Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!


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A cup of life

Lovely story.

The Sea: .
A professor took his class on a field trip to the ocean. Once at the water’s edge he handed each student a cup. Some were tall, some were short, some were thin, while still others were stout around the middle. No two cups were the same shape and no two cups looked alike.

In addition, every cup was a different color although from a distance you could see that many of the colors could fall into distinct groups. Some had a darker hue and some lighter. The one thing that all the different cups had in common was the amount of liquid they held. Each, to the drop, held identical amounts of whatever was to fill them.

The professor then had each student walk to the water’s edge and fill their cup to the very brim with ocean water and then step back into line. When every student had filled their cup the professor asked them, “What’s in your cup?” Of course, the unanimous response was water. “Yes,” replied the professor, “but what kind of water?” Ocean water yelled the students.

“Good,” said the professor. “Now let me ask you this? What’s the difference between the ocean water in the ocean and the ocean water in your cup?” One young man quickly responded, “That’s simple. The water in the ocean has sea life in it, but the water in our cups is just plain water.” His classmates all murmured in unison because his answer seemed to make sense.

“That’s not quite correct answered the professor. It’s obvious that your cups are not large enough to hold a fish, or a squid, or even a starfish, but there is still tiny life in your cup that can’t be seen. The same life that fills every drop of this ocean no matter what distant shore it falls upon. So wouldn’t you agree that the water in your cup would be identical to the ocean, only on a smaller scale?” From the looks on his student’s faces he could see the beginnings of understanding, and he was pleased.

The professor then went on to explain the message he was trying to convey to his students. “This ocean could be compared to God. Vast, powerful and without end. Loving and nurturing to all the creatures great and small that live within it. The cup is your human body. No two are identical. Each a different shape and color from the others. No one cup is better, more important, or for that matter worse than the others, only different in outward appearance.

Upon your birth God infused you with a small piece of himself. He sees you as his Greatest Miracle, the Greatest Miracle in the world. That piece of him is the spark of life which animates your body. Some may call it the soul, but it needs no name. It is your humanity. It’s what makes you and me the same.

So please remember this: whenever you harm another person, by your words or deeds. Whenever you bully another because you think you’re superior. Whenever you see another human being as less than you. Whenever you show a lack of respect for another, you aren’t doing it to them alone; you are doing it to yourself and to God. You see each of us is God walking around in cups of different colors, shapes and sizes.

And there is something else my students that I want you to know: God makes no mistakes and creates nothing but perfection. Therefore, you are perfect. And never let anyone tell you different! Oh, and one other thing, you were created for GREATNESS and not littleness. The choice is always yours.”


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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


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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


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Appreciation Matters.

“A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?”

Share if you took the time to read this 🙂


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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


When Simplicity Speaks

On black and white photography.

What is it about the black and the white

That evokes much emotion

In all its simplicity and elegance?

Monochrome has a surreal magic

That captures your attention

Strangely beguiling almost misleading

For it blurs the truths that appear

In the vividity of colour.

Yet it provides a stark definition

Devoid of any colour, yet not lifeless

It emotes through simplicity

Through the play of light and dark

Creating sensibilities and sustaining drama.

Both evocative and enigmatic in its elements

Inspite of the hidden hues.

Retaining charecter.

Reminiscent of old world charm

Of a translucent transparency.

A simplification of the complexity.

A composure of composition.

A completeness of capture.

Savvy


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Empathy Matters

Today’s ever changing corporate environment calls for new kinds of people management skills.
From managing teams to peoples problems and handling customer service,an empathetic approach helps create a positive difference and transform work culture.

So what is empathy after all?
Empathy is about being able to perceive and understand another’s point of view using their frame of reference.

To sense the flow of the moment with another.
To communicate with & be able to understand another’s perspectives insecurities and pain points.

Empathy is a positive approach aimed at improving teamwork and building teams , bridges gaps of communication implementing changes through appreciation, support & encouragement than unnerving others with negativity & criticism that can be rather demoralizing.

Empathy can create and build trust and rapport that you can tap into. In using empathic responses, problems can find meaningful and lasting solutions.

In using empathy with skill, you show respect & value for another.

There is a huge wave of empathy oriented approaches in businesses across the world. This is truly valuable and must be encouraged.

After all empathy is a main contender in a list of skills that show emotional intelligence quotient of an individual.

Savvy


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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


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Special to be ordinary!

Simply outstanding & thoughtworthy.

This message may change one’s attitude!

Do read it !!

1. Name the 3 wealthiest people in the world 2019.

2. Name the last 3 winners of the Miss Universe.

3. Name the last 3 people who won the Nobel Prize for Physics.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remembers the headlines of yesterday !!

Even though these people must be the best in their fields !!

Applause dies !!

Awards are tarnished and
achievements
are forgotten …..!!

