As the spider weaves its web…
It leaves us in awe of its perfection. Spacing between the webstrings
Interweaved in the intersections.
Speaks to us to understand
The spaces between our steps.
For those gaps in between
Holds us in place, as we are.
Lessons from nature,
Resonate now, more than ever
To value the spaces and pauses
To balance our very life and living.
Savvy
#learningfromnature ##lifelessons
Appreciation vs Criticism
A lot happens in appreciation
And a lot is lost in criticism
We are social beings who are motivated through support and value.
Whenever there is effort, if it is noticed and nurtured it finds direction to be productive.
But if it is met with unfairness, criticism, hostility, lack of interest, disregard or disrespect it undermines the ability of the workflow or thought flow itself.
Effects on Creativity
Although Creativity needs encouragement and blooms in appreciation, yet in extreme circumstances, creativity manifests to become an act of expression and freedom of the being.
Creativity may be boosted by a shot of oxygen in appreciation. Likewise to appreciation which is supportive and encouraging, Critical thinking, analysis and feedback rather than criticism can be valuable fodder for creativity. Yet creativity becomes a let out in dire circumstances.
If something is meant to flow it will find it’s way to assert itself.
Value of Appreciation
Yet in the growing years especially, appreciation is an evolved method of correction. When children are young and they sense encouragement from parents they learn, they are supported and go on to achieve a great many things, as the parents become the wind beneath their wings.
When Appreciation is one-sided…
But as children grow up, they sometimes are so caught up in the competitive environment, not to mention the charm and complexity of a technology-driven world, that they hardly have time to take note or care of aging parents who may not have their speed and abilities anymore.
Appreciation matters for all.
Elders need patience, support & care to get by more than ever before without criticism. At this juncture of life, reality bites hard! In this phase, things are not the same, often there is dependence & helplessness. anger and irritation not to mention frustration and fear of coping alone. Age is not on their side and human frailties and aging tests even the most resilient. It’s an uphill road and the climb only gets steeper for life has changed course.
Suddenly time flies and it’s another phase of life, what was once easy to do like getting up and walking becomes the most difficult task to do.
In such times of difficulties, all the heart yearns for is a little bit of love and care.
The paradox of the Heart & Brain
The heart is ever-loving, young & hopeful and appreciative
It never ages as it keeps beating.
The brain is however twisted & contrived and critical.
It deciphers the pattern playing
It knows only too well
Everyone has their turn
For life comes a full circle!
Savvy
In the service industry handling customer service requests there is truly never a dull moment. With a mixed bag of complaints and accomplishments, every day brings new challenges and cheer.
The joy of helping someone at another end the best possible way and working to ease the process is a great motivator. However, the flip side is the unexpected escalations that can derail even the most balanced performers.
Unhappy customers can be irritated bothersome indifferent downright rude, insulting begin name-calling, and can threaten as well. It certainly takes a great amount of emotional intelligence to know it’s not about you and not internalize it and work out an amicable solution.
In our busy life and living, every work problem is measured by the ability to find solutions. Technology is driven into the equation, research analytics and statistical data crunching become the fulcrum of deductions & resolutions.
Yet somewhere there exists a gap which we miss out often.
We forget that the problems we are finding resolutions for are customers who are unique Each with different needs and expectations. Simply put technical knowledge and expertise cannot create a successful business model that can be sustained.
We need to be able to recognize and identify the people who have the ability to bridge the gaps for seamless and effective process delivery.
Take for instance a service-oriented company that must never undermine the importance of great customer service strategy. So hiring the right people for the job with the requisite skills is necessary. But even more so is training them to be able to bring their authentic voice to create a great customer experience in every call. This can change the way customers perceive the company’s products and services as well.
Although it must be added that such an approach must be consistent across all levels of interaction with the company.
Art of turning down what you cannot fulfill.
There is a profound saying ” Don’t bite more than you chew”
Valuable learning to be applied from here is never over-commit and then fail to fulfill it. In the service industry, there are situations where a request from a customer cannot be fulfilled for whatsoever reason and must be turned down. It is of utmost importance to be able to say no, but also suggest alternatives with empathy and consideration of the difficulty faced by the customer and acknowledge without over-commitment on what cannot be fulfilled.
In customer service like in life, our knowledge alone is never enough. What is important is what we do with it and how we show we care that makes the job well done.
Savvy
This Global Shift to Work From Home was meant to happen. The lockdown just hastened the process. With more and more work being computer-driven the approach to online meetings finding acceptance the shift was inevitable.
With increasing traffic and the associated fatigue, the rising costs of real estate, infrastructure, and equipment to maintain and sustain a physical office environment the Work From Home seems to be a more suitable effective and efficient alternative in the current scenario.
