Ripples #761: Gifts from Within!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
23 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
Anything that has real and lasting value
is always a gift from within.
-Franz Kafka, shared by Josh in Sheboygan, WI
BOULDER:
A thousand candles
can be lit from a single candle
and the life of the candle
will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases
by being shared.
-Buddha, shared by Angela in Madison, WI
PONDER:
As many of our Ripplers gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and enjoy each other's company, I want to gently remind us all that in addition to joy and merriment, for some this can be a time of sadness or frustration.
If you or those around you sometimes create unrealistically high expectations, taking a few deep breaths and going with whatever is happening might be a wonderful gift to yourself and those you spend time with this week.
If you don't particularly enjoy this time of year for whatever reason, perhaps you can acknowledge that for other people it IS an important time of year but not one that needs to be a big deal for you. Treat yourself to some quiet time, diving into a book or a movie or a bath or whatever. Gifts to yourself can help you bring your best self to others, and giving to others can infuse a feeling of generosity within that feels as warm as a toasty fire on a cold winter's day.
Happy Christmas and/or
Seasons Greetings and/or
Merry End of 2013!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Here is my Holiday Greeting to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL7WFrKrs4Q
Showing posts with label Kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kindness. Show all posts
Monday, December 23, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Ripples #718: Treasures of Kindness.
Ripples #718: Treasures of Kindness.
For our tribe of 31,151 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/26/2013
PEBBLE:
It's the kindness of giving,
without wanting something in return,
that makes us happy.
-Heidrun K. in Nairobi, shared by Deb in Philadelphia, PA
BOULDER:
Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness.
Know how to give without hesitation,
how to lose without regret,
how to acquire without meanness.
-George Sand, shared by Stacy in Hilbert, WI
PONDER:
Back when we started sending out these Ripples emails 14 years ago, a significant motivation was to remind people about the enormous power hidden within our everyday actions. I didn't think of it as *teaching* kindness: the remarkable people drawn to Ripples already know how essential and awesome kindness is. My intention was, and is, to be a soft whisper reminding us that even our smallest acts of kindness, joy, and encouragement feed the soul of the giver as much as they benefit the recipient.
A few years ago we unleashed a handful of $100 uRock! grants (uRock = unleashing Ripples of compassion + kindness) to increase the flow of generosity. The response was fantastic, and it will soon be time to unleash some more ripples! In the meantime, let me ask you this: if you were given $100 and an opportunity to invest your time, energy, and creativity, how might you unleash kindness? I'll be seeking your ideas and feedback via our Facebook page, so be sure to connect with us there: http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
Peace,
Paul
P.S. You can read about some of our previous experiments here:
http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy/posts/10151326319163226
For our tribe of 31,151 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/26/2013
PEBBLE:
It's the kindness of giving,
without wanting something in return,
that makes us happy.
-Heidrun K. in Nairobi, shared by Deb in Philadelphia, PA
BOULDER:
Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness.
Know how to give without hesitation,
how to lose without regret,
how to acquire without meanness.
-George Sand, shared by Stacy in Hilbert, WI
PONDER:
Back when we started sending out these Ripples emails 14 years ago, a significant motivation was to remind people about the enormous power hidden within our everyday actions. I didn't think of it as *teaching* kindness: the remarkable people drawn to Ripples already know how essential and awesome kindness is. My intention was, and is, to be a soft whisper reminding us that even our smallest acts of kindness, joy, and encouragement feed the soul of the giver as much as they benefit the recipient.
A few years ago we unleashed a handful of $100 uRock! grants (uRock = unleashing Ripples of compassion + kindness) to increase the flow of generosity. The response was fantastic, and it will soon be time to unleash some more ripples! In the meantime, let me ask you this: if you were given $100 and an opportunity to invest your time, energy, and creativity, how might you unleash kindness? I'll be seeking your ideas and feedback via our Facebook page, so be sure to connect with us there: http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
Peace,
Paul
P.S. You can read about some of our previous experiments here:
http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy/posts/10151326319163226
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Ripples #709: Our Gifts.
Ripples #709: Our Gifts.
For our tribe of 31,655 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
12/25/2012
PEBBLE:
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
-Kahlil Gibran
BOULDER:
Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
-Emmanuel Swedenborg
PONDER:
As many of us gather to celebrate religious and/or family traditions that involve exchanging gifts, it is important to remember that the most precious gift we have to offer the world is ourselves. I hope you can give your FULL, BEST SELF to those you encounter this week whether they are family, friends, colleagues, neighbors or strangers. And remember that the holidays can be uniquely stressful times, so managed expectations and pre-planned solitude are gifts you can give yourself.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. And a brief yet sincere thank you for the time and energy you have given to me this year by reading and sharing and submitting Ripples. #uRock
For our tribe of 31,655 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
12/25/2012
PEBBLE:
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
-Kahlil Gibran
BOULDER:
Kindness is an inner desire that makes us want to do good things even if we do not get anything in return. It is the joy of our life to do them. When we do good things from this inner desire, there is kindness in everything we think, say, want and do.
-Emmanuel Swedenborg
PONDER:
As many of us gather to celebrate religious and/or family traditions that involve exchanging gifts, it is important to remember that the most precious gift we have to offer the world is ourselves. I hope you can give your FULL, BEST SELF to those you encounter this week whether they are family, friends, colleagues, neighbors or strangers. And remember that the holidays can be uniquely stressful times, so managed expectations and pre-planned solitude are gifts you can give yourself.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. And a brief yet sincere thank you for the time and energy you have given to me this year by reading and sharing and submitting Ripples. #uRock
Monday, November 5, 2012
Ripples #702: Vote for Kindness.
