Ripples #723: Whoops!
For our tribe of 31,240 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 1, 2013
PEBBLE:
Flops are a part of life's menu
and I've never been a girl
to miss out on any of the courses.
-Rosalind Russell, shared by Josh in Fremont, NH
BOULDER:
After all these years,
I am still involved
in the process of self-discovery.
It's better to explore life
and make mistakes
than to play it safe.
Mistakes are part of the dues
one pays for a full life.
-Sophia Loren
PONDER:
What could happen this week for you and those around you if you made a conscious choice to either to FORGIVE yourself for a recent mistake or PREPARE yourself for an upcoming mistake that will inevitably present itself? What if you did BOTH?
Mistakes are inevitable, the are helpful, and they are rarely as disastrous as we fear they'll be.
Do yourself and your team a favor and practice one of my favorite mantras: L.I.G. (Let. It. Go.).
Peace,
Paul
Showing posts with label Compassion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Compassion. Show all posts
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Ripples #563: Hand in Hand!
Ripples #563: Hand in Hand!
Monday, Mar 8, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,636
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
_______
PEBBLE
Remember, we all stumble, every one of us.
That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand.
-Emily Kimbrough, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL
________
BOULDER
Many people believe that support is something that you give to someone you
feel sorry for or that it means propping up someone who would fail unless
you were there to give him a boost. But that's not the way I see it. Support
is the boost you can give someone who can help himself but who needs a
partner to open a window or push aside a roadblock.
-Dave Thomas, submitted by Ann P., Mason OH
_______
PONDER
I was lucky enough to spend Friday with 300 remarkable people at the Lt.
Governor's Conference on LGBT Youth. Educators, administrators, and
community leaders of all ages from all over the state converged on Oshkosh,
Wisconsin to become "Engaged & Empowered." It is rare to witness such a
large, diverse group of people quickly create a powerful feeling of "we are
in this together so let's make magic!" I initially assumed my purpose as
keynote speaker & workshop facilitator was to offer support to those
attempting to create safe environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgendered youth. As I drove home Friday evening, exhausted and
exhilarated, I realized that I had received as much (or more?) support as I
attempted to generate.
Some days we need support, some days we have support to offer. Our growing
tribe of ripplers believe in the power of generating AND receiving small
acts of kindness; I hope you can enjoy a little of each this week.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, Mar 8, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,636
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
_______
PEBBLE
Remember, we all stumble, every one of us.
That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand.
-Emily Kimbrough, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL
________
BOULDER
Many people believe that support is something that you give to someone you
feel sorry for or that it means propping up someone who would fail unless
you were there to give him a boost. But that's not the way I see it. Support
is the boost you can give someone who can help himself but who needs a
partner to open a window or push aside a roadblock.
-Dave Thomas, submitted by Ann P., Mason OH
_______
PONDER
I was lucky enough to spend Friday with 300 remarkable people at the Lt.
Governor's Conference on LGBT Youth. Educators, administrators, and
community leaders of all ages from all over the state converged on Oshkosh,
Wisconsin to become "Engaged & Empowered." It is rare to witness such a
large, diverse group of people quickly create a powerful feeling of "we are
in this together so let's make magic!" I initially assumed my purpose as
keynote speaker & workshop facilitator was to offer support to those
attempting to create safe environments for lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgendered youth. As I drove home Friday evening, exhausted and
exhilarated, I realized that I had received as much (or more?) support as I
attempted to generate.
Some days we need support, some days we have support to offer. Our growing
tribe of ripplers believe in the power of generating AND receiving small
acts of kindness; I hope you can enjoy a little of each this week.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Ripples v11.43: Seeking Revenge!
Ripples v11.43: Seeking Revenge!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,058
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, November 2, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
The only people with whom
you should try to get even
are those who have helped you.
