Ripples v8.44: Ripples of REMARKABLE PEOPLE!
10/30/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Not a day passes over the earth
but men and women of no note
do great deeds, speak great words
and suffer noble sorrows.
-Charles Reade, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In the rush of daily living it's easy to forget
all the remarkable people, real or fictional,
who have been a part of your life.
But if you just imagine they are near for a moment,
you will realize that anyone who ever
touched your heart is always with you,
patiently waiting to emanate warmth and support
whenever you remember to think of them.
-Barbara Sher, submitted by Laura H., Appleton WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I had the honor of spending time with a remarkable team from the California region of the U.S. Forest Service. Because I am an avid hiker, it was not difficult for me to sincerely thank them for their commitment to creating and maintaining such a diverse array of incredible places that all of us are able to access to enjoy nature.
I returned to my hotel room after two days of presentations only to learn on the evening news about a forest fire in southern California that transformed quite suddenly in size from less than seven acres to thousands of acres. By now most of you know that a crew of four U.S. Forest Service employees lost their lives fighting the blaze, and a fifth crew member remains in critical condition.
Spending a few days learning about the challenges they face in their work and then quickly learning how high the risks are has made me appreciate their dedication even more. As we welcome several U.S. Forest Service Employees to to our Ripples community, please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Perhaps we can all make some powerful ripples this week by taking a moment to acknowledge someone in our lives who we consider REMARKABLE!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Ripples v8.43: Ripples of BREEZES!
Ripples v8.43: Ripples of BREEZES!
10/23/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
To be quite oneself, one must first waste a little time.
-Elizabeth Bowen, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We spend most of our time and energy
in a kind of horizontal thinking.
We move along the surface of things...
[but] there are times when we stop.
We sit still.
We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves or its memory.
We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.
-James Carroll, submitted by Julie T., Eugene OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I was in Denver to make some new friends at the Central Association of College & University Business Officers. I enjoyed my time at their conference, and as an added bonus I was able to sneak west into the Colorado Rockies for some late fall hiking. On one particularly scenic hike in the shadow of Mt. Evans, I found a quiet spot among several piles of leaves (some of which were already tinted with snow) to rest and reflect. The James Carroll quote above sums up my experience: as the brief pause in my hike unexpectedly evolved into an hour of solitude, some creative breezes began stirring and whispering. Soon my mind was whirling with exciting possibilities for my work and my life (including some for The Ripples Project!) and my return hike was considerably shortened by an enthusiastic pace. It was just what I needed to feel recommitted to my personal and professional goals.
Before the fall leaves disappear for the season, I hope you can take a walk this week and let your spirit be moved by a fresh BREEZE!
Peace,
Paul
10/23/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
To be quite oneself, one must first waste a little time.
-Elizabeth Bowen, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We spend most of our time and energy
in a kind of horizontal thinking.
We move along the surface of things...
[but] there are times when we stop.
We sit still.
We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves or its memory.
We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.
-James Carroll, submitted by Julie T., Eugene OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I was in Denver to make some new friends at the Central Association of College & University Business Officers. I enjoyed my time at their conference, and as an added bonus I was able to sneak west into the Colorado Rockies for some late fall hiking. On one particularly scenic hike in the shadow of Mt. Evans, I found a quiet spot among several piles of leaves (some of which were already tinted with snow) to rest and reflect. The James Carroll quote above sums up my experience: as the brief pause in my hike unexpectedly evolved into an hour of solitude, some creative breezes began stirring and whispering. Soon my mind was whirling with exciting possibilities for my work and my life (including some for The Ripples Project!) and my return hike was considerably shortened by an enthusiastic pace. It was just what I needed to feel recommitted to my personal and professional goals.
Before the fall leaves disappear for the season, I hope you can take a walk this week and let your spirit be moved by a fresh BREEZE!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Ripples v8.42: Ripples of IMAGINATION!
Ripples v8.42: Ripples of IMAGINATION!
10/16/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Logic will be you from A to B.
Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL
Use your imagination, not to scare yourself to death
but to inspire yourself to life.
-Adele Brookman, submitted by Linda V., Ames IA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Imagination does not
become great
until human beings,
given the courage and strength,
use it to create.
