Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!


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The Path of Light

Artwork  Title:  ‘Towards Light’by Savvy Raj

Peace cometh from light

Boundless and infinite
When it shines from the heart
In every aspiration to breathe
In every inspiration to bow in the benediction of the spirit

Transmute to transcend towards light
Let go of propensities of pettiness
Envelope and embrace this aura so bright
Let the wisdom of light be always in conscious awareness.

And simply remember the light of the suns ray
Will always show the way.

Let us all envelop ourselves with the light of a new dawn   and feel the light  that envelopes and embraces the world  in trust &hope, in peace & faith for a better tommorow for us all.

Happy Diwali  to all my readers!

Savvy Raj 


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Living or just existing…

It’s never just about existence
There is always more
To life and living.

Something  in the offing
Something  in the sensing
Something  that’s not yet palpable

To think we exist for ourselves
Is to have never existed to all
Forget about living life.
 
We thrive most
When we help each other thrive
That way we sustain  our thriving

Life is meant to be lived & loved
For all that matters in the end is
Have we lived or just existed?

Savvy


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Memorable reads

Some times as you read you pause in reflection, to ponder over the memories and to sense the meaning just one more time …

Here is one such read …

There are perhaps no days of our childhood that we lived as fully as the days we think we left behind without living at all: the days we spent with a favourite book. Everything that filled others’ days, so it seems, but that we avoided as vulgar impediments to a sacred pleasure — the game for whose sake a friend came looking for us right at the most interesting paragraph; the bothersome bee or sunbeam that forced us to look up from the book, or change position; the treats we had been forced to bring along but that we left untouched on the bench next to us while above our head the sun grew weaker in the blue sky; the dinner we had to go home for, during which we had no thought except to escape upstairs and finish, as soon as we were done, the interrupted chapter — our reading should have kept us from perceiving all that as anything other than obtrusive demands, but on the contrary, it has graven into us such happy memories of these things (memories much more valuable to us now than what we were reading with such passion at the time) that if, today, we happen to leaf through the pages of these books of the past, it is only because they are the sole calendars we have left of those bygone days, and we turn their pages in the hope of seeing reflected there the houses and lakes which are no more.

Proust

https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/10/20/proust-on-reading/

Our readings leave an imprint in our souls… and how.

There are indelible and enduring marks on our mind and emotions.


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On Silence

Silence dwells in the spaces between the steps to access whenever.
 Silence leads and the path appears.
Trust the lessons learned in silence.


Savvy


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Dancing Soul

There is something endearing about dancing with a partner, it’s the power to attract another 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. It’s beyond the physicality of steps, patterns, touch, or even the right dance hold or dance frame. It’s in the ability to dance with space, time, yet in complete awareness of one another’s heart of movement.

 I had an opportunity to experience  this just the other day when I witnessed all of this and more in Rohini  (my mother’s friend actually)  a family friend of many years .

I have known her to be a simple religious and a happy go lucky person who also may have been through much personal turmoil like so many others 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 25 th 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 & 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 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, it was her in her element, dancing from 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 for that moment I realized just then that her joyful dancing soul had peeped out from the depths of it all. 

 Kudos to her for keeping the spirit of dancing alive in 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


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Self Mastery

Self mastery is art of life living
In self control and self discipline
In discerning  for the self
In dedicated focus
In balancing  and regulating thoughts and emotions
On what matters most!

In the continuing battle
Between the heart and mind
Between feelings and logic
Of thoughts and emotions
Between expression of  emotions
And restraint in rationality
Between thinking  and doing
Often creating extreme experiences & situations. 
If one can practice self control  consistently…
One can master anything.

Savvy


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On Changes

Life presents new paths at every turn
Every now has new learnings.
The trick is to be present in this moment
To understand the evolving perspectives
To be one, with the changes that manifests
Be present. Be adaptable. Be receptive!

Savvy


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Peace perspectives

Peace is found

In acceptance

Of the self.

And in acknowledgment

Of the others.

Only when we understand

In every conflict

There are many perspectives

Then we can…

Agree to disagree

Amicably in awareness.

From…

Disagreeing to agree.

Therein …

The conflict resolves

And peace prevails.

Savvy Raj


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A prayer

A prayer is a bow of acceptance.
A prayer is a joyous amalgamation to the divine within.