However, this will soon gain greater acceptance as employers will find although there are challenges people actually can be productive from wherever they are. And there are ways and tools as well to ensure it. So much system integration and analytics only show how it can turn the majority into adopting this method of employment. Unnecessary travel time and cost are saved, the energy can be utilized with resourcefulness.
Virtual meetings are adaptable and can even be recorded and replayed. So training modules can be conducted once and replayed.
As change is the need of the hour a series of altering and shifting of perspectives will be taking place simultaneously. In such difficult situations, we need to learn to be pliant to what’s required. Learning to be more collaborative cooperative and supportive to make the purpose worthwhile.
Virtual Work is the Future.
While this is an advantage for employees to be flexible with timing with greater time at disposal by cutting travel times and the need to get ready etc. It is also a possibility of radical shifts for Future entrepreneurs will have to learn from this experience and weigh the pros and cons carefully and cut unnecessary costs to be resourceful productive.
As for employees though the multidimensional dynamics of social interaction and sense of community in a physical office is lost, an online conversation is replete with its own tools to circumvent this.
However, with no face to face physical interaction, lesser office politics, and no watercooler gossips, it could certainly reduce the waste of unnecessary time and lead to greater efficiency.
Already with the drastic changes in the world economy and the predictions for challenging times ahead, it is time to find ways to reduce costs and increase online engagement which is already offering an array of productive resources and end to end collaborations that can change the way we work. It’s time to rethink and reinvent the way we work!
Savvy
Are you too empathetic for your own good?
Are you putting yourself in others shoes so much that you disregard yourself?
Are you neglecting your own self for others’ needs?
Are you having shoulder stress and general fatigue?
Are you feeling worn out often and yet get dressed and show up?
Are you feeling you are giving more than you have…in words and deeds?
Maybe you are overstretching in the giving.
Remember you need to reach out but only until you are able to keep your own self in balance.
Otherwise, you will soon feel you have nothing left to give.
Are you unable to sleep well?
You toss and turn all through the night.
Are you are so tired that you are constantly down and have chronic pain?
Are you overpressured?
You feel responsible for others’ problems.
Time to check your own state of being.
It is quite possible …
Maybe you are being over accountable.
Maybe you are over accommodating.
Many of us may identify with some of these sensations. I have also born the brunt of being in the state, with my health affected, in spite of being aware, thinking it will self heal in time.
The truth is many us may even know we are in such situations that are exhausting our reserves and yet at times may be unable to take drastic measures to prevent them. Knowing is not enough! It is necessary to take a step to change.
The trick is to understand the circumstances that we are feeling overwhelmed by and choose to target our changes realistically.
To each, the problem presents itself uniquely! For some, it may be relationships and family or careers. For others, it may be a personal affliction or tendency to multitask beyond themselves or even battling over perfectionism.
Whatever the reason the sooner you realize that it is detrimental for your health and understand you need to implement lifestyle changes the better it will be.
Often in our efforts to be the best version of ourselves, we may go into a mode of putting ourselves into more than we can handle. Our mind body and spirit also need rest and recovery from the daily stressors that life doles out to us all.
We can learn from nature
Everything is best in balance.
Savvy
Each of us may have different coping strategies to overcome the challenges but the problem is our purpose of being is so passionately driven and in the determined perseverance of what we choose to accomplish and achieve in our lifetime we often fail to recognize the state of our own lives until it feels too overwhelming.
Until the lack of sleep creates discomfort and disorders eventually leading to inflammations and diseases in the body and mind. We are guilty of undermining ourselves. We need to remember our sole responsibility as adults rest with us and we need to adhere to our health needs. After all, it is the only body we have. The importance of a healthy body and mind cannot be stressed enough.
Things every one of us can easily implement include :
Savvy
Take a moment and answer to yourself these 10 questions that will work as a gentle reminder towards developing Self awareness.
10 Questions in Self Awareness
1.What are my thoughts focusing on this now?
2.What am I cultivating in this now?
3.What am I creating today?
4.What am I inviting myself?
5.What am I holding on to?
6.What am I letting go of?
7.What are my needs?
8.What are my wants?
9.What am I grateful for?
10.What is my learning today?
Choose to be honest with your answers as you pause to understand and you will find guidance in Balancing Your Life In Every Now.
Savvy
Living in this now is a sustaining yet exacting task and as every moment presents itself uniquely there is no game plan other than living in it, being at peace, sensing peace and spreading peace in every now as life plays on…so own up to your share of peace.
Savvy
We are reborn every night
As the beam of sun shines upon us
Every day, we are restored with hope
And faith in the consistency.
Every night awakens to a new day
At the dawn of light
Darkness gives way even in the presence
Of a single ray of light.
Such is the power of light
To instill hope faith and trust
In the possibilities awaiting us.
