Love | Savvy Raj

January 29, 2020
by Savvy Raj 5 Comments

Live and let live.

To Those Who Bring Small Children to Church:

There you are at church. Your baby or toddler is restless. Perhaps even a little boisterous. You try to silence them, and nothing. You try to pacify them with food or toys, and nothing. Eventually, you resort to the last thing you wanted to do: you pick them up, and before a watching audience, you make the march out of the church. All the while you’re a little embarrassed, maybe a little frustrated too. You might even think to yourself, “There’s no point in coming to church. I get nothing out of it because I have to constantly care for my kid.”

I want you – mothers and/or fathers – to know just how encouraging you are to so many. The elderly woman who often feels alone beams with a smile at the sight of you wrestling with your little one. She’s been there before. She knows how hard it can be, but she smiles because to hear that brings back precious memories. Seeing young parents and their small children brighten her day; she may have just received bad news about her health but seeing the vitality of young ones removes – if but for a moment – her fears. The older man who always seems to be grouchy notices you too. He’s always talking about how children in this day have no respect or sense of goodness. But he sees you – a young family – in church every week. Like clockwork, he can depend on the sight of you and your young family. You give him hope that maybe the Church isn’t doomed after all, because there are still young parents who love God enough to bring their restless children to church.

Bring your children to church! If we don’t hear crying, the church is dying. As hard as it might be for you as a parent who’s half-asleep, keep on doing what you’re doing. You are an encouragement, and you’re starting off your children’s lives as you should. – Author unknown

Came across this beautifully expressed piece recently. Was moved to share it here. Have encountered this kind of approach to parenting in many cultures across the world. Not only in churches but where people are silencing self expression in their growing years.

And there is also the other extreme where whatever the child does is ok! That is the other side of the issue in question.

Yes I agree, we must ensure our children are well behaved in society as they grow.We need to help instill good values.

But there are cultures where if a little child speaks out aloud while traveling in a bus for example the mother goes apologizing for the sounds the little kid is making.

Extreme restraint restrictions, repriminding and silencing are negative reinforcements in suppression of self expression.

Yes there are limits to tolerating childrens tantrums, and bad behavior. Teaching them proper social etiquette is part of good nurturing. But controlling even natural things like laughter and speech can become a little too suffocating. What do you think?

Are you free at all then? Isn’t that a little too restrictive. I wonder?

What is life without a little expression.

Life is meant to live and let life live.

Yes there are stark differences across the world in raising children. To each his own.

Lets hope to share the world with them in positive possibilities lovingly.

Chances are they will hopefully treat you just as well in your old age.

Here are a few of my musings…

Life can never thrive in suppression

Or in denial and disapproval.

Or control and criticism

Choose to appreciate and approve

Let go of the nagging and niggles.

Let go of judgements, fear and worry

Life is in each of us just the same.

Allow life to live.

Engage with it lovingly

Life can be beautiful!

Live and let live.

Savvy

January 28, 2020
by Savvy Raj 8 Comments

Picture of poignancy

Vincent” is a song by Don McLean written as a tribute to Vincent van Gogh. It is also known by its opening line, “Starry Starry Night“, a reference to Van Gogh’s 1889 painting

The Starry Night.

McLean wrote the lyrics in 1971 after reading a book about the life of van Gogh.

Strikingly poignant.
It touches me every time I hear this song.
Brilliantly picturised on Vincent’s artworks.
The song by Don McLean is poignant yet peaceful in itself.

The mood mellow and sombre.
The truth is stark of reality.
Listen to this evening song
Literally speaks to the depth of our souls
Million thoughts runneth over
Amid the arresting hues of blues.
Until sleep beckons curtains are drawn.
Life poses the questions.
And life seeks the answers.
Poignant is the wisdom that arises in the challenges.

Can never tire of hearing this beautiful song.

Savvy

January 27, 2020
by Savvy Raj 4 Comments

Nurturing nature.

All it took is a random picture,

And it bought me immense peace.

Simply seeing it made me feel so good.

Sharing it here and hoping it infuses the same serenity I feel in seeing it, to you readers.

There is something grounding in the giving.

There is something nurturing about nature.

There is something compassionate about caring.

There is something gladdening about green living.

There is something enabling in our environment.

There is trust & faith in nurturing life.

There is connection in the care…&

There is hope in every heartfelt share.

Savvy

January 25, 2020
by Savvy Raj 2 Comments

The tree speaks for itself…

The tree above signifies the connection

Of how the microscopic characteristics

Relate to the macroscopic structures.

The tree speaks for itself…

Overall ensuring a form and identity

That speaks of structure and integrity

That can withstand stress & pressure

Erosion & the aging processes.

The tree perhaps is shriveled & stark

Within its roots the winter wilts its will

Yet the tree upholds itself in tenacity

Branching out to balance itself.

Standing strong and proud

In the autumn of life

In being all it needs to be.

The tree speaks for itself.