-May Maloo, submitted by Noel R., Milwaukee WI
________
BOULDER
My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm when I was about seven, and he told me to throw a stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles created by the stone. Then he asked me to think of myself as that stone person. You may create lots of splashes in your life but the waves that come from those splashes will disturb the peace of all your fellow creatures, he said. Remember that you are responsible for what you put in your circle and that circle will also touch many other circles. You will need to live in a way that allows the good that comes from your circle to send the peace of that goodness to others. The splash that comes from anger or jealousy will send those feelings to other circles. You are responsible for both. That was the first time I realized each person creates the inner peace or discord that flows out into the world. We cannot create world peace if we are riddled with inner conflict, hatred, doubt, or anger. We radiate the feelings and thoughts that we hold inside, whether we speak them or not. Whatever is splashing around inside of us is spilling out into the world, creating beauty or discord with all other circles of life. Remember the eternal wisdom: Whatever You Focus On Expands.
-source unknown, submitted by Barbara R., Saint Paul MN
_______
PONDER
The boulder is awesome and longer; since I strive to make each issue a one minute read, this leaves me just enough time to write: create some Ripples this week by seeking revenge for some kindness done to you recently. Pay it back, pay it forward, or pay it sideways. Just keep the kindness flowing!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,058
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, November 2, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
The only people with whom
you should try to get even
are those who have helped you.
-May Maloo, submitted by Noel R., Milwaukee WI
________
BOULDER
My grandfather took me to the fish pond on the farm when I was about seven, and he told me to throw a stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles created by the stone. Then he asked me to think of myself as that stone person. You may create lots of splashes in your life but the waves that come from those splashes will disturb the peace of all your fellow creatures, he said. Remember that you are responsible for what you put in your circle and that circle will also touch many other circles. You will need to live in a way that allows the good that comes from your circle to send the peace of that goodness to others. The splash that comes from anger or jealousy will send those feelings to other circles. You are responsible for both. That was the first time I realized each person creates the inner peace or discord that flows out into the world. We cannot create world peace if we are riddled with inner conflict, hatred, doubt, or anger. We radiate the feelings and thoughts that we hold inside, whether we speak them or not. Whatever is splashing around inside of us is spilling out into the world, creating beauty or discord with all other circles of life. Remember the eternal wisdom: Whatever You Focus On Expands.
-source unknown, submitted by Barbara R., Saint Paul MN
_______
PONDER
The boulder is awesome and longer; since I strive to make each issue a one minute read, this leaves me just enough time to write: create some Ripples this week by seeking revenge for some kindness done to you recently. Pay it back, pay it forward, or pay it sideways. Just keep the kindness flowing!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Ripples v11.38: Angels!
Ripples v11.38: Angels!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 23,449
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, September 28, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
While eagerly and attentively
waiting for an angel to show up,
5 calls to be one went unheard.
-character in my dream, submitted by John B., Portland OR
________
BOULDER
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
-Marian Wright Edelman, submitted by Peter F., Tyler TX
_______
PONDER
Shhhh. Did you hear that? Somewhere nearby someone needs an angel to step forward and lend a hand. The person who needs your help may not ask loudly, and they may not say please. Your extra effort today to help that particular person could make this a better world.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 23,449
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, September 28, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
While eagerly and attentively
waiting for an angel to show up,
5 calls to be one went unheard.
-character in my dream, submitted by John B., Portland OR
________
BOULDER
We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.
-Marian Wright Edelman, submitted by Peter F., Tyler TX
_______
PONDER
Shhhh. Did you hear that? Somewhere nearby someone needs an angel to step forward and lend a hand. The person who needs your help may not ask loudly, and they may not say please. Your extra effort today to help that particular person could make this a better world.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Ripples v11.27: Hunger to Give!
Ripples v11.27: Hunger to Give!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,500
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, July 13, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
Happiness is the hunger to give...
Unhappiness is the hunger to get.
-submitted by Michael M., Madison WI
________
BOULDER
A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."
-source unknown, submitted by Diane Z., Darlington WI
_______
PONDER
You may know that I strive to ensure each issue of Ripples take less than 60 seconds to read. This week's longer Boulder means I have just a few seconds left to encourage you to feed your HUNGER TO GIVE this week by seeking out someone who needs a small serving of your delicious time, attention, money and/or love and dishing it up!
Hurry, we'll soon be out of time!
Peace,
Paul
Please join our tribe, it is free!
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php
It is easy to meet the tribe and submit quotes here:
Facebook: http://FACEBOOK.com/group.php?gid=2204886661
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Paul & The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St., Madison WI 53715
For good karma, please forward RIPPLES!
