Ripples v10.45: Acknowledge Differences!

Ripples v10.45: Acknowledge Differences!
November 10, 2008: a free weekly splash to 21,464 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project

__PEBBLE _________________________________

Being tolerant does not mean that I share another's belief.
But it does mean that I acknowledge another one's right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.
-Victor Frankl, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL

__BOULDER _________________________________

When we come to know ourselves
as gifted and conflicted,
we become more tolerant
of the differences we encounter in others
and can relinquish the illusion
that we are the center of a harmonious universe.
- Elizabeth J. Canham, submitted by Pat J., Wauwatosa WI

__PONDER _________________________________

Here in the U.S. we have (finally!) finished the exhilarating and exhausting process of selecting our next president and it is (finally!) time to recognize that our differences don't have to divide us. As I told my Facebook Friends, I believe "if blue celebrates humbly & red responds respectfully, the significance of this moment will emerge."

I hope you can expend extra energy this week to ACKNOWLEDGE DIFFERENCES between you and someone you argue/disagree/fight with often. With enough patience, practice, and persistence, you may discover that differences are not necessarily bad; they can even help make for more satisfying connections, more creative solutions, and a far more enriching life.

Peace,
Paul