Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!


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The Dance of the Words

Like a pen striking words on a paper
The first draft there is much to write
But in the second there is discipline
As words are omitted to drive the point.

In the ensuing edits
There is order and structure
Helping matter get the message
In the conveyance of the creativity.

Like in art so in life
The dance goes on
Sometimes making a point
At times lost in translations.

The mood and setting may change
The course of improvisations
Sometimes blatantly
At times in all subtlety.

In depths of consciousness awareness
Arrive valuable insights
On spacing or styling
On perfecting the portraying
On emotions conveyed
On composition and construction
On overall content
Until the points are perfected
To express openly

Relentless as is our thoughts
Such is way of the words
Our imagination is infinite
All pervasive and expansive
And in all that’s said and done
There is much left unsaid
And yet while the words flow on
The dance goes on…

Savvy


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Move to ease!

Move to ease and release
To let go dis-ease
Reach out with a dose of kindness

Attract harmony within
Choose to befriend the self
Sense and share positivity & goodwill

In gratitude of the good .
Know there is always light
Only you have to choose to see it.

As you step out of your own way
You will see the blessings in your life.
Choose the path of love and light.

Savvy


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Project 201

Just a little heartfelt share

Had started a project to write

A post every single day

A while ago had written to a 100.

Project 101

And I was super glad for it!

To share is to learn some more.

Every piece of writing

Had a learning in it for me

Sometimes may be more

Insights from the comments

Or an offer of collaboration.

Or just the simple joy in resonance

That resounds it’s way back .

Thoughts shared and appreciated

In mutual understanding of the flow.

Positive responses keeps us going

Encouraging is the support

I received along the way

From many of you, wonderful writers.

That I decided to keep at it

Trusting myself to go on

And write my heart out.

Today I realised I have just managed

To touch another 100

So have been writing a post every day

For the last 200 days

Calls for a little celebration

For these little joy’s of life!

Happy to have Continously

Published 200 posts to this day!

Savvy

Link to my earlier post on Project 101


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Life thrives in nurture.

On the interconnects of nature and nurture.

I am fond of nature. I enjoy witnessing and understanding the development of life and its interconnectedness. I also happen to love reading and reflecting about life and its potential possibilities. It provokes thought on the origins of nature and nurture. Be it life in a seed or a plant or a fruit or a human and the relationship with the environment.

Seeds that are sown and reaped depend on many factors Those are what induce the nature of seeds its distinct characteristics.

Yet at times these very factors also play truant that even with the so called right conditions and everything under control, the consequences are devastating.

They may detoriate or stay stunted or stagnate and wither on their own without a clue. So what is it about seeds that never grow…Perhaps they are just not ready as yet and need more time or they are exposed to more than they can handle!
Or they are just nutrient dense which clogs, or even conditions like too much water and sun . Or they are preys to parasitic predators as we speak .

On another parallel speaking of parents and children here I am reminded of what is called helicopter parenting style the kind that almost end up hovering over their children, which just doesn’t leave any room for kids to grow on their own.

Everything needs space and balance of elements to grow and sustain well.
To germinate on its own and explore possibilities in trial and error.

The sweetest of fruits may hold the truth of their upbringing.
The bitterness in fruits could have developed along the way in the way they were handled or induced with pesticides that makes them poisonous to the consumer .
Difficult conditions leave an imprint on them that in time could alter their very nature and characteristics. But it is simply clear that the effects of good nurture in nature yields positive results.

So many questions we could pose to ourselves in our search for a better tommorow for us all!

  • How can we nurture ourselves as an individual, as a community or even as a nation and beyond as one world intentionally.
  • What are the paths to prosocial behavior and relationships.
  • What are the ways to bring about transformational changes that help in thriving beyond simply existing.
  • How can we build on hope and a sense of optimism for positive outcomes from the grassroots levels
  • How can we think beyond and take responsible actions that will help heal ourselves and our world.

Our wellbeing is our responsibility as life is a gift . Let us find collectively work at finding solutions that work in evolving our selves for the better than self destruct our beautiful world .

Just care to remember

Be it a flower, a tree an animal or a human being
Life thrives in nurture with the cultivation of right care and attitude.