Savvy

January 21, 2020
by Savvy Raj 1 Comment

Birthing ideas

A beautiful post on Germination of Ideas by my dear friend Ali Anani brought me to spring forth with some of my reflections.

Birthing ideas…

Ideas find their own way to germinate
At times they stay dormant almost invisible and untraceable.
And sometimes they emerge out of nowhere
As if they have a mind all their own.

So whether there are plenty of ideas or one is starved of ideas.
It matters not where they originated from…if it is the mind or heart spaces.
But it matters what path they take how they are applied?
What seeds they sprout in the emergence?

And yet, an idea that remains undeveloped, unappreciated today becomes a genius breakthrough someday.

On too much and too less

Too much of liberty and free will
At times may lead to aimless explorations and confusions.
Too less freedom leads to slavery and subjugation.
Too much thinking can create stress and be overwhelming
Too many ideas can be hard to contain.
Too little fodder for thoughts leads to bland existence.
It’s our choice actually…
Are we to live or simply exist?

Is there a paradox of enrichment?

Is overdoing a crime
To answer this, I ask
Is there bad in the good and good in the bad?
Too much of anything will lose its charm and character.
Appreciation declines and contentment reduces.

As it all turns to excess!

So I believe in equanimity that comes in finding equilibrium
Moderation is the key.
Too much sadness is unbearable
Too much happiness may lead to boredom.
For in too much of the good times
Values are lost and things are taken for granted.

Let there be a balance
In thoughts words and deeds
So there is neither depression of deprivations
Nor extravagance in enrichments.

Guess like ideas find their way to shoot in suitable time in time.

Like life itself, ideas also know how to balance and counterbalance themselves in life and living.

Life itself is a great idea after all!

What say, aren’t you one?🙂👍

Savvy

January 20, 2020
by Savvy Raj 8 Comments

Sweet moments.

January 19, 2020
by Savvy Raj 6 Comments

Heaven knows

Came across this beautiful picture share

And couldn’t help take a second glance

Credits go to the photographer fully for this amazing photograph.

Leaving me to question in awe

Is this a piece of heaven on earth?

Leading me to another question

Is heaven in a piece of your soul

Sought to be sighted in some faraway land?

Perhaps it’s nearer home.

Not milky ways away.

Heaven is the gasp of breath you take.

Heaven is in the tree of life.

Heaven is full of hope and wonder.

Heaven grounds you home or leaves you awestruck.

Heaven speaks from the heart.

For heaven knows …

Have you found your piece of heaven?

Trust yourself you will know it.

Savvy

Image credits to the unknown photographers

January 18, 2020
by Savvy Raj 1 Comment

Life has a way of finding itself!

The power you have.
Is the ultimate gamechanger
Doubt not its propensity
To change your destiny

Life moves on in will & design
You chart your path as you go
Your next moment is for you to intend
Keep your hopes and dreams alive

You hold the reins of happiness
You are in charge
You can steer life as you choose to
And trust yourself to find your way.

Time may seem to be flying
Faith may seem to diminish
Belief may seem to waver
But keep the hope alive in your heart

Life has a way of finding itself!

Savvy

January 17, 2020
by Savvy Raj 3 Comments

Are you You?

We all have our good and bad days.

We can seem totally confident and be raring to go one day and feel completely strained and stressed out on another day.

We are only human and its perfectly ok to feel so.

We don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

It’s our life and we have just this life and this moment with us, if we are not living with joy in our heart then perhaps we have some questions we need to answer for ourselves.

Ask yourself these questions honestly…

Do you dare to be as you are?

Do you express yourself without doubts and fears?

Do you mince words, avoid stepping forward, play too safe

That you hardly dare to live your life?

Do you wear what you like?

Feel comfortable with what you wear

Or choose to conform to fashion trends or what’s expected of you?

Do you eat with all your heart?

Do you binge or fast in guilt or insecurity?

Or do you care to nourish and nurture yourself with food?

Do you check your weight?

To be sure you are in a healthy range.

Or do you find yourself too often on the scales, almost every day?

Do you dare to speak your mind,

To voice what’s in your heart.

Or shut up in fear of ridicule, of what others will say?

Do you measure your words to talk

In fear of being judged or criticized.

Or…to be the best version of you.

Are you happy in your skin

Do you care about your appearance

To the extent that it ruins your day

Or to feel good for yourself.

Remember you are most beautiful when you wholeheartedly accept the way you are.

Do you wake up because you have to?

Or do you have the joy of waking up…

To a new dawn in the hope of possibilities.

Make this moment special the best you can as you are.

Remember every moment in every day is a challenge

It sometimes gets easier or even tougher in the ups and downs.

It’s all in your journey and the way you take.

You have the power to choose your path

The choice is with you

To groan or be grateful

To make it bitter or better

It’s all up to you now!

Choose well!

