The Ripple Game

The idea for this week’s blog came from listening to conversations around me—people’s worries, hopes, and insights—along with the words I see flowing through social media. It brought back to mind a book I started writing nearly ten years ago. The title of this blog was to be the name of that book. Mayhaps it was never meant to be a book, and this was its place of destination. Today’s blog is more a personal musing than just a sharing of helpful information. Though, I hope it provides some useful insight.

The Ripple Effect

               rip·ple ef·fect

1.        The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.

There are many ideas out there about how our thoughts and feelings shape the world around us. Here’s my take on a few:

Quantum Physics suggests that everything in the universe is made of vibrating energy, and the way particles “vibrate” can influence the physical world, leading to the notion that our intentions or actions can affect the quantum field, and, by extension, the material world.

The Law of Attraction, which was popularized by works like “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, is based on the idea that frequency or vibration of our thoughts and emotions can attract corresponding experiences into our life. This principle suggests that positive thoughts and energy will attract positive outcomes, while negative energy will attract negative outcomes.

The concept of Resonance and Frequency, derived from physics, suggests that everything has a frequency or vibration. In this view, when our personal energy resonates with the energy of a situation, person, or object, it can create harmony or attract certain outcomes.

Cymatics is the study of visible sound and vibration patterns. It demonstrates how sound can create geometric patterns in materials like sand or liquid. This suggests that vibrations can have real, physical impact on the material world, possibly reflecting the idea that our inner vibrations (such as thoughts or emotions) can shape our external reality.

Various belief systems and practices like Reiki, chakras, and other holistic health modalities, assert that humans have an energy field or aura that can be influenced by our emotions, thoughts, and intentions. These vibrations are thought to affect both our well-being and the circumstances we attract in life.

Sound Therapy, including the use of binaural beats, solfeggio frequencies, and mantra chanting, suggests that certain sound frequencies can influence our mood, health, and energy levels. By aligning with particular frequencies, we might influence or attract specific outcomes in our lives.

From a religious or spiritual perspective, Christianity places a strong emphasis on the power of faith and belief in receiving God’s blessings. Prayer serves as a powerful means of expressing one’s desires and affirming faith, with understanding that true belief can open the way for divine blessings.

Judaism also teaches that belief and faith in Hashem are central to receiving blessings. In the Hebrew Bible, many stories emphasize the importance of faith and the belief that He will provide.

In Islam, the concept of belief and trust in Allah is essential to receiving His grace and blessings. The Qur’an speaks of the importance of faith and prayers (du’a) in seeking what one desires.

Hinduism has deep connection to the idea of belief shaping outcomes.  The idea that one’s beliefs and actions affect the quality of their life is central to Hindu teachings and rituals.

Buddhism focuses heavily on the power of belief in shaping one’s experience. The Buddha taught that desire, intention, and belief shape the path to enlightenment.

Looking at religion and spirituality, there is a common theme: Belief and Faith can shape our life and provide for us blessings. What is belief? What is faith? Belief is often our thoughts. It’s how we understand and express what we think. Faith, though, goes deeper. Faith is more about what we feel; those inner convictions. While belief is what we think in our minds, faith is what we feel in our hearts. Both science and religion have shown us that what we think and what we feel can truly shape our lives.

I’m curious. What are you thinking? What are you feeling?

The Ripple Mark

               rip·ple mark

1.        One of the wavy lines or ridges produced, esp. on sand, by the action of waves, wind or the like

2.        One of such forms preserved in sandstone or siltstone

Science has shown through infrared cameras that we leave heat signatures everywhere we have been, another display of the energy we create. What if, along with that heat, we are also leaving a trace of whatever mood or mindset we are carrying within us?

The art of “Positive Thinking” has grown in popularity and strength for good reason. When we choose to focus on what is good in our lives and in the world, we create a ripple of positivity that extends far beyond ourselves. This ripple leaves a meaningful mark, attracting more of what uplifts us and reinforcing the energy we want to share with those around us. So too, with the opposite.

For me, I believe that everything I say (even if only in my head) and everything I do leaves an imprint. Which is why I try to be mindful of what mark I am leaving. Am I always perfect? No. To be human is to be imperfect. The goal, though, is to be mindful. It is also why I prefer not to linger in a foul mood, or ruminate over an unpleasant situation or interaction. I try to be aware that the longer I stay there, the more energy it drains from me, and the more negativity I put in the space around me.

Looking at it less esoterically, we can also consider how what we think (believe) affects us mentally, emotionally and physically. Our thoughts can incite feelings of joy or angst. The less pleasant of thoughts tend to bring up fear, sadness, anger, which then triggers a plethora of physiological reactions, usually initiated by our “fight or flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and we find ourselves with elevated heart rate and blood pressure, cortisol pumping through our veins like gas in a pipeline. This physiological reaction is part of the body’s natural stress response, and when prolonged or repetitive, can have widespread effects. The cascade of events that happen affect every part of our being. Not only are we rippling to the world around us, we are also rippling the same energy throughout our body.

On the other hand, when we focus on positive thoughts and joyful experiences, our body responds in kind. Positive emotions activate our parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” mode. This state encourages relaxation, lowers blood pressure, and releases feel-good hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These chemicals enhance our mood, and also strengthen our immune system, improve heart health, and promote a sense of calm. It is as if our bodies are signaling that we are safe, allowing us to feel grounded and connected. The ripple of joy and positivity moves through us and radiates outward, influencing our own well-being and also the energy we bring to those around us.

So, I’m curious. What brings you joy?

The Ripple

               rip·ple

1.        Noun: a small wave; a usually slight noticeable effect or reaction

2.        Verb: to move in small waves; to pass or spread through or over

When we consider the impact of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we realize the power we hold in shaping not only our lives but the world around us. Every choice, every intention, is like a pebble dropped into a pond, creating ripples that extend far beyond what we might see. By focusing on what uplifts us—joy, gratitude, and love—we create waves that shape the world in which we want to live. This shift doesn’t just transform our personal experiences; it touches others, leaving a mark that reflects the energy we choose to put into life. Even if you do not believe that your thoughts, feelings, words and actions have any impact, they do affect your perception. They color the lens through which you see the world.

Modern technology provides us a means to communicate more widely, and instantly. Social media allows our thoughts, ideas, and opinions to blast forth like the infamous “shot that was heard around the world.” We have voice unlike anything in our recorded history. It is a powerful tool capable of sending far reaching ripples. Think of social media as a highway, our thoughts as the vehicle, and our emotions the fuel.

With all this in mind, I’m curious……..what are you rippling?