Ripple Effects Require Energy

Ripples are waves of energy, essentially. So what type of ripples are you sending out?
Think for a minute about how the ripples you create are affecting and multiplying by the billions of other people all across this one, precious Earth...

Kenai sending out ripples in the Eel River.

The intention and purpose of the ECO-MAD movement is to connect with ourselves on a deep level, hopefully allowing us to discover and develop true contentment through selflessness and then setting examples which cast that contagious conscientiousness into the world. Every single one of us has control over our own thoughts, choices and actions. Each individual has the power to manifest and exemplify positivity, kindness, compassion, love, personal growth and evolution, action and achievement, and amelioration of our lives and the state of all living things on this planet. Every passing day it becomes exceedingly vital that we focus more on what it is we are emanating from within ourselves to the rest of the world.

Initiating proliferation of these meaningful conceptions and intentions unfortunately requires more time, energy and thoughtfulness than most may be willing to give or more than we believe ourselves capable of giving. But as of today, let us make no excuse nor justification for denying this planet, the future generations of our species (our children!) and ourselves of what we know we need to do. Put as simply and generally as possible, we are capable of and imperatively need to Exert Conscientious Options regularly in order to Make A Difference which is urgent and crucial.

The way we should view this idea is that every step in the right direction helps. We may not get everywhere we're going in one quick sprint, but every time we put one foot in front of the other we are closer to our goal. And everyone goes somewhere at some point right? So there's no denying that we're technically all in this together, and there's no reason to walk in opposition because it only does more harm than good for everyone. In other words, no matter what someone believes about ideas of humanity, climate change, social justice, ethics, etc., there's absolutely no reason not to use our personal power as individuals (and our combined power as a species) to try to improve the systems that influence everything and everyone on this planet. A movement of collective action meant to have only positive effects!

**Put It Into Practice**

Yes, this does mean putting in the extra effort and energy to do things like choosing the less-convenient alternative; taking the time to research candidates and policies and then voting; researching before decision-making so we support people/ companies/ industries doing it right; investing extra money into something more ethical or sustainable; washing/ bringing our reusables instead of buying disposables; denying ourselves the coffee if we forget our reusable cup (or at least refusing the plastic lid and going 'topless'); remembering our own bags for produce and groceries so we don't have to use/ dispose of new ones every time (I personally make bags out of old t-shirts); shopping at bulk food stores whenever possible; seeking out whole foods to snack on instead of plastic-wrapped processed things; opting for second-hand clothing (and taking care of the clothes we own) before buying new; spot-washing garments instead of putting it all in the laundry, and keeping in mind that there is always an option which is better for us, others and the environment.

As the ripples undulate they begin with us and move outward, affecting our close family and friends, acquaintances, strangers, community, society, and the global populace. Try it! Make a few changes in your lifestyle and see how others notice, then realize how you feel knowing that you're making a positive difference in the world around you. Then make a few more changes. You don't have to promote it or preach it, simply do it. In my experience, setting an example always leads to other people being curious and initiation of a conversation. Plus, it feels great to be a trend-setter for normalizing things that should be routine already (sure, you may get some 'looks' or have to deal with some patronizing attitudes, but what does that matter when you know that what you're doing is helping?).

Making informed, ethical, sustainable decisions ripples beyond just those who immediately recognize it, as well. And it's no secret that money makes quite the splash - sending out some of the most gigantic, far-reaching waves. So for example, if we choose to buy something sourced, made and/or sold locally, we're most likely contributing to our community (money stays local, supporting local industries/ artists/ shop owners), society (helping strengthen society's sense of community with human interaction, less packaging so less waste) and the global populace (not supporting sweatshops or child labor or other unethical practices on the other side of the world somewhere out of sight and mind). No matter what we decide to spend our money on or where we purchase from, it's significant to understand the power our consumerism has (vote with your dollars) and the importance of researching the different aspects of where/ what/ how/ by whom things are made. We must not take it for granted that many of us have access to this privileged resource called the internet, which if used right, can unveil immense amounts of credible, applicable information useful in our decision-making.

Urgently & Consistently ECO-MAD

ECO-MAD is a mindset. One of being regularly present, aware and prepared. It's a state of mind which reminds us to be conscientious, not just of the interconnectedness of the world, but also the impacts of each of our interactions within it. This attitude is based on the idea that we can each feel more fulfilled and content making choices we know will have a positive impact environmentally, socially and on the overall wellbeing of life on Earth.

Key to achieving this intrinsic and beneficial state of mind is practice and consistency, such as many things in life. No one is an expert immediately. Continuing to Exert Conscientious Options that Make A Difference in every circumstance is one of the most important elements of this evolving movement. It's also imperative that we leave space for error without being hard on ourselves; no one is perfect, just as long as we are trying. We must keep our mind on the ultimate goal and praise ourselves for all the victories (big and small) along the journey. As an added bonus, when we are happily and healthily living an 'ECO-MAD' lifestyle, others are often intrigued and inspired to take part naturally, essentially sending out ripples (maybe even waves) of conscientious awareness.

Since the recent UN report on climate, titled "Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science - Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services" (wordy, but effective), there's more urgency than ever to move in the right direction. We're proving to be an aggressive species, with a massive and growing population and an insatiable appetite for finite natural resources. Not to mention, we're living in an unbelievably delicate balance of life on this fragile yet miraculous planet.

Although there's been a slow shift happening for decades, it needs a change of pace. This is urgent - we need to hurry. And since none of us can singularly change the ways of our leaders/ governments/ industries/ corporations, it's up to all of us to work together with a common goal in order to influence sustainable outcomes and demand certain results. By focussing on our billions of individual choices and actions (ie. where/how/on what we spend our money, who and what we vote for) we can and will make a necessary difference. What we each decide to do now will add up to represent us as a global society and ultimately affect all living things.

Globally Interrelated

We are all connected to each other, simply through the nature of life. Each and every one of us needs the same basic elements to survive, and we all depend on our environment - planet earth - to provide us these necessities.

The Dalai Lama explains that "interdependence is a fundamental law of nature", in his book, My Spiritual Journey. "It concerns more than just the more evolved forms of life, for even the smallest insects are social beings who, without the slightest religion, law, or education, survive thanks to mutual cooperation, based on an innate recognition of their interrelatedness."

If we truly hope to move our current civilization forward in a positive way, capable of overcoming the serious threats of our time, we must recognize our potential as individuals within a collective global society that is interrelated. We all need to cultivate an awareness of how our individual impacts ripple through the connectedness of humanity as a whole, creating our current and future reality.

Author John Perkins, in his book The Secret History of the American Empire, emphasizes how individuals can make a big impact and crucial difference within this realm of interdependence. He says "it is imperative that we develop an awareness that every action we take and every product we buy impacts other people and the places where they live; collectively, our lifestyles today determine the future our children and grandchildren will inherit."

Our inspiration for finding this awareness in ourselves and nurturing it, should be an intrinsically fulfilling, altruistic motivation to do what is fair and right for humanity and for all life forms with which we cohabitate on Earth. It may be difficult to tap into this concept at first for many reasons, including the fact that we're all experiencing life differently, along with all the distractions that accompany our personal, day to day lives. Once we acknowledge and accept our interrelatedness, our responsibilities as citizens of a united and connected world become clearer, making it easier and more effortless to choose and act in accordance with what benefits the global community and the future - not solely the individual and the now.

As the Dalai Lama states in his book, "universal responsibility is the best possible basis to ensure our personal happiness and world peace. It implies that everyone be given equal access to natural resources, by protecting the environment for future generations." He explains that "the human community has reached a critical point in its history. The world today forces us to accept that humanity is one. In the past, the various communities could allow themselves to think that they were separate. But today...what happens in one country affects many other countries. The world is becoming more and more interdependent." Closing the point he says, "without understanding and promoting the sense of our universal responsibility, our future itself is threatened." Explaining further that "many problems in the world arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that unites all members of the human family. We tend to forget that despite the diversity of race, religion, culture, language, and ideology, we all have an equal and fundamental right to peace and happiness."

Together we can do this. We can take individual strides to create a better future for everyone. And in doing so, we can shift the status quo, we can cause a mindset change toward simple, sustainable and satisfying lifestyles. Remember, ECO-MAD: Exert Conscientious Options - Make A Difference!