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http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?funcml=unsub2&nl=13&mi=289&email=post2ripples1999%40paulwesselmann.com
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,500
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, July 13, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
Happiness is the hunger to give...
Unhappiness is the hunger to get.
-submitted by Michael M., Madison WI
________
BOULDER
A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."
-source unknown, submitted by Diane Z., Darlington WI
_______
PONDER
You may know that I strive to ensure each issue of Ripples take less than 60 seconds to read. This week's longer Boulder means I have just a few seconds left to encourage you to feed your HUNGER TO GIVE this week by seeking out someone who needs a small serving of your delicious time, attention, money and/or love and dishing it up!
Hurry, we'll soon be out of time!
Peace,
Paul
Please join our tribe, it is free!
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php
It is easy to meet the tribe and submit quotes here:
Facebook: http://FACEBOOK.com/group.php?gid=2204886661
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/3117/345B5A3988D1
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RipplesGuy
If you have trouble unsubscribing you can always reply to this message and I will personally assist you. Or you can mail us at:
Paul & The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St., Madison WI 53715
For good karma, please forward RIPPLES!
To Unsubscribe, please click here :
http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?funcml=unsub2&nl=13&mi=289&email=post2ripples1999%40paulwesselmann.com
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Ripples v10.34: Adding Life!
Ripples v10.34: Adding Life!
August 25, 2008: a free weekly splash to 20,433 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project
__PEBBLE _________________________________
We are here to add what we can to life, not get what we can from it.
-William Osler, submitted by Kathy H., Milwaukee WI
__BOULDER _________________________________
What we have done for ourselves
dies alone with us;
what we have done for others and the world
remains and is immortal.
-Albert Pike, submitted by Josephine R., Wisconsin
__PONDER _________________________________
This week some remarkable student leaders at Michigan Tech. University completely freaked me out and I may not recover.
Ever.
MTU's 2008 Summer Reading Challenge selection is "Three Cups of Tea," by Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber who got lost on an expedition and stumbled into his life's mission of building schools in remote Pakistan & Afghanistan. Just before lunch on the day I spent with them, I mentioned Greg's fundraising struggles and challenged them to raise as much money as they could in over their lunch break.
I was confident that collecting a few hundred dollars would create a good sense of "look what we can do when we focus our energy." When we re-assembled after lunch, a plastic container filled with cash was handed to me and when it was all counted and sorted they had transformed a lunch hour challenge into $2,915.62. In just a few hours!!
What struck me most about this remarkable feat was how excited they were by their accomplishment. After spending many long days of training and preparation, they honestly had looked a little worn out when I initially greeted them in the morning. It appeared this profound act of ADDING LIFE to others re-energized their own spirits even while they were unselfishly helping others. How Ripply, indeed, to re-discover that helping others has great benefit to the helper too.
I am stealing a word someone just used on my Facebook wall: Michigan Tech students are FRICKMAZING and I hope you can let them inspire you to take some action this week to ADD LIFE to others.
If you would like more information:
Greg's book: http://ThreeCupsOfTea.com/
MTU students' fundraising feat: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20080825
Peace,
Paul
P.S. If you want to pitch in, send a check made out to CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUE and mail it to Ripples for CAI, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715. The Ripples Project Foundation will MATCH all checks received by the end of next week and forward them to Greg!
*****
To subscribe free, submit quotes, & search archives:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php
Facebook: http://FACEBOOK.com/group.php?gid=2204886661
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/3117/345B5A3988D1
To Unsubscribe, please click here :
http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?funcml=unsub2&nl=13&mi=235&email=post2ripples1999%40paulwesselmann.com
August 25, 2008: a free weekly splash to 20,433 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project
__PEBBLE _________________________________
We are here to add what we can to life, not get what we can from it.
-William Osler, submitted by Kathy H., Milwaukee WI
__BOULDER _________________________________
What we have done for ourselves
dies alone with us;
what we have done for others and the world
remains and is immortal.
-Albert Pike, submitted by Josephine R., Wisconsin
__PONDER _________________________________
This week some remarkable student leaders at Michigan Tech. University completely freaked me out and I may not recover.