Savvy


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Artists of thoughts

For all artists, thoughts are the treaure troves of creative enterprise, to choose those from which to create from,  are also thoughts that help pick tools for the infinite paths of expression.
The ability to express or create art is a gift.
 A Gift of Grace.
To respect the gift of creativity …. is to express gratitude and use it in empowering ways.
To be able to express and convey is to be able to let go without doubts of disbelief.
To be ready and willing to share helps boosts the sense of self confidence and self worth.

Take time to appreciate  the grace of your gift , as you make a difference in your own unique way!
Savvy


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What is life?

Sharing my mother’s poem today.

It is not about what we are having or doing.
It is about how we are feeling.
It is about how we make others feel.

It is not about where or how we are staying
It is about with whom we are staying.

It is not about where and what we have studied.
It is about what we are speaking.
It is about the tone of our talking.

It is not about the form or attire we are wearing.
It is about the approach & attitude we are having.

We live not with the luxuries of life
But with the state of our mind , our constant companion.

One word, or one stare has the power to change the whole state of mind, irrespective of the surrounding.
Being aware & having the right attitude in this ever changing life and making them positive ones is within one’s reach.

All it needs is the effort to make even the harsh moments to consoling n soothing moments with the right words & approach.

Yes. It needs a lot of training n conditioning to change the mind set, to walk the right path.
Yet it is worth trying as it brings peace n happiness to self & others.

Ultimately it is what we all are seeking. Right?
Ok to work. Better being silent is the best answer.

Never get hurt of insults. Take it as a way to move forward in life. It will strengthen you.

If you are not ready to adjust in life sometimes, you may have to suffer for a longer time.

Never be in awe of anyone.if you are awestuck you will be always a step behind them.

Never wish to live like others. You will loose your peace in the process.

Never compare yourself with others. It will end up in hating yourself.

Do not give much importance to other’s criticism. Then you will never live for yourself.

Being practical in approach makes life easier.

Sow the seeds of love, happiness, trust & success. They will come back in plenty. That is Nature’s Law.

If you want to know the value of your parents, live with your relatives for some.
If you want to know the value of relations live without money with them.

Never hesitate to try again. If you win it will take you to the next level. If you loose it will teach you a life lesson. Perseverance makes everything possible.

You have to cross many rejections to achieve success.

Anjana


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Art of Management

Irony Of Middle Management

One of the common concerns of any scaling team is that while the stakeholders ensure themselves with a great set of leadership and they in turn recruit a battalion of teams under them to do the work, there is one lacuna…the chaos and confusion in the middle management!

The disenchanted middle management scenario is a result of widening gaps in communication and connection between the managers and themselves.

Often, great work done by the team goes without credit, buried under the hierarchy structure and lack of appreciation.

Second, despite ability in the teams and readiness to accomplish good work, there is a lot of confusion about what to do as there is no clarity passed on to them from their managers.

It is clearly indicative of how important it is for the leadership team to share the purpose of why they are doing what they do…and how the message needs to be passed on with the same passion to every member of the teams, no matter the number of layers adding up in the middle.

This is how you reinstate ownership and accountability, which is paramount to the efficiency of the teams.

Unfortunately, much of what is conveyed to the managers from the top in terms of the purpose is typically withheld from teams, for the manager may not personally value the significance of the message for teams reporting to them to understand. It becomes less and less significant in their discussions.  And that is where a gamut of internal communications issues show up.

What will you do

When you do not have a purpose

You stop steering…

As there is no winds of  motivation to sail your course.

In the case of the middle managers sandwiched in between, they soon have no sense of purpose, they are frequently found working in circles without direction.

They may seem busy doing mundane chores to fill their workdays, and go back home every day a little more disengaged and disconnected with the system.

In my professional career as a Consultant & having been involved in the organizational development up close, I have encountered such scenarios where the value of transparency in teams in their shared work as well as the vision & purpose of the leader is regularly lost in the daily rut of routine. Between filling forms and answering mails, much of the work today has become impersonal. 

I believe the role of the middle management is crucial in managing change, for they can bridge the gap between expectations from the strategic objectives and key results set from the top to match with the speed and efficiency of actual day-to-day activities’ integration.

An engaged, informed, and knowledgeable middle management would mean a lot to the stability of a growing organization. It is a huge balancing act between managing to sustain through the changes and managing policies practices and procedures ensuring compliance and come away stronger.

It is important for the key stakeholders to have a conversation that sets clarity on the value for the middle management in the system and expectations from them.

They need to know how much interconnected they actually are in driving changes. They also need to become more self-aware and understand the intricacies of working beyond biases and prejudices that may come along while they understand the power structure of their respective organization.

Beyond good communication skills, they will have to develop their expertise in networking with their seniors as well as their teams.

