" You learn and grow from everything you create."

-Sanaya Roman

Creating sustainable communities can be the most important thing that we do in our lives. Whether we consider community to be family, community at work or in our society. It is what helps us learn and grow to be better contributors to the greater good. You can learn anything from anyone you might meet, you just have to be willing to let your guard down and open up to other people. Making that connection with others is a rewarding way to enrich our lives. I hope you all are having a great week. Be sure to ripple with as many people you can this week, you never know where it might lead you! For me it has made all the difference.

“Everybody can be great..."

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve...you don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul “generated by love”

—Martin Luther King Jr.

The Ripples Project Weekly

First things first....Our Next 8 Minute Ripple will be October 3rd at Tambaleo. This will be a minor departure from our typical format. We are calling it a Pink Spoon version of The 8 Minute Ripple. More details to follow.

Official invitation is going out in the next day or so. Be sure to mark your calendars now.

This is a weekly newsletter from an online friend that I made named Paul Wesselman who runs The Ripples Project. I figured you might enjoy it and have perhaps have interest in signing up to receive his weekly bit of inspiration.

Enjoy and as always....

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Ripples v8.38: Ripples of COURAGEOUS STEPS!
9/18/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Many of our fears are tissue paper thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.
-Brendan Francis, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI


=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o


Whatever you do,
you need courage.
Whatever course you decide upon,
there is always someone
to tell you you are wrong.
There are always difficulties arising
which tempt you to believe
that your critics are right.
To map out a course of action
and follow it to the end,
requires some of the same courage
which a soldier needs.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI


=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o


What are you afraid of?

Think of some fear that is holding you back from action: Is there something you want to say to someone and you are worried about their response? Have you been hesitating to move forward with a plan because you might fail? Or perhaps you hold some generalized "fear of the unknown" that prevents personal or professional growth?

I dare you to spend some time this week imagining what your future could hold if you shed this fear completely or at least diminished its impact considerably. Then, If you can muster even a tiny drop of bravery, I hope you can take some COURAGEOUS STEPS!

Peace,
Paul
P.S. Remember that I am on retreat and will reply to messages in a few weeks!


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Ripple = Abundance

This last Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of getting to see Steve speak to a local business group. He’s a wonderfully dynamic speaker who has no need to be tied to a podium; thus he really gets to share his energy, and his message, directly with his audience.

I’ve been pondering an aspect of Steve’s message since that evening: viewing each encounter as a treasure-trove of opportunities.

He is right. Each encounter with another human being is a treasure-trove of opportunities. Yet, making this way-of-being work for one’s self requires an essential component: having an Abundance mindset.

“Networking” comes from a Scarcity mindset: because there’s not enough to go around, you have to prejudge others, “pre-qualify” them. Engaging in dialogue is not a concern because if someone does not have what you want, what you need, why should you care.

Having an Abundance mindset allows you to understand that, because everyone does not literally have exactly the same needs, there truly is plenty to go around. You also realize it is worth it to engage in dialogue because it is amazing what you can learn from others, and it is amazing how you may be of service to others.

Look at it form the standpoint of Spiritually Based Enlightened Self Interest™. When you have the courage, in the face of your own wants and needs, to engage in dialogue with another, when you have the courage to open yourself to the possibility of being of service to another in even the smallest way, you are sending positive energy out into the Universe that will come back to you tenfold.

Cultivate an Abundance mindset.
Create Ripples.
Reap the rewards.

The Ripple of Inspiration

Everyone finds inspiration from different places. My hope is that many of you will find inspiration in the people you meet and the experience you have during an 8 Minute Ripple. The rippling is actually only part of it....it's the connection after the events that make the most impact...at least for me. I suspect for you as well. One such ripple is an online connection I made that continues to ripple for me despite not ever meeting this individual.

This connection is a passionate gentleman from up North that is making a nice living speaking and presenting on the concepts of the 'ripple.' His name is Paul Wesselmann with The Ripple Project. Paul sends out an inspirational newsletter you should check out as well as a conversational forum that has been fun to read and now write in.