Here’s another quiz:

Let’s see how this goes:

1. Name 3 Teachers who added your journey through school.

2. Name 3 friends who helped you through difficult times.

3. Name 3 people who taught you something worthwhile.

4. Name 3 people who make you feel special.

5. Name 3 People you enjoy spending time with.

Easier…..right?😊

The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with prestigious awards and loads of money !!

Life is full of ordinary people who have made the world a better place for you !!

Cherish them !!

Hold Them Tight !!

Perhaps sometimes it’s ‘Special’ to be ‘Ordinary’ !!!👌👍


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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


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Making people feel special!

In my earlier stint of working in the aviation industry, I had the privilege of working with a multitude of passengers day in and day out.

Handling VIP passengers, tough customers and dealing with difficult situations was an everyday affair. But it taught me patience and adaptability on the job and most importantly how to maintain a cool and pleasant disposition no matter the time of the day or the shift you are in.

Beyond the glamour were the grind and the rigours of the conformity in the service industry.

However, there were some amazing takebacks & learnings for a lifetime with regards to people management especially customer service.

Sharing a few thoughts on Customer Care:

The best way to express customer care and what you can give any customer is your undivided attention.
It can be in the form of kind words, pleasant voice, empathetic smiles, nods and eye contact that work to show that you understand their needs or issues.

Psychologically it is equivalent to giving personal time, it aids to comfort people, reassure them, and make them feel good especially in moments of crisis, delays or disappointments.

Remember to avoid mechanical responses, choosing some people as favourites and treating them better.
Aim to treat every one of your customers as important.

Be understated and avoid embarrassing the client with too much emphasis on the care you are giving. Aim to be classy and not overly effusive that it looks unnatural. Customers may even start apologizing for taking your time…

Aim to do your best every time. Your customers may not remember how you did it but remember you made them feel special. And that goes a long way!

Savvy


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When wisdom flows

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.

Tagore and Einstein in conversation


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Tall trees…

A photograph by Savvy Raj @France

Umpteen number of years gone by
Though I lost the count,
Nature got it etched on my trunk.
I can’t remember when I was a seed or sapling.
Today I stand tall being a witness to the passing seasons.
I wither and flourish,
With each passing year
My branches multiply tall and wide.
Though my hands try to reach the passing clouds…

My roots stand firmly grounded on the earth.
My secret of longevity
I adapt to Nature
Withering in Autumn
Clad in the snow in Winter
Rising to be alive with Rains
Flourishing in Spring.
Though I may look barren at times
My creeper friends cloth me in green
Till my canopy is filled with greens.
To nurture and nourish withstanding Time.

Anjana

I am truly happy to share the above verses for this is one of my mother’s impromptu poems written in a flow, just a while ago, after I shared the above photo of a tree that I was drawn to capture with her.

Tall trees that seem to touch the sky …
devoid of leaves and blue skies with silver puffs of clouds floating by…

I am currently in France and while sitting in a bus stand admiring a tree at a distance, I decided to take this photo as I found myself drawn to capturing the vision of the sky from the ground below through the branches as a canopy of sorts.

Every manifestation of life is beautiful and significant in its own way. We often assume that a tree devoid of leaves is barren and ignore it. Yet there is so much to see and learn, respect & reflect from it.

I loved the above poem by her for many reasons one of which is because, it reflects the wisdom of nature, that flows through us all maintaining balance and sustaining us in life and living.

Savvy


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Gift of Gentleness

A gift of gentleness

Could never go wrong

Such is the strength of sublimity.

When wrapped in the warmth of kindness

When sent as a gift in goodwill

And sealed with heartfelt love and gratitude.

Soft is the way of the gentle at hearts.

Soft is the strength of the soul within.

How gentle are you?

Savvy


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Art of Management

Art of Self Management for Self Employed & Entrepreneurs

If you are self employed it is certainly possible that you are actually having no downtime at all.
It is also likely that however rosy the picture is to be your own boss the truth is you are overworked and highly stressed as you are unable to delegate as compared to conventional job scenarios.

Maintaining work life balance is a continous work in progress.
The first step is working towards putting a good team in place.

You cannot managealone as your company grows . You need to be able to step back , step in and step up.
Avoid this inner conflict with yourself that as an entrepreneur you have to be hustling constantly all the time.

Avoid burnout… take a mini vacation time to time.
In today’s technological age you can step away and be aware and clued in on what’s happening at work easily.

Remember you are a human not a machine and you need to ease up as well.

Switch off to switch in.

Sleeping well is great way to destress but to boost your brain there is a way to renew your creative instincts

Simply Switch off from regular work
Switch in to a new or parallel interest .
Read explore paint draw dance sing write or research or reflect on complete opposite of what your regular schedule entails .

You will rewire your neural pathways to jumpstart your own creativity.

Check it out for yourself!

Savvy