Savvy

January 15, 2020
by Savvy Raj Leave a comment

An ode to the trees

It’s not how green or young you are
It is not if you have bloomed or not.

It is the grace as you grow whatever the shape.
It is in how your presence fills the air.

You are born of wisdom
And the faith of the seed as you were sown.

We reap the bounties of nature through you
My deepest reverence to the truth of the trees
Savvy

January 13, 2020
by Savvy Raj Leave a comment

Meeting Personalities

Meetings are great learning spaces…

Here are some interesting observations from office group meetings.

Office meetings are no different
From groups of human getting together
Human behaviour has an extensive range.
From shy to extroverted, bold to introverted
Myriad patterns of personalities
Manifest in business meetings.

There are those totally in charge
Setting the tones driving the agenda
There are those who are out to showcase skills at every opportunity.
There are others who are peacebuilders.
There are facilitators who are also great delegators.
They are resourceful in the absence of a leader.
There are those brimming with enthusiasm.
They are the ice breakers who reduce tensions.
There are the creativity enhancers.
They step beyond the box and think.
They can bring tangible and intangible to light.
They can be ambiguous or realistic in views.
There are contributors who just say a few words which make people rethink.
They may have voiced their opinion only after much thought.
There are those who blether on and on without consideration for others.
For, they love to be the centre of attention.
They forget it is a meeting with a time & agenda.

Then there are the team players who actually enjoy meetups.
They are adaptable, versatile and happy to help.
They are the bond that binds one and all.

They are juxtaposed with the reserved and silent ones.
They are those who are uncomfortable with the attention.
They are the wallflowers who may have many views but are quiet in a group.
They are great to tap into to hear alternate views.

Have you noticed those who are physically there in a meeting but yet not there?
They are lost in a realm of their own
They are wanderers who are free spirits actually.
They hate to be restrained in one space for even a while.
There is just one issue they hardly pay attention and hence may be unproductive at meetings.

Have you also met the pessimistic who always think it won’t work?
They can bring down the spirits and the morale of an entire team.
There are also the argumentative who always have a counter view without thinking.

Then come to the detail-oriented
Who never leave anything to chance.
They come prepared and are diligent.
They are at risk of seeming too intense.
They, however, can pinpoint the errors.
Their questions can bring clarity to the team.
Finally, there are those who rarely attend.
They saunter in without an agenda.
They have no idea what the meeting is all about.
They have never bothered to find out either.
They still can be channelised through proper directions.

Lastly, let’s watch out for perpetual latecomers.
They always may come in full of excuses but with the right interventions & time management skills.

They can be great contributors…

How many of these types have you observed in your office meetings?

Every person is unique, & likewise, every meeting is thus equally unique.
Through a positive approach, when utilized in the right way for the right skills…
Everyone can then, greatly contribute to the productivity of a meeting.

Savvy

January 11, 2020
by Savvy Raj 8 Comments

Perfectly imperfect

If we only could understand
Our so-called imperfections
Are pieces in the giant puzzle
Of life and living
They are meant to match
Another jigsaw somewhere somehow.

We are meant to piece together
Collaborate and correlate
The meaning of life and living
Of existence beyond the bread & butter.
Of what makes us survive
In spite of the insurmountable.

If we could only begin to see
The beauty within us
We would learn to appreciate the beauty
That surrounds us.
We are perfectly defaulted
We are blessedly imperfect
As we are divinely manifested
To be the way we are.

We are but mirrors in the reflection
Across dimensions of space and time
Such is the eternal truth of our being.
We construct and deconstruct
In our imagined cosmos
The truth of our own existence.

We bounce and reflect our perspectives
In and on to each other.
We shine our brilliance.
We mirror perceptions.
We are vulnerable and yet volatile beings
Beaming energies boundlessly.
The task is to recognize the strength of our souls.
In our perfectly imperfect ways
We pattern our world along with us.
We are creation and creation is within us.
Our thoughts are powerful and with it
We are creating and altering the social structure of life itself.

Our world needs each of us.
To have our edges, sawed or not
Blunt or sharp
For actualising the purpose we are born for.
We are way bearers for the future
We are the torch and flame of life
Existence longing for itself.
Life can be fickle and yet very wise
The choice is ours to take.

Savvy

January 9, 2020
by Savvy Raj 1 Comment

When wisdom flows

It sees no borders that bound

Humanity speaks for itself

Beyond the east or west

To let go of the trivial niggles

In the unity of understanding.

Of the bigger picture…

There is much wisdom in integration, in finding meaning in the divergences.

What a poet relates to the truth in humanity.

What a scientist relates with theories of relativity

Are all drawn from the same well,

Of cosmic vibrations,

Of conscious awareness,

Of the eternal truths of life.

Where wisdom flows

There is Universal consciousness

Savvy

Here is a beautiful conversation I came across between the great minds, of Albert Einstein and Rabindranath Tagore…..when the two met and spoke at length.

Do take time to read this interesting dialogue between them in this article link below.