Recently he started a thread about what body of water stirs you. I felt compelled to share it with you, my friends, as it gives you just a glimpse of my inspiration and where I feel (or felt) most grounded. The post is as follows:

---

There was this little stream that ran through the Jemez mountains (1.5 hours NW of Albuquerque) where my dad and I used to fish. It is without question, my most favorite place on Earth.

It was the perfect little winding stream that stood at the base of an amazing mountain range. In the early morning, we would shiver with cold waiting, no, begging for the sun to hurry up and finally escape the tops of the mountain range and warm our wet feet which had been soaked on the small hike from the road to the beautiful little stream. When the sun came down, it was like the world was born anew and all was right in the world.

The trickle of water as it causually poured through the grassy landscape made just enough bubbly noise to make you feel alive. The wind in the trees reminded me with each rushing whoosh that they were the stewards of the land and they remained ever watchful of this little place I called paradise. Watching and waiting each year until my dad, who was and is still my best friend, returned each year.

I moved away in 1991 and sometime after that, Dad and I journeyed to our sanctuary on one of my return trips home. We discovered that the road leading to this desolate little place was no longer open and to this day, we have not discovered why. We just know our little piece of watery paradise now sits, alone and likely empty. A standing testament to the wonderful memories Dad and shared.

The trees in my mind often remind me that they are still there, watching, waiting and protecting my little paradise...somehow hoping we will return some day.

Whenever I need to return to what is really important in life, I return, although only in spirit, to that little perfect stream. I drop my line into it's cold cold water and wait for that tug. It refreshes me to this day and the bubbles and the whoosh of the wind are the only sounds that really warm my heart.

Thanks for making me think of this today Paul!

Ripple On!

Steve Harper

Create The Conversation

It appears that a few of you have been talking about how you can get your hands on the wonderful Ripple T-Shirt so you can begin starting your own random conversations. Well, at long last....here is what the shirt looks like and we have a special price just for you!

Click here to buy it.

Wearing it is sure to get you noticed and open up some people to asking you questions. It's a fun and exciting way to spread the message of the 'Ripple!'

Ripple On My Friends!!!

Steve Harper

Who Is The Future?

One of the things I have been involved with this summer is co-designing/co-leading an afternoon youth leadership program.

Yesterday, Steve Harper graciously and generously gave of his time to come speak to the teenagers in the group.

Steve shared about these themes: TANFL, Expectations, Drive, Passion, Goals, and the fact that “No matter what your age, it is never too early to begin preparing for greatness.”

So, why do I write about this here? Consider it both a celebration of gratitude, and a "cautionary tale".

I remind you that the power of the 8 Minute Ripple philosophy extends far beyond the office, far beyond one’s career, into the lives of all with whom we come in contact… especially into the lives of children. Whether they are our own children, or someone else’s, on some level we are all responsible to them. Before we go any further, please DO NOT start signing “I believe the children are the future.” I believe that wretched excuse for a song has provided more leeway for clichéd rhetoric, from adults in positions of power, who abdicate responsibility for the constellations-of-crap they create and then leave behind. Yes, it is true that our children will be the ones living on into the future, after we have shuffled off our respective mortal coils from this lifetime [apologies to Willie S.]. The reality of our collective life is that, on the organizational and societal levels, it is we adults who are creating the future that our children must step into, must deal with. We are the ones making the future; we are the ones leaving behind a legacy!! What kind of legacy do you think it should be?? No... what kind of legacy do you believe it should be??

Let us get back to the teenagers I have been working with, to whom Steve came and spoke.

Steve planted seeds, created ripples, that (just like with any other human beings) will take the time it needs to take to sprout. My understanding of it all is this: whether it's kids living in poverty and violence, or kids living in wealth and affluence, or somewhere in between… all of them need their spirits nurtured, their self-esteem, sense of self-worth, value, and place in the world, mentored and nurtured to a healthy level; the high concept ideas (leadership, ethics, honor, mission, career, etc.) follow after that.