To envision and uncover our undiscovered light.
To overcome the shadows
As they recede & fade away
For light makes the world more beautiful
As nature is all aglow, in its pristine glory.
So if you are feeling overshadowed in this now
Keep the faith, for your ray of light
Is just around the corner to meet you.
Keep the faith! You will step into the light!
Savvy
A few reflections
As the world grapples with the current scenario of a pandemic, we need to support one another to be emotionally stable to deal with the challenges ahead.
Often the fear of being infected by being anywhere near a quarantine area is scary for most of us. We overthink of infections of many kinds that are looming large around us.
Our inner demons surface and we need to put to rest our internal fears of panic to survive through this all.
We are all unique individuals and are differently motivated. But in these difficult times, we need to rise above our individual perspectives and opinions and think about how we can be more responsible from where we are.
First of all we need to update ourselves of the changing times and educate ourselves as to what measures we can begin to adopt. Like home quarantine or self isolation. If so then we need to know how to effectively manage our existing resources and most importantly efficiently use our time at hand.
The initial euphoria of unexpected holidays will soon wear off as after all humans are social beings. They will begin to miss the sense of community and interaction in time.
What is important…
We need to come up with, how we plan to structure our day. Each of us in different parts of the world is affected in one way or another.
But acceptance of what is, and adapting along the way helps us tide through to be more positive and productive instead of getting depressed and demotivated.
Our immune system needs to be cared for by the intake of healthy hygienically prepared food. We need to stay hydrated.
Besides that, we also can ensure we are able to set aside some time for movement and physical exercises be it in the form of yoga pilates dance or workouts.
The importance of sleep and play in keeping us healthy cannot be stressed enough.
Exercising consideration and care in expression becomes paramount in these times.
It is necessary to stay motivated and empowered in empathy in these difficult times.
In case of lockdown situations if applicable besides working out on self-sufficiency to survive, we need to make an effort to create amicable situations at home as emotions can be highly strung in time.
If we are working from home, then a bit of forethought and planning can help better the entire experience for you as well those you live with.
If there are broken links and spaces created all of a sudden, remember light enters through them all to reset everything to alignment.
And despite all the gloom and doom that we are experiencing at this moment remember there is always something positive that springs forth in time.
In the meantime let’s be grateful enough to appreciate the blessings we already have and pray for those who need them most now.
God bless all.
Savvy
A small gesture of kindness be it in words deeds or actions builds up the world with hope and happiness.
Every bit of kindness paves the way to enthuse another heart.
The world needs kindness to survive these critical times
Kudos to all the kindhearted whose selfless acts of goodwill are leaving impressions in the sands of time.
Let’s stay kind and encourage kindness in others
Kindness is beautiful!
Savvy
An interesting story share that conveys the importance of making the most of lifes difficult situations…. do read.
After 60 years of ideal married life , they had no secrets between each other. The wife’s only request was not to ask anything or open the wooden box she had kept in the attic. The husband respected that.
On her deathbed the wife told the husband ok. I want to tell u everything. Pl. Bring the box on the attic.
When he opened the box, there were 2 woollen dolls, his wife made and 10 lakhs. in cash.
The wife explained,when I came newly married to your house my grandmother gave a wise advice. She told never to argue with you for anything. If I’m angry she told me make a woolen doll which I was good at. I practiced that all these years.
Only 2 dolls. The husband was so happy he made his wife angry with him on only 2 occasions in theses 60 years.
What about the 10 lakhs? he asked.
Oh! That is the money I got by selling the other dolls I made.
When dance lessons are adapted to suit the requirements of a specific group there is greater relevance in dance education and its application.
Here are 6 Valuable Tips while conducting Adapted Dancing workshops.
1. Empathetic Communication
Communication is a very important part of any dance education. Especially so in dance workshops in special groups. When addressing a session it is important to keep a clear and empathic tone to establish a sense of connection and care. Whatever the language of communication, maintaining appropriate eye contact provides the necessary connect of being spoken to in the session.
2. Simplicity of Steps
Breaking a pattern to teach by dividing it into simple steps or simplifying it all for every one by choosing easy to do steps makes it more relatable.
In case of dancers with balance issues it is necessary to initially modify / alter steps or reduce directional changes to suit these parameters and progress from there.
Ideally starting of with simply the foot work without working on the arm movements helps focusing on learning one thing at a time. The progression must be gradual in time.
Photo& Artwork credits Savvy Raj
3. Matter of Repetitions.
It is necessary to do a number of repetitive movements of the same steps in order for the muscle memory to form. Hence repetition helps more than switching to other movements.
Depending on the groups capacity to continue, taking a pause, interspersed with explanation or some motivation in between is also a good idea so that it does not get too challenging or monotonous.