Ever.
MTU's 2008 Summer Reading Challenge selection is "Three Cups of Tea," by Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber who got lost on an expedition and stumbled into his life's mission of building schools in remote Pakistan & Afghanistan. Just before lunch on the day I spent with them, I mentioned Greg's fundraising struggles and challenged them to raise as much money as they could in over their lunch break.
I was confident that collecting a few hundred dollars would create a good sense of "look what we can do when we focus our energy." When we re-assembled after lunch, a plastic container filled with cash was handed to me and when it was all counted and sorted they had transformed a lunch hour challenge into $2,915.62. In just a few hours!!
What struck me most about this remarkable feat was how excited they were by their accomplishment. After spending many long days of training and preparation, they honestly had looked a little worn out when I initially greeted them in the morning. It appeared this profound act of ADDING LIFE to others re-energized their own spirits even while they were unselfishly helping others. How Ripply, indeed, to re-discover that helping others has great benefit to the helper too.
I am stealing a word someone just used on my Facebook wall: Michigan Tech students are FRICKMAZING and I hope you can let them inspire you to take some action this week to ADD LIFE to others.
If you would like more information:
Greg's book: http://ThreeCupsOfTea.com/
MTU students' fundraising feat: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20080825
Peace,
Paul
P.S. If you want to pitch in, send a check made out to CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUE and mail it to Ripples for CAI, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715. The Ripples Project Foundation will MATCH all checks received by the end of next week and forward them to Greg!
*****
To subscribe free, submit quotes, & search archives:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php
Facebook: http://FACEBOOK.com/group.php?gid=2204886661
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/3117/345B5A3988D1
To Unsubscribe, please click here :
http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?funcml=unsub2&nl=13&mi=235&email=post2ripples1999%40paulwesselmann.com
Friday, April 25, 2008
Ripples v10.17: Listen!
Ripples v10.17: Listen!
Apr 28, 2008: a free weekly splash to 19,038 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project
__PEBBLE ______________________________________
Without good communication, a relationship is merely
a hollow vessel carrying you along on a frustrating journey
fraught with the perils of confusion, projection, and misunderstanding.
-Cherie Carter-Scott, submitted by Linda H, Lincoln NE
__BOULDER ______________________________________
Conversation is a sharing of stories.
We half listen and wait
for the moment we can jump in.
We vaguely pay attention
to the person speaking,
seeing where our piece will fit.
While waiting,
we forget to really listen.
When we forget to truly listen,
we miss things.
-Sarah Morrison, submitted by Heather S., Beaumont TX
__PONDER ______________________________________
I dare you to choose a conversation you know you will have today and commit right now to listen more carefully and more completely than you normally do. Whether your conversation partner is a colleague, supervisor, classmate, friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger, I suspect that both of you will notice the difference. Don't just wait for your turn to talk; instead, become obsessed with what the other person is saying.
Are you listening?
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I'm sorry I passed over a mention of Passover last week...Shalom!
Apr 28, 2008: a free weekly splash to 19,038 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project
__PEBBLE ______________________________________
Without good communication, a relationship is merely
a hollow vessel carrying you along on a frustrating journey
fraught with the perils of confusion, projection, and misunderstanding.
-Cherie Carter-Scott, submitted by Linda H, Lincoln NE
__BOULDER ______________________________________
Conversation is a sharing of stories.
We half listen and wait
for the moment we can jump in.
We vaguely pay attention
to the person speaking,
seeing where our piece will fit.
While waiting,
we forget to really listen.
When we forget to truly listen,
we miss things.
-Sarah Morrison, submitted by Heather S., Beaumont TX
__PONDER ______________________________________
I dare you to choose a conversation you know you will have today and commit right now to listen more carefully and more completely than you normally do. Whether your conversation partner is a colleague, supervisor, classmate, friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger, I suspect that both of you will notice the difference. Don't just wait for your turn to talk; instead, become obsessed with what the other person is saying.
Are you listening?
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I'm sorry I passed over a mention of Passover last week...Shalom!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Ripples v8.34: Ripples of LISTENING!
Ripples v8.34: Ripples of LISTENING!
8/21/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Hearing is one of the body's five senses.
