Immense is the power of creative movements to balance the body mind and spirit.
We are all creative beings.We need to honour our creativity we need to find avenues to let go express and share what comes natural to us. In that is a healing and restoring beyond compare…
Savvy
Stir swirl and swivel your passionate self.
Just dance your heart out!
Savvy
#dancelove #heartspeaks #dancingsouls
Spend time on that which you love
It is beautiful to reflect and revel in joyfulness
Cos it does your body mind and spirit
A whole deal of good.
Contrary to opinion of what mindfulness is … being in the now is also about being able to witness the joys of your life in the sensing but without dependence.
Your own lifes better moments are deeply healing experience for your state of being.
The neurons that fire in the rememberance of positive experiences can bring association of memory banks long long forgotten in time. And suddenly you find yourself recharged, reinvigourated and regenerated in the wake of such moments.
Mindfulness comes to play in the simple witnessing and letting the memory move on in time naturally as it would rather than wallowing in the wake of and in the aftermath of happy memories.
So next time you find yourself in the beautiful times of the then, dont worry, a lot of healing is taking place sub consciously. Just take care to cross the bridge of the then to the now, steering away consciously and gradually from any self remorse and self pity.
This is where cultivation of gratitude comes in to help simply feeling grateful to have had some very blessed moments, and that creates space for abundance to move into your present moment.
Have a blessed day and blessed life!
You are your deepest intention.
Intend well. Live well.
Savvy Raj
Although I am no medical expert this reflection has come simply from many of my personal observations in life and living. As a dance educator and trainer, and having facilitated workshops for many seniors I have been blessed with many beautiful memories . But more specifically have been a witness to how fond recollections can be for them of a take back in time when I play music of 40s and 60s with dances from that era. Suddenly their faces light up with smiles and there is a spring in their steps.
There are so many incidents of positive reflections that come to mind and touch my heart….I particularly remember one of my senior most student at a glorious 89, mentioning to me excitedly how even a single class on a Monday evening would have them charged up with positivity for the whole week ahead . I know it is not just about the dance form but about the triggered recollections of the joyous times of the then and its associations that made their day ! The goodwill and cheer was almost palpable. Life is truly to live than just exist!
Savvy Raj
Love Dancing?
Are you drawn to the art of movement? Do you wish to dance but are confused where to begin and how to take the first step into the world of dance? Read on…
First of all it is essential to find that dance form which moves you. But before that it would be a good idea to ask yourself if you are the kind of person who is a team player or someone who enjoys solo dancing.
If you are kind who enjoys social dancing with a partner there are a plethora of dance forms you can learn, but yes the ideal situation is that you have a willing partner who enjoys dancing as much as you do!
Learning even the basics of some partner dance forms that appeal to you and your taste of music and tempo is a wonderful way to step into the world of dancing.
Its important to remember that just like our choices are not static but actually evolve with time, in an ever evolving world of movement, dances too evolve with changing trends and generations … thus it is the study and practice of the concepts and techniques that play an important role in developing your skills and enhance your dancing.
If you are interested in learning to dance ..it would be good to be aware of the depth of your interest, whether its just as a passing fancy, a fad to learn something new,or to learn because of a deeper connect that you feel every time you dance, or even as you watch other people dancing. An honest self appraisal would be helpful in deciding what the next course of action should be. If you feel the connect I am talking about, get going and start of with some dancing lessons for yourself now!
If you wish to discuss more on your dance related queries feel free to reach out here savvy@danceconcepts.in.
Member International Dance Council
UNESCO
Musings on the Middle East: Part 2
The Meet and Greets:
While this trip to the Middle east, was a great getaway of sorts, between the work and pleasure, it undoubtedly became a fodder for thought and much reflections in those moments of chanced and planned connects with some amazing people living there. And some of them I met for the first time and bonded so instantly as if I knew them forever and a few who I knew for decades but didnt get to meet and connect earlier.
There were many more on my list of people who I wanted to meet but have left that for my next trip sooner than later.
Connects of empathy:
Meeting another human being for the first time is an enigmatic phenomenon. In todays age of technology although you may try to connect in so many ways online. Real time meet and greets hold their own a bag of surprises and treats in tow.
One such meet was planned … by me and my dear warm hearted friend from online. Fatima.An eloquent writer with a heart of gold and a keenly developed insight of people and their resources who draws much strength in positive reflections and most importantly a kind and brave heart following her dreams.