Savvy

The seeds of this post were sown from a very inspirational post I read by my dear friend Ali Anani’s recently https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6518769709775679488


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Respect life!

Treat not another without respect or value…

Life must not violate life!

Treat not another by denial of freedom

of choice and expression.

They have a right to live fully alive to this now!

Treat not another as not needing any activity, identity , selfesteem having a purpose of their own!

Everyone has unique potential!

Treat not another as if you can write them off.

Remember then that you are equally dispensable!

And we are only mortal!

Treat not another as a tool for self-gratification

They are living too!

Treat not another as if you own them.

As a parent or a spouse or an employee, remember everyone has their own path.

Much happens in the world today in the guise of ambiguity…

Hidden agendas, facades that choose to mask the truth,

The lies and deceit of power, throwing a veil over what truly matters.

Such is the truth of the illusions in the making …

Respect one another as spark from the same source.

Value the life in another living being.

To drivee transformational difference

Seek clarity and ensure transparency

in words and deeds.

That will create a new morrow in faith and trust

Towards a better world.

Raise a voice towards justice!

Freedom of expression & equality is a birthright!

You are born with it!

Savvy


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Energy equilibrium

We are made of matter.
Matter is filled with energy
Our life is full of changes
Manifesting itself in so many ways.

Sometimes these very changes
In our lives bring out
Redistribution of our energy
Creating a lack or overflow of energy.

Our life patterns can cause a rift
Between thoughts and action
Between emotions and behavior
Emerging in imbalances

Yet we are each at our best
When we have our unique mix of energy
A concoction suitable to our nature
In proportions of sublime precision

As we give we receive
In receiving there is giving
To balance and counterbalance
The emerging inadequacies

All a matter of movements
That heal in the doing
That restore our spirit
And align with our soul.

This dance of chaos and order
Balance and imbalance
Are part of the same source
Maintaining our energy equilibrium

Savvy


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On Spaces (Part 2)

So much for spaces
Gained and lost
Conquered and abdicated
Sensed and enjoyed
Or relinquished in the letting go!

In mindless efforts & attempts at attention one loses track of what truly matters!
Sanity of being and most importantly sensing of life’s moments!

Savvy


16 Comments

Soul Signature

Creativity abounds
Artist delivers
Critiques interpret
Art flourishes.

Every piece of art is a creative signature
Of the soul of the artist
Artworks retain its interpretation within
As they leave the chamber of creation.

Once the art is set free and open
Making it visible and vulnerable
To reviews, critiques or applause
It is open to manifold interpretations.

The inference is never complete
Nor is it free of judgements in assumptions
For how can it be so?
It is nature of art to manifest counter views.

These very varied interpretations
Give life to the art
For as new meaning is born
The art flourishes in its wake.

Savvy Raj


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Project 101

Today marks a personal milestone in blogging as I publish my 101st post. I have completed my continuous 100 days of writing on WordPress.

On a lark after a challenge to post a few of my favourite songs for three consecutive days came my way from a fellow blogger and friend Dr Sridhar. I decided to take it up and posted my favourite songs for three days. Then I started thinking if I could manage to post for a week and continued to write . The seven days went smooth and easy and then I upped my goal a little further to see if I could write a post everyday for a month.

I had a few ground rules established in my head . First that this was no competition to complete in pressure but simply an effort to see if I would find an inspiration to write on anything that caught my fancy each day . Second would I have the perseverance to continue and be able to dedicate time towards the effort .
Thirdly I wanted to see if I could keep my readers and audiences interested if I happen to post everyday.
And most of all I wanted to test whether my creative instincts are effected in anyway by habit…
A months regular posting on WordPress got me supercharged to aspire some more. Wp would egg me on with reminders of completing a 30th day streak of posting on WordPress.
It was no surprise that once I reached 30 I wanted to try and reach the 50th day.
Seemed then that I could do it if I was smart enough to manage my writing time around the early hours of the day. And that’s what I did.
No one in my family or friends knew much about this plan, but I was pretty clear how to go about it by then and dedicated a bit of time to writing every morning no matter what.

