The highest motivation that can change the way we behave for the better is actually intrinsic than external factors .There have been many research studies conducted to find out if we are influenced to perform better consistently through a system of rewards and punishments.Humans it is found are found to decrease performance in tasks where there is only materialistic gain as a reward, but fare consistently better where there is autonomy and encouragement of moving towards a purpose . A purpose which aligns with their innate sensibilities.

This throws the conventional and traditional approach to getting work done, up for a toss . As it is exactly the opposite viewpoint that humans can be manipulated to a large extent to achieve better results by the so called carrot and stick methods

In choosing to work harder at a task or a job with passion instead of needing to comply to it the human being feels free enough to go beyond the box. As there is free will within a wider net of required structure the creative potentialities are given a free play and thus the individual moves closer to his authentic self . The joy of self expression results in a need to share it with others out of sheer happiness.

Dancing is the rhythm of life which is primarily a motion based on a thought that a movement could simply express what could be a volume of words. Every time the creative spurts are awakened through artistic activity there is rebirth of energy moving to unfold itself in a unique way, justifying the quest to the depths of the art form.

As dancers perfect their skills they become aware of the economy of movement along with its ergonomics. The road is tiresome, winding. The journey full of discipline although it builds the strength of character required to dance beyond oneself. This dedication is necessary and must never be taken for granted. Likewise as the dancers take on the mantle of a teacher the focus must be on sharing the knowledge than teaching to impose their learning, their aim must be simply to rekindle and stimulate the learner’s mind, towards a journey of self discoveries, realization and finally awakening!

A good teacher is so much than just about credentials and certificates and awards. A teacher must make every student feel respected and communicated to fostering a positive self image with responsibility among the learners. Practicing whatever one learns is important to both the student and teacher at every level of learning. As a dancer becomes more and more poised and surefooted its naturally going to bring about many wonderful and positive changes in life, both in the physical body and mental attitudes.

Dancing with a partner for example teaches empathy, compassion and awareness of the body and mind along with teamwork. In today’s world that seems so focused on self aggrandizement it definitely would be good idea then to learn to sustain this learning in other spheres of ones life and share this knowledge with others too …’To dance is to share and to share is to learn …’

Savvy Raj

A space that’s open yet bounded with a focus can be conducive to learning as when the process of exploration begins it is helped by a structured approach .

But while boundaries may be reminding of a journey having a destination, it is the openness that reflects the never ending source of creativity.

The spirit of this reflection will be when both the voice of a individual or the collectives of a group is heard. The voice of concerns must be addressed in truth and honesty .

There must be solitude to absorb your understanding as well as companionship for conversations to test , reflect and enhance learning ….
A space for learning can be contemplative, restorative, uplifting, energizing, stimulating ….regenerating, calming…accepting reflection … after all the horizon of learning is always expanding….:)

Savvy

Living in the now is a perfectly positive life indeed! How can that happen? Well simply put , Sense every moment blossoming into the next than just getting overtly entangled in that moment with a conscious awareness of the movements in the moments .Many beautiful moments are lost because the self is too busy worrying about what was and what will happen instead of being in the moment that is and enjoyably so!

There is nothing that is totally perfect life maybe, but there is always scope for the better! Finding joys in the simple things of life is perfection personified because it means you are able to sift through the pain and find happiness no matter how or what the circumstances are . Many of us have yet to master this considerably simple act in our lives. We all have the memory left in us to be so since we were children as children are happy because they are able to see the simple things of life as they are, without over analyzing and creating complex duality of thoughts for themselves. So somewhere in us we all have the power of happiness and simplicity which at times are covered by layers of shielding that become weapons of self destruction of our positive possibilities.As a result it creates a build up of negativity and blockages in our systems making sickness and ill health a repeating pattern in our lives.

Gradually as we channelize our thoughts, actions and deeds to a more higher plane of consciousness instead of the mundane we are more connected and tuned in to access nature’s energy in the form of healing light of awareness that envelopes us increasing our immunity and our ability to see and accept life’s, infinite spectrum of colors with unconditional joy !