4. Ease of Formations
There are different dance formations like the square circle and line etc. However conducting the dance workshop in circular formation is known to bring about a sense of community.
Adapting other dances creatively to this formation initially helps when the participants can see the instructors movements in the center.
5. Slower Music
Besides choosing appropriate songs even decreasing the tempo of the music aids in keeping up with the music Especially for new group of dancers and dancers with special needs.
6. Value of Inclusiveness
Most importantly ensuring everyone in the group is feeling included & addressed to, is positively impactful.
Coaching another and transferring skillsets is an art.
An art with responsibility!
Savvy Raj
Member International Dance Council
Whether at work or in family or socially we all may have encountered people who are extremely difficult in behavior to the point of putting people down, having arguments and fights in every interaction.
Often in the first meeting with another, within seconds our brain is gathering information creating its impressions on them and we seem to be convinced somehow on many things about the person. Our intuitive instincts comes to play .That is where our system involuntarily associates pieces of information and puts it all together. We may be right or wrong but that’s another story.
But the truth is we know how we feel about the person. Most importantly.
when we are put in a situation, we simply know, we cannot see eye to eye with the person at all and feel we just cannot handle them.
Our body often gets into a flight or fight mode . Our stress hormones increase and our nervous system is on an overdrive. This can be often a cause for major health issues in the long run.
Clearly we feel we are not equipped to handle such a person’s energy and we may come away angry or depressed in every meeting with such people.
It is time then to read more into the equation.In such moments of frustration one thing is very clear no matter what we say or do we cannot change the other person.
They could exhibit any of this range of behavior from being non cooperative, uninterested, dominating & aggressive dismissive, prejudiced, overpowering, controlling, overwhelming, angry , and even too powerful.
There is one thing however that is still within our abilities. If we cant change them then take a look at how we can change the way we perceive them as a threat to us. And why would we want to do that?
Well we owe it to ourselves. It is our body and it is the one that is getting affected in every such situation.
So what do we do when we have to deal with such difficult people?And what can we do to reset our system.
The truth is that it is not easy facing and encountering such an environment on a regular basis. Every thing said or done seems to backfire and there is unreasonable behavior and even simple communication seems to get difficult by the day.
An immediate countermeasure is that we start with taking deep breaths.
This shifts the bodily reactions and resets it from fear to relaxation. It actually works on calming our frayed nerves and easing the body inside out by reducing the state of panic and pressure on the body to react in such circumstances. Simply put, it distracts the mind and body to channelling the rhythm and flow of energy.
Secondly we take a moment to pause and rethink how we are addressing situations ourselves.
At times we are not very inclusive.
And perhaps may have unknowingly hurt someone by our own assumptions and actions.
We need to start with using, more of ‘us’ and less of’ you ‘ when we speak.
That way we show we are in it together.
Thirdly we need to disengage and keep healthy distance if possible with people that are negative and volatile. They are simply not worth the effort or time.
Choose to see if the situation is even worth engaging and indulging in.
Counting slowly to ten still works when situations are reactive, as it would give you time off to respond mindfully and space to assess the circumstances.
And lastly ensure we give the benefit of doubt and try seeing things from their perspective and check if perhaps we could be more reasonable.
Our abilities to observe us as part of process, will help in minimizing any misinterpretation on our part. That way we become more proactive than being negative about communicating with the person.
However,there are extreme scenarios at times, when we are faced with bullies who actually are very insecure within and may also perhaps have been victims at one point of time. We then need to adopt measures that ensure personal safety and that there are witnesses before interacting with them.
So let us always remember… we are the ones who need to take the necessary steps to change for ourselves because we are the ones who are getting affected.
For ultimately we owe it to ourselves and our health is most important to us.
Savvy
How is life well lived asked someone to me recently.
While each of us has an answer that is perfectly tuned for our souls purpose.
Yet life is well lived…
In the letting go
Of the unnecessary
For then we experience life best
In the lightness of being.
When we persevere enough to let go…
Let go of the little niggles along the way
Those that seem to bother for the moment
They will diminish in time
Let go for the need for self importance
Remember our uniqueness
There is truly no one like another.
Let go of over stretching,
to meet up to overcommitment,
And the over expectations of society.
It is a disastrous road not worth taking .
Let go of over perfecting
Every thing said or done.
It can be truly overwhelming .
Let go of unkind and inconsiderate behavior.
One cannot and need not please them all .
We are born to do better than that.
Let of the unnecessary squabbles and arguments.
Leave it for there are others who wish to do so.
In the letting go, gratitude and contentment begin to surface
From the depths of our being.
Let us be drawn by just our vision and dreams.
For they are related to our purpose of being.
Let’s continue on our path in
perseverance..
We will have a journey well done.
Savvy
Savvy Raj 
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