Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!

Category Archives: Nature


by 7 Comments

Intend well,live well!

Screenshot_20171125-084253

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


by 7 Comments

A sensing in the tasting .

 I sip the tea in front of me . I sense the taste engulfing my mouth  proactively therefore the tea is to me a certainity  but the tea is simply a matter , an ingredient dissolved in a concotion passing on the many stages of creation to purpose to  dissolution and therefore so are we  like the tea ourselves to a more evolved species or beings, that we may yet in time encounter .. are we all not connected matter to matter energy to energy  as frequencies  in the finite and the infinite of the interbeing in form and purpose. 

And yet we think of  ourselves so absolutely,  so certain of our ingrained ways …and assume much significance through the mask of self importance.  Just perhaps we also must try to sense a bit more and consider in seeing ourselves and others just like beings at different stages like the tea , each special and relevant in its own way to the whole,  whatever the shape or form.  For like unbrewed to the brewed tea  from tender leaves that are easily blendable, and adaptable  to the mature leave strengthened of flavour of experience of life and living , each evolving in the spaces between the certainity and  uncertainity of life and living …. all in that one sip itself ! 

Just transitions of thoughts 

Of the tree of life 

Of leaves in the being 

From human to tea 

Leaving much to imagination 

In the sensing .

For nothing is insignificant 

When each evolves in time 

To fulfill  its purpose of being .

Savvy 

 
Haha! I know this is crazy… coming from a non tea drinker but just had to share as  …all came from just a sip of this fresh hot tea on a cold winters day!😊

 


by 5 Comments

On Interconnects 

For we cannot survive alone  in islands of our own making… 

Life truly  thrives in the interconnects 

Give and partake,  share and receive 

The gifts of abundance are strewn aplenty across

If we choose to truly see with open hearts. 

Savvy Raj 


by 6 Comments

On Life Management.

Wisdom truly lies in the art of  management of two principles in life : one of never giving up and the other of letting go.

On one side is a dedication, discipline  and determination  and on  the other is the  dispassionate discernment and in learning to surrender to balance the ego within.  Every attempt at achieving such a state of balance can be a great tool for learning to evolve with the wisdom.
For life is to evolve and not simply dissolve

For life is to live and not simply exist.

Take the path of purpose in faith trust and belief

Flow along with the path of light in passion and dedication .

And allow life to manifest its infinite abundance.

 

There is an exemplary account of life lived in such a path of evolution and enlightenment

Sharing the great visionary  of India Swami Vivekananda’s  account of  life story in his  own words here  ….

 “When you travel on this path of shraddha, (faith) veerya, (courage ) smiriti, (that which is remembered) you have to go through three phases.  The first phase is Haasya (laughter/humour). People will make fun of you. Face them. Accept them. When you are taunted, reply in the same tone of haasya. Then slowly the inner consciousness starts evolving. Then comes the second stage ‘Virodha’.(opposition/ hostility) The same people will start opposing your stance – Accept all the opposition. Don’t fight with anybody. Don’t argue. The moment you get into the argument, then you are going to suffer. If you argue while you are going through lot of internal turmoil’s, conflicts and confusions, you will not be able to convince anybody. So, during the second part of sadhana, (dedicated practice)don’t argue with anybody. Convert the negativity into a positive fragrance and give this in return. Then comes the third stage of ‘Svekaara'(acceptance). The same people who laughed at you, the same people who threw stones, will do pranams ( respectful salutation)& accept you.

In my own life, I have experienced this but I had to pay heavily. Those who taught me became my students but only after I did tapas for 10 years continuously and silently. Understand one thing. Inner sadhana is not a revolution but an evolution. Revolution requires force, vengeance. Evolution requires love, humility and a great feeling of universal love. The consciousness has to evolve. This is an evolutionary process where the bud flowers. We have to allow time for the bud to flower. It will not flower in one day. It takes time. It has to receive proteins, vitamins and the necessary energy for all petals to open out. You have to have a great patience. You have to create an environment for the petals to bloom silently. This is Sadhana. “Swami Vivekananda

 

Any path of passionate dedication and discipline evolves you along in the strength of persevarance

To honor your path and vision is a task of a lifetime.

To steer clear of slack and sloth, lethargy and languidity  takes a  consistent mastering of the senses. 

To stay true to your chosen way and vision is a commitment  driven by your belief  and faith in your life’s purpose of being.

To know is to reach beyond the sensing of the  eternal truth of ones being . 

And  all the challenges happening along in the journey, will resolve in time on its own  as the intent and  focus remains unwavered.

 For life itself  is a spark of the divine consciousness.

Savvy Raj 


by 7 Comments

On Being Grateful.

A beautiful and well meant message share came my way this morning … and I thought it was relevant enough to share ..

The qualification that gave you a job is the same qualification someone has who still does not have a job.
Be grateful.

The prayer that God answered for you is the same prayer others have been praying but without success.
Be grateful.

The road you use safely on a daily basis is the same road where many others lost their precious lives.
Be grateful.

The temple in which God blessed you is the same temple other people too worship in, yet their lives are still in discord.
Be grateful.

The rain that made your field produce good crops is the same rain that devastated someone else’s field.
Be grateful.