The heartfelt connects established in moments of our first meeting was clearly visible. She treated me to an amazing authentic Arabic dinner that evening and while catching up on our lives, in between us was a complete ease of being which we both mutually sensed in the lovely ease of conversation and strength of connection in the little time we had that day. Her warm hospitality and generosity touched me and I truly look forward to meeting her again sooner than later and wish her the best always from my heart.
Then there was this local Arab woman dressed in the traditional Abhaya worn with the hijab and those alluring kohl rimmed eyes with whom I shared a lengthy conversation of their culture and learned much but who moved me in the simplicity of her words and in sharing her heart’s deepest desires for freedom of movement and her eagerness in learning to dance…
Another wonderful woman with whom my daughter and I shared a great rapport albeit in just a few minutes of conversation was a travel guide who invited us to her home in Abu Dhabi. We got talking about so many things in such a short span of time. We bonded without reservations.
There are many more truly endearing people I met and connected some who I managed to catch up with on phone …but simply put perhaps it is just my way of seeing but I found many friendly people from across the world living there making a living thriving in the tolerance and interconnects that makes up much of Dubai’s culture in recent times.
And yes of course my visit to the traditional city of Sharjah had its own share of charm . As the people I met there were my very dear friends connecting after so long … yet the heartconnects were entrenched so deep that it felt home to me .
A short driving across the city will lead you through the Corniche where you can stay on to watch the beautiful Arabian Sunset and may be drive further on to Al Ain as well.
Will not forget the trips to the Gold and Spice Souks and most of all the Creek and the dhow cruise on the creek one pleasant evening….
Foodwise :
Being a vegetarian I thought my choices would be limited to pizzas and pastas and of course my saviour’ Subway’ besides the Indian food . But I was pleasantly surprised to find my flavour in Arabic food. Suffice to say the sumptous starters of the Arab cusine and their spiced tea was perfectly suited to my vegetarian and satvic senibilities. And I must thank my dear friends, relatives and hosts who took so much care and put so much consideration while ordering that I will hold very fond memories of dining out in this delightful trip.
Thanks to my amazing hosts I tried many dishes some which were known like the falafel and some new to me…tabbouleh and the zatar and lentil soup
were just divine. Midly aromatic and
full of flavour and bursting with greens
and a dash of lime . Awesome indeed!.
A city may be made of concrete
But homes are built with hearts
And life thrives in these homes.
Savvy
Precious time spent there…
About me:
Wellness Mentor, Dance Educator & Writer, Motivational Speaker, Freelance Designer
‘Creativity stems from the acceptance of your authentic self. It is a never-ending journey of endless possibilities that is much beyond the pursuit of a hobby or craft and can be a habit of a lifetime. So besides being a Dance educator being a writer and a designer, creating art and writing poetry gives me immense satisfaction with the infinite ways of expressing myself as I believe in enjoying the journey as much as the destination.’
Travel Trails : From At the Top
Today I am glad to share my reflections on Peace coupled with my mothers musings on Peace and expectations…
Already a lot has been said and written about this. So that many experts in different fields have shown so many ways to attain peace.
Peace- the ultimate human need even after reaching peaks of success in their fields. It eludes even the so called achieved souls.
Men have various desires and find various ways to fulfill them. Need for wealth, health, love, knowledge, family , status, fame, power, comforts… the list goes on. To achieve them they go through various states of hardships and emotional turbulence . Perseverance, hardwork, focus and luck help them to achieve their goals. But after attaining all these are they peaceful ?
Unfortunately the more one gains, the greater is the loss of inner peace. Loads of pressure weighs us down .
The need for more never get satiated. Contentment is always on the other side of the river. Because our expectation keeps on increasing. From childhood one has to live to the expectations of people surrounding them and in the process start expecting the same from all around them.
Whichever field or whatever state, there is always expectations. Family, friend, society, teachers, work place, children, lifestyle, appearance , behaviour fit to their age and status… Again it is endless. Peace still eludes .
Like the most difficult puzzles have very simple solutions, life problems also can be simplified. Just stop expecting from others or living to other’s expectations.
One word mantra to peace
Live , let live. Stop expecting.
Be yourself , let others be themselves. Never shy away or ignore social responsibilities or inner values. Do without expectations.If every one adhers to this,’Peace’ will befriend the surrounding.
