source unknown, submitted by Karen K, Milwaukee, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
After a quick trip up to University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to encourage 2,000 new students to MAKE GOOD CHOICES (with a nod to Jamie Lee Curtis\' character in Freaky Friday), I spent a day with some remarkable helpers from Lane County, Oregon. I tried to avoid the topic of Hurricane Katrina, but of course many people continue to express a desire to help and inevitably we had to acknowledge the unique size and scope of this challenge.
The bright news is that It appears that we are already seeing resilience in the victims, a few signs of recovery, and a sense of hope that good possibilities exist beyond the tragedy. It is also clear that the news coverage has shined an overdue spotlight on the ever-present and often ignored issues our society faces around race and class. Poverty exists in many corners of the U.S. and around the world, and I hope that as we start to hear people say \"Yes I feel for the Katrina victims, but what about the millions of other poor people?\" we can transform the \"yes, but\" into \"yes AND\" (with a nod to Jodi Cohen and her passion for helping people find their YES!). While our citizenry has responded compassionately in times of acute crisis (can you believe four years have zoomed by since 9/11?), our reaction to chronic issues has been lackluster.
On an unrelated note, if you are someone that has ever downloaded a podcast or other non-music audio content from the internet, I would like to hear from you. We may be opening a new chapter in The Ripples Project soon, and your feedback would help a great deal.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I will report next week on our fundraising efforts for those displaced by Katrina (I have not been back in Madison to check the mailbox yet!)
Monday, September 12, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
To succeed, it is necessary to accept the world as it is- and rise above it.
-Michael Korda, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro NC
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our lives are not determined by what happens to us,
but how we react to what happens;
not by what life brings to us,
but by the attitude we bring to life.
A positive attitude causes a chain reaction
of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.
It is a catalyst....a spark that creates extraordinary results.
-source unknown, submitted by Karen K, Milwaukee, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
After a quick trip up to University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to encourage 2,000 new students to MAKE GOOD CHOICES (with a nod to Jamie Lee Curtis\' character in Freaky Friday), I spent a day with some remarkable helpers from Lane County, Oregon. I tried to avoid the topic of Hurricane Katrina, but of course many people continue to express a desire to help and inevitably we had to acknowledge the unique size and scope of this challenge.
The bright news is that It appears that we are already seeing resilience in the victims, a few signs of recovery, and a sense of hope that good possibilities exist beyond the tragedy. It is also clear that the news coverage has shined an overdue spotlight on the ever-present and often ignored issues our society faces around race and class. Poverty exists in many corners of the U.S. and around the world, and I hope that as we start to hear people say \"Yes I feel for the Katrina victims, but what about the millions of other poor people?\" we can transform the \"yes, but\" into \"yes AND\" (with a nod to Jodi Cohen and her passion for helping people find their YES!). While our citizenry has responded compassionately in times of acute crisis (can you believe four years have zoomed by since 9/11?), our reaction to chronic issues has been lackluster.
On an unrelated note, if you are someone that has ever downloaded a podcast or other non-music audio content from the internet, I would like to hear from you. We may be opening a new chapter in The Ripples Project soon, and your feedback would help a great deal.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I will report next week on our fundraising efforts for those displaced by Katrina (I have not been back in Madison to check the mailbox yet!)
Monday, September 5, 2005
Ripples v7.33: SACRED RIPPLES!
Ripples v7.33: SACRED RIPPLES!
Monday, September 5, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A [person] is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him,
that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and
when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by From Terry H., Franklin, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We do not come to believe in ourselves
until someone reveals that deep inside us
something is valuable,
worth listening to,
worthy of our trust,
sacred to our touch.
-source unknown, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I am guessing that many of us have been overwhelmed by the events of last week in southeastern U.S.
Rebecca R. from Baton Rouge and a long time member of The Ripples Project requested we all send a big heap of encouragement/hope/love/prayers in their direction. Another great friend of ours, Marge A. from Madison, Wisconsin (where The Ripples Project is headquartered) informed us of a remarkable local effort: 48 hours after a social worker conceived an idea to provide housing for 20 families displaced by the hurricane, dozens of volunteers converged to begin preparing the twenty apartments that will hopefully be stocked with furniture, food, and a few months worth of supplies in the next few days. Physicians, dentists, and others have agreed to make their services available either free or at cost. Area churches quickly raised $10,000 on Sunday and of course much more will be needed. The displaced families are scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, and I am hoping we may be able to pitch in to help!
