Mindfulness for the change maker in you

Change makers are commonly thought of as those people who create markets, invent industries, or build empires. While they may end up accomplishing such feats, the way I see it, change makers start by creating change within themselves. This in turn creates a change in other people, which leads to a change in others and so on. This ripple effect of change is a defining characteristic of those people whom I call the Ripple Makers. Ripple Makers help others become aware of their abilities and achieve their dreams. They encourage and empower those around them, which sparks the ripple effect.

We don’t always get to see the size or impact of our thoughts, dreams, and actions. We don’t always know how far our words travel. Whether we know it or not, every move we make with conviction has the potential to cause a ripple effect, small or large. This commercial is a fun illustration of the ripple effect on a small scale.

Change also happens on a larger scale. The Hip-Hop Loves Foundation (HHLF) is a group of Ripple Makers with the potential to cause widespread change. This organization co-produces workshops, seminars and events, both domestically and internationally, that create a space for dialogue and exploration centered on the themes of success, youth empowerment and social justice through Hip-Hop. HHLF is not expecting an immediate return on investment. They are working to help build a bridge that will be sustainable for generations to come so that Hip-Hop can become a medium that empowers underserved communities.

To me, to be mindful, is to be aware of your every thought, word and action. Sometimes it takes just one person, one idea, or one spark of passion to inspire a ripple effect of change. The ripple effect is about your idea, your actions, and your inspirations. Go ahead. Visualize it. Be inspiring and watch the effect spread.

By Eddie McCaffrey

e: emccaffrey@goibelieve.com

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