Ripples #1012: The Pleasant Present!

Ripples #1012: The Pleasant Present!
Oct 15, 2018

PEBBLE

The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.
-Thich Nhat Hahn, shared by Cheryl in North Mankato, MN

BOULDER

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).
-James Baraz, shared by Darren in Oregon, WI

PONDER

These weekly splashes come together in a variety of ways: sometimes there is something happening in the world that inspires me to focus on a certain theme; other times it is something unfolding in my personal life that guides the topic. There are also plenty of times that just scrolling through the pile of recent quote submissions reveals the right quotes for the week.

This week, well….nothing screamed or even whispered to me, even though there was plenty going on in the world and in my life. Even worse, I had depleted my “just in case” secret stash of pre-made Ripples. I was beginning to panic when I borrowed the trusty ritual I use before presentations: three deep breaths, thinking HERE on the inhale and NOW on the exhale. By the third breath I was feeling calmer.

I scooped up my laptop and walked to a nearby restaurant, determined to enjoy the walk and the meal as pleasant distractions. By the time my chili arrived, I was curious: could focusing on the present work as this week’s theme? I received the answer when the above two quotes quickly revealed themselves when I glanced at the same big pile of quotes I had already scoured several times.

Whether your life is currently pleasant or unpleasant, or even a quirky mix of both: do what you can to stay mindfully present as you savor the good and tolerate the difficult. It will all change soon enough, giving you a fresh landscape to practice your present-minded presence!

Peace,

Paul
The Ripples Guy

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