**Put It Into Practice**

There are nearly 7.5 billion of us on this planet. Think about that power in numbers. All it takes is cooperation. Even baby steps help if they're in the right direction. If we all use a single-use plastic cup, straw or bag even once in our life then that's 7.5 billion pieces of waste across the globe breaking down over thousands of years and causing environmental plight as it does so. But, if all 7.5 billion of us said no to the single-use option even just once, there would be 7.5 billion less pieces of trash existing across the globe! Imagine how much waste could be reduced from the consumption cycle and removed from our environment if even half the population of the world took steps to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle. Billions and billions of pieces of unnecessary waste not being created, not polluting the planet, not endangering our future - that's a win for all of humanity.

Inspirational Insight

What do we teach our kids, and any child in our life? That they can be whatever they want when they grow up, and that the possibilities are endless. But what if the choices we're all making right now are ultimately hindering their abilities to flourish in the future? Considering the reality of human-induced climate change and tragedies like the major plastic pollution problem, ocean pollution/acidification or mass-extinctions, we can't deny that our collective actions are not helping to provide a very opportunistic lifetime for kids today. Unless, of course, we all do our part to promote more sustainable ways of living ASAP. We still have a small window of time, to come together and use our innovative minds in order to change our collectively destructive ways and clean up the messes we've made. Remember, "we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

There's nothing wrong with thinking big, or having grand goals and dynamic dreams beyond what we think may be possible. In fact, our world needs more aspiration from everyone right now. Especially and specifically moving towards a more sustainable future. We need more people to believe in themselves and to push for positive global change on any and every level. The scales need to be tipped away from things like consumerism, greed, hate, divisiveness, and ignorance, and tipped towards ideals of conscientiousness, sustainability, inclusiveness, unity, love, and understanding. Working individually and together, it is possible to create a future where everyone's rights, no matter how simple or profound, coincide with the betterment of the entire global community and the preservation of the natural world for generations to come. Historically, groups of people working together have been one of the main and only catalysts for real, necessary change.

We must keep in mind there is strength in numbers. As much as our individual choices and actions matter, listening to and working with others is just as important. Opening our minds and our hearts, realizing we may have privilege, or we may be unfairly treated, or unfortunately judged based on something which we have no control - accepting our position and using it to an advantage is the best thing we can do. For me personally, it's privilege. I know and understand that my position as a white, middle-class, college-educated female living in a country with many freedoms gives me an advantage. So does the fact that my parents bought or inherited property and in turn so did I. The main privilege in my life, however, is that I was raised to be conscientious and aware of, not only my position of advantage in the world, but the state of the rest of the world. Sometimes it can feel like a curse, right? To be hyperaware of the conditions of people, animals and environments suffering across the globe - and feeling like I can't do enough to help - is agonizing. Understanding that as I sit here and write these words, trying to make a difference, people, animals, and the environment are oppressed, overworked and overburdened just so people like you and me can have commodities like the devises we're using now.

So what can we do? We can talk about it. Educate others (even if it makes them feel uncomfortable or get defensive), listen to others (really listen, try to understand another perspective and empathize without judgement in order to cultivate understanding and connection), and use these tools of communication and intelligence to spark action. Make the time to put in the extra effort to use the reusables, to grow our own food, to pick up trash, to find alternatives to over-processed, over-packaged convenience items, to write to companies and governmental bodies about using renewable instead of destructive, finite resources. Want less stuff. Need less stuff. Take care of stuff so it lasts longer. Make informed, conscientious decisions about the stuff we do consume. Stop using single-use plastic. Stop sucking (straws). Don't buy into society's trap of hierarchy by overconsumption and lack of consideration for life as a whole. Create relationships based on what people are like or how they treat others instead of what type of car they drive or whether or not they own a boat or the newest smartphone. Focus on how every little thought, decision and action each one of us takes individually, helps or hurts us all in the long run. Figure out what drives you and get inspired by it to make positive changes to yourself that will flow outward to others and the world.

What does a better tomorrow look like to you? And how can you begin to accomplish it? There's a role for every single person - even the naysayers and the ones with their head in the sand, forcing the rest of us to strive harder to change the current realities we know to be true. How will you make a difference? How will you be an example of positive change for future generations?

