life education | Savvy Raj

April 26, 2020
by Savvy Raj 24 Comments

Joy of Giving & Sharing

Every ask has a reason.
Every give fulfills a reason.
What reason it fulfills is another story!

Joy of giving & sharing

When can you give and share with joy?
And what happens when you give and share …

When your cup is overflowing !

A state of abundance
This is an extreme state where you are having so much to give. You are overflowing with possibilities in the potential.
When you give from here,
You may not miss anything.
You may not know the joy of sharing and giving as you have so much more.
Maybe you are giving because you want to get rid of whatever you are giving.
Maybe you want to self balance.
Maybe you want to share with those unfortunate.
Sharing the good always helps.
But do u know if the one you share it with truly wants it or uses it well.
Or do you give no matter
Even if it goes to waste
Because you are overwhelmed. Then that is not giving but discarding.

When your cup is half full!

When you are having some and then you share some, then you are sharing from your heart and brain.
Youunderstand and feel for those in need.
You share because you have something to share, may be not much but you know in your heart
That as you keep sharing you create space for more to come. You are balancing yourself between needs and wants.
You are careful in what you give but you give from your heart, from a space of love.
Such a giving arises from equanimity.

When your cup is almost empty!

When you give from nothing much to give maybe you are hyper extended already.
You may know but choose to ignore it
Else you may be unaware that there is not much left.
In both these cases the giving takes more out of the giver, so much so that it may soon cease.
What can u give when there is nothing to give?
You will give may be beyond your ability but then you will tire soon, feel used and exhausted.
This is a state of tilted balance not a great way to give.

We all may have experienced this at some point or other in our lives.

While giving from a place of love and trust it never goes wrong. We do need to feel the joy in giving. As long as your heart says go on, you must, else notice what’s making your hearts feel different and pay attention. You may learn something more on it!

When the giving & receiving complement each other it is truly ideal. But most often that is not the case.
However, giving is best shared when it comes from a place of trust faith & confidence in the giving that there is always going to be something to give.
When giving is mutual there is a flow and there is abundance.
When giving is from contentment there is gratitude and vis versa.
When giving feels enough it’s best to assess why it feels so!
In greater understanding, the giving flows…

Life is never stagnant
Its meant to flow
Be a giver
Giving always finds itself receiving
Life is a circle.

Savvy

April 22, 2020
by Savvy Raj 2 Comments

The truth hurts and heals

Truth seeks out itself

Truth is able to enable

The seeker with reserve

To bear and see-through

The facades of illusions.

For truth knows itself

That it lies embedded

Enshrouded and embalmed

To reveal itself unscathed.

Truth cannot be restrained & shackled

In imagination and indecision.

Truth cannot be locked and chained

In the doubts of insecurities.

Truth is within & out there

The truth appears when it wants

To touch the core of the being.

Truth knows and understands.

Truth hurts and heals itself.

Savvy

April 21, 2020
by Savvy Raj 6 Comments

Be my guest not my master!

I don’t know who wrote this, but it’s beautiful…

… We fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another.

… Suddenly Disney is out of magic,
… Paris is no longer romantic,
… New York doesn’t stand up anymore,
… Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty.

… Hugs & kisses suddenly become weapons, and not visiting parents & friends becomes an act of love.

… Suddenly we realise that power, beauty & money are worthless, and can’t get us the oxygen we’re fighting for.

The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages. I think it’s sending us a message:

“You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters.”

23rd November 2020

Today I got s comment from– Author Haroon Rashid . He is the author of these beautiful reflections.

Thank you for this inspirational piece of writing.

Let’s not take our world for granted any more! Savvy

April 20, 2020
by Savvy Raj 4 Comments

Waves of Change

The world is in a constant state of flux

And change is the only constant.

Change refreshes perspectives

As we see the world with a fresh pair of eyes.

Change is meant to be.

Change is the inevitable truth

For nothing can stay the same.

All moves on to change.

But change can be most challenging

Trying and tenacious to bear

Resisting change never helps

Adaptability is the key

To Respond than react to changes

Everything is meant to flow

And evolve along in time.

Change too will outgrow itself

Keep the trust and faith

Have patience and believe

It shall soon settle or pass

Whatever it is, it moves on!

All is a matter of change!

Savvy

#Wordsofhope #thoughtsfortheday #awareness #positivethoughts #hopeful #possibilities #acceptance ##wisdomfromchallenges

April 18, 2020
by Savvy Raj 4 Comments

Being Trustworthy

On Trust

To trust is an act of emotion blending with logic
Trust is the very act of belief in the reliability
Trust is also an act in good faith.
In integrity and competence.

Trust is a measure of confidence placed or held.
It does not come easy
It can also take time to build and earn trust.
It also takes effort to sustain it!

To trust is to take a chance to associate
To associate can be an investment of time and resources.
Make sure it’s worth it!
Be trustworthy!Trust in yourself as well.

Trust lost is rarely gained.
Trust is a mark of effective communication.
Everything crumbles without trust.
Nothing happens in doubts & distrust.
Building trust is a valuable asset in your life’s interactions.

Savvy

#buildingtrust #sustainingtrust #trusting

April 17, 2020
by Savvy Raj Leave a comment

On Appreciation & Criticism

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

April 13, 2020
by Savvy Raj 5 Comments

Art of problem-solving

The wisdom in the challenges
Is in simplifying the complexity
To turn confusion to clarity
This is the art of problem-solving.

To live in a changing world
We must equip ourselves with new skills.
That can help us navigate through
Without unexpected setbacks.

Systematically finding solutions
Is an important life skill
That identifies a range of issues
That may appear or are already there.

From gathering information, observing the symptoms,
Avoiding preconceived notions
That can obscure the truth.
And asking the relevant questions.

Searching the cause of the effect.
Noticing the details & starting from scratch.
By changing one thing at a time
To see what can work to find a solution.

Prioritizing by weighing options
With time constraints & urgency in the pressure to resolve.
Checking the possibilities of temporary solutions
To buy time for permanent resolutions.

Knowing to always respond than react.
Choosing to find the right time.
And picking the right approach.
For the best solution to the problem.

Success at problem-solving
Can be immensely gratifying
Not just for the businesses
But for oneself knowing you have made a positive difference.

These steps towards finding solutions are relevant for problems in all walks of life.
Choose to be open to changes and work realistically.
You will work your way to finding what works!

Savvy

April 12, 2020
by Savvy Raj 3 Comments

Hope it continues

There is an expansion
In heart fields
There is energy
Of love & goodwill
Radiating across the world
As we speak
There is a newfound camaraderie
Bonds of friendship & connection
Beyond the walls of isolation
Beyond the fear there is hope.

There is a realization
Of indifference and oversight
And awareness
Of the repercussions.

Soon the world will heal
And recover itself
Such is the law of nature
But hoping for the world
To continue this journey
Of new awakenings
And persevere to preserve
These understandings in the uncertainty
The pristineness of the serenity.
The wisdom from the challenges
Hope it continues to transform
Our world for the better.

Savvy

April 11, 2020
by Savvy Raj 9 Comments

When Competency alone is not enough!

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

April 9, 2020
by Savvy Raj 13 Comments

You Matter.

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 :

Optimize food: Check your health and improve your food habits

Avoid self-victimization: Choose to not feel overtly responsible for all.

Plan your day: Prioritize tasks Schedule a personal time as often as you feel necessary. And value it.

Avoid procrastination: Recognize your symptoms and take action.

Sleep well. Remember you matter and health comes first. Only if you are healthy can you do anything else?
Do what you love and you will love what you do.
Most of all choose to Live life lovingly!

Savvy

April 7, 2020
by Savvy Raj Leave a comment

And suddenly it works!

First there was fear
And then came panic
On how to cope
So many doubts
That erupt in the mind.
Chaos and confusion abound

And then in the silence that ensues
There is a certain quiet
That feels strange and new
For the world has borne too much noise.

