Ripples #753: Here, Now.

Ripples #753:  Here, Now.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
28 Oct 2013

PEBBLE:
Wherever you are, be all there.
-Jim Elliot, shared by Melissa from Cal Poly SLO, CA

BOULDER:
Once you have decided you want the present moment to be your friend, it is up to you to make the first move:  Become friendly toward it, welcome it no matter in what disguise it comes, and soon you will see the results. Life becomes friendly toward you; people become helpful, circumstances cooperative.    One decision changes your entire reality.  But that one decision you have to make again and again--until it becomes natural to live in such a way.
-Eckhart Tolle

PONDER:
I hope you recognize the sacred gift that is hidden within today:  the possibility of fully embracing the only place and the only time you have to live:  Here, Now.  What can you do to embrace this particular day in this particular week of your particular life?

Work as hard as you need to, play as much as you can, and be joyfully present through all of it. It won't likely be a PERFECT day, and you may be dealing with some significant challenges. Embrace it all.  In fact, pause right now, take three deep breaths and whisper "Here" on the inhale and "Now" on the exhale.

I hope that makes a difference today, and I hope YOU make a difference today.

Peace,
Paul
p.s.  Thank you for reading Ripples today.  It really matters to me.

Ripples #752: Opening Doors.

Ripples #752:  Opening Doors.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
21 Oct 2013

PEBBLE:
Not knowing when the dawn will come,
I open every door.
-Emily Dickinson, shared by Janice in Cincinnati, OH

BOULDER:
For all I am
And still hope to be
You were my guide
You were the key
That opened the door
To the feast of ideas.
-Evelyn Kandel, shared by Kathleen in Oshkosh, WI

PONDER:
If you're feeling stuck or trapped or limited in any way, let's make this week about opening doors.  Sample the thing you've been afraid of, or attempt something you've never tried before.  Whether it becomes a habit or just an experiment, it's possible you could transform an ordinary day into an adventure.  Knock, Knock... who's there?

Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy

Ripples #751: Pressure!

Ripples #751: Pressure!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
14 Oct 2013

PEBBLE:
Pressure can burst a pipe or pressure can make a diamond.
-Robert Horry, shared by Leila in San Luis Obispo, CA

BOULDER:
When we long for life without difficulties,
remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds
and diamonds are made under pressure.
-Peter Marshall, shared by Sevy in Albuquerque, NM
and Angela in Hollandale, WI


PONDER:
Growing up is a difficult enough task by itself, and it is made even more challenging because STUFF inevitably happens.  Stuff that is neither expected nor enjoyable:  promising opportunities fall apart, friends and family choose different directions than ours, and sometimes it gets even worse when people turn on us for following the path we feel is best for us at this time.

The bad news is that the list of STUFF goes on and on (and on);
the good news is that so does life!

Life isn't designed to be easy, of course.  If you're like me, you remember this on most days and are not surprised when an occasional setback throws a wrench into "the plan."  Of course, it becomes easier to lose our perspective when a few blechy things happen in a row, or a significantly unpleasant turn of events gets in the way of how you anticipated your day/week/life was supposed to unfold.

Remember that pressure can BUILD us up or MESS us up depending on how we respond; take a deep breath, holler for help when necessary, and go out there and make some diamonds this week!

Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy

Ripples #750: Connections!

Ripples #750:  Connections!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
7 Oct 2013

PEBBLE:
The people who matter will recognize who you are.
-Alan Cohen, shared by Carl in Terre Haute, IN

BOULDER:
Somewhere there are people
to whom we can speak with passion
without having the words catch in our throats.
Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us,
eyes will light up when we enter,
voices will celebrate with us
whenever we come into our own power.
Community means strength to join our strength
to do the work that needs to be done.
Arms to hold us when we falter...
a circle of friends.
Someplace where we can be free.
-Starhawk, shared by Terry in Oak Creek, WI

PONDER:
I invite you this week to notice the connections in your life, and remember that you can choose to find meaning in *everyone* (and everything) you encounter.  The interesting, the frustrating, even the bewildering!  It might help to suspend your judgment a bit and avoid your initial impulse to categorize as "good" or "bad."  Instead, just observe it all. In a few days, you can decide to deepen the connections you find helpful, and perhaps keep some distance between yourself from those which are not helpful.

Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy