In the yonder the sun glistens ‘like gold ‘ And besides me are flowers in manifold hues of pink jostling up a treat of wonder and awe for my rapturous eyes.The green of the leaves envelop me in calm as I listen attentively to the rustling foliage …

It’s Dawn…. Beautiful light!

Daybreak You are a breathtaking Sight..

How I love the way the blue and white sky-sublimes your bright orange hues to a beautiful serene shade of cream and I watch in awe as it’s rippled undertones splashes delightfully across the mighty sky and the sea….and the river of the molten yellow glistening like golden lava….. tinting the Sea so sensually in all shades of the heaven and earth.

Indeed… A glimpse of heaven on earth!

Savvy Raj

The moment I saw this beautiful picture I felt so connected with it … and these words above just tumbled out of me …. just had to write it down !! Perhaps I felt so one with it … that I actually visited a place quite close to this in Southern Europe recently and I thought to myself… Dreams do manifest to reality … let’s always hope to dream beautiful dreams 🙂

There is something endearing about dancing with a partner, it’s the power to magnetically and charmingly interact with another’s energy and spirit through dance movement.

A prerequisite to dancing well is one’s ability to take an emotional journey and open oneself and to share and connect to another’s energies . This is what engages the audience and keeps them enthralled as much as the dancers themselves. It’s beyond the physicality of steps, patterns, touch, or even the overt precision of dance techniques. It’s in the ability to dance with space, time, yet in complete awareness of one another’s heart of the movement.

I had an opportunity to experience this just the other day when I witnessed all of this and more in a family friend of many years . I have known her to be a conventional simple ,religious and a happy go lucky person who had been through much personal turmoil, probably like so many people… but yet has managed a cheerful disposition every time I met her.

Her characteristic sunny nature would never give away the strife behind the smile. The occasion was her 25th wedding anniversary that I got invited to , and as we reached the venue the couple were at the dais, very understated , a picture of simplicity and composure.

The evening took off, with all their close friends having some wonderful and touching things to say about them both. There was a small but beautiful dance floor which soon got filled up with people who were initially hesitant. As the music filled the air many more of us started getting into the groove and dancing.
And then I saw her, there she was … in her element, dancing with all her heart and soul. It was fantastic to see her energetic dancing in full display for the all to see . Her ever calm and composed husband seemed mesmerized by all the fun moves she did . In fact everyone was charmed by her passion and just then for that moment I knew that her joyful dancing soul had peeped out from the depths of it all.

Kudos to her for keeping the spirit of dancing alive within her through all these years … .God bless!

Dancing from the heart always counts more than perfection of steps. And that’s the ultimate challenge…

To keep the mind open, ready, receptive, giving and simple enough to ….

Dare to step out of comfort zones.

My salute to this dancing soul !

Savvy Raj

Here is a true story

Personally as a Creative Movement Educator and a Dance Trainer using Ballroom and Latin dances to improve health and well-being in our Dance for Wellness programs it has been an enriching experience watching the learners revel in the simple joys of movement . I have witnessed complete shifts in self esteem, confidence and agility among learners of all ages.But to cite a very recent instance …there is a small group of senior learners at one of my workshops who are gradually changing their mental makeup to being extremely enthusiastic about life and learning to dance . When I had first met up with them , I remember them huddled in chairs, quite apprehensive and some of them unsure about their ability to learn dancing . But today they have a spring in their step , glint in their eyes and a smile on their lips as they Swing and Cha Cha to their hearts content . And guess what… they love to dance the Merengue and Bachata too and are waiting to learn some more.So happy to have had the opportunity to make a difference in their lives .

I still remember that Sunday morning about four years ago when I was almost through with teaching a Waltz class and I saw this slender,elderly elegant woman walking in and standing quietly, keenly watching the students who were practicing their steps from the sidelines. She was waiting to speak to me ….
In that first moment of contact instinctively I knew there was an instant connection.. I gave her a listening ear and noticed she spoke softly and clearly . She said she was heading a group of Senior citizens she would like me to come over and meet the group and also teach them to dance . Her request seemed just right up my alley as I had been intending to conduct some workshops for seniors myself but hadn’t had the opportunity yet . This seemed as if my intentions were slowly finding a way to fulfillment . We fixed up that I would come over and meet them the following Monday at the local church where they all meet up for their weekly meeting . This I came to know later,was the only activity they had together every week . The first time I met them they were a group with lots of concerns. They heard me patiently and asked a lot of questions , ranging from whether they would be able to learn at all as most of them were well over sixties and seventies or so .They also mentioned that though they have danced earlier in their lives , they don’t remember much .Some said they know all there is to know ,a few others brought out their health issues which were bothering them so much that they cant possibly exercise let alone dance , some questioned what is the point of learning to dance … Well to be frank I had an interesting and enjoyable time clearing their doubts and addressing their concerns . I knew most of their concerns were common to most people at their age in India.I spoke to them addressing each of their concerns , mentioning instances of my own intention of wanting to work with a group of Seniors, .The initially reluctant let their defenses down and an interactive session followed , where I got some understanding of them and they of me . It was one of those fulfilling days a wonderful memory now which I hold close to my heart .Though at the end all they said was that they will get back to me in some time…. somehow as I drove back home that evening I knew in my heart we were all certainly going to meet again in time . Soon enough in a week or so I got a call from the lady who initiated it all saying that they need some time for permissions to use the same space of the church for the dance lessons . And that was that … nothing happened . Meanwhile I continued with my Dance workshops , and facilitated training’s of corporate clients . I would remember that meeting once in a while but left it to time to decide the outcome of that meeting ..

A few years passed and I was returning back after finishing a children’s workshop in Chennai when I received her call again . Her clear and determined voice was cheerful and hopeful . She said she had two things to say , the seniors have agreed to join in and the church had given them the space to go ahead with the classes . Fantastic …. I knew in my heart it was no coincidence that it happened at all . After all the connects that we established that day were just moving to affirming itself !
Well I got Godspeed on my side this time around … things moved on smoothly and we were well into rolling out the first class of Swing Dancing and more .Today as I write this its been six months and more.Dancing together they say they have realized the values of the human connection and the strength of community . They mention to me how they eagerly wait for their dance workshops .They speak of how dance steps into their lives , in moments of loneliness and makes them positive and alive again. They know dancing now is so much more about valuing that equal partnership between the leader and the follower and that the bonds of the dance floor leaves lasting and empowering impressions in their hearts and lives .

This experience has left me even more confident about my beliefs :Cultivate Patience. Dream selflessly… Positive things are waiting to unfold if only we continue to dream our unique dream and believe in it ! All you need is the strength of intention and the dreams realizes itself , just trust in the process ! And do what you do with all your heart ! Like minded people will arrive somehow and help you actualize it !

In this endeavor I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of appreciation to some of my dear students who assist me at the workshops who take time out to be with me at these sessions and I know they share with me equally the joys of making a positive difference in people’s lives.
If you have been reading this , and are looking for creative ways or have ideas to make a difference positively in and around you ,do contact me wherever you are ….cos who knows what Magic we are meant to weave together 🙂

Savvy Raj

The motto …”Behave with others as you would want them behave with you ”is a great way to live life developing a reflective and compassionate attitude and is essential to evolving ones being. The very purpose of life’s experiences is to transform for the better, however our perspectives are often the manifest of our experiences…

A strong focus towards career and finances is no doubt important as well as necessary for life but extending beyond the self is about caring to see beyond the illusions of limited existence. Every birth is a manifestation of hope love and care for life itself …. to live denying it with overtly materialistic motives amounts to nothing at all … as in the end none can ever carry their hoardings and ferry it across. Materialistic life must give way to a more meaningful existence …that’s the way of life as it goes .

The most successful people on earth care about their journey than just the incentives…they enjoy their learning and sharing despite their obstacles because they look out to adding meaning to their lives.
As we respect life and value it enough to care for it , gradually there is the realization that we are never alone .. and that being self centered never works.

Life is meant to be lived with love and care not just to exist in contraction and fear of being wrong or wronged.

       If we truly care to see there are intricate webs of activity happening  around us in every blade of grass, in every single dew drop as  much as in us ! As life dances it’s unique dance…. we just need to be more expansive as well as accepting… After all just one heartfelt kind and caring word can often turn around someones entire day !

                                                                                                                                – Savvy Raj

We are so caught up in the external knowledge… that we at times fail to connect with our inner awareness. Conscious awareness is immense power in ones hands…

Our thoughts are intentions , inseparable with everything that exists. But very often it is blocked with unnecessary anxiety, discontent or other negative emotions. Intentions as energy fields can be powerful , but the collective consciousness of intentions towards a larger good can be even more so ….

We have the choice to choose wisely and create the beauty of synchronized creative patterns.Look around you and observe nature which blesses us when in the harmony of synchrony….

Each of us are uniquely blessed with the power to choose thoughts that can transform the life within us and around us for the better. This is the first step to touching lives beyond dimensions with synchronicity of good intentions …

In every moment the choice of any thought and creative enterprise is, was and will always be with us … Let’s care to choose well !

Savvy Raj

An interesting article by a fellow Linked in Connection caught my attention recently questioning which are the most dangerous companies in the world. A few years back I had been researching on the dangers of radiation due to mobile towers installed in residential areas … alarming facts came to surface indeed! And I realised that was just the tip of the iceberg! Ignorance, apathy and indifference are the root cause of many evils in todays society .

‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.’ Martin Luther King, Jr

Sharing my article I wrote a few years ago …

Touch a button and everything is downloaded or uploaded. Isn’t that the trend everywhere now, whatever the field ,this push button convenience seems to be taking over… whether it’s publishing, the kitchen, home front luxuries or travel or communications entertainment etc? This is convenience at its best where there is minimal or no effort and the result is plain to see whatever happened to no pain no gain …anyway I am not complaining here, hi techno gizmos you are most welcome !!

The thing that is a cause for concern is that with all this easy way of living that technology brings forth is that ,there is a paradigm shift in the thinking of the new generation of hi tech users who are so hooked up to these gadgets of convenience that they expect it to be so in all others areas of life too… The emotional, physical, personal aspects of life cannot somehow become machine like and that’s how it is seeming to be. Many are aware of their growing sense of inadequacies in mutual relationships. The lack of care and concern due to time, and work pressure is somehow seen to be adjusted and neutralized by hi tech gadgets in our households. So much that the person lets the products of convenience make up for his or her personal presence or absence in life’s situations and experiences.

Likewise if we observe as educators … most students are averse to listening and taking in information from another being as their attention span for personal real time communication is overridden by convenience of Internets chats and social networks and group calls so why bother. What happened to the human element of good old teaching ? Actually the educationists too prefer going tech savvy as they feel that they would be lagging behind otherwise. The issue for concern is larger than all these little details…. Gradually or otherwise machines have replaced humans in most spheres of life. The advent of machines is real and right there in front of us.

With every house in the city and even villages connected by Internets,there is a network of telecommunications system without any hazard control measure in place. In most of the developing countries the health standards and safety for mobile towers, radiations hazards in private personal and public spaces are totally disregarded. People seem to be more interested in getting the job done quickly… with lack of time stress levels are on a all time high and no one seems to be bothered if there are reports published once in a while by some concerned individuals about the dangers of radiations from all these devices of modern technology. The page is turned over with not even a response as no one seems to have the time. ‘ Let someone else to do the job or let’s wait and see if it’s really that bad or so far I haven’t experienced anything. So ‘why bother.’is the care a damn attitude prevalent across most sections of society.

Lack of empathetic responses makes us more and more mechanical in our approach and we seem to be losing the humane side of us. This is exactly what is happening on a large scale. People are growing indifferent and unapproachable, and self centered or on a agenda .

There are very few individuals who are not caught in this web of technology  and their numbers are dwindling…
It’s  time we wake up to core values or they  would be lost forever. An e -card will  wish you on your birthday and cake  and roses will be sent to you by post  but there will be no one to eat it with.  Just you and your gadgets how about it?

Savvy Raj

There is great power in the strength of an expansive circle as it is so very inclusive and yet contained in its focus A circle is a symbol of focus within the fluidity towards a goal. The characteristic feature of energy in a circular motion is that the radius is fixed and only the angle moves as time proceeds. But what is even more significant is the force required to move the energy in the circular path itself arises from the connectedness to the core , which may be explained in physics as the centripetal force .

The energy that is equally contained in the circle is in the rotational energy of the circle .So it is apparent then that movements in circular formation has an almost connective quality ….And the momentum in every complete circle radiates these positive vibrational effects to expand to another circle.

Eastern philosophies have extolled the strength of the circle in the steady continuous movements with evenness of purpose and flow .These were in tune with the patterns of cosmic energy beyond physical dimensions.

A few weeks ago I had proposed a Circle of Care here on Linked in with a single intention of acknowledging the peace love and compassion in our hearts and allowing it to move beyond me or you and touch another . I received a variety of like minded people’s responses immediately and was touched by the way the energy passed on …. The idea behind inspiring another being with positive transformational inputs is so much more than about how many people were just latched on into that energy but how many moved with their hearts… as in that momentum, the vibrational energy of the purpose is born ! Every one of us have the ability to create the strength of the circle within us and it can start with movements in grace of connectedness to the powers within.

Every thought can be chosen to reflect a flow of hope and goodwill . Every deed that follows then will someway reflect that very thought and that would be the strength of the circle amplified .When there is harmony in our thoughts and the core intention within , Peace and Goodwill reigns in our hearts .

Savvy Raj

Living in an extrinsic appearance oriented world, we are quite conscious of how we appear to the world on a physical level , often disregarding how we feel inside, causing us to very often disconnect with our inner consciousness. Its important then to bridge this mind body disconnect with whatever the path that you prefer to choose , peeling the layers of disconnect and pave the path towards evolving as a better person inside to outside!

When we gradually become focussed inwards and in the depth of self awareness we may perhaps gradually realise the real meaning of why we are what we are , the true purpose in our lives . After all a life lived without direction and focus is a life never lived…. however the process of our inner ruminations need not always sap our motivations and test our limits to such extents that we lose ourselves in the effort, and forget to smile from our core, at our near and dear ones.