Ripples #702: Vote for Kindness.
For our tribe of 31,918 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
11/06/2012
PEBBLE:
The work an unknown good man has done
is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground,
secretly making the ground green.
-Thomas Carlyle, Submitted by Kelley in Chester, IL
BOULDER:
Kindness is an inner desire
that makes us want to do good things
even if we do not get anything in return.
It is the joy of our life to do them.
When we do good things from this inner desire,
there is kindness in everything we think,
say, want and do.
-Emmanuel Swedenborg
PONDER:
As usual, it has been a brutal few months as we've endured lots of angry "this candidate is awful" and fearful "horrible things are in store if you make the wrong choice." Add the economic challenges that many of us still face and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and things have been poopy to say the least.
I'm hopeful that we can wake up Wednesday morning and find the courage and wisdom to be gracious and compassionate whether we are happy with the election results or not. There is always room for kindness in our world, and we desperately need to figure out how to move into a more cooperative, civil discourse. It might be useful to start by extending olive branches with small polite gestures, conversation topics that allow us to all be on the same side, and any other kindness that can draw out the best in ourselves and others.
I'm ready to try. Are you?
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,918 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
11/06/2012
PEBBLE:
The work an unknown good man has done
is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground,
secretly making the ground green.
-Thomas Carlyle, Submitted by Kelley in Chester, IL
BOULDER:
Kindness is an inner desire
that makes us want to do good things
even if we do not get anything in return.
It is the joy of our life to do them.
When we do good things from this inner desire,
there is kindness in everything we think,
say, want and do.
-Emmanuel Swedenborg
PONDER:
As usual, it has been a brutal few months as we've endured lots of angry "this candidate is awful" and fearful "horrible things are in store if you make the wrong choice." Add the economic challenges that many of us still face and the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, and things have been poopy to say the least.
I'm hopeful that we can wake up Wednesday morning and find the courage and wisdom to be gracious and compassionate whether we are happy with the election results or not. There is always room for kindness in our world, and we desperately need to figure out how to move into a more cooperative, civil discourse. It might be useful to start by extending olive branches with small polite gestures, conversation topics that allow us to all be on the same side, and any other kindness that can draw out the best in ourselves and others.
I'm ready to try. Are you?
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Ripples #626: Kind Deposits.
Ripples #626: Kind Deposits.
For our tribe of 27,826 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 23, 2011
PEBBLE:
Wherever there is a human being,
there is an opportunity for kindness.
-Seneca, submitted by Deb, Cleveland OH
BOULDER:
When we feel love and kindness toward others,
it not only makes others feel loved and cared for,
but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
-His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama
PONDER:
I had a busy and engaging week: first stop was Wisconsin's Fox Valley to
share some thoughts on "Reaching Out, Lifting Up: Connecting with Youth in
Crisis." (We captured some video of the talk and I hope to share a few
clips with you this summer!) Then I made a quick trip to Colorado where I
spent a day at Metro State College of Denver.
In both of my talks, we explored the value of making "deposits" in
relationships. Our connections with others are defined more by the smaller,
daily interactions, and less by the "big stuff." I'm hoping you can seek
some "opportunities for kindness" this week with friends, co-workers, and
strangers. Not to change the world (it could) nor to make someone else's day
(it might), but because kindness feels good to the giver! Kindness provides
a feeling of tranquility that transcends the difficulties in our lives and
reminds us once again that there is, in fact, as much good in the world as
there is in our hearts.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 27,826 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 23, 2011
PEBBLE:
Wherever there is a human being,
there is an opportunity for kindness.
-Seneca, submitted by Deb, Cleveland OH
BOULDER:
When we feel love and kindness toward others,
it not only makes others feel loved and cared for,
but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
-His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama
PONDER:
I had a busy and engaging week: first stop was Wisconsin's Fox Valley to
share some thoughts on "Reaching Out, Lifting Up: Connecting with Youth in
Crisis." (We captured some video of the talk and I hope to share a few
clips with you this summer!) Then I made a quick trip to Colorado where I
spent a day at Metro State College of Denver.
In both of my talks, we explored the value of making "deposits" in
relationships. Our connections with others are defined more by the smaller,
daily interactions, and less by the "big stuff." I'm hoping you can seek
some "opportunities for kindness" this week with friends, co-workers, and
strangers. Not to change the world (it could) nor to make someone else's day
(it might), but because kindness feels good to the giver! Kindness provides
a feeling of tranquility that transcends the difficulties in our lives and
reminds us once again that there is, in fact, as much good in the world as
there is in our hearts.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Ripples #610: Felonious Kindness!
Ripples #610: Felonious Kindness!
For our tribe of 27,160 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
Jan 31, 2011
PEBBLE:
If you were arrested for being kind,
would there be enough evidence to convict you?
-source unknown, submitted by David, Madison WI
BOULDER:
Kindness is an inner desire
that makes us want to do good things
even if we do not get anything in return.
It is the joy of our life to do them.
When we do good things
from this inner desire,
there is kindness in everything
we think, say, want and do.
-Emmanuel Swedenborg, submitted by Deb, Cleveland OH
PONDER:
This week's pebble uses a tricky metaphor for kindness and at the risk of
pushing it too far, I challenge you to spend some time thinking about what
"kind crimes" you've committed lately. I propose that being nice is just a
misdemeanor; I want you to commit a felony of kindness this week--go ALL the
way and surprise a stranger, friend, classmate, or colleague with a sincere
gesture that could make their moment, their day, or maybe even their life.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Just remember that we aren't encouraging you to break the law, just
break through the limits of your recent kindnesses.
For our tribe of 27,160 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
Jan 31, 2011
PEBBLE:
If you were arrested for being kind,
would there be enough evidence to convict you?