If you would be interested in helping Dane County, Wisconsin prepare for our small role in this massive relief effort, click here for more information: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/20Families.html .
Many other organizations are attempting to raise funds also, and I would like your help in creating a massive sacred ripple (of hope, not water--they do not need any more water!!) to a few of them. The Ripples Project will match (up to $1,000) the total amount donated by Ripples members to the Red Cross and Second Harvest and DOUBLE match (up to $2,000) the total amount donated to the Katrina Disaster Fund which will be collected by the Dane County Credit Union for use in our local efforts to provide for the 20 families.
Please consider making a check to one of these organizations:
1) Katrina Disaster Fund,
2) American Red Cross, or
3) America\'s Second Harvest
Mail your check TODAY to The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715
Checks must be received by September 16 so we can send them and the matching donation out to the respective organizations.
If you would rather donate directly, of course feel free to do that even though we won\'t be matching those donations:
http://www.RedCross.org , http://www.SecondHarvest.org .
Of course, we have not forgotten our neighbors here in Wisconsin still struggling to rebuild their lives after 20+ tornadoes swept through just last month. Beyond them, there are so many people in so many places that are in need; if you do not feel called to participate in this sacred ripple, I encourage you to create your OWN sacred ripple in whatever direction you feel is needed!
To all of them, and to all of you, I send you a most sacred helping of....
Peace,
Paul
Monday, September 5, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A [person] is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him,
that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and
when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by From Terry H., Franklin, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We do not come to believe in ourselves
until someone reveals that deep inside us
something is valuable,
worth listening to,
worthy of our trust,
sacred to our touch.
-source unknown, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I am guessing that many of us have been overwhelmed by the events of last week in southeastern U.S.
Rebecca R. from Baton Rouge and a long time member of The Ripples Project requested we all send a big heap of encouragement/hope/love/prayers in their direction. Another great friend of ours, Marge A. from Madison, Wisconsin (where The Ripples Project is headquartered) informed us of a remarkable local effort: 48 hours after a social worker conceived an idea to provide housing for 20 families displaced by the hurricane, dozens of volunteers converged to begin preparing the twenty apartments that will hopefully be stocked with furniture, food, and a few months worth of supplies in the next few days. Physicians, dentists, and others have agreed to make their services available either free or at cost. Area churches quickly raised $10,000 on Sunday and of course much more will be needed. The displaced families are scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, and I am hoping we may be able to pitch in to help!
If you would be interested in helping Dane County, Wisconsin prepare for our small role in this massive relief effort, click here for more information: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/20Families.html .
Many other organizations are attempting to raise funds also, and I would like your help in creating a massive sacred ripple (of hope, not water--they do not need any more water!!) to a few of them. The Ripples Project will match (up to $1,000) the total amount donated by Ripples members to the Red Cross and Second Harvest and DOUBLE match (up to $2,000) the total amount donated to the Katrina Disaster Fund which will be collected by the Dane County Credit Union for use in our local efforts to provide for the 20 families.
Please consider making a check to one of these organizations:
1) Katrina Disaster Fund,
2) American Red Cross, or
3) America\'s Second Harvest
Mail your check TODAY to The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715
Checks must be received by September 16 so we can send them and the matching donation out to the respective organizations.
If you would rather donate directly, of course feel free to do that even though we won\'t be matching those donations:
http://www.RedCross.org , http://www.SecondHarvest.org .
Of course, we have not forgotten our neighbors here in Wisconsin still struggling to rebuild their lives after 20+ tornadoes swept through just last month. Beyond them, there are so many people in so many places that are in need; if you do not feel called to participate in this sacred ripple, I encourage you to create your OWN sacred ripple in whatever direction you feel is needed!
To all of them, and to all of you, I send you a most sacred helping of....
Peace,
Paul
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