Any of us can manifest a perfectly positive life by being more flexible, understanding, accepting, sharing & giving without holding back . Some simple behavioral shifts to consider are…

1: Avoid Sarcasm & Criticism in thoughts words and action

2:If you are in a state of anger and negativity, pause and turn your attention to witness and connect to your own breathing.

3:Starting with the self … even with a single deed a day do enable the self to act with compassion . A kind and appreciative thought leads to an act of kindness and creates a chain of positivity which in turn is Self healing and Self Empowering.

4:Share your knowledge without boundaries. Being a giver after all makes you a stronger person.

5 Most of all remember the interconnect that runs through us all and the strength in the interconnects !

These are great attitudes to develop if we are to live a fuller, richer and a successful life.

Live Life Lovingly:)

Savvy Raj

I simplify my thoughts, to be present in the moment enough to enjoy them.

I dwell in this moment so that I can smile in my breathing and this is the only truth for me

At the heart of my being I know I have all that I may need,to be all that I can be …. All is well within.

The truth is not chanced upon by search and research alone but by fair introspection and non-judgmental contemplation.

But to reach where I am headed I must value time enough,to be present in the now and share love enough, to nourish and sustain the soul that I dwell in.

True freedom and liberation is when we start to bridge the cultural ,socio economic,differences we have due to mindset, location, or space. Had the opportunity to experience this first hand some while ago when I had the privilege through a dear friend to facilitate a Dance Movement workshop in Chennai for some underprivileged children .It was a motley group of about twenty kids, many of them around 10 to 16 years adolescents.When I undertook this task, I was aware that I had no idea how receptive they would be to ballroom dance movements … but went ahead with it positively aiming to let it take course and develop as naturally as possible .Most of these children, were quite an interactive bunch and clearly more than ready to mingle , that put me at ease as suddenly I just knew what my next step could be … I decided to get them to participate as a group and then in pairs as I went about explaining & demonstrating a few steps of some Latin and Ballroom dances .

Clearly visible was the spirit of joy as these children and the few adults who were briefly ready to let out their inner child ,intermingled unabashedly with the power of positivity through the medium of dance … As I played and danced along with the children, one young boy (a keen learner I had observed ) stepped out of the group and asked me if I would dance with him. To make it interesting to the group further I told him I will do so if he agrees to to do the Dappan Koothu …( the folkstyle dancing seen in Tamil films) to my Samba moves… And yes it totally synced as we heard a resounding applause and cheer from all around ! Music and dance is the language of the soul and who knows it better than those who sing and dance themselves …

The beautiful time spent with these vibrant and happy go lucky kids will be entrenched in me , they gave me so much without their knowing…!! The joy of sharing , the spirit of happiness and most of all the hope to rise above the apparent and evolve for the better. In those precious moments I spent with them, I witnessed unconditional love and affection and positive connection from these brave-hearts … in deep gratitude and with a thankful and blissful heart I look ahead in time. A little bit of sensitivity,enthusiasm and a touch of love and care …goes a long long way indeed !!!
Oh yes I forgot to mention …. it was truly interesting to say the least, to be able to teach Ballroom dancing in Tamil … But of course dancing is a nonverbal language of its own … and that’s what we spoke that day…Hope to catch up with them soon ! Certainly intend to conduct more such creative workshops in other places too… Anyone with ideas do get in touch with me ….:)

Savvy Raj

In the yonder the sun glistens ‘like gold ‘ And besides me are flowers in manifold hues of pink jostling up a treat of wonder and awe for my rapturous eyes.The green of the leaves envelop me in calm as I listen attentively to the rustling foliage …

It’s Dawn…. Beautiful light!

Daybreak You are a breathtaking Sight..

How I love the way the blue and white sky-sublimes your bright orange hues to a beautiful serene shade of cream and I watch in awe as it’s rippled undertones splashes delightfully across the mighty sky and the sea….and the river of the molten yellow glistening like golden lava….. tinting the Sea so sensually in all shades of the heaven and earth.

Indeed… A glimpse of heaven on earth!

Savvy Raj

The moment I saw this beautiful picture I felt so connected with it … and these words above just tumbled out of me …. just had to write it down !! Perhaps I felt so one with it … that I actually visited a place quite close to this in Southern Europe recently and I thought to myself… Dreams do manifest to reality … let’s always hope to dream beautiful dreams 🙂