But listening is an art.
-Frank Tyger, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI
One of the most valuable things
we can do to heal one another
is listen to each other's stories.
-Courtney Campbell, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Most people today just listen,
but don't deeply listen.
There are some people in the world
who are blessed to be exceptional listeners.
When someone deeply listens to us,
that enables us to deeply listen to ourselves.
-Rabbi Aryeh Ben David, submitted by Jennifer S.,
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wrapped up my August travels with visits to Central Michigan Universisty & UNC-Asheville (and HELLO to the big batch of Ripplers from both of these campuses, some of whom have been a part of The Ripples Project since day one!). My adventures as a leadership trainer have certainly allowed me to hone my performance skills over the years and many of you have witnessed how much I enjoy wandering around a classroom or stage telling stories and being goofy. One of the skills I didn't expect to pick up along the way is this week's theme: LISTENING.
The first step in designing a presentation for an audience is to listen to a client describe the event, the participants, and her or his hopes for the part I am helping with. Then I listen to what others are saying about the topics I have been asked to speak on (my peers, the media, etc.). The next step includes time to let this information simmer in my mind for a few weeks or months and listen carefully to what my own soul has to say. Even when I arrive on site to deliver the presentation, there is often still time to ask participant questions and listen to what is currently going on in their lives. Who knew that a career based on TALKING required so much LISTENING? I did not know this going in, but the more listening I do up front, the better my talking is in the end!
I hope you can take a moment to deepen your listening skills this week. I am confident it could help with school, work, and life in general!
Peace,
Paul
8/21/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Hearing is one of the body's five senses.
But listening is an art.
-Frank Tyger, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI
One of the most valuable things
we can do to heal one another
is listen to each other's stories.
-Courtney Campbell, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Most people today just listen,
but don't deeply listen.
There are some people in the world
who are blessed to be exceptional listeners.
When someone deeply listens to us,
that enables us to deeply listen to ourselves.
-Rabbi Aryeh Ben David, submitted by Jennifer S.,
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wrapped up my August travels with visits to Central Michigan Universisty & UNC-Asheville (and HELLO to the big batch of Ripplers from both of these campuses, some of whom have been a part of The Ripples Project since day one!). My adventures as a leadership trainer have certainly allowed me to hone my performance skills over the years and many of you have witnessed how much I enjoy wandering around a classroom or stage telling stories and being goofy. One of the skills I didn't expect to pick up along the way is this week's theme: LISTENING.
The first step in designing a presentation for an audience is to listen to a client describe the event, the participants, and her or his hopes for the part I am helping with. Then I listen to what others are saying about the topics I have been asked to speak on (my peers, the media, etc.). The next step includes time to let this information simmer in my mind for a few weeks or months and listen carefully to what my own soul has to say. Even when I arrive on site to deliver the presentation, there is often still time to ask participant questions and listen to what is currently going on in their lives. Who knew that a career based on TALKING required so much LISTENING? I did not know this going in, but the more listening I do up front, the better my talking is in the end!
I hope you can take a moment to deepen your listening skills this week. I am confident it could help with school, work, and life in general!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, April 19, 2004
Ripples v6.16: Ripples of FRONT PORCHES!
Ripples v6.16: Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+
Please make a Ripple in someone's life by sharing this message!
To join (free!): mailto:Join@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love,
a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
-Mother Teresa
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving
and tolerant of the weak and the strong.
Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
-George Washington Carver, submitted by Marcia, Grand Rapids, MI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last week we asked for members to submit their favorite websites so
we could model our new website (coming in July!) after the best sites
out there. One of the sites was about a guy named Scott who decided
several years ago to wear a nametag everywhere he went. He found it
made it easier to meet engage with other people because suddenly
strangers were more likely to strike up a conversation. In stores,
he is often mistaken for an employee so he frequently just takes on
the roll and helps the person find an item or an answer or a
solution. His term for an object (like a nametag) or behavior that
increases approachability is a "front porch." Front porches,
according to his website, reduce uncertainty, create comfort, and
contribute to a better connected society.
