Ripples v7.49: Ripples of STRANGE ADVENTURES!
12/26/05: your 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 strangest adventures can start with the simplest ideas.
-written and submitted by Brian C., San Louis Obispo CA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every day you may make progress.
Every step may be fruitful.
Yet there will stretch out before you an
ever-lengthening,
ever-ascending,
ever-improving path.
You know you will never get
to the end of the journey.
But this, so far from discouraging,
only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
– Sir Winston Churchill, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As the year winds down, some you may either be anticipating or dreading the idea of resolutions or goals for 2006. While most resolutions get abandoned quickly because they aren't S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timed), I remain an enthusiastic fan of the concept. You may want to spend a few minutes this week dreaming BIG and then setting some reasonable goals.
It may seem ironic that most of those who have successfully and permanently kicked the smoking habit have had a number of unsuccessful attempts in the past. They usually aren\'t successful on the first attempt, but each attempt brings them closer to the ultimate win. Even if you\'re discourage by past failures to achieve some lofty goal, remember that your past failures could be a sign that you are destined to succeed THIS time around. C\'mon, you can do it!
One of my own lofty ambitions is to get members (and guests) of The Ripples Project to interact with each other. We once had a fairly active discussion board, but it has died down and I'm going to see if we can start chatting again.
Would you please share any STRANGE ADVENTURE you hope to have this year with us:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=169.0
Also, take a look at other topics, or start another thread yourself:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php
Receiving this newsletter doesn't necessarily mean you have a username for the community discussion board, so take just a moment to create one and the share your thoughts with us all. If you have trouble using the board, let me know and I\'ll be around this week to troubleshoot.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Ripples v7.48: Ripples of BURNING BRIGHTER!
Ripples v7.48: Ripples of BURNING BRIGHTER!
12/19/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Whenever you see darkness,
there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter.
-Bono, submitted by Jill B., Fennimore WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I’ve noticed a belief that somehow optimism lacks intelligence
and that optimism stems from a lack of experience and naivete.
I don’t believe that.
I believe optimism is a choice.
Cynicim isn’t smarter, it’s just safer.
-Jewl, submitted by Dana M., Waukesha
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you are facing a challenge this week that is extra frustrating or difficult or just plain ole poopy, I dare you to practice optimism and see the wonderful possibility in the challenge. If that doesn't work, stand up and let out a big whine and at the top of your lungs scream "This is just AWFUL and it shouldn't be happening!" After you let that out, go back and re-read ripples and try the optimism again!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I will be heading home from my retreat this week, so if you have sent any personal emails I will hopefully be able to plow through the pile and respond by Friday. Thanks ever so much for your patience.
12/19/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Whenever you see darkness,
there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter.
-Bono, submitted by Jill B., Fennimore WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I’ve noticed a belief that somehow optimism lacks intelligence
and that optimism stems from a lack of experience and naivete.
I don’t believe that.
I believe optimism is a choice.
Cynicim isn’t smarter, it’s just safer.
-Jewl, submitted by Dana M., Waukesha
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you are facing a challenge this week that is extra frustrating or difficult or just plain ole poopy, I dare you to practice optimism and see the wonderful possibility in the challenge. If that doesn't work, stand up and let out a big whine and at the top of your lungs scream "This is just AWFUL and it shouldn't be happening!" After you let that out, go back and re-read ripples and try the optimism again!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I will be heading home from my retreat this week, so if you have sent any personal emails I will hopefully be able to plow through the pile and respond by Friday. Thanks ever so much for your patience.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Ripples v7.47: Ripples of STORIES!
Ripples v7.47: Ripples of STORIES!
12/12/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life should be lived such that you are either
creating new stories or
telling the ones you already have.
-written and submitted by Josh K., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Embrace this right now life
while it's dripping,
while the flavors are
excellently wholesome.
Take your bites with
bravery and boldness
since the learning and the growing
are here in these times,
these exact right nows.
Capture these times.
Hold and kiss them because
it will soon be very different.
-Jill Scott, submitted by Sharon S. (from Portland OR I think!)
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Something happened to you recently that was a little out of the ordinary, right?
It was hilarious or sad or frustrating or fun or entertaining or dramatic. If the event was uplifting, sharing it with others might brighten their day. If, on the other hand, it was a"less than positive" experience, well it will surely help to tell someone so you can take any useful learnings and then move beyond the yuckiness. One of the central reasons language evolved was to share stories; many cultures have preserved their history through story telling.
I would like for you to share a story with someone this week. Call someone you have been out of touch with just to tell them about that weird coincidence that happened yesterday, or share a funny tidbit when you're standing in a line. Maybe a longer email detailing a challenge you've been facing will help them understand why you've been out of touch lately.