-source unknown, submitted by David, Madison WI
BOULDER:
Kindness is an inner desire
that makes us want to do good things
even if we do not get anything in return.
It is the joy of our life to do them.
When we do good things
from this inner desire,
there is kindness in everything
we think, say, want and do.
-Emmanuel Swedenborg, submitted by Deb, Cleveland OH
PONDER:
This week's pebble uses a tricky metaphor for kindness and at the risk of
pushing it too far, I challenge you to spend some time thinking about what
"kind crimes" you've committed lately. I propose that being nice is just a
misdemeanor; I want you to commit a felony of kindness this week--go ALL the
way and surprise a stranger, friend, classmate, or colleague with a sincere
gesture that could make their moment, their day, or maybe even their life.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Just remember that we aren't encouraging you to break the law, just
break through the limits of your recent kindnesses.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ripples v11.13: Smile!
Ripples v11.13: Smile!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,190
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
_______
PEBBLE
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile is the source of your joy.
-Thich Nhat Hahn, submitted by Kalea A., Chico CA
_________
BOULDER
There can be no happiness
if the things we believe in
are different from
the things we do.
-Freya Madeline Stark, submitted by Shayla D., Madison WI
_________
PONDER
Hey, you. Yes, you... I need to borrow one smile, pretty please with sugar on top?
I intend to gather a big pile of smiling faces with encouraging signs to help unleash ripples of compassion and kindness on the upcoming uROCK! roadtrip. The collection won't be complete without your smile!
Please write a note to someone in your life who needs some encouragement, or to a group who could use a lift (soldiers, elderly, abuse victims, people facing big challenges with employment, health, finances, self confidence, etc.). Then use a camera, a web cam, or your cell phone to snap a photo of your smiling face holding the sign and mail it to me so I can post it on the website. You can see examples here:
http://gallery.me.com/ptsayshi#100008
You can upload the photo directly at the website above OR simply send it to me and I'll post it.
I know you are busy AND I want you to know that those who have submitted a smile already report it was QUICKER and MORE MEANINGFUL than they expected. Are you in?
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,190
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
_______
PEBBLE
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile is the source of your joy.
-Thich Nhat Hahn, submitted by Kalea A., Chico CA
_________
BOULDER
There can be no happiness
if the things we believe in
are different from
the things we do.
-Freya Madeline Stark, submitted by Shayla D., Madison WI
_________
PONDER
Hey, you. Yes, you... I need to borrow one smile, pretty please with sugar on top?
I intend to gather a big pile of smiling faces with encouraging signs to help unleash ripples of compassion and kindness on the upcoming uROCK! roadtrip. The collection won't be complete without your smile!
Please write a note to someone in your life who needs some encouragement, or to a group who could use a lift (soldiers, elderly, abuse victims, people facing big challenges with employment, health, finances, self confidence, etc.). Then use a camera, a web cam, or your cell phone to snap a photo of your smiling face holding the sign and mail it to me so I can post it on the website. You can see examples here:
http://gallery.me.com/ptsayshi#100008
You can upload the photo directly at the website above OR simply send it to me and I'll post it.
I know you are busy AND I want you to know that those who have submitted a smile already report it was QUICKER and MORE MEANINGFUL than they expected. Are you in?
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ripples v11.12: Unleashing Kindness, uROCK!
Ripples v11.12: Unleashing Kindness, uROCK!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,044
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
_______
PEBBLE
With every act of kindness a new flower blooms.
-source unknown, submitted by Lisa D., L'Anse MI
_________
BOULDER
No kind action ever stops with itself.
One kind action leads to another.
Good example is followed.
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions,
and the roots spring up and make new trees.
The greatest work that kindness does to others
is that it makes them kind themselves.
-Lawrence G. Lovasik, submitted by Nicki P. Madison, WI
_________
PONDER
uROCK! = unleashing ripples of compassion + kindness!
Ripples is going on a roadtrip. I am going to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Ripples by driving around in my smile-covered car to visit fellow Ripplers and remind us all that we CAN make it through this crazy economic mess by sharing warm smiles, kind words, and quick favors. You know Kindness Ripples, and the more we unleash ripples of compassion and kindness, the better off we will all be. I will soon need your help to decide WHERE to go after my first few experimental "waves" which begin on April 14. I will also need your help collecting 1,000 smiles before I depart...more on that next week.
Are you in?
http://uROCKroadtrip.com
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,044
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
_______
PEBBLE
With every act of kindness a new flower blooms.
-source unknown, submitted by Lisa D., L'Anse MI
_________
BOULDER
No kind action ever stops with itself.
One kind action leads to another.
Good example is followed.
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions,
and the roots spring up and make new trees.
The greatest work that kindness does to others
is that it makes them kind themselves.
-Lawrence G. Lovasik, submitted by Nicki P. Madison, WI
_________
PONDER
uROCK! = unleashing ripples of compassion + kindness!
Ripples is going on a roadtrip. I am going to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Ripples by driving around in my smile-covered car to visit fellow Ripplers and remind us all that we CAN make it through this crazy economic mess by sharing warm smiles, kind words, and quick favors. You know Kindness Ripples, and the more we unleash ripples of compassion and kindness, the better off we will all be. I will soon need your help to decide WHERE to go after my first few experimental "waves" which begin on April 14. I will also need your help collecting 1,000 smiles before I depart...more on that next week.
Are you in?
http://uROCKroadtrip.com
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Ripples v11.04: Speak Prudently!
Ripples v11.04: Speaking Prudently!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 21,655
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
_______
PEBBLE
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.