Money and Power VS. The People

Money should never be more important than any life. Unfortunately, in our current global social-economic situation, it has become just that. Right now, billions across the globe live in poverty. Even millions of citizens in the United States struggle to live off low wages while paying rising bills for basic (often inadequate) services like electricity and water. The gap between the very rich and the very poor constantly grows while the majority of those with power to lessen the polarity of wealth inequality, historically and currently, tend to turn their heads for ease or allow policies which favor lining their own pockets. It doesn't take much to realize that certain companies, corporations, their executives, and the politicians supporting/being supported by them, are clearly profiting greedily at the expense of working, struggling humans in the U.S. and all over the world.

It's unfair that hard-working citizens take the blame upon themselves; believing they're just unlucky, couldn't catch a break, or didn't work hard enough. Because the truth is, it's not just them, it's a huge amount of people being taken advantage of so that a few people in charge can have more money and possessions than they'll ever really need. This current state in our world clearly demonstrates that the majority of those supposedly representing "we, the people" and protecting our most basic freedoms - like rights to clean air, water and soil for starters - are not working to serve us (their constituents) but instead to please their bosses and fuel their own self-serving interests. Politics are ruled by money and even politicians will admit that. Powerful people bend or make the rules in order to manipulate the systems in their favor, often because they're simply greedy. But this is not just about pointing fingers and placing blame, it's about a call to action for all citizens and the promotion of demanding things like transparency, accountability, education, sustainability and positive solutions.

**Put It Into Practice**

We must take responsibility for the health of our planet, each other, and all other life. It begins with accepting ourselves, others, the truth of what's going on, and our ability to do something about it. When we're not divided by our differences, we are united by our similarities. We're all simply human, all needing the same things to survive, and we will all someday die, leaving the state of the world to our children and grandchildren. In the grand scheme of things we are a tiny fraction of this existence, the smallest of contributions to an infinite work-in-progress, and as a whole, humans in this current era are doing much more harm than good.

Our species possesses consciousness but we seem to be lacking integrity. We have full knowledge of, and control over, our thoughts, choices, and actions; yet, we are allowing ourselves to be ruled by convenience and money while destroying our only planet in the process. This can't be what's meant for us, for our highly-evolved species. A majority of us fighting for survival and suffering while too many are complacent, very few of the privileged help, and the truly powerful seem to do nothing. How can this state of affairs be what anyone stands for? As one human to another, how can we be okay with what some of us are inflicting on others?

Shouldn't we be coming together to decide what's important for us as a group and what will benefit our species as a whole instead of reeling with divisive hate that only pushes us closer to our own demise? It's too easy to sit behind a screen with a keyboard telling everyone who will listen why we are right, but what does that actually accomplish? If we stopped arguing and could find common ground by brainstorming practical goals, imagine what we could accomplish. Unfortunately, it's difficult to work toward a global community when the priority has become money and it's each person for themselves. Unity is tough when we are so polarized, when many work hard and are struggling to make enough to survive while being taken advantage of by a few who just scam and scheme to get as much as they can.

In a way I get it, because I, too, obviously need money to survive. Even the articles and videos this blog links to will no doubt have advertising, trying to sell anything from window cleaner to shoes or more personalized items based on what websites we visit, like camo gear or new facial cream. It's understandable that companies need to try to sell their products so they, their stock holders, workers, etc. can all make the money they need to keep their world spinning. It makes sense because when money is what keeps us secure and comfortable, we do what we have to do to keep it coming.

However, is having what we want worth swaying our moral compass? Is it worth the value of human life? Should money be a motivating factor so great that it forces us to do what we know isn't right? Success shouldn't be measured by how much power one has, how much money one makes, or how much stuff one owns, but by how we feel intrinsically, what we do for those around us, and how we treat all others. We shouldn't need big houses nor fancy cars nor the newest brand toys and clothes to legitimize our status, but sadly we do, because we have been raised in a capitalistic society and we've been taught this is the way to prove ourselves as successful. Because of this mindset, it seems we would screw over another human just to make a quick buck. We must challenge this notion, all of us, because really, our individual successes should reflect our success as a species and should be based on progress and prosperity of the human race as a whole. In other words, life should always come before money. In terms of this key fact, our race is currently proving unsuccessful. Let's be the change!