Be grateful because whatever you have is not by your power, your might , your talent or your qualifications, but it’s just the “Grace of God.” the giver of everything you have.

For everything you have, be grateful. 😍

Gratitude Rocks!

Savvy 


by 12 Comments

Travel Trails

 

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.

20171112_225742121299944.jpg

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.

img-20171026-wa0153929233065.jpg

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.

img-20171026-wa00881798809131.jpg

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






by 4 Comments

 Musings On Peace 

 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 


by 3 Comments

Strength of Subtlety

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 

 

 


by 2 Comments

On Truth 

States of truth…

    “Asatho ma sathgamaya”

(Lead me from falsehood to Truth)

Truth

Is harsh, doesn’t mask with loveliness

Is strong, doesn’t weaken with time.

Is pure, doesn’t add false pretentions. 

Is courage, doesn’t waver in fear. 

Is patient, doesn’t hurry to get proven.

Is dignity, doesn’t require deceptions

Is power, doesn’t need strategies.

Is brave, doesn’t bend to threats

Is dare, doesn’t fear challenges

Is honest, doesn’t fall for greed.

Is genuine, doesn’t  have two faces

Is eternal, doesn’t get erased  in time.

Is  final, as it alone triumphs at the end.

Is Divine, The ultimate Reality.

Recently my post  …’On Truth’     www.savvyraj.com/on truth resonated with many  and I received many messages as well  on what it meant to some of my readers personally . 

But this morning I was thrilled to read my mothers reflections on the same …which I am  only too happy to share here …. and while she says ‘it is an echo of your reflections on truth”.  I think the above words are simply great reflections of being.

 

And now here is new share of my reflections on truth again ….

   “Ekam Sat vipraha, bahuda vadanthi” – Rigveda

Truth is One, wise call it by various names.


by 9 Comments

 Lessons From Nature


Lessons from Nature…

The sand on the beach implores you to walk slow…

To watch the waves as the cool breeze blows.

To move with ease,  sensing the strength at bay

To see the precious gifts  nature has strewn across your way.

Savvy

 


by 6 Comments

On 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 


by 2 Comments

Travel Trails: Musings from ‘At the Top’.

Meandering the Middle East : Part I



Dubai : The modern marvel

Musings from ‘At the Top ‘

Constructed on these once very red dunes

A spectacle for the world to see

Is  the height of pinnacle of man’s quest

For higher greater and further…

In the heart of Modern Arabia

Stands the Burj Khalifa a marvel of man.

And as I stand on top of it this evening

In awe and wonder I am drawn

More to admiring the ingenuity

Of men who made it stand and shine.

Behind the glamour of its sparkling glass & lights

And the elegant sheen of its metallic constructs

For me what stood out was that

It stands strong in spite of its ridiculous heights

A labour of co-creation in collaboration

As the sweat and brains of many nations

Whose ingenuity built this structure

A majestic piece of human engineering …

The worlds tallest building.

At the top with its panoramic view…

Across  the sunsets  and the curving  horizon

That blurs into oblivion.

While the betwitching landscape enthralls

I am watching the horizon fade away

My eyes fall on the shimmering sunlight

On the red dunes beckoning me…

And across the distance tideless sea so invitingly blue.

Stepping back to ground in a minute or so…

You are brought back into one of the largest mall Dubai Mall that withstands and supports the entire structure .

In all an amazing experience of  gleaming glass the allure of metal and the glitzy glamorous spaces.

At the Top of the Burj Khalifa  the tallest man-made structure in the world is a one of a kind experience indeed .

Night view from the Burj Khalifa

An expansive evening view of the horizon curving  towards you greets you and the enthralling lights of Dubai by Night is a treat indeed .

My night vision from the Top of the World

The lights dazzle the senses and perhaps more oft than not, even the most earthy traveler is left struck at first sight by the sparkle of the city.

…Although truth be told I am left wondering  the necessity of such dazzling displays of opulence and materialism which is symbolic of  the very modern Downtown Dubai.

Perhaps such are the stakes when a city develops so rapidly and begets names like the City of Gold , City of the Future as even the City of Dreams and boasts of the largest landmarks and sets a global standard in lifestyle as it continues to develop its infrastructure and works at providing excellent opportunities for cosmopolitan life and living with an unbelievable 80% of  its population being of foreign origin making its culture a melting pot of different nationalities. And that in all is truly a stellar example of the strength of the interconnects in the interdependence .

Savvy Raj

Contd in Part 2 …The Meet and the Greets


by 4 Comments

Empathy Matters.

   Empathy is seeing with another, listening to another, and acknowledging them as they are in a non-judgmental way.

It is being with another, sensing their feelings, and caring enough to reach out with support through words, actions, and deeds.
~@SavvyRaj #WUWorldChanger

Excerpt from: http://blog.thewellnessuniverse.com/a-lesson-about-empathy/ [Read more]


by 6 Comments

Thoughts for every day!

 

 

   

Beautiful thoughts make a beautiful day… Savvy 


Whenever we are able to see beyond the physical characteristics and see the reason why a person behaves the way they do , and strive to be the best we can be , we are attuning ourselves to the divinity in and around us …. 


Harmony beckons… BRINGING PEACE , JOY AND ABUNDANCE

 Savvy Raj