-Howard W. Newton, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI
_________
BOULDER
Speak prudently:
cautiously to your rivals, and
with dignity to everyone else.
There is always time to utter a word,
and never time to take it back...
-Baltasar Gracian, submitted by Samantha T., Milwaukee WI
_________
PONDER
It is time to have that conversation. You know, the one you have been putting off for some time. Iyanla VanSant calls them "fierce conversations" not because they are violent but because they are vital, charged, and dangerous due to an extended build up of emotion while at the same time infused with energetic potential for deeper understanding and increased mutual respect. Take a deep breath, summarize in your head and your heart what you need to communicate, and remember that your conversation is between two flawed human beings who are doing the best s/he can in this crazy, challenging world! Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 21,655
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
_______
PEBBLE
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.
-Howard W. Newton, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI
_________
BOULDER
Speak prudently:
cautiously to your rivals, and
with dignity to everyone else.
There is always time to utter a word,
and never time to take it back...
-Baltasar Gracian, submitted by Samantha T., Milwaukee WI
_________
PONDER
It is time to have that conversation. You know, the one you have been putting off for some time. Iyanla VanSant calls them "fierce conversations" not because they are violent but because they are vital, charged, and dangerous due to an extended build up of emotion while at the same time infused with energetic potential for deeper understanding and increased mutual respect. Take a deep breath, summarize in your head and your heart what you need to communicate, and remember that your conversation is between two flawed human beings who are doing the best s/he can in this crazy, challenging world! Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Ripples v9.37: Hugs!
Ripples v9.37: Hugs!
9/10/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Kelley G., Chester IL
____________________BOULDER ____________________
Millions and millions of years
would still not give me half enough time
to describe that tiny instant of all eternity
when you put your arms around me
and I put my arms around you.
-Jacques Prevert
____________________PONDER ____________________
I mentioned last week that Monday, September 10 has been declared FREE HUGS DAY and is being celebrated on campuses and in communities around the world. FREE HUGS evolved from a single person who arrived home on a flight and watched as the other passengers were greeted with warm hugs from family and friends while there was no one to greet and hug him. This situation motivated him to create a large sign offering "FREE HUGS" and held it proudly above his head in a public place. The reactions varied from annoyance and suspicion to tears and laughter. Many hugs were given. I encourage you to view the origional YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4.
More info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
HUGS are warm gestures filled with love and I hope you can share some today. If you are not a particularly touchy-feely person, perhaps you can take your handshake to the next level and make it a "hand hug" by grasping with both hands. Even some "handwritten hugs" could be an option--just a short personalized note to someone that needs to hear from you.
As for me, I will spend the day in San Luis Obispo pumping up the orientation leaders and new students at Cal Poly. I am therefore sending you FREE HUGS sprinkled with mountain strength, ocean serenity, and sunshiney smiles!
Peace,
Paul
9/10/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Kelley G., Chester IL
____________________BOULDER ____________________
Millions and millions of years
would still not give me half enough time
to describe that tiny instant of all eternity
when you put your arms around me
and I put my arms around you.
-Jacques Prevert
____________________PONDER ____________________
I mentioned last week that Monday, September 10 has been declared FREE HUGS DAY and is being celebrated on campuses and in communities around the world. FREE HUGS evolved from a single person who arrived home on a flight and watched as the other passengers were greeted with warm hugs from family and friends while there was no one to greet and hug him. This situation motivated him to create a large sign offering "FREE HUGS" and held it proudly above his head in a public place. The reactions varied from annoyance and suspicion to tears and laughter. Many hugs were given. I encourage you to view the origional YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4.
More info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
HUGS are warm gestures filled with love and I hope you can share some today. If you are not a particularly touchy-feely person, perhaps you can take your handshake to the next level and make it a "hand hug" by grasping with both hands. Even some "handwritten hugs" could be an option--just a short personalized note to someone that needs to hear from you.
As for me, I will spend the day in San Luis Obispo pumping up the orientation leaders and new students at Cal Poly. I am therefore sending you FREE HUGS sprinkled with mountain strength, ocean serenity, and sunshiney smiles!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Ripples v9.14: Kindness!
Ripples v9.14: Kindness!
4/2/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
-Confucius, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do a deed of simple kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
-Jospeh Norris, submitted by Melissa M., Indianapolis, IN
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our pebble this week focuses on kindness we receive while the boulder is about the kindness we bring to others. I want the ponder to serve as a quick reminder that one of the keys to happiness in life is ample doses of both. So GIVE kind and RECEIVE kind and all will be well.
Peace & Kindness to you,
Paul
4/2/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
-Confucius, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do a deed of simple kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
-Jospeh Norris, submitted by Melissa M., Indianapolis, IN
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our pebble this week focuses on kindness we receive while the boulder is about the kindness we bring to others. I want the ponder to serve as a quick reminder that one of the keys to happiness in life is ample doses of both. So GIVE kind and RECEIVE kind and all will be well.
Peace & Kindness to you,
Paul
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Ripples v9.12: Kind Words!
Ripples v9.12: Kind Words!
3/18/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Don't waste yourself in rejection,
nor bark against the bad,
but chant the beauty of the good.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Brett B, Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= WAVE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Make some ripples in the shape of Golden Arches
to welcome a 100 new ripplers from the
IT Solutions Team at McDonald's!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Kind words do not cost much.
They never blister the tongue or lips.
Mental trouble was never known to arise from such quarters.
Though they do not cost much yet they accomplish much.
They make other people good natured.
They also produce their own image on men's souls,
and a beautiful image it is.
-Blaise Pascal, submitted by Kelley G., Chester IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= SPLASH =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are going to make a super wave of kindness this week!