I agree with Scott, and I challenge you this week to create a front
porch of your own. Find a way to make it easier for people to engage
you, whether that is a colorful broach or a smiley face or a book you
carry or just a big ole smile on your face! (If you would like other
suggestions for front porches, and to read Scott's disclaimer about
the dangers of wearing a nametag everywhere, I encourage you to visit
his website: http://www.HelloMyNameIsScott.com/ )
Peace,
Paul
Please make a Ripple in someone's life by sharing this message!
To join (free!): mailto:Join@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love,
a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
-Mother Teresa
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving
and tolerant of the weak and the strong.
Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
-George Washington Carver, submitted by Marcia, Grand Rapids, MI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last week we asked for members to submit their favorite websites so
we could model our new website (coming in July!) after the best sites
out there. One of the sites was about a guy named Scott who decided
several years ago to wear a nametag everywhere he went. He found it
made it easier to meet engage with other people because suddenly
strangers were more likely to strike up a conversation. In stores,
he is often mistaken for an employee so he frequently just takes on
the roll and helps the person find an item or an answer or a
solution. His term for an object (like a nametag) or behavior that
increases approachability is a "front porch." Front porches,
according to his website, reduce uncertainty, create comfort, and
contribute to a better connected society.
I agree with Scott, and I challenge you this week to create a front
porch of your own. Find a way to make it easier for people to engage
you, whether that is a colorful broach or a smiley face or a book you
carry or just a big ole smile on your face! (If you would like other
suggestions for front porches, and to read Scott's disclaimer about
the dangers of wearing a nametag everywhere, I encourage you to visit
his website: http://www.HelloMyNameIsScott.com/ )
Peace,
Paul
Monday, May 5, 2003
Ripples v5.17: Ripples for MOTHERS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Sooner or later, we all quote our mothers.
-Bern Williams
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
When I stopped seeing my mother
with the eyes of a child,
I saw the woman
who helped me
give birth to myself.
-Nancy Friday
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I thought I would help us get a jump on Mother's Day with a few
quotes about moms. If you know of other good ones, please send them
to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org and we'll save them up for next
year!
Peace,
Paul
Sooner or later, we all quote our mothers.
-Bern Williams
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
When I stopped seeing my mother
with the eyes of a child,
I saw the woman
who helped me
give birth to myself.
-Nancy Friday
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I thought I would help us get a jump on Mother's Day with a few
quotes about moms. If you know of other good ones, please send them
to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org and we'll save them up for next
year!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, March 10, 2003
Ripples v5.09: Ripples of AN OPEN HEART!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Ultimately, your greatest teacher is to live with an open heart.
-Emmanuel
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The world is so empty if one thinks only
of mountains, rivers and cities.
But to know someone here and there
who thinks and feels with us and
who, though distant, is close to us in spirit,
makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.
Goethe, submitted by Virginia M., Lincoln, NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We found a new friend! The ever-fantastic Leslie, in addition to
quickly filling orders and helping people get signed up for Ripples,
has been searching high and low for websites and other resources to
share with The Ripples Project members. She recently came across an
ultra-cool company called "An Open Heart" and after connecting with
founder Gabriel Fiedler, we have added some of their remarkable
products to our online store!
If you want post-it notes that create ripples of joy or kindness or
love, you MUST see their nifty "giving notes." They also have some
"good thoughts" magnetic words of inspiration, and a "kindness
inspires kindness" button that you will wear every day! The best
part about all of these goodies is that they are inexpensive yet
allow The Ripples Project to recover the expenses related our website
and email list management. How cool is that?
I DARE you to peek at Gabriel's goodies:
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm !
Peace,
Paul
Ultimately, your greatest teacher is to live with an open heart.
-Emmanuel
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The world is so empty if one thinks only
of mountains, rivers and cities.
But to know someone here and there
who thinks and feels with us and
who, though distant, is close to us in spirit,
makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.
Goethe, submitted by Virginia M., Lincoln, NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We found a new friend! The ever-fantastic Leslie, in addition to
quickly filling orders and helping people get signed up for Ripples,
has been searching high and low for websites and other resources to
share with The Ripples Project members. She recently came across an
ultra-cool company called "An Open Heart" and after connecting with
founder Gabriel Fiedler, we have added some of their remarkable
products to our online store!