Everyday I see how tough it is for so many "adults," from all walks of life, to get a handle on those intangibles that I just listed, and thus get impatient with children… it's because those “grownups” have lost touch with those things that really matter within themselves. Some will say it's just because of life being hard. Others will say they "don't have time for that touchy feely nonsense." And still others will just be utterly confused and say "I don't know what happened." So, the children of this world, and the adults around them, are very fortunate that there are people like Steve with the courage, vision, and creativity to truly make a difference.

I am grateful to Steve for helping me show the kids in my program that they are valued!!!!

# # #

Traveling Ripples!

I wanted to share a quick story with you all about a recent experience I had at the airport.

As I got ready to leave for the airport, I decided that I would wear my "Did you Ripple Today" t-shirt just to see what would happen. I absolutely love to people watch in airports and I always seem to meet some of the most interesting people there. I had worn the shirt before around town and had some people ask me questions about it. So it definitely has served as a great conversation starter.

A good friend of mine, Marcie (who I met at an 8 Minute Ripple in March) dropped me off at the airport on a Wednesday afternoon. I walked into the Austin airport and went through security check. One of the security employees looked at my shirt and asked me what a ripple was. So I explained that a ripple was an action to impact someone's life and he decided to write the website down so he could explore the concept further.

I went into the bookstore in the airport to find a book to read for my flight. As I was standing there looking at various books a woman with a very shy demeanor approached me. She said " I saw your shirt and had to ask what it means." I had a few minute conversation with her to find out she was in Austin from Chicago, that she is looking for ways to grow her business and that she loved the tex-mex food here in Austin! As our conversation was ending she wanted to know where she could find Steve's book. For those of you that know me well, know that I always have copies of The Ripple Effect close by and I happened to have some extra copies in my backpack that I was taking to North Carolina for some friends and family that had wanted to buy the book. So anyway, I ended up selling her a book. There was a gentleman that over heard my conversation with her and he wanted to buy a book as well. He was intrigued by the concept and felt that he needed some help on learning how to deepen his professional relationships. After approximately 30 minutes of me being in the airport, I managed to pass on the concept of the ripple to 6 other people!! It was amazing! I felt like a walking billboard that day. It was so nice to meet new people and connect with them. The trend continued on my trip to the Dallas airport and finally the Charlotte airport later that day where I was reconnected with a friend that I went to undergraduate with. I have not seen him in 12 years! He was on my flight from Dallas and as I was standing waiting for my luggage, he approached me based on my shirt but then realized we knew each other from UNC!! How funny was that!! It was great to be reconnected.

It was a good reminder of how being open to meeting new people with no preconceived notions can open up a world of opportunities for your personal and professional life. And in some cases it can reunite you with people.

I hope all of you are having a great week!

Till next time.....

Asha

Calzone or Stromboli?

So this odd bald fellow (as opposed to “oddly bald” or “baldingly odd”) was sitting at the check-in table at the beginning of yesterday’s lunchtime 8 Minute Ripple. His knowledge of culinary terminology in the vein of “Calzone” and “Stromboli” not only unexpectedly came in handy, it also lent a great deal of clarity as to why he was sporting such girth around his midsection.

Things became puzzling, though, when he stood up and began to ramble at the group about tree pulp, printing ink, and a full glass versus an empty glass.

Thank goodness he had enough wit to be brief and quickly turn the proceedings over to Steve Harper!

Well, dear gentle readers all, if you were to query the odd bald fellow as to where all that gobbledygook about a full glass versus an empty glass came from, he would have no recourse but to confess that he is unable to remember where he read the original story that sparked his lunchtime flights of fancy.

But, credit must be bestowed where credit is due. To that end, here follows that story that inspired the odd bald fellow…
~ * ~
A wealthy man sat back and reflected upon his personal empire. He had not only surpassed all the other merchants in his village, he had become the richest man in the entire district.