Imagine if every one of our 15,000 subscribers took time to ripple some KIND WORDS to unsuspecting friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, or even strangers. I dare you. Pick up the telephone, compose an email, or just walk out your door right now and send out a thank you, compliment, apology, or some other sincerely kind words and see how good it feels! Ooh, and tell that person to do the same!
Peace,
Paul
3/18/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Don't waste yourself in rejection,
nor bark against the bad,
but chant the beauty of the good.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Brett B, Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= WAVE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Make some ripples in the shape of Golden Arches
to welcome a 100 new ripplers from the
IT Solutions Team at McDonald's!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Kind words do not cost much.
They never blister the tongue or lips.
Mental trouble was never known to arise from such quarters.
Though they do not cost much yet they accomplish much.
They make other people good natured.
They also produce their own image on men's souls,
and a beautiful image it is.
-Blaise Pascal, submitted by Kelley G., Chester IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= SPLASH =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are going to make a super wave of kindness this week!
Imagine if every one of our 15,000 subscribers took time to ripple some KIND WORDS to unsuspecting friends, neighbors, classmates, co-workers, or even strangers. I dare you. Pick up the telephone, compose an email, or just walk out your door right now and send out a thank you, compliment, apology, or some other sincerely kind words and see how good it feels! Ooh, and tell that person to do the same!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!
Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,652 subscribers and growing every day!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We can\'t outvote the militarists,
the multi-national businesses
and the disastrous consumer economy....
But every individual who
responds to current conditions
with integrity, care and intelligence
becomes a source of ripples
that spread through the world,
and enough ripples could become waves.
In the meantime,
they give us strength and spirit.
-Jo Hanson, submitted by Rachel C., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
During the last few weeks, we made a valiant effort to combine a few of our individual ripples of concern about Katrina victims into a wave of support. The result: a few dozen people sent in checks for the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and the \"Katrina Disaster Fund\" which is helping several families displaced by Katrina and currently living here in Madison. The Ripples Project matched the funds and over $3,000 went to the three causes. Woohoo!
I like the idea of combining our ripples, and I would like to experiment by creating some non-financial waves. Eventually, I believe we will be able to coordinate some massive splashes of inspiration and I want to initiate this process by spreading some ripples about Ripples! We currently have 13,652 subscribers, most of whom signed up at one of my presentations. I propose we spend the next few weeks telling others about this free Monday morning email and encouraging them to join us! Do you think we could add 1,000 in a week? Is it possible to imagine 20,000 total subscribers before Halloween? What if we could DOUBLE our numbers between now and Thanksgiving? Now that we have automated the process of subscribing and unsubscribing, encouraging others to join now creates some exciting ripply possibilities. Imagine if 20,000 people decided to send 5 notes of gratitude in the same week or promised to make 10 people smile all on the same day? Our combined ripples would have an even larger impact on our world!
Your task this week is to forward Ripples on to several of your friends, classmates, co-workers and/or family members who you think deserve to get a free weekly splash of inspiration each Monday morning. Include in your email a short note: share how long you have been subscribing, why you think they might enjoy Ripples, and what you like most about being a part of The Ripples Project. You may also want to tell them three important facts about Ripples:
1. Ripples are FREE!
2. The Ripples Project values privacy and protects email addresses vigorously!
3. Each issue arrives on Monday morning, takes 60 seconds to read, and includes an \"unsubscribe\" link.
Encourage them to join by visiting our website OR by simply sending a blank email to us with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line.
If we can get to 20,000 subscribers by Halloween, I will reward all of us by unleashing a special new feature that we have been dreaming about but hesitant to pay for (hint: it involves inspiring quotes and a mesmerizing web page!).
I will keep you updated each week as to the current number of new subscribers. (If you think you can get 20 or more people to join, keep track of who you invite because I will offer you some Ripply treats at the end of the contest!)
Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you can make some big WAVES, and I hope you can also find....
....Peace,
Paul
P.S. Spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,652 subscribers and growing every day!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We can\'t outvote the militarists,
the multi-national businesses
and the disastrous consumer economy....
But every individual who
responds to current conditions
with integrity, care and intelligence
becomes a source of ripples
that spread through the world,
and enough ripples could become waves.
In the meantime,
they give us strength and spirit.
-Jo Hanson, submitted by Rachel C., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
During the last few weeks, we made a valiant effort to combine a few of our individual ripples of concern about Katrina victims into a wave of support. The result: a few dozen people sent in checks for the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and the \"Katrina Disaster Fund\" which is helping several families displaced by Katrina and currently living here in Madison. The Ripples Project matched the funds and over $3,000 went to the three causes. Woohoo!
I like the idea of combining our ripples, and I would like to experiment by creating some non-financial waves. Eventually, I believe we will be able to coordinate some massive splashes of inspiration and I want to initiate this process by spreading some ripples about Ripples! We currently have 13,652 subscribers, most of whom signed up at one of my presentations. I propose we spend the next few weeks telling others about this free Monday morning email and encouraging them to join us! Do you think we could add 1,000 in a week? Is it possible to imagine 20,000 total subscribers before Halloween? What if we could DOUBLE our numbers between now and Thanksgiving? Now that we have automated the process of subscribing and unsubscribing, encouraging others to join now creates some exciting ripply possibilities. Imagine if 20,000 people decided to send 5 notes of gratitude in the same week or promised to make 10 people smile all on the same day? Our combined ripples would have an even larger impact on our world!