The responsibility on the middle management is demanding as the role is expanding to include the implementation of changes in the system as well as managing the cultural changes.

This can happen best when the senior management is aware of the challenges faced by the middle management, like time in planning to execution. They can best help fasten this process by direction support and feedbacks while realizing the strategic value of the middle managers.

Every level of management is intrinsically interwoven and important to the whole. In recognizing their individual strengths as well working in the spirit of collaboration, teams begin to evolve.

What do you think of the prevailing practices at work?

Savvy Raj


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A passionate perseverance…

You become what you consistently  think about.
Would you agree?


From since I can remember I have been fascinated by movement and dance. With its power and applications in grace and dignity.

I had no plans to become a  dance educator but decades into dance and training  here I am still thinking  and writing  and dancing whenever I can.


Yes, you may have many other professional careers and  experiences in varied fields but the things you are deeply passionate about, you become and becomes you.


Be it any form of art of science  or anything in between yet unnamed…
You draw energy  and purpose  from it…
You feed from the very energy  in reference and reflection.
You transform yourself and your environment with the very same energy within in enthusiasm as you come from heartfelt abundance.

Savvy


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Acknowledge as is!

Today morning I happened to read my mother’s musings… which was written back in time on life. I share it here for I think it comes across as a relevant reminder for a pause in reflection.

No one is without faults.
To err is human, to forgive is divine.
Perfection in our speech, appearance, behaviour & habits are all our wants. But is it possible? Being wrong, doing wrong things, saying inappropriate words,-intentionally or not -is all in our nature. Do we realise, we too can be wrong sometimes , before pointing others.
Forgiving, if not forgetting is also in
in our nature. But how many of us are ready to do that. It is because of our ego and pride, putting ourselves first, comes before everything.
There is a proverb in Tamil. ” Even elephants can slip. ” How much ever perfect, one tends to be, mistakes happen many ways knowingly or unknowingly. If we keep this in mind , forgiving others, accepting people with their faults becomes easier.
Each is born & brought up differently. Values & principles change as per their culture , beliefs, situations and circumstances. Being stubborn & sticking to our thoughts , narrows our outlook of the world.
When we widen our spectrum, understanding & accepting others as they are, becomes much easier.
When we shift our perspective a little & start looking from other’s eyes, our shortcomings will become visible. Let’s be true n honest in our judgements.
We all need to co exist . Criticism, unless asked, distances us. Instead of accusations , appreciation & acknowledgement will bring us closer to each other. After all peace is what all of us want.
Above all we all are born with different nature by birth which is hard to change. We cannot change the stripes of a zebra. Acceptance & adjustment to a certain level is the road to peaceful co- existence.
So to have good relationships
Forget.
If not forgive
Accept
If not adjust.
We need not be divine. But need not be fault finders too. As fellow human beings , with erring in our nature, let’s all strive to live peacefully & happily acknowledge each other as they are.

Anjana


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On Love & Inclusion

A poignant tale of a little child sensing the favoritism by her own father was shared by my friend Ali Anani in his post….

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ali-anani-phd-15305319_love-experience-empathy-activity-6970262610063589376-9Fbe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Here are my reflections on this post… which I had initially shared with him privately but then realized that perhaps it needs to be read and understood in the larger context of the trials and tribulations in life and living..

Truth has a way of baring open the wounds of the heart and mind on its path of healing the hurt.
For truth is on its own path of self correction in this world.
For unfairness and
Injustice has to somedayfind justice
Exclusion to inclusion
Doubts to clarity.

When truth speaks
In one way or another
It is important to listen
In empathy without judgements

Truth speaks as it is
In all of innocence
Or in wisdom of awareness.

And yet…
Innocence can be daunting  to handle . But addressing the truth one way or the other
Leads to discoveries of how little we know or of what is sensed & perceived.


In the story  that my friend shared…here are instances of lack of inclusion in a family

Where in one day there is marked difference in the way the father speaks,
When the child says
Why are you speaking to me…

Interesting to note that you perceived  the young child as witty
Whereas another may perceive  it as defiance,or even an evidence of an awareness of lack of inclusion and discrimination at this household in the young child’s mind.
And that she is voicing  it in all of innocence.

What would be of significance  is how the father addresses  this brewing disconnect.

Lack of love can be a difficult  phase at any age especially  for a child.
Let’s trust the universe to show the way for this child to receive what she is yearning for one way or another.
May every life be able to sense  love and live life lovingly. 

Savvy