It isn’t comfortable with lack of sound.
The world takes its time to ease in
Soon there is a certain awareness
That pervades all over in the stillness
While the world finds its bearing again.

Savvy

April 6, 2020
by Savvy Raj 6 Comments

Whose work is it anyway?

Bored?
What boredom, no time for boredom!
says my seemingly exasperated friend in India on the phone.
With the complete lockdown and most on’ Work from home status ‘majority of families are struggling to cope with rising demands of the family be it the seniors at home, children and of course pets as well. The families are now suddenly having no house help, the quintessence of urban class living.

Compared to the Western world in India still, the lure of cheaper labor force makes a household helper available to all. But in the current scare, there are no maids, let alone cooks or gardeners. Except for those who may have a live-in helper which is not often the case.

Suddenly the ‘Work from home’ status actually registers the truth. For it is truly challenging for most families who have never bothered to make their own bed or do dishes or cook ever. In fact, there are many who wait for someone else to make their tea or coffee or get a glass of water.

In these hard-pressed times the major part of the work comes to the women of the household still, in spite of all those talks of women’s liberation that goes on doing the rounds every year around early March.

To all the women, who have suddenly vowed to prove themselves superwoman please take it easy.
A little dirty corner, neglected kitchen shelves, not a four course meal, everything is acceptable. But not at the cost of your own health. Remember your falling sick at these times will be disastrous especially if there is no one to take over from you !!
Stay safe

The women are left with no options as the demands keep on rising as those who are at home are hungrier than ever with time to kill.

There are, of course, some of those evolved households where all are contributing their bit. The onus of responsibility needs to be shared, else it will make every day a living hell.

If only more young parents of today teach all their children both sons and daughters equally to cook, clean and do housework as a part of life skills training so that they also know how to manage a home when they have one, the lives of so many future families will be truly much easier.

As we see it, the future is here with new challenges and unless we are all equipped with basic survival skills and takes into account, ownership, responsibility, and teamwork and move beyond gender biases, it is truly tough to live through times like these.

How are you and your families managing this interim period?

Stay safe and healthy!

Savvy

April 4, 2020
by Savvy Raj 8 Comments

Take a moment

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

April 3, 2020
by Savvy Raj Leave a comment

Enhance in every now.

Purpose of life is to evolve for the better. Wherever we are, however we are, humanity always finds a way beyond the trials and tribulations.

We are meant to thrive beyond the adversity.

Enhance your self

Self isolation can be challenging but need not be as difficult as it seems.

A few things that can make isolation easier to bear and productive as well.

PLANNING

Creating a schedule. Writing down things to do or learn in a day is a great start.
Having a routine planned, help a great deal.

Keeping channels of communication open.

Speak to people , listen to others well.
Express yourself through arts , pick up a book to read or a hobby you can learn in this interim period.
Care for your self. It makes you feel good about yourself.
Arrange your wardrobe.
Do all the things that you feel you never had time for.

LISTENING

Listen to some soulful or foottapping music.
Start a conversation on the phone. Many are feeling lonely or overwhelmed and overburdened. Offer to listen and empathize. One of the important aspects of doing this exercise is it changes self perceptions and brings an understanding of the world beyond the limited self.

ACTIVITY

Take care of your health, eat healthy.
Be engaged physically mentally emotionally & spiritually.
Look up at the stars at night.
Watch the blue expansive sky in the day.
Hear the sounds of waves, if you can.
Even in a recording…waves gives a repetitive, soothing rhythmical relaxation experience that can smooth out the creases on your brow.
Ease in, to time your breathing with the waves.

Try this one .

These are a few ways to create a personal space for yourself in your mind and heart spirit and soul no matter where and how you are.
Hopefully it may help in some way to ease through this phase we are in.

Every positive step matters a great deal in

Praying for the world to heal and recover.

Stay safe stay healthy where ever you are.

Savvy