Your task this week is to forward Ripples on to several of your friends, classmates, co-workers and/or family members who you think deserve to get a free weekly splash of inspiration each Monday morning. Include in your email a short note: share how long you have been subscribing, why you think they might enjoy Ripples, and what you like most about being a part of The Ripples Project. You may also want to tell them three important facts about Ripples:
1. Ripples are FREE!
2. The Ripples Project values privacy and protects email addresses vigorously!
3. Each issue arrives on Monday morning, takes 60 seconds to read, and includes an \"unsubscribe\" link.
Encourage them to join by visiting our website OR by simply sending a blank email to us with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line.
If we can get to 20,000 subscribers by Halloween, I will reward all of us by unleashing a special new feature that we have been dreaming about but hesitant to pay for (hint: it involves inspiring quotes and a mesmerizing web page!).
I will keep you updated each week as to the current number of new subscribers. (If you think you can get 20 or more people to join, keep track of who you invite because I will offer you some Ripply treats at the end of the contest!)
Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you can make some big WAVES, and I hope you can also find....
....Peace,
Paul
P.S. Spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Ripples v7.24: Ripples of LITTLE THINGS!
Ripples v7.24: Ripples of LITTLE THINGS!
Monday, June 13, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Sometimes when we are generous in small,
barely detectable ways it can change someone else\'s life forever.
Margaret Cho, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...
The \"never mind the trouble\" things, the \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, the friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life and make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I love milking cows and remembering that there once was a hole, a hole in the ground (and the green grass grows all around all around!).
I spent Friday morning in Waukesha, Wisconsin helping 200 high school juniors (and some remarkable staff!) get fired up for a powerful weekend known as WILS (Wisconsin Leadership Seminar). These special leaders were nominated to represent their high schools at this event and every year it seems the leadership potential of the group swells.
In addition to cheers about milking cows and songs about holes in the ground, we talked about the possibilities of saving a life. I proposed that while it may be fascinating to daydream about a time when we could dramatically save someone\'s life in an emergency situation, it may be more useful to focus on the tiny opportunities we have in every day living: offering our patience to the grocery store bagger who is struggling through his first day on the job, acknowledging a person who passes us on the street with a smile, or an unplanned kindness for a colleague/neighbor/friend who needs a lift. Some of these may seem like small gestures, but it is possible that one of those brief encounters could be a lifesaving reminder to someone that life is worth living! The more of these ripples you create, the better you will get at making them AND you increase the likelihood that one of your ripples reaches someone just in time.
If you can think of a time when a simple \"hello\" or tiny favor helped you make it through a crazy day, then you owe it to the world to pay back the debt with some LITTLE THING this week!
And hey, after some technical problems with our online community, we have switched to a different type of website bulletin board. All of our former usernames/passwords and old postings are in tact, but it should be much easier to use....so c\'mon let\'s jump back into attempting to share with each other: http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=163.0
Peace,
Paul
p.s. If your last name begins with L, M, N, O or P, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!
Monday, June 13, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Sometimes when we are generous in small,
barely detectable ways it can change someone else\'s life forever.
Margaret Cho, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...
The \"never mind the trouble\" things, the \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, the friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life and make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I love milking cows and remembering that there once was a hole, a hole in the ground (and the green grass grows all around all around!).
I spent Friday morning in Waukesha, Wisconsin helping 200 high school juniors (and some remarkable staff!) get fired up for a powerful weekend known as WILS (Wisconsin Leadership Seminar). These special leaders were nominated to represent their high schools at this event and every year it seems the leadership potential of the group swells.
In addition to cheers about milking cows and songs about holes in the ground, we talked about the possibilities of saving a life. I proposed that while it may be fascinating to daydream about a time when we could dramatically save someone\'s life in an emergency situation, it may be more useful to focus on the tiny opportunities we have in every day living: offering our patience to the grocery store bagger who is struggling through his first day on the job, acknowledging a person who passes us on the street with a smile, or an unplanned kindness for a colleague/neighbor/friend who needs a lift. Some of these may seem like small gestures, but it is possible that one of those brief encounters could be a lifesaving reminder to someone that life is worth living! The more of these ripples you create, the better you will get at making them AND you increase the likelihood that one of your ripples reaches someone just in time.
If you can think of a time when a simple \"hello\" or tiny favor helped you make it through a crazy day, then you owe it to the world to pay back the debt with some LITTLE THING this week!
And hey, after some technical problems with our online community, we have switched to a different type of website bulletin board. All of our former usernames/passwords and old postings are in tact, but it should be much easier to use....so c\'mon let\'s jump back into attempting to share with each other: http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=163.0
Peace,
Paul
p.s. If your last name begins with L, M, N, O or P, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!
Sunday, May 1, 2005
Ripples v7.18: Ripples of SEEDS!
Ripples v7.18: Ripples of SEEDS!
Monday, May 2, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Die when I may, I want it said of me that I plucked a weed
and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
-Abraham Lincoln, submitter unknown
We are the seeds of kindness and love.
Grow tall and strive to live all of your days
enjoying and reaching for
the sun, the moon and the stars.
-Stacy Schupmann, submitted by Stacy, Buffalo, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Scatter seeds of kindness
everywhere you go;
Scatter bits of courtesy--
watch them grow and grow.
Gather buds of friendship;
keep them till full-blown;
You will find more happiness
than you have ever known.
-Amy R. Raabe, submitted by Charlene G., PA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As many of our fellow ripplers are celebrating the arrival of spring by planting seeds of flowers and vegetables, this week might be a great time for ALL of us to ponder what spiritual seeds we are planting for ourselves and others.
If there is a work or social relationship in your life that needs nurturing, take a moment right to write a quick note or make a brief phone call to say HELLO or THANKS. If it is your own soul that feels depleted, perhaps you need to check out an inspirational book from the library or download a song that might fertilize a growth spurt that you are ready to experience. Or maybe just take a quiet moment in your crazy day and let yourself plant this question: \"What\'s next?\"
Peace,
Paul
Monday, May 2, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Die when I may, I want it said of me that I plucked a weed
and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
-Abraham Lincoln, submitter unknown
We are the seeds of kindness and love.