Do one’s duty, Be grateful ,
Be understanding.
Be selfless – all without expectaions.
With whomever or wherever one be, adopt and adjust without expectation , happiness and peace will follow.
Anjana
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
All matter is energy
And we are unique speckles of vibrations.
All resonating in the universality of life and living.
Trust you matter, more than you know
Believe you can and are making a difference
As you connect deeply in the universal flow
Tune in to reflect the truth of your being.
Every word every deed
Every step every move
Impacts the larger whole
Just as much as the world around affects you.
So start with who and what is around you
Sense your intuitive self talking to you
Telling much in all its subtlety.
Trust it for it is abound
With the strength of the subtle energies.
Resonate joy, abundance, balance
Resonate love ,harmony and peace
For you have the power to transform your world
Savvy
This morning I wrote down a few thoughts ….’On tboughts’ and shared and just a while ago I was pleasantly surprised by some lovely afterthoughts shared by my dear mother almost immediately on Whatsapp.
I share her jotted thoughts here as part 2:
On Thoughts
Thoughts are the doorways that connect our inner and outer world. As we walk along this path it leads us along the physical ,material world filled with varied emotions, feelings and desires. It connects us with our past, bring back the forgotten memories and our reaction depends on what it mirrors. It has the power to make us sad, angry, or happy. Like an expert master it rules our emotions. A happy moment can turn sour when it brings an unwanted, unneeded or unconnected memory back which is followed by a volley of unnecessary words and arguments which can make the whole scene bitter, thereby sowing the seed for another set of reactions in another time frame.
On blooming thoughts .
It is a magical weaver. It has the potential to jump from past to future in a fraction of a second. It’s speed surpasses the fastest speed known to us. It has the power to take us to the dream world idling for hours together.
In the the ocean of time it’s waves are endless. We become playing clay in its hands moulding our moods as it wants.
In short our thoughts rule us. Like an obedient slave we obey its whimsical command forgetting our true potential. The wise souls understood this.With their deep knowledge they have shown us various ways to take command of our thoughts n tame them. Like a circus ringmaster in the midst of wild animals we should be in constant awareness to lead our thoughts, and observe their moves.
Similar to a focussed traveller who never strays from his path how much ever alluring the sceneries on his way, elluding the perils in his path goes steadfast to reach his destination, we should train ourselves not to be distracted by the flow of thoughts. We can never stop its flow, as it is natural, but can train our mind not to react to each and every word. Let’s be a witness, never become a part. Let’s keep proceeding with the companionship of positivities like kindness, compassion, selflessness, humility and gratitude. Let’s make this journey beautiful.
Come, let’s walk together in harmony guiding each other positively, as we reach our individual goals and collective aspirations.
Anjana
Do feel free to share your thoughts…
Our thoughts can make or break us in every now.. and our life seems like a hell or a blessing in the way our thoughts unfold . Every life has a unique purpose and a perseveres on with the thoughts to fulfill its being .
A transition in thoughts is an expansive phenomena in continuity . It courses on even in attempted conquering of thoughts through control or manipulation of its meanderings into an intentional channeling in consciousness.
Every thought carries weight of our feelings and emotions and vis versa. The purpose of sensing recognising identifying defocussing and letting go all can be a liberating process .The power of being a witness to your own thoughts is a learning that can help transcend our limiting beliefs and assumptions. Often practised in the many self awareness programs when practised with dedication and imbibed as a way of life, they are great tools in human evolution .
Transcending thoughts is never easy as it is truly a choice and practise as thoughts come and go ..the patterns we choose to create with, through and in them, makes one consciously or subconsciously a sculptor of ones life. And through every exercise of such a choice we leave a mark in time. That said yet, when we choose to make our presence felt and how we emerge will all figure out along the way in the strength of an interrelation of thoughts in interdependence.
What are your thoughts on this?
Do feel free to share.
Savvy Raj
Cheers to life and living 💙
A memorable evening in Athens…
In that beautiful city
We met and bonded
Three women total strangers
From three different lands
From across the world
Carrying a common love
For dance in our hearts.
Connecting and conversing
Merging and blending
The interesting cultures
Of our roots, as we raised
A toast of good health and cheer
With simple good old water 💙
A memorable Congress indeed!
Savvy Raj
The picture above holds a special place in my heart. Taken in the lovely city of Athens Greece during the World Congress of Dance Research held there. A common passion for dancing brought us together that memorable evening.