We can certainly learn to find our selves amidst the chaos if we learn to stop overanalysing ourselves and living the moment from now on . All is truly well whenever we realise and acknowledge it.

Let’s care enough to smile from the Heart 🙂

Savvy Raj

Most of us have indulged in one dance form or the other , enjoying the creative spurts in the process, but many of us assume that real dancers are those who are what we call the born artists, or the performers , or maybe only those who are trained or innately talented.

Dancing is an art form no doubt , but it is truly not reserved to a select few just because they have the privileges of being blessed with inborn talent .True gift of the power of dancing is equally available to everyone just as much as to the dancing genius! Indulging in any creative movement satisfies an individuals need to source, analyse assimilate, and connect to the essence of the being . However the trick is in the integration of such artistic dance pursuits into our everyday lives ,as most of us lead such busy lives with little or no time to spare for a little self enrichment.

Dancing is a creative expression from your soul which has the power to explore the depth of emotions and thoughts and brings in the open whats hidden and inaccessible and thereby even heal oneself of limiting convictions and beliefs .

The creative surges gives rise to expansion of thoughts and one can feel transformed even in a single dance . We gradually become more balanced , focused and aware of our surroundings . We can simply start by bridging the dull gaps in our journey of life … filling them with unique movements that are as fulfilling as much as they are enriching! So care to dance a little every day and enrich your life and also of those around you !

To create is to believe in the infinite ….

To create is to move with the power to Connect the apparent disconnects

To create is dare to reach beyond self limiting doubts and judgements

To create is to enjoy the process every step of the way …

To create is to be uniquely you !

– Savvy Raj

Foremost in taking dancing lessons would be the realization that we are never done with learning to dance ever … it is ever evolving and continues to educate us for a lifetime. Greater the involvement, dedication and commitment to practice dancing , greater the rewards to the dancer be it in terms of the wealth of happiness and health and more.

Dancing  improves muscular coordination and endurance as well as tones our bodies whatever the age. Dancing is a great activity towards all around fitness for mind body and spirit.Thus most dancers are generally very social and confident people .Social Dancing can keeps boredom out of our life provided we are not overdoing it .

Dancing lessons are great ways in learning to put our abilities of trust, compassion, empathy to test on the dance floor. Though we may learn countless steps ,while dancing socially the steps already entrenched in our muscle memory makes you move with ease … so its important to practice with dedication . Most importantly  dancing lessons  gradually can develop the art of listening  beyond the sound of the music and observing beyond the obvious steps and patterns  and fine tune  your intutive understanding and responses . After all dancing with a partner is a conversation ,

a non verbal dialogue and not a monologue.

Dancing with a partner develops one’s grace, poise, memory,alertness, reflexes, teamwork, flexibility, adaptability, and many other wonderful traits worth developing which is a great learning for a lifetime .

What is truly wonderful to remember though is to simply be happy and joyous at every opportunity to dance !

Happy International Dance Day to you all !
Dance often!

”To dance is to know the bliss in humility and the strength in the flexibility
To dance is to know the joy in the moves, and the power in the adaptability…”

Savvy Raj

A prayer is a conscious thought

A prayer is also a connectedness through  the spirit

 A prayer is a journey beyond the mere physical and emotional realms

 A prayer is a reminder of our source to access whenever, wherever …

A prayer is a shift in perspectives

 A prayer is a deeper look into the self 

A prayer is a reflection in positivity.

 A prayer is an innate tool towards subtlety

A prayer is a step towards conscious awareness

 A prayer is a bridge of acknowledgement

 A prayer is a bow of acceptance

A prayer is a trustful disposition 

 A prayer is a healing calmth in  despair and devastation

 A prayer is a joyous amalgamation to the divine within

A prayer is a call out in troubled times 

A prayer is within reach and beckoning

 A prayer is a helping hand from within…

A prayer is union of thoughts words and deeds

 A prayer is a foray into tenderness

A prayer is a poise of Grace 

 A  prayer is an expansion of the kindness of  the spirit

A prayer is the strength of the indomitable will

A prayer is an innate form of expression

 A prayer is a poise in humility

 A prayer is much more beyond the folded hands  bowing

A prayer is a Soul conversation 

 A  prayer is a meditation in action…

 A prayer is a realisation of the stillness of your being 

A prayer is a journey within the breath of life…

A prayer is a power of moving hearts 

A prayer is unity in the diversity 

A prayer is a grounding  in rootedness 

A prayer is a realisation of equanimity 

A prayer is a silence beyond the verses 

A prayer is a song from the heart

A prayer is a soulful dance in tandem with divinity 

A prayer is a thanksgiving in gratitude!

Savvy Raj