Ripples #701: Dirt.
For our tribe of 31,760 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/30/2012
PEBBLE:
Every flower must grow through dirt.
-source unknown, submitted by Carrie in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
Feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, irritation, resentment, anger, jealousy, and fear, instead of being bad news, are actually very clear moments that teach us where it is that we're holding back. They teach us to perk up and lean in when we feel we'd rather collapse and back away. They're like messengers that show us, with terrifying clarity, exactly where we're stuck. This very moment is the perfect teacher, and, lucky for us, it's with us wherever we are.
-Pema Chodron, submitted by Rachel in LaBelle, FL
PONDER:
If your recent thoughts, feelings, and/or actions haven't felt like your BEST SELF lately, Pema's wise words above remind us that this may be an unexpected yet most welcome gift: the awareness that our imperfections are perfect opportunities to recognize how we might be unconsciously preventing our BEST SELF from being unleashed.
Whenever this happens: smile at yourself, take a deep breath, and remember that your awareness instantly invites options to grow through this "dirt" and blossom into your BEST SELF.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Ripples #700: Baby Steps!
Ripples #700: Baby Steps!
For our tribe of 31,783 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/22/2012
PEBBLE:
Never be too afraid to make a big difference;
never be too proud to make a small change.
-written and submitted by Austin Walker in Champaign, IL
BOULDER:
Be patient.
Take baby steps
and you will eventually make it
to your final destination.
-written/submitted by Ben Gordon in Orchard Park, NY
PONDER:
Whether you are a fresh or veteran member of our happy tribe of Ripplers, you know that we are committed to reminding you of the BIG potential often hidden within the SMALL choices in our daily lives. For example, there are considerable health benefits in choosing to go to bed a few minutes earlier or eat one more serving of vegetables or walk an extra few steps. Similarly, you could increase your effectiveness at work or in school by investing just a few more minutes in a project. Even your relationships might improve by creating time to make some small "deposits" for those you work, study, live with: a quick favor, a kind word, or another small gesture of kindness to let others know they matter and that you value your connection to them.
But you know all this, of course. Remember that you might considerably improve your week if you went from KNOWING to DOING. Choose to take some action, right this very moment. I dare you!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,783 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/22/2012
PEBBLE:
Never be too afraid to make a big difference;
never be too proud to make a small change.
-written and submitted by Austin Walker in Champaign, IL
BOULDER:
Be patient.
Take baby steps
and you will eventually make it
to your final destination.
-written/submitted by Ben Gordon in Orchard Park, NY
PONDER:
Whether you are a fresh or veteran member of our happy tribe of Ripplers, you know that we are committed to reminding you of the BIG potential often hidden within the SMALL choices in our daily lives. For example, there are considerable health benefits in choosing to go to bed a few minutes earlier or eat one more serving of vegetables or walk an extra few steps. Similarly, you could increase your effectiveness at work or in school by investing just a few more minutes in a project. Even your relationships might improve by creating time to make some small "deposits" for those you work, study, live with: a quick favor, a kind word, or another small gesture of kindness to let others know they matter and that you value your connection to them.
But you know all this, of course. Remember that you might considerably improve your week if you went from KNOWING to DOING. Choose to take some action, right this very moment. I dare you!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, October 15, 2012
Ripples #699: Brick Walls.
Ripples #699: Brick Walls.
For our tribe of 31,811 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/16/2012
PEBBLE:
When the world says, "Give up."
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
-source unknown, submitted by Angela in Mississauga, Ontario
BOULDER:
The brick walls are there for a reason.
The brick walls are not there to keep us out.
The brick walls are there to give us a chance
to show us how badly we want something.
Because the brick walls are there to stop
the people who don't want it badly enough.
They're there to stop the other people.
-Randy Pausch, submitted by Sarah in Fond du Lac, WI
PONDER:
I often joke with my buddies who work in campus recreational sports that the reason I don't do weight training as part of my fitness routines is that the dumbbells are just too heavy--if they were lighter, I'd lift weights every day! Of course, if the weights were light then they really wouldn't help me maintain/build muscles.
Whether you're facing a brick wall or some heavy weights, now isn't the time for giving up. Now is the time to take a few breaths and either take a running start and scamper up the wall OR stretch your muscles and do the heavy lifting (but some free extra advice: don't try to tackle the brick wall while lifting the weights--that just seems dangerous).
But seriously, you're a tougher gal/guy than you realize, and I think this should be the week to face the wall or the weights and you'll be better and stronger next week. #GoForIt
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,811 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/16/2012
PEBBLE:
When the world says, "Give up."
Hope whispers, "Try it one more time."
-source unknown, submitted by Angela in Mississauga, Ontario
BOULDER:
The brick walls are there for a reason.
The brick walls are not there to keep us out.
The brick walls are there to give us a chance
to show us how badly we want something.
Because the brick walls are there to stop
the people who don't want it badly enough.
They're there to stop the other people.
-Randy Pausch, submitted by Sarah in Fond du Lac, WI
PONDER:
I often joke with my buddies who work in campus recreational sports that the reason I don't do weight training as part of my fitness routines is that the dumbbells are just too heavy--if they were lighter, I'd lift weights every day! Of course, if the weights were light then they really wouldn't help me maintain/build muscles.
Whether you're facing a brick wall or some heavy weights, now isn't the time for giving up. Now is the time to take a few breaths and either take a running start and scamper up the wall OR stretch your muscles and do the heavy lifting (but some free extra advice: don't try to tackle the brick wall while lifting the weights--that just seems dangerous).
But seriously, you're a tougher gal/guy than you realize, and I think this should be the week to face the wall or the weights and you'll be better and stronger next week. #GoForIt
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Ripples #698: Beauty to See, Hear, Live.
Ripples #698: Beauty to See, Hear, Live.
For our tribe of 31,840 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/08/2012
PEBBLE:
Everything has beauty.
But not everyone sees it.
-Confucious, submitted by Gwen in Coeur d'Alene, ID
BOULDER:
No one imagines that a symphony is supposed to improve in quality as it goes along, or that the whole object of playing it is to reach the finale. The point of music is discovered in every moment of playing and listening to it. It is the same, I feel, with the greater part of our lives, and if we are unduly absorbed in improving them we may forget altogether to live them.
-Alan Watts, submitted by Terry in Franklin, WI
PONDER:
Would you like to improve your life right now? Try this: stop and take a deep breath and then slowly and deliciously notice the sights and sounds around you: notice the beauty. There are plenty of other times you'll be striving to improve your life....I dare you to reserve *this* particular moment just to see, hear, and live the beauty that is here, now.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,840 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/08/2012
PEBBLE:
Everything has beauty.
But not everyone sees it.
-Confucious, submitted by Gwen in Coeur d'Alene, ID
BOULDER:
No one imagines that a symphony is supposed to improve in quality as it goes along, or that the whole object of playing it is to reach the finale. The point of music is discovered in every moment of playing and listening to it. It is the same, I feel, with the greater part of our lives, and if we are unduly absorbed in improving them we may forget altogether to live them.
-Alan Watts, submitted by Terry in Franklin, WI
PONDER:
Would you like to improve your life right now? Try this: stop and take a deep breath and then slowly and deliciously notice the sights and sounds around you: notice the beauty. There are plenty of other times you'll be striving to improve your life....I dare you to reserve *this* particular moment just to see, hear, and live the beauty that is here, now.
Peace,
Paul
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