Remember, We're the Solution

Throughout history, essential change and vital progress across the globe has been accomplished by movements of masses of people. Currently, we're at a pivotal point in the lifespan of our civilization. As our species keeps procreating at an exponential rate, it will only become more difficult to keep our planet livable, let alone beautiful and naturally diverse. The more we populate, the more space and resources we require as a species, and the more we selfishly seem to destroy anything in our way. If we continue down this path - devastating land, over-using limited natural resources, killing off the planet's biodiversity - we're basically destroying the very reasons we're so incredibly fortunate to be alive and conscious beings in this world. We need a movement away from this pattern of destruction.

Luckily, with high numbers of people, also comes more intelligence, influence and power, we just have to realize that our individual choices and actions collectively matter in the long-run. It's possible and necessary to shift our current, consumer-based, convenience-driven habits toward a much more conscientious and sustainable way of living. The shift starts with you and me, with those of us who already understand, and from here it only spreads.

If we have children, we should be extra sensitive to how the choices we make now will determine the quality of their future (not to mention that they learn about how to live from our example). The youth of the future will be inheriting a world that the we're creating today, so it's essential they are not only prepared but that they have all the advantages they can get. Each and every one of us has control over what we think, say and do, so there are no excuses to be made for continuing to take unconscious, destructive actions on an individual level. Recognizing our unsustainable habits, changing our consumptive ways, making less-impactful choices, leading by example, educating and inspiring others, pushing ourselves to be more innovative in long-term planning, these are ways to begin an ECO-MAD movement.

If individual actions seem irrelevant, think about an entire town, city, state or country of people collectively taking the same action and it becomes much more significant. This has never been more true than it is in the reality of our current world, where the collective actions of billions of us are causing negative consequences on our surroundings. Whether it's cigarette butts, plastic, over-packaging, over-processing, littering, food waste, resource depletion, or anything in between - we can help solve the issues if enough of us choose to be aware and conscientious of our decisions. Just because we may be able to avoid much of the turmoil in the world by turning a blind eye, that doesn't mean we should, because there will always be ways we can improve the global environment and society with our actions. Our power in numbers is especially important in a time where legislation may not act to protect the future of our natural world, those of us who care must step up to the task. We are the solution to the problems humans have created.

We, human beings, are the only creatures who have power in our choices and in every action we take, to create the sustainable future that all life on this planet deserves. We just have to make the decision to go ECO-MAD; EXERT CONSCIENTIOUS OPTIONS - MAKE A DIFFERENCE. It may begin with a few of us, but it can become a movement of many, a movement of purpose and progress, a movement for our future.

**Put It Into Practice**

Take some time to connect with yourself, to comprehend the magnitude of your individual choices and actions and the impact they have on others and our environment. How can we lessen our impact? How many ways can we tweak our habits and practices to make them even a tad more sustainable? There's a post on this blog that gives examples, but don't stop there, you're extremely intelligent and you can come up with your own solutions, too! It's going to take us all, trying our best, spreading the word, and working together, to really make a difference - a movement - and I know we can rise to the challenge. 

Waste Not, Want Not

At any given moment, how many people in this world are littering? How many people are buying something with unnecessary (probably plastic) packaging? What's the number of people buying something they don't actually need? Or using an item of convenience that will shortly end up in a landfill and possibly never biodegrade? How many are doing more harm than good this very second because of one unconscious decision? Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? Millions? Consumption and waste is a choice; you can choose to NOT be a wasteful person.

If everyone in the US picked up 10 pieces of litter today,
there would be 3 billion less pieces damaging our environment!

It's time humans use our evolved intelligence to check ourselves and our priorities when it comes to our lifestyles. It's past time we ask ourselves, what's really important in this world? What's really necessary in my life? We all possess the ability to make impactful, yet small, daily choices based on what's most sustainable for our future - and if we consider the other millions or billions of people making the same types of decisions every day - it's essential we train ourselves to exercise this power of conscientious choice a.s.a.p. If we keep choosing out of pure convenience, what cost will it have on our future? The corporations creating the products make profitable gains while the health of our planet and our species declines. Yes, the informed, more conscientious choices may require more effort at first, but when the future of our planet or species is at stake (whether it's now or in the distant future) I hope you feel the effort's worth it. There is always something more we can do to reduce our waste.