A few learnings.

Have a goal that seems workable, it is easier to focus.

Persevere… and believe you can work towards it.

Push your goal a step ahead as you reach a level.

Manage your time better, to make it happen

Value your goal and be dedicated.

Your creative sense will begin to work for you all the more…

Believe in your self and be passionate

Trust that you will find the way!

And most of all enjoy the journey as much as the destination.😊

Although I have written on WordPress for a few years now and I would have written and posted perhaps continously as well earlier without my own realisation. This was a task that had a goal and hence it is different to me.

The last few months have been personally challenging in terms of health where I was even admitted to the hospital and I am continuing to battle a condition that might require surgery soon. So basically being unwell literally I use the relatively painfree bits of time in the day, I have in my hands for creative enrichment …be it writing or painting and more.

Blogging through I reached my 50th day of posting. And I knew I couldn’t stop it in my heart . The magic figure of 100 floated in my mind and I was sold to the idea of making it happen.

Today it is the 101st day streak of publishing a post everyday and I truly wonder how I managed it all along with my present condition.

My biggest take back has been the loving support and generous comments from my readers which kept me going .
But other than that was a learning and affirmation that if we really make up our mind , we can beat the odds and find a way to acheive our goal .

Besides that I realised how my reading others blogs and writing every day would bring up some topic to contemplate creatively for the next day. The best part was I never had to try too hard … every post I wrote and shared I enjoyed with all my heart.

Writing gives me a sense of completion.
A feeling of contentment of a job well done. And if its well received it truly makes my day… and my fellow writers this I am pretty sure you would agree as well.

Thank you my dear readers and friends for staying with me right through. It has been an absolute pleasure to share and learn along the way… on what I can gratefully now call Project 101.
Wishing an awesome year 2019 for us all !
God bless all!
Savvy


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SOUL CAGES

Titled: Unshackled…An Artwork By Savvy Raj

Born free we truly are, but we learn to evolve, to move beyond the soul cages of our own being!

When we learn to appreciate the freedom that is ours for the taking, we realize its value in deep gratitude!

“Do not do this… Do not do that…” often these are the words that are entrenched in our brains in the name of effective and good rearing.

We are told for goodness sake to avoid disappointments at all costs and to stay away from failure. Often our programming is tracked for success without a doubt. 

Superb indeed! A mindful way of being that acknowledges the good and disregards the bad.

Great, then where is the issue? There should be none at all! However, the reverse is the case, and often as well!

For example, a child very lovingly brought up has to experience and grow in a world of dualities. 

There are all kinds of people that make up this world and varied experiences to be had in this journey of life. Preparation of exigencies is thus a necessity after all.

Acceptance and Adaptability

This is the key that we mould from within as we evolve towards unlocking the secrets to a successful life.

Dealing with what must be dealt

Bending in the flow where it is necessary

Standing up for something or someone you care

Steering through a crisis that shows up without notice

All these take nerves of steel and resilience. And never forget to smile from the heart and all of your being. 

Life is like that — a taste of bitter and sweet, all spiced with the nicest surprises yet tinged with necessary learnings along the way.

Freedom is being who you are

Everything alive has a right to be all that they manifest with the uniqueness of their thoughts. There is always room for expansion while accepting another as they choose to be.

Self-imposed restrictions may be a discipline necessary for one to learn, while for another it may stifle them if forced in even small measures. Caged by its own thoughts, the soul of the being needs to set itself free from limiting self-reflections to a spectrum of colours beyond.

 Break free from the soul cages of convictions that hold you in chains of restrictions and evolve with your resurrection.

Remember, the world is as free as you want it to be. Just take care that along the way, another’s joy you do not steal.

In the acceptance of the free-spiritedness of another being, there is the unshackled lightness of your own being!

Remember you are born free

To be all that you choose to be!

Savvy


34 Comments

Gratitude: From one writer to another.

Gratifying to know…

The gratification that comes from and only through all you involved readers.

So much gratitude to you all for your support and engagement and likes.

Through encouraging comments and fabulous link shares.

So much learning in these sharings.