Grow tall and strive to live all of your days
enjoying and reaching for
the sun, the moon and the stars.
-Stacy Schupmann, submitted by Stacy, Buffalo, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Scatter seeds of kindness
everywhere you go;
Scatter bits of courtesy--
watch them grow and grow.
Gather buds of friendship;
keep them till full-blown;
You will find more happiness
than you have ever known.
-Amy R. Raabe, submitted by Charlene G., PA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As many of our fellow ripplers are celebrating the arrival of spring by planting seeds of flowers and vegetables, this week might be a great time for ALL of us to ponder what spiritual seeds we are planting for ourselves and others.
If there is a work or social relationship in your life that needs nurturing, take a moment right to write a quick note or make a brief phone call to say HELLO or THANKS. If it is your own soul that feels depleted, perhaps you need to check out an inspirational book from the library or download a song that might fertilize a growth spurt that you are ready to experience. Or maybe just take a quiet moment in your crazy day and let yourself plant this question: \"What\'s next?\"
Peace,
Paul
Monday, March 15, 2004
Ripples v6.11: Ripples of IRISH WISHES!
Ripples v6.11: 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
May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.
-Irish toast, submitted by Amy S., Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
May your heart be as light as a song.
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
That stay with you all year long.
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way ---
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
-Irish Blessing, submitted by Mary S., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week found me hanging out with a crew of fellow trainers up in
the Wisconsin Dells, exploring ways to enhance our effectiveness. We
agreed that the more FUN we infused into our presentations, the more
likely our students could retain and apply the information provided.
It may seem like an obvious point, but FUN seems to be reserved
exclusively for kindergarten classes these days! I dare you to bring
some FUN to a meeting or presentation or conversation you have
scheduled this week. Share some goodies, wear a wacky hat, or have
everyone sing a song. Will it be silly? Of course! And the smiles
will linger, I promise!
Speaking of fun, we have some REALLY fun new greeting cards in our
store that we designed just for you! Take a peek and remember that
your purchase helps us create more ripples!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
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
May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.
-Irish toast, submitted by Amy S., Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
May your heart be as light as a song.
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
That stay with you all year long.
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way ---
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
-Irish Blessing, submitted by Mary S., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week found me hanging out with a crew of fellow trainers up in
the Wisconsin Dells, exploring ways to enhance our effectiveness. We
agreed that the more FUN we infused into our presentations, the more
likely our students could retain and apply the information provided.
It may seem like an obvious point, but FUN seems to be reserved
exclusively for kindergarten classes these days! I dare you to bring
some FUN to a meeting or presentation or conversation you have
scheduled this week. Share some goodies, wear a wacky hat, or have
everyone sing a song. Will it be silly? Of course! And the smiles
will linger, I promise!
Speaking of fun, we have some REALLY fun new greeting cards in our
store that we designed just for you! Take a peek and remember that
your purchase helps us create more ripples!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
Peace,
Paul
Monday, February 9, 2004
Ripples v6.06: Ripples of SMILES!
Ripples v6.06: 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
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
Before you ever receive the
wonderful treasures of a happy life,
you must first give.
Give of yourself.
Be of service to others.
Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life.
That is the law of the harvest, the law of the ten-fold return.
If you give nothing, even if it is multiplied, you receive nothing.
-Mary Kay, submitted by Shelley G., San Antonio, TX
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was traveling this week and encountered a flight
attendant with the finest, most genuine smile I have ever seen.
I watched him interact with the other people on the flight and he
seemed to have a new, sincere smile for each person he greeted.
It was small, kind, and real!
I decided we should all practice our smiles this week.
I challenge you to make every interaction an opportunity
to rehearse the magnificent act of smiling.
Whether you're asking a co-worker or classmate for a favor,
paying for your lunch at a restaurant, or simply arriving
home to family or roommates; I hope you can find your smile and
USE IT!
And maybe send an email to the best smiler you know to say,
"You're awesome!"
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
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
Before you ever receive the
wonderful treasures of a happy life,
you must first give.
Give of yourself.
Be of service to others.
Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life.
That is the law of the harvest, the law of the ten-fold return.
If you give nothing, even if it is multiplied, you receive nothing.
-Mary Kay, submitted by Shelley G., San Antonio, TX
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was traveling this week and encountered a flight
attendant with the finest, most genuine smile I have ever seen.
I watched him interact with the other people on the flight and he
seemed to have a new, sincere smile for each person he greeted.
It was small, kind, and real!
I decided we should all practice our smiles this week.
I challenge you to make every interaction an opportunity
to rehearse the magnificent act of smiling.
Whether you're asking a co-worker or classmate for a favor,
paying for your lunch at a restaurant, or simply arriving
home to family or roommates; I hope you can find your smile and
USE IT!
And maybe send an email to the best smiler you know to say,
"You're awesome!"
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 3, 2003
Ripples v5.43: Ripples of HARVEST SHARING!
Ripples v5.43: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 9,641 Members!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone--
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in our own.
-Adam L. Gordon, submitted by Linda V.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Remember to be gentle with yourself and others.
We are all children of chance,
and none can say why some fields will blossom
while others lay brown beneath the August sun.
Care for those around you.
Look past your differences.
Their dreams are no less than yours,
their choices in life no more easily made.
And give.
Give in any way you can, of whatever you possess.
To give is to love.
To withhold is to wither.
Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared,
and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.
-Kent Nerburn, submitted by Sabrina R., Prescott, AZ
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I hope you can spend a minute right now brainstorming a way to share.