He wanted for nothing, and for all intents and purposes, there was not a single material good he did not already have, or could not easily acquire with a mere wink and a nod (and as we all know, “A Nod is As Good As a Wink to a Blind Horse”).

Therefore, the matter that now plagued him was to determine what his next conquest should be.

He realized it should be knowledge. Certainly he already had all the knowledge he needed to be a successful merchant. Now though, he would pursue knowledge about everything else. He set about hiring the best tutors and collecting the best reading material, which his coin could very easily buy.

In time, the merchant reached another plateau. It was all on account of overhearing one of his elderly tenant farmers mutter “what is all this expensive knowledge worth without wisdom.”

The merchant was so struck by this observation, he actually forgot to be furious with the old man’s insolence much less remember to demand that his head be separated from his shoulders.

Wisdom. Now where was one to purchase wisdom? No answer to that question seemed to be forthcoming.

Deciding that going for a ride would help his thinking, the merchant made his way over to his stables. As he entered, he overheard his horse-master commenting to a stable boy that he greatly admired the wisdom of the monks in the temple at the top of the hill. They did so much meditating surely they knew, and comprehended, every single note of the very song of the celestial spheres themselves. What greater wisdom could there be than that?

Once again, the merchant was so struck by what he had heard, he completely forgot to behave in his usual manner.

Immediately turning on his heel, the merchant rapidly waddled his way to his chambers. Upon the arrival of the bellowed-for scribe, he began to dictate a letter.

The next morning, a servant was sent to deliver the letter, which begged permission for an audience, to the head monk at the temple on the top of the hill. Half past midday, the servant returned with the head monk’s reply: the merchant was welcome to come join him for tea on the following day.

There was not a more eager soul alive that next day as the merchant rode to the temple at the top of the hill. Upon his arrival, with little fanfare, he was ushered in directly to see the head monk.

Once the merchant had bowed and then seated himself, the head monk spoke.

“Now, my son, tell me why you asked to see me today.”

“Oh great master, please let me be your student. I have worked and studied so very hard. In fact, I am quite accomplished! I have…” and thus the merchant launched into an oratory on all the finer points of his intellectual prowess. That is, he spoke until he saw something that brought him to a stammering halt, something that left him gawking and staring.

“M-m-master! What are you doing?”

After filling a cup with tea for himself, the head monk had begun to fill a cup for the merchant; yet, he had not ceased pouring. Before the merchant’s eyes, the tea flowed over the lip of the cup, over the rim of the tea tray, onto the surface of the low table, and splashed onto the floor, creating rivulets that were now heading straight towards his feet.

The head monk spoke:
“You are like this cup; so full that there is no space for anything new.”

# # #

Emerson Agrees.....

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying
to make you something else is the greatest
accomplishment."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The 8 Minute Ripple has opened people's eyes to an absolute geniue way to be yourself. It is my desired outcome that each and every one of us finds a pure and honest base line from which to communicate and be in presence with others. When we let our guards down and forget about performing and posturing (hunting and killing), the world of opportunity will open up to us all.

Ripple On!!!

Steve Harper
www.therippleeffectbook.com
Click Here For Steve's BLOG

New Ripples

You can tune in to an 8 Minute Ripple by visiting The Ripple Effect podcast:

http://www.hearthis.com/index.php/v3/podcast/ripple_effect

Subscribe here:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/HearThis_Ripples

More is on the way.

Then get ready for the June 8 Minute Ripple.

Stormy Ripples!

It was another fantastic 8 Minute Ripple event on Thursday evening. I enjoyed connecting with new people as well as reconnecting with previous participants. I found even more connection points with people that I have known for a while now. I really enjoy how this event allows you to deepen existing relationships.

As the event came to a close, the sky opened up and the terenchal down pour began. That did not stop us from continuing to ripple. I learned much more about Texas "culture" and have acquired some new jokes to tell... thanks Brian and Dan! Spending time, sitting and connecting while we all waited for the fierce storm to pass was a great way to close the evening. Thanks for the post event entertainment guys.

