From the Editor’s Desk: The Ripples We Leave

Namaskar,

As I write this on a warm June afternoon, sunlight dappling the garden and the air humming with the promise of a true British summer, I find myself thinking about the invisible trails we leave behind. Our words and actions, even the smallest, can ripple outwards in ways we may never fully see. Whether you are just beginning your journey as one of our younger readers or a seasoned soul carrying years of stories, I hope this reflection finds a place in your heart.

Recently, a thoughtful friend shared with me Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “The Arrow and the Song,” suggesting that its message might resonate with our ISBUND community. Inspired by this gesture, I felt compelled to weave the poem’s wisdom into a story. I hope it will speak to readers of all ages.

I’m reminded of a time in my own childhood when a careless word to a friend left a longer shadow than I ever intended. It took me a while and many gentle songs of apology, to understand how deeply our words can echo. That lesson returns to me often, especially when I read stories like the one I’m about to share.

The Morning That Changed Everything

Let me introduce you to Rukmani, a character who, in many ways, is all of us. One bright morning, as the scent of toast lingered in the kitchen and sunlight danced through open windows, Rukmani’s words were sharp and hurried as they flew across the breakfast table. Her younger brother’s face fell, but in the rush to school, she barely noticed.

How often, I wonder, do we all release arrows without a second thought, caught up in the whirl of daily life?

That day, Rukmani’s English teacher shared Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “The Arrow and the Song.” The poem’s wisdom quietly settled in Rukmani’s mind. An arrow, once let loose, cannot be called back. Its flight is unseen, but its mark is real.

It reminded me of a Japanese proverb I once heard: “The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high.” Words, across all cultures, carry weight.

The Lesson of the Arrow

As the day unfolded, Rukmani found herself tracing the path of her own words. Where had they landed? What invisible marks had they left? Her teacher’s gentle reminder echoed in her mind. What we say and do ripples outward, touching others in ways we may never fully understand.

That afternoon, Rukmani returned home to find her brother unusually quiet, his eyes fixed on the floor. She sat beside him, the silence stretching between them. Guilt tugged at her heart, a feeling I remember well from my own childhood missteps.

The Power of a Song

But Longfellow’s poem does not end with the arrow. There is also the song, soft and hopeful, released into the world with no expectation of return. Rukmani remembered this and decided to offer her own song: a heartfelt apology.

She sat beside her brother and spoke softly, “I’m really sorry for what I said this morning. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Can we start over?”

He glanced up, a small smile breaking through. “It’s okay, Rukmani. I know you didn’t mean it.”

In that simple exchange, the tension melted away. Just as arrows can wound, songs, kind words and gentle gestures can heal. It’s a truth echoed in so many traditions.

In India, we say, “Vani se hi insaan bada ya chota hota hai”: it is through our words that we are measured.

Ripples of Change

The transformation did not end there. Rukmani began to pause before speaking, choosing her words with greater care. She noticed how a compliment could light up a friend’s face, how patience could soften a brewing disagreement. The lesson spread quietly through her class as well, with encouragement replacing sarcasm and courage blooming in the shy.

The Story’s Lesson

Weeks passed and Rukmani found herself changed: more thoughtful, more empathetic, more aware of the invisible ripples she created each day. The arrow and the song became her quiet guides, reminding her and all of us, that every word and every action shapes the world around us.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or have come a long way, take a moment to pause today. Reflect on the words and actions you share with the world.

Is there someone who could benefit from your kindness?

Is there a positive ripple you’d like to create?

If you have ever experienced a moment when a simple word or gesture made a lasting difference, I would love to hear your story. Your experiences can inspire and encourage others, helping us all to become more mindful of the ripples we create. Let’s continue to build a community where kindness, understanding and empathy are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can make each day brighter, one thoughtful word, one gentle action at a time.

With warmth and hope for gentle ripples,

Team ISBUND