Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!


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Dancing to what moves you.

Love Dancing?

Are you drawn to the art of movement? Do you wish to dance but are confused where to begin and how to take the first step into the world of dance? Read on…

 

First of all it is essential to find that dance form  which moves you. But before that  it would be a good idea to ask yourself if you are the kind of person who is a team player or someone who enjoys solo dancing.

  If you  are kind who enjoys social dancing with a partner there are a plethora of  dance forms you can learn, but yes the ideal situation is that you have a willing partner who enjoys dancing as much as you do!

Learning even the basics of some partner dance forms that appeal to you and your taste of music and tempo is a wonderful way to step into the world of dancing. 

Its important to remember that just like our choices are not static but actually evolve with time, in an ever evolving world of movement,  dances too evolve with changing trends and generations … thus it is the study  and practice of the concepts and techniques that play an important role in developing your skills and enhance your dancing.

If you are interested in learning to dance ..it would be good to be aware of the depth of your interest, whether its just as a passing fancy, a fad to learn something new,or to learn because of a deeper connect that you feel every time you dance, or even as you watch other people dancing. An honest self appraisal would be helpful in deciding what the next course of action should be. If you feel the connect I am talking about, get going and start of with some dancing lessons for yourself now!  

 If you wish to discuss more on your dance related queries feel free to reach out here savvy@danceconcepts.in.

Savvy Raj 

Member International Dance Council 

UNESCO


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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!😊

 


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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 


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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 


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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 


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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.

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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.

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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.

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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






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 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 


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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 

 

 


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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.


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Across the Star Spangled Spaces

 Across the Star spangled Space ….

 A Celebration  of Universal  Consciousness

 In the  Eternal Dance of  Cosmic Lights …💙👌💙

 Savvy 


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 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

 


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An Award Nomination 

sunshine Blogger Award

I have been conferred with  ‘The Sunshine Blogger Award’ on WordPress by Siddharth Dua . Link to his blog. http://www.obsoletereality.com. 

 From the little I know of Siddhartha, what emerges is his consistent supportive and encouraging nature to his fellow bloggers. He is  a true conversationalist which reflects very well in his writings. I wish him all the very best in his life as well as his writing endeavours. 

Here are my answers to Siddharths questions…

 What brings you to blogging?

The simple joy  of reading and writing….My need to express and share my thoughts where it would find readers who will share likewise.

Who is the most important person in your life?

My immediate family is very important  to me in equal measures.

What are your fitness goals and how you plan to achieve them?

 My fitness goals are to be active every day ,long enough to break into a healthy sweat, that keeps me healthy and at ease  body and mind.

Money according to you is?

Is a necessity but not everything.

Will you invest in stocks or FDs?

Not a stocks player for sure!

If you had millions of dollars would you still be working in the same organization that you are presently working.

I work for myself and thus I know it is  a privilege that can allow me  to do all that can and want to …so perhaps if I had all that money I would do more to make that money work for me in ways I want it to.

Have you ever been depressed in life?

We all have our highs and lows in life  but thankfully have ‘Dancing’ to turn towards whenever I need a spring in my steps.So have managed just fine so far.😊

Do you think  there a stigma attached in going to a psychiatrist?

Not any more. Glad that there is a lot more acceptance on taking help when needed for mental health issues in India.

Have you ever suffered from insomnia, if yes what you did about it?

 Sleep doesn’t elude me … Nor do I elude it. We are fine friends whenever and as much required.😊  Being a morning person. I do prefer to sleep early as much as possible.

My nominations are… it is tough to choose from so many awesome bloggers. So in no particular order:

http://www.obsoletereality.com. 

http://plantsandbeyond.com

https://colourfulcanvass.com

https://aletheakehas.com

https://megalaskitchen.com/

https://geetadhaar.wordpress.com

https://tinahomeblog.com

http://ultimatetraveldotblog.wordpress.com

https://nishthaexploringlifeac.worq13qdpress.com

https://aquibview.wordpress.com

https://boundlessblessingsblog.wordpress.com

 https://themaximoblog.wordpress.com

 https://happymesshappiness.wordpress.com

https://pcblogscom.wordpress.com

http://www.saschahjort.com

My best wishes to each of you …stay stellar and keep shining uniquely!

 My questions for fellow bloggers

 What is your take on equality of sexes?

What is your idea of happiness?

What is your idea of a perfect day in your life? 

Do you like to dance, if so what style or form attracts you?

What are you most thankful for?

Among the many valuable qualities what is the most important quality to develop as a human being?

 Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Have a beautiful day all!!! 🌻🌻🌻 


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On Thoughts … Part 2

This morning I wrote down a few thoughts ….’On tboughts’ and shared and just a while ago I was pleasantly surprised by some lovely afterthoughts shared by my dear mother  almost immediately on Whatsapp.

I share her jotted thoughts here as part 2:

 On Thoughts  
Thoughts are the doorways that connect our inner and outer world. As we walk along this path it leads  us along the physical ,material world filled with varied emotions, feelings and desires. It connects us with our past, bring back the forgotten memories and our reaction depends on what it mirrors. It has the power to make us sad, angry, or happy.  Like an expert master it rules our emotions.  A happy moment can turn sour when it brings an unwanted, unneeded or unconnected memory back which is followed by a volley of unnecessary words and arguments which can make the whole scene bitter, thereby sowing the seed for another set of  reactions in another time frame. 

On blooming thoughts . 

   

It is a magical weaver. It has the potential to jump from past to future in a fraction of a second. It’s speed surpasses the fastest speed known to us. It has the power to take us to the dream world idling for hours together.    

In the the ocean of time it’s waves are endless. We become playing clay in its hands moulding our moods as it wants.

   In short our thoughts rule us. Like an obedient slave we obey its whimsical command forgetting our true potential.  The wise souls understood this.With their deep knowledge they have shown us various ways  to take command of our thoughts n  tame them. Like a circus ringmaster in the midst of wild animals we should be in constant awareness to lead our thoughts, and observe their moves.
  Similar to a focussed traveller who never strays from his path how much ever  alluring the sceneries on his way, elluding the perils in his path  goes steadfast to reach his destination, we should train ourselves not to be distracted by the flow of thoughts.  We can never stop its flow, as it is natural, but can train our mind not to react to each and every word.  Let’s be a witness,  never become a part. Let’s keep proceeding with the companionship of  positivities like kindness, compassion, selflessness,  humility and  gratitude.  Let’s make this journey beautiful.

 

 Come, let’s walk together in harmony guiding each other positively, as we reach our individual  goals and collective aspirations.

Anjana 

 Do feel free to share your thoughts…


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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