Someone you work with, live with, serve on a committee with, or share
a grocery check-out lane with would just love it if you shared!
Share your idea, your creativity, your patience, your scissors, or
simply share a smile. Share something, and notice how good it feels!
And speaking of sharing, over 80 members shared a cool story for the
"1,000 Ripples" contest that ended last week. We have turned over
the finalists' stories to a panel of "experts in kindness" who will
be selecting their favorite in the next few weeks. The author of the
winning story will choose a charity to receive $1,000, and we'll
announce the winner before Thanksgiving. We're also going to figure
out how to share some of these stories with you, because they are
AWESOME!! Stay tuned....
Peace,
Paul
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone--
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in our own.
-Adam L. Gordon, submitted by Linda V.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Remember to be gentle with yourself and others.
We are all children of chance,
and none can say why some fields will blossom
while others lay brown beneath the August sun.
Care for those around you.
Look past your differences.
Their dreams are no less than yours,
their choices in life no more easily made.
And give.
Give in any way you can, of whatever you possess.
To give is to love.
To withhold is to wither.
Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared,
and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.
-Kent Nerburn, submitted by Sabrina R., Prescott, AZ
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I hope you can spend a minute right now brainstorming a way to share.
Someone you work with, live with, serve on a committee with, or share
a grocery check-out lane with would just love it if you shared!
Share your idea, your creativity, your patience, your scissors, or
simply share a smile. Share something, and notice how good it feels!
And speaking of sharing, over 80 members shared a cool story for the
"1,000 Ripples" contest that ended last week. We have turned over
the finalists' stories to a panel of "experts in kindness" who will
be selecting their favorite in the next few weeks. The author of the
winning story will choose a charity to receive $1,000, and we'll
announce the winner before Thanksgiving. We're also going to figure
out how to share some of these stories with you, because they are
AWESOME!! Stay tuned....
Peace,
Paul
Monday, March 24, 2003
Ripples v5.11: Ripples of KINDNESS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Small kindnesses make a community whole and lift up all of its members.
-Ann M. Bauer
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Kindness in word creates confidence,
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness,
Kindness in giving creates love.
-Lao-tzu
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week found me in Madison hanging with a group of fellow trainers
as we explored the topic of networking, as well as a brief visit to
the Madison Area Chapter of Credit Unions' Employee Appreciation
Night. In both presentations I challenged the audience to seek small
ways to spread kindness. Most of us accept the fact that when a
person receives kindness (even in the form of a tiny favor like
helping picking up stuff when we drop it in the parking lot) it feels
great. We need to also remember every act of kindness improves our
society. These acts remind us that we are all neighbors, that we
need each other, that our lives are made up of years which are made
up of weeks which are made up of days which are made up of moments.
And we need many bright moments so we can bear the bleak moments.
Keep your eyes and ears open today, seeking an opportunity to extend
kindness to someone. Then do us a quick favor: send us an email
describing what you did and how it felt!
Peace & kindness,
Paul
Small kindnesses make a community whole and lift up all of its members.
-Ann M. Bauer
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Kindness in word creates confidence,
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness,
Kindness in giving creates love.
-Lao-tzu
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week found me in Madison hanging with a group of fellow trainers
as we explored the topic of networking, as well as a brief visit to
the Madison Area Chapter of Credit Unions' Employee Appreciation
Night. In both presentations I challenged the audience to seek small
ways to spread kindness. Most of us accept the fact that when a
person receives kindness (even in the form of a tiny favor like
helping picking up stuff when we drop it in the parking lot) it feels
great. We need to also remember every act of kindness improves our
society. These acts remind us that we are all neighbors, that we
need each other, that our lives are made up of years which are made
up of weeks which are made up of days which are made up of moments.
And we need many bright moments so we can bear the bleak moments.
Keep your eyes and ears open today, seeking an opportunity to extend
kindness to someone. Then do us a quick favor: send us an email
describing what you did and how it felt!
Peace & kindness,
Paul
Monday, December 9, 2002
eRipples v4.49: Ripples of A THOUSAND FIBERS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It isn't always a happy world, but we shall be happy in it -
not by ignoring the sad, but by doing what we can and loving each other.
-Melanie Thernstrom, submitted by Tarah H., Asheville, North Carolina
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We cannot live only for ourselves.
A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow man;
and along those fibers, as sympathetic threads,
our actions run as causes,
and they come back to us as effects.
-Herman Melville, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I do hope that in the midst of all this craziness that we call the holidays you can remember that even the smallest gift of kindness can make the biggest of differences! As our collective stress level increases dramatically this time of year, the power of the smile is larger than ever!
Take a moment right now to seek out someone and offer a kind word, a pat on the back, assistance with a small task, or your patience as someone "takes longer than they should." Your quick kindness creates another fiber that connects us to the best we can be!
Peace,
Paul
It isn't always a happy world, but we shall be happy in it -
not by ignoring the sad, but by doing what we can and loving each other.
-Melanie Thernstrom, submitted by Tarah H., Asheville, North Carolina
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We cannot live only for ourselves.
A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow man;
and along those fibers, as sympathetic threads,
our actions run as causes,
and they come back to us as effects.
-Herman Melville, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I do hope that in the midst of all this craziness that we call the holidays you can remember that even the smallest gift of kindness can make the biggest of differences! As our collective stress level increases dramatically this time of year, the power of the smile is larger than ever!
Take a moment right now to seek out someone and offer a kind word, a pat on the back, assistance with a small task, or your patience as someone "takes longer than they should." Your quick kindness creates another fiber that connects us to the best we can be!
Peace,
Paul
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