-Maria Montessori, submitted by Justin K., Cottage Grove WI
Most of the good things civilization has achieved
are the result of somebody's seeing, in his mind's eye,
how to do something better, or make something better.
Without imagination an executive cannot foresee
the good things the future may hold.
-Cason Callaway, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I strive to ensure that Ripples takes only one minute to read each Monday morning, and since I couldn't decide between all the above quotes, I only have a few seconds left....
So do this: close your eyes for the next 60 seconds and use your IMAGINATION to create something realistic and really exciting that could happen today. Then open your eyes and spend another 60 minutes doing something to make it more likely that it could happen!
GO!
Peace,
Paul
10/16/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Logic will be you from A to B.
Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL
Use your imagination, not to scare yourself to death
but to inspire yourself to life.
-Adele Brookman, submitted by Linda V., Ames IA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Imagination does not
become great
until human beings,
given the courage and strength,
use it to create.
-Maria Montessori, submitted by Justin K., Cottage Grove WI
Most of the good things civilization has achieved
are the result of somebody's seeing, in his mind's eye,
how to do something better, or make something better.
Without imagination an executive cannot foresee
the good things the future may hold.
-Cason Callaway, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I strive to ensure that Ripples takes only one minute to read each Monday morning, and since I couldn't decide between all the above quotes, I only have a few seconds left....
So do this: close your eyes for the next 60 seconds and use your IMAGINATION to create something realistic and really exciting that could happen today. Then open your eyes and spend another 60 minutes doing something to make it more likely that it could happen!
GO!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Ripples v8.41: Ripples of UNIQUENESS!
Ripples v8.41: Ripples of UNIQUENESS!
10/09/06: a FREE weekly splash from The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I want all my senses engaged.
Let me absorb the world's variety and uniqueness.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As human beings, our job in life
is to help people realize
how rare and valuable each one of us really is,
that each of us has something
that no one else has,
or ever will have,
something inside that is unique to all time.
It's our job to encourage each other
to discover that uniqueness
and to provide ways of developing its expression.
-Fred Rogers, submitted by Jennifer R., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
While I was travelling to Indianapolis this week to visit Eli Lilly Federal Credit Union and IUPUI, I faced a series of weather-related travel delays that required some patience as I sat at more than one airport gate wondering "When will the plane get here? When will we board? Will I ever make it to Indy?" In a last-ditch effort to distract myself, I looked around at my fellow weary travelers and began to imagine what their personalities and lives might be like. In a few minutes, I was entranced by the sea of UNIQUENESS I was swimming in.
It was fairly easy to slot my fellow fliers into categories: business people, students, families on vacation, etc. As I more carefully pondered a specific person's features, clothes, and actions, I realized the categories were far too limiting. I reminded myself that each of these magnificent beings has a purpose for being here today, and having arrived here from a specific set of life experiences, they were each just so, er, well, UNIQUE!
By the time I arrived in Indianapolis I was less concerned about what time it was, and more excited to continue reminding myself to pause as often as possible to be more mindful of others around me. Of course, just like other distinct moments of insight and clarity I have experienced in my life, the awareness faded and I soon became absorbed in the tasks at hand: finding my bags, getting to the hotel, finding some dinner, etc.
I hope you will join me as I strive this week to spend a few moments here and there pressing PAUSE on the VCR/TiVo of life to notice how UNIQUENESS is thriving all around us. And then press PLAY and continue on!
Peace,
Paul
10/09/06: a FREE weekly splash from The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I want all my senses engaged.
Let me absorb the world's variety and uniqueness.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As human beings, our job in life
is to help people realize
how rare and valuable each one of us really is,
that each of us has something
that no one else has,
or ever will have,
something inside that is unique to all time.
It's our job to encourage each other
to discover that uniqueness
and to provide ways of developing its expression.
-Fred Rogers, submitted by Jennifer R., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
While I was travelling to Indianapolis this week to visit Eli Lilly Federal Credit Union and IUPUI, I faced a series of weather-related travel delays that required some patience as I sat at more than one airport gate wondering "When will the plane get here? When will we board? Will I ever make it to Indy?" In a last-ditch effort to distract myself, I looked around at my fellow weary travelers and began to imagine what their personalities and lives might be like. In a few minutes, I was entranced by the sea of UNIQUENESS I was swimming in.