Whomever, whenever, whatever: just tell your story, baby!!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. For those who have seen in the news or discussed the "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" issue, I would urge everyone to keep in mind that folks on both sides are trying to spread positive feelings and have good intentions. Stop arguing and start celebrating for goodness sakes! And Happy Hol.....er, Merry Chri....uhm.......ENJOY TODAY!
12/12/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life should be lived such that you are either
creating new stories or
telling the ones you already have.
-written and submitted by Josh K., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Embrace this right now life
while it's dripping,
while the flavors are
excellently wholesome.
Take your bites with
bravery and boldness
since the learning and the growing
are here in these times,
these exact right nows.
Capture these times.
Hold and kiss them because
it will soon be very different.
-Jill Scott, submitted by Sharon S. (from Portland OR I think!)
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Something happened to you recently that was a little out of the ordinary, right?
It was hilarious or sad or frustrating or fun or entertaining or dramatic. If the event was uplifting, sharing it with others might brighten their day. If, on the other hand, it was a"less than positive" experience, well it will surely help to tell someone so you can take any useful learnings and then move beyond the yuckiness. One of the central reasons language evolved was to share stories; many cultures have preserved their history through story telling.
I would like for you to share a story with someone this week. Call someone you have been out of touch with just to tell them about that weird coincidence that happened yesterday, or share a funny tidbit when you're standing in a line. Maybe a longer email detailing a challenge you've been facing will help them understand why you've been out of touch lately.
Whomever, whenever, whatever: just tell your story, baby!!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. For those who have seen in the news or discussed the "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" issue, I would urge everyone to keep in mind that folks on both sides are trying to spread positive feelings and have good intentions. Stop arguing and start celebrating for goodness sakes! And Happy Hol.....er, Merry Chri....uhm.......ENJOY TODAY!
Sunday, December 4, 2005
Ripples v7.46: Ripples of a GIANT MOSAIC!
Ripples v7.46: Ripples of a GIANT MOSAIC!
12/5/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Be who you are and say what you feel.
Those who mind don\'t matter and
those who matter don\'t mind.
-Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each of us is but one little, tiny tile in a giant mosaic,
and the grout which holds us together is our common humanity.
If you look at the mosaic up close, you can only see the individual colors,
but when you take a few steps back and look at the entire mosaic,
you can see the real picture.
We would be an incomplete picture without the tile that is YOU!
-Laura LaCour-Johnson, submitted by Carol L., Rociada NM
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
So here we are on this great big planet of over 6 billion people, and it turns out that even though you make up just one/6 billionth of the population, your presence is essential! Think about all the mosaics you are a part of: your family, your friends, your neighbors, your community, your workplace and/or school, your country, and the planet. And other organizations and groups you\'ve joined: places you volunteer or pursue hobbies, even the mosaic called The Ripples Project. Imagine if each of these mosaics were hanging in a mythical mosaic museum: even in the largest mosaics, visitors would likely notice if there was a blank spot where your tile was supposed to be.
Your challenge this week is to appreciate the beautiful mosaics that are your life, and the next time you look in a mirror you might say THANK YOU to acknowledge the part you play in these beautiful works of art!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I continue to be on retreat the next few weeks. I will keep sending you a weekly splash of Ripples, but you may not receive personal responses from me until I am back home and caught up in early January.
12/5/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Be who you are and say what you feel.
Those who mind don\'t matter and
those who matter don\'t mind.
-Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each of us is but one little, tiny tile in a giant mosaic,
and the grout which holds us together is our common humanity.
If you look at the mosaic up close, you can only see the individual colors,
but when you take a few steps back and look at the entire mosaic,
you can see the real picture.
We would be an incomplete picture without the tile that is YOU!
-Laura LaCour-Johnson, submitted by Carol L., Rociada NM
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
So here we are on this great big planet of over 6 billion people, and it turns out that even though you make up just one/6 billionth of the population, your presence is essential! Think about all the mosaics you are a part of: your family, your friends, your neighbors, your community, your workplace and/or school, your country, and the planet. And other organizations and groups you\'ve joined: places you volunteer or pursue hobbies, even the mosaic called The Ripples Project. Imagine if each of these mosaics were hanging in a mythical mosaic museum: even in the largest mosaics, visitors would likely notice if there was a blank spot where your tile was supposed to be.
Your challenge this week is to appreciate the beautiful mosaics that are your life, and the next time you look in a mirror you might say THANK YOU to acknowledge the part you play in these beautiful works of art!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I continue to be on retreat the next few weeks. I will keep sending you a weekly splash of Ripples, but you may not receive personal responses from me until I am back home and caught up in early January.
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