Enjoy what you already have. Encourage simplicity. Want less. Need less. Waste less. Pick up trash. Recycle as much as possible. Always choose reusable over disposable. Reduce plastic use in any and every way. Eat real, whole foods. Buy in bulk in glass containers. Support local farmer's markets and stores that buy from local farms. DIY. Grow your own food. Create your own things from scratch. Make products yourself. Inform yourself. Educate others. Choose wisely. Don't support cheap, unnecessary, single-use convenience (you're better off without it and so is the earth). Do what you can to lessen your impact and inspire others with your example. EXERT CONSCIENTIOUS OPTIONS - MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Go ECO-MAD!!

A quick, educational, inspiring video about a woman producing seriously minimal waste: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYDQcBQUDpw

She also has a blog (Trash is For Tossers) and a TED talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF72px2R3Hg

Once you begin searching, there's a movement of people across the globe trying to live their lives in zero-waste fashion. Not only are they succeeding at producing nearly zero waste in today's world, but they're also setting examples, educating others, trying to change laws and minds of those in government office, and they are building a foundation for a healthier future. 

**Put It Into Practice**

Credible websites, independent news articles, objective documentaries, non-fiction books, and peer-reviewed journals, are some ways to get information, like where our 'stuff' comes from (don't forget the importance of fact-checking using multiple sources). Any extra effort is worth it because that knowledge gives us power. The more true facts we know about our products and the companies that make them, or our food and what's in it/where it comes from, the better we can understand the effects of its production and waste on our health, the earth's health, and the well-being of all those involved. The point this blog is (mainly) emphasizing is that every choice we make adds up so we must educate ourselves about our options and be conscientiously aware when making decisions of all kinds. If we are to ensure a quality future for ourselves and for generations to come, we must each assess our individual impact throughout our lifetime and truly understand the implications of sharing this earth with a constantly growing population of over 7 billion.

List of reusable alternatives: http://www.trashisfortossers.com/2013/08/zero-waste-alternatives-ultimate-list.html

Informative ways to reduce carbon footprint (lessen energy waste and pollution): https://www.carbonfund.org/reduce

Opportunity, Not Opposition

Once we've begun to define and revise our relationship with ourselves, we can also start to examine our interactions with others. How do I treat them? How do I act and react? What are my expectations? What can I learn or gain to help myself grow? How can I make a connection? There is always something to be learned or taught, but we must be aware and conscientious of it. It's time we start to give ourselves and everyone else the benefit of the doubt...some credit...a chance...to improve ourselves, our relationships, and the planet. We are capable. We are varied. Our idiosyncrasies are unique and extraordinary, they define us, but they should not divide us.

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships/effective-communication.htm
(Helpful, basic communication information)

Who says differences separate? Must disagreement lead to argument? Or can we make diversity our strength by choice? Human interaction, communication, judgement, love, hatred; these are simply ideas, not bound by laws or limits except those our minds create. We can move past these notions of separation and division to focus our lives around a common goal, like that of preservation and sustainability. To strive for, as a race, lessening our impact on our environment and prolonging our time here. Working together, despite any difference, and in cooperation with nature's rhythm of evolution, in order to understand how to proceed living without wreaking havoc on our ultimate home.

It begins with individuals; we create our own reality. We must be authentic and not let society's 'norms', nor the things we know, limit or dictate our thoughts and actions. With this freedom our possibilities are infinite and varied, and the power of choice is easily utilized. We can lead by example, allowing even the most stubborn minds to know that it's possible to break through blockades like fear, expectations, and insecurities. We can each start an individual movement, that grows exponentially, by exercising our right to EXERT CONSCIENTIOUS OPTIONS, MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

**Put It into Practice**

The goal is to work on ourselves as individuals, to truly know and love who we are so we can connect with others who are similar, and learn from those who are different. These relationships between us, both exploring similarities and attempting to understand differences, they are essential to creating a positive dialog and things like empathy or support. Clear up misunderstandings, ask questions, be an active listener and a conscious communicator because we are all capable - we may just need to work on it. It's about doing. Practice makes perfect so use every interaction as a chance to open a new realm of possibilities.
http://www.austincc.edu/colangelo/1318/interpersonalcommunicationcompetence.htm
(Basic communication information for interpersonal relationships)