So grateful for the opportunity to share

Looking forward to reading your works

In mutual admiration and respect

From one writer to another.

For readers and writers are connected

In a dance of symbiosis

There is no one without the other.

Savvy

 


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On Connection

Universal Oneness is an awareness

In reflections of the truth of the being

Interweaved and interconnected in every life .

Strength shines through the vulnerabilities.

As a power in the very fragility

Touched by divine grace

Enmeshed in the senses

Fired in the cauldron of life and living

Comes a consciousness of the flow

In and around us

Beyond the illusion of separation.

Is the dance of connection.

Savvy


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What’s your favourite style of dance, and why?

As a Ballroom & Latin dance educator, many students have asked me what my favourite dance style is…
It is said that each style is like a language. Personally, I also think of different dance styles as having a “mood” that goes with them. I guess it’s not surprising that I do like lots of “happy” or “joyous” styles of dance. But I really do like the variety of dances for the variety of moods and it’s amazing ability in bringing a sense of balance. If I was stuck to dancing in one style, I would probably get bored after a while (I know that sounds strange). But it’s one of the reasons I really like dancing a variety of dances.

The Tango (for its intensity and passion at play as much as its fancy footwork)

And dancing the Waltz (for the heady glide, the rise and fall and its romantic sway).

Love the Rumba for it certainly is the dance of love… the song Everyday I love you, immediately comes to mind. But this performance by Slavik and Karina is quite riveting.

Happen to like the Cha cha for its stylish moves as much as its teasing spirit …that kind of speaks, this is my move … now, what’s yours?

I love the Jive for its lively spirit. You can truly never be sad after a little Jive/ Swing and Rock and roll. What say? At least it has always been a happy dance for me.

Really fond of it as much as the Samba for its lively bounce, so full of joyfulness.

Then of course comes the Foxtrot that feels like a wonderful conversation a dialogue between the steps

I also like the Merengue with its simple marching steps and executing many inter-looping turns almost feeling like a pretzel.

And how can I leave the Bachata for its engaging sensuality as those dancing hips don’t lie, they say it all and much much more…

Dances are so many and styling makes it even more unique.

In fact, I enjoy all these dances and more for their unique expressions – just one style would get boring.

The trick is to flow with the music and your partner whatever the dance and partake in the pleasure of dancing together in the now.

To actually be able to enjoy dancing to the varied music styles that would be a real treat. All the more reasons to learn and train in more than just one dance style :))

Do share your thoughts on dance and if you love to dance, what your favourite style of dance is…

I would be glad to learn and read more.

Savvy


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To teach is to engage

Life’s lessons for one and all!

To learn anything profound

That gets you changing the self

That transforms thoughts

To transcend the mundane

In contemplation and reflection.

To response and action

Practice is the best teaching.

To teach is to engage whatever the age.

Teaching the young

A child is reflexive and responsive

And absorbs in the new like a sponge.

To teach the young is no easy task

It can be a task that is daunting

And yet very rewarding at the same time.

To truly change the world for the better

We need to teach them, love for life and living.

We need to speak with compassion for them to follow suit

We need to share and express ourselves

We need to treat one other with kindness.

We need to be caring and considerate consistently.

We need to share more of ourselves

We need to honour our commitments.

We need to reach out and help another.

We need to encourage and appreciate

For these are what gets imprinted in their hearts

For acts of goodwill leave a lasting impression.

Savvy


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Art : Creating the Symphony of Life

 

Art speaks without words

Art emotes when words fail

Art emulates the vision of the heart. 

Art flows in movement and solitude 

For Art is life and living is an art.. 

Flow with Life

Art : In Evolving Consciousness…

Art can have different connotations and lead to diverse reflections. To propose peace, to promote healing, to propel the power of art or provoke is a choice in the hands of the artist .

 

Art : Creating in the Interconnects

In the context of conscious evolution, to value the thoughts that goes into any art is to accept and respect uniqueness of the being and value the  tuning into the oneness in the interconnects.

 

From creating art,  to assimilating and amalgamating  the thoughts structurally,  all are uniquely diverse yet interconnected expressions of the evolutionary process.

 

Savvy