If you want post-it notes that create ripples of joy or kindness or
love, you MUST see their nifty "giving notes." They also have some
"good thoughts" magnetic words of inspiration, and a "kindness
inspires kindness" button that you will wear every day! The best
part about all of these goodies is that they are inexpensive yet
allow The Ripples Project to recover the expenses related our website
and email list management. How cool is that?
I DARE you to peek at Gabriel's goodies:
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm !
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 16, 2001
eRipples v3.38: Ripples of PEACE!
eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.38: Ripples of PEACE!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ PEBBLES ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
If we make our goal to live a life of
compassion and unconditional love,
then the world will indeed become a garden
where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow.
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, submitted by Jennifer
Peace is not something you wish for.
It is something you make, something you do,
something you are, and something you give away.
- Robert Fulghum (originally rippled in Ripples v1.15)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ BOULDERS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We who lived in concentration camps can remember those who walked
through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.
They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that
everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the
human freedoms . . . to choose one's attitude in any given set of
circumstance, to choose one's own way.
-Viktor Frankl, submitted by Phyllis
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the gentle night to you,
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace to you.
-Bill Douglas, submitted by Kevin (originally rippled
in Ripples v1.48)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I ventured into airspace this week to spend Saturday in Pennsylvania with
an amazing group of resident assistants (students who help their peers
survive and thrive in college). I ended the day with these words:
"Many of us are feeling totally helpless in this aftermath of horror: We ask
ourselves, "What can we do if we live far away from New York &
Washington?" It turns out there IS something very significant that we all
need to do: CREATE RIPPLES OF PEACE! Every kind act you commit
creates ripples that will reach beyond the intended target. Ripples will
reach everyone in your community. Ripples will reach New York. Ripples
will reach Washington. Ripples will reach the Middle East. Ripples will
reach Ireland. Ripples will reach everywhere in the world that needs
peace. And please remember that everywhere in the world needs peace!"
I urge you to spend extra time this week creating ripples of peace. Say
"thank you," forgive someone, wave at your neighbors, buy lunch for a
stranger, high-five your boss, look in the mirror and say "Hello!" If you're
feeling really brave, try sending a ripple of peace to someone who
"doesn't deserve it" and see how powerful that experience can be!
To expand upon a phrase I've heard frequently this week: "God Bless The
World!"
Peace,
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.38: Ripples of PEACE!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ PEBBLES ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
If we make our goal to live a life of
compassion and unconditional love,
then the world will indeed become a garden
where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow.
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, submitted by Jennifer
Peace is not something you wish for.
It is something you make, something you do,
something you are, and something you give away.
- Robert Fulghum (originally rippled in Ripples v1.15)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ BOULDERS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We who lived in concentration camps can remember those who walked
through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.
They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that
everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the
human freedoms . . . to choose one's attitude in any given set of
circumstance, to choose one's own way.
-Viktor Frankl, submitted by Phyllis
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the gentle night to you,
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace to you.
-Bill Douglas, submitted by Kevin (originally rippled
in Ripples v1.48)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~ PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I ventured into airspace this week to spend Saturday in Pennsylvania with
an amazing group of resident assistants (students who help their peers
survive and thrive in college). I ended the day with these words:
"Many of us are feeling totally helpless in this aftermath of horror: We ask
ourselves, "What can we do if we live far away from New York &
Washington?" It turns out there IS something very significant that we all
need to do: CREATE RIPPLES OF PEACE! Every kind act you commit
creates ripples that will reach beyond the intended target. Ripples will
reach everyone in your community. Ripples will reach New York. Ripples
will reach Washington. Ripples will reach the Middle East. Ripples will
reach Ireland. Ripples will reach everywhere in the world that needs
peace. And please remember that everywhere in the world needs peace!"
I urge you to spend extra time this week creating ripples of peace. Say
"thank you," forgive someone, wave at your neighbors, buy lunch for a
stranger, high-five your boss, look in the mirror and say "Hello!" If you're
feeling really brave, try sending a ripple of peace to someone who
"doesn't deserve it" and see how powerful that experience can be!
To expand upon a phrase I've heard frequently this week: "God Bless The
World!"
Peace,
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