It was fairly easy to slot my fellow fliers into categories: business people, students, families on vacation, etc. As I more carefully pondered a specific person's features, clothes, and actions, I realized the categories were far too limiting. I reminded myself that each of these magnificent beings has a purpose for being here today, and having arrived here from a specific set of life experiences, they were each just so, er, well, UNIQUE!
By the time I arrived in Indianapolis I was less concerned about what time it was, and more excited to continue reminding myself to pause as often as possible to be more mindful of others around me. Of course, just like other distinct moments of insight and clarity I have experienced in my life, the awareness faded and I soon became absorbed in the tasks at hand: finding my bags, getting to the hotel, finding some dinner, etc.
I hope you will join me as I strive this week to spend a few moments here and there pressing PAUSE on the VCR/TiVo of life to notice how UNIQUENESS is thriving all around us. And then press PLAY and continue on!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 1, 2006
Ripples v8.40: Ripples of JOURNEYS!
Ripples v8.40: Ripples of JOURNEYS!
10/02/06: a FREE weekly splash from The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.
We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
-Stephen Covey, submitted by Beth L., Baltimore MD
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our life's journey
is an ever-unfolding work of art
that tells the story of where we have been
and with whom we have traveled.
-Iyanla Van Zant, submitted by Linda H., Manhattan KS
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Hello my fellow Ripply adventurers!
I have returned from several weeks of rest, including a wonderful retreat into northern Minnesota (with great thanks to my friends Brian and Rob for letting me hide out in their cabin!). I feel well rested, and excited to jump back into my work as a trainer AND The Ripples Project too!
For the past few months I have been pondering about how we can be more intentional and more effective at encouraging ourselves and others to be more Ripply. I am not even sure exactly what I mean by "Ripply," although it seems to have something to do with kindness and joy and love and helping and compassion and empathy.
So many of you have sent emails to say how much you enjoy receiving Ripples, and it seems obvious that you are also the type of people who send all kinds of good ripples out into the community and into the universe. I cannot help but wonder if we should attempt to harness this energy and focus it more purposely. How would that work? I do not know, and I am wondering if you might be interested in helping me explore possibilities. Maybe we could gather some people together to hold a Ripply town meeting and explore what it means to nurture and create ripples. Maybe a series of town meetings around the country?
What do YOU think could happen if a few dozen (hundred?) members of The Ripples Project community came together for a few hours or few days? You may email me, but an even more useful way would be to post a message on our discussion board. It may seem a little tricky at first because you have to create a username/password, but it would allow the entire community to be inspired by our collective vision.
Click here to start:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=187.0
Please join me on this exciting new JOURNEY!
Peace,
Paul
10/02/06: a FREE weekly splash from The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.
We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
-Stephen Covey, submitted by Beth L., Baltimore MD
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our life's journey
is an ever-unfolding work of art
that tells the story of where we have been
and with whom we have traveled.
-Iyanla Van Zant, submitted by Linda H., Manhattan KS
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Hello my fellow Ripply adventurers!
I have returned from several weeks of rest, including a wonderful retreat into northern Minnesota (with great thanks to my friends Brian and Rob for letting me hide out in their cabin!). I feel well rested, and excited to jump back into my work as a trainer AND The Ripples Project too!
For the past few months I have been pondering about how we can be more intentional and more effective at encouraging ourselves and others to be more Ripply. I am not even sure exactly what I mean by "Ripply," although it seems to have something to do with kindness and joy and love and helping and compassion and empathy.
So many of you have sent emails to say how much you enjoy receiving Ripples, and it seems obvious that you are also the type of people who send all kinds of good ripples out into the community and into the universe. I cannot help but wonder if we should attempt to harness this energy and focus it more purposely. How would that work? I do not know, and I am wondering if you might be interested in helping me explore possibilities. Maybe we could gather some people together to hold a Ripply town meeting and explore what it means to nurture and create ripples. Maybe a series of town meetings around the country?
What do YOU think could happen if a few dozen (hundred?) members of The Ripples Project community came together for a few hours or few days? You may email me, but an even more useful way would be to post a message on our discussion board. It may seem a little tricky at first because you have to create a username/password, but it would allow the entire community to be inspired by our collective vision.
Click here to start:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=187.0
Please join me on this exciting new JOURNEY!
Peace,
Paul
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