Look forward to seeing you all at the next event!

Till next time...

Asha

Asha, Marcie, & Prince, oh my!!!

We wouldn’t have fallen into that volcano in the first place if we hadn’t been chased by that mean ol’ lion (much less gotten sat upon by that nearsighted elephant when we crawled out) after… oh, wait, that’s a different story! Ooops!

What I really was going to say is that, in a sense, each of us is engaged in the ongoing process of writing the book of our life. While the criteria we utilize in determining what constitutes a sentence, a paragraph, a chapter, and so on, is as varied as we are diverse, what remains consistent is the potential for any one of us to contribute to, learn from, each other’s books.

Yet, isn’t this easier said than done? Is that not why so many people balk at the notion of networking? Who really is fond of having a business card thrust at them while an elevator speech is being machine gunned into their ear? Who really wants to do that same old routine?

I’m not, and I don’t.

8 Minute Ripple gives those of a more reserved nature the space they need to open up. 8 Minute Ripple helps those of a more “Type A” nature to slow down and engage in active listening. Folks somewhere in between the two get to exercise their flexibility.

Not to sound like I’m doing some kind of “kinder, gentler” spiel… the 8 Minute Ripple approach allows participants to make new contacts in a way that respects the humanity of people; and that’s vitally important. I have to see you as you are, not as a job title, or a commodity on two legs. There’s a lot more authenticity involved. The focus of one’s personal agenda shifts from “do you have something I want?” to “how may I, or someone I know, help this person?”

And that’s love, baby!! Or, more accurately, it’s in keeping with Greenleaf’s notion of love: “Wanting for someone to achieve his or her potential to the greatest extent possible.”

Now, that can’t be all bad!

A question: whose book are you going to take part in next?

Okay! So, getting back to the good part! We get free from the elephant when Asha cracks it up by telling it this really funny story about gourmet guinea pigs which then lead to us meeting this very indignant frog that Marcie almost stepped on, but….

The Dipple Effect

The Internet is Rippling and right now is a great time to build a site that creates digital ripples, or dipples.

HearThis.com is just such a site. Our task is to create ripples using digital audio (daupples?). Right now, we are a mashup of several Web 2.0 services: Zookoda, Feedburner, Swiki, Amazon and Divicast. It seems like we find more cool features on the web each day to mashup into our site.

If you want to keep up with drippler companies, subscribe to Emily Chang's eHub blog.

Dipple On!

Brian Massey

Ripple Adventures!

I have been involved in the 8 Minute Ripple community for quite some time now. I work with Steve Harper , the creator of the event and it never ceases to amaze me the wonderful people I meet! Every time we have an event, I end up meeting someone new to add to my circle of friends or to work with in some capacity.

I have been in Austin for 3 years now and am always looking for new people to do things with. After taking a trip to Peru with my dad earlier in the year, I promised myself I would do more hiking and exploring here in Austin. I just needed some buddies to do this with.

Well I found one new buddy at the event, Marcie, and reconnected with another buddy, Prince. I have known Prince since last June and had no idea of his interest in hiking and love for music until it came up in a follow up conversation after the event. When I followed up with Marcie after the event, I realized she had similar interest! All of this came out of a networking event!?? That amazes me! Well as a result the three of us are connecting tomorrow to go for our first hiking adventure at McKinney Falls.

I am grateful for the way the 8 Minute Ripple events are set up to allow people to be themselves, this way you can truly get to know who people are rather than just what they do!

Will keep you posted on our adventures!

Till next time...

Asha

The 8 Minute BLOG Experience

I created a BLOG especially for the people that have participated in The 8 Minute Ripple events. Like the events themselves, this BLOG is designed to be organic and free flowing. It is a representation of the amazing people that make The 8 Minute Ripple the tremendously neat experience that it truly is.

As we ask in the events. Step outside your traditional box...share some stories, make us laugh and most of all keep the ripples coming.