Over the years we may have gone on with our lives in different zones of space and time…but am pretty sure, whenever we lay our eyes on this picture, it is sure to make us three smile with all our hearts remembering this lovely evening back then.😊
Cheers to life and living.
Savvy
Practising quietude to listen is about stilling the restless spirit.
Quietude is about respecting the strength of subtlety.
Quietude is valuing the grace of dignity of consciousness.
Quietude is an opportunity to hone awareness of subtle consciousness…
For in listening beyond all the noise
The core of our consciousness awakens
and finds its own voice.
To express and acknowledge the learnings
in the essence of silence.
Savvy Raj
Three words that can mean so much
To share a little supportive care as such
In our daily working & striving
As we carry on with life and living.
Following our paths with blase indifference
Rushing through, an unforeseen negligence
Often assume, there is no issue
But if we care to notice and keenly view….
Behind that strained smile and tired eyes
Erratic movements, the lows and highs…
There is always more than meet the eye
There is always a tear behind an overt smile
There is always hurt behind overt humour
There is always a lurking grief in the lack of love.
3 simple word could make a difference
3 simple could assure another
3 simple words could bring hope in despair
3 simple words could change a life
This world is busy, with no time to spare
People living nonchalantly without a care
I me and myself seems here to stay.
Unless we find in our hearts to live in a more caring way.
ARE YOU OK ? Care to ask another
Strive to thrive with one another
And you will hear the truth by far
There is no use rushing on,we are all on par.
Savvy Raj
The title of this poem is inspired by Lance Scoular’s very relevant post that speaks for Suicide Prevention and the thoughts seeded from the very reflective post recently by Fatima Williams instilling self worth in times of lost esteems lost hopes and lost battles.
A topic many refuse to confront as it is too sensitive to deal with. But its prevelance and increasing numbers only show the need for empathy consciousness in today’s world.
A little sensitivity and empathy can go along way in prevention of widespread negligence by society on such issues.
A few musings…
Even writers and artists of all fields are categorized as hard nosed focused and practical business driven… hence successful or the rest who are supposedly impractical, quirky, emotional by nature or sensitive by nature with empathy consciousness hence not too touted for success in the mainstream.
This categorisation happens amongst all walks of life . Amongst many so called professionals in every sphere there is this distinct elevated difference that seems like they have it all figured. But reality often presents a different picture.
We often we find that the pinnacle of success is a perfect place for a downfall. No one is taught the way down after a climb. In a society that values only the successful, that often teaches to work one’s way to the top by overt competition, ambition and promotes the need to prove, sadly there is one to catch you when you fall or no one to hold your hand if you slip and definetely no learnings in place for support and follow up care in case of a miss. You are left to fend for yourself until u can find a place for yourself under the sun.
Although the world is on one side recognising multiple intelligences yet the assumption still remains that all can work with the same rules of the game .
It is what is unique in you that truly matters. Keep knowing you matter as you are.
Savvy
The world is busy all the time, to realise the significance of contribution by these so called sensitive and caring people who can find in themselves the time to ask another… Are you ok?
Savvy Raj
https://savvyraj.com//are-you-ok/
Here are the relevant post links:
Is suicide the only way? You are worth more than what the system requires of you! https://www.bebee.com/producer/@fatima-williams/is-suicide-the-only-way-you-are-worth-more-than-what-the-system-requires-of-you
https://www.bebee.com/producer/@lancescoular/r-u-ok-3-words-for-suicide-prevention#state=
https://www.bebee.com/producer/@savvy-raj/are-you-ok
About the Author:
Ms Savvy Raj is a Dance Educator and Corporate Wellness Trainer she conducts workshop in Social Dances, Holistic Well Being as well as Personal Effectiveness. She is a Member of the International Dance Council UNESCO the official world wide organization for all forms of dance.
She is a certified adult trainer who uses the creative medium of dance towards bringing empathetic consciousness in her students.
Using International Social dance forms and a variety of improvisational techniques as well as creative movement exercises she brings forth the human connect in it all. Working towards the development of an individual through dance applications and nurturing in the learners an enthusiasm to see and live life lovingly.
Savvy is also Certified Graphologist who pursues this as a hobby in her spare time along with a passion for writing, painting, poetry, drawing, sketching and designing.
Savvy Raj 
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