PEBBLE
It’s in our nature to give and to get love.
Do some of both this week.
Do some of both always.
-Patti Dobrowolski, shared by Angela in Madison, WI
BOULDER
We’ve been infected with this idea that love is an emotion only felt between two people. But love is universal. An energy. A Contagious force. A gift. To offer support to someone in need is to love. To save a worm from the sun is to love. To smile at a stranger is love. To be grateful, to be hopeful, to be brave, to be forgiving, to be proud, is to love.
-A.R. Lucas (adapted slightly), shared by Diane in Appleton, WI
PONDER
We’ve arrived at the second week of February, which means it is time for our annual love-themed Ripples. We choose this spot in the calendar because of its proximity to Valentine’s Day AND we make a conscious effort to consider an expansive perspective on the idea of love. We can always choose to recognize love as relevant and worthwhile and sacred, even if we’re not into candy hearts and flowers (although I confess I’ve been craving Sweet Tart hearts for the past few weeks!)
Today’s pebble reminds us that love is at its most precious when it is moving frequently in both directions. The boulder reminds us that love can be expressed and lived in many different thoughts and deeds.
We’ve known that for a long time that physical exercise builds our heart health. Mindfulness activities like meditation and prayer have a soothing impact which helps our heart by providing tranquility. It turns out that Love invigorates our heart, too: strengthening our sense of self and deepening our capacity for connection.
It does our heart good when we find new ways to extend love.
It does our heart good when we find new ways to receive love.
I dare you to experiment this week with fresh ways to share your love, and see if you can recognize less obvious demonstrations of love that are being extended to you.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Have I told you lately that I love you? These weekly splashes are my way of saying, “I love that you join me for a minute each week; I love that you compound the love through quote submissions; I love that you extend the love by sharing Ripples with your colleagues and friends.” (((❤️)))
