“May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house.
May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there.
May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows,
And may the rainbow always touch your shoulder.”
A beautiful American Indian Cherokee Blessing that someone sent across to me. Thank you my friend wherever you are … đ This I share with all my friends here today.
There was a time when the day started with a greeting at the light of dawn
Now it all starts with the light of mobile screen
There was a time when travellers used to chat with one another.
Now traveling is to update status and post photos.
There was a time when writing meant using a pen and paper.
Now all it mean, is clicking of buttons on a keyboard.
There was a time, when postman were eagerly awaited.
Now that is all a thing of the past.
There was a time when movies were a family affair.
Now Netflix on phone makes everyone watch on their own.
There was a time when children learned from parents.
Now it is children who teach it all to their parents.
There was a time when holidays at home meant board games & conversations
Now all the catching up is on What app and Facebook.
There was a time when life had time to catch up with one another.
Now life runs after time to catch up with time.
With the advent of times,
The sense of family is fast disappearing.
Each lives for themselves and prefers their own company.
Each spends and cares more for their gadgets than people around them.
With the apathy and indifference that abounds,
The Social recluses we are all becoming confounds.
Such is the time we live in today…
Wonder what future we have, to reckon with?
Savvy
Also Published on Linked in Pulse & Speaking Tree
Life is…
A little ray of light.
A little smile, a little laughter.
A little company, a little love.
A little gift of kindness.
A little gleam of sunshine.
A little sparkle to our day.
A little glimmer of hope.
A little hand that cares to help.
A little wish that comes true.
A little touch in loving care.
A little wave of joy.
A little walk across the bend.
A little rain on a hot summers day.
A little warmth on a cold winters day.
A little sunshine on a cloudy day.
A little shade in a hot deserted road.
A little water in moments of thirst.
A little moonbeam on a dark night.
A little twinkle of the starlit sky.
A little dance to fill our senses.
A little song to renew the spirit.
A little fun to freshen us up.
A little chocolate to make your day.
A little comfort in moments of despair.
A little ride on country roads.
A little prayer in the bliss of grace.
A little book to unwind at night!
Savvy
It is in these little things that life renews and restores faith in life once again. Life goes on ….
Take a little moment to live lovingly and notice the little things in this now as it is.
As someday these little things matter a great deal!
Savvy Raj
Every learning is a two-way process. There is the imparter of knowledge, skill & wisdom of truth who could be called a guru, teacher or a facilitator. Then there is the one who receives, assimilates, processes synthesizes & is then convinced about his or her interpretation of assimilation of truth enough to be called the student, shishya or disciple.
Now as learning is a never-ending process of growth and realization all the seekers of knowledge should have the channels of thoughts, words & deeds open for correction, improvement to be able to retain & sustain the available information to the best of their abilities.
The interpretation of knowledge may happen with respect to the personal state of mind and matter of the receiver, no matter whether he is the student or a teacher. Both are only human and are bound to the vagaries of human nature.
Poise & Composure
The sheer physical or mental magnetism a teacher or student exudes or otherwise must not undermine the purpose. So certain restraint in conduct, both in the physical emotional & mental sense must be in place for a mutually symbiotic relationship to take place. Itâs very important for this realization to be clear and apparent enough between both of them before they can begin a journey of refinement that knowledge brings forth. In a situation of misplaced judgement, it is important for the other to coach and coax the unwilling and astray mule in the mind of the erring person, back on to the road, whoever they are, student or teacher. As learning is a two-way street. The learning will at times make the student a teacher and the teacher a student in the journey of realization.
Channelling the learning
Many times the temptation of thoughts will bring even the most dedicated of students or teachers to testing the real purpose of their efforts and practice. At this juncture, the control of mind and body actions must be exercised. This, if left unchecked could leave room for unnecessary situations which could harm the beautiful synthesis and symbiotic nature of the student-teacher relationship. The boundaries of mind are easily even more difficult to fathom and clarify.
It is simple and wise to let the mind be grounded, focused and steadfast in its purpose enough to be clear about the distinction and discernment while the learning relationship is taking place. As a single stray thought, or action could cause confusion enough to completely toss the relationship boundaries to levels which may be difficult to tilt back to states of equilibrium that needs to be maintained.
Steering the learning
The teacher must make it clear to himself or herself and to the students that he is there for the purpose of teaching and sharing the knowledge that he has been privy to, probably because of his own levels of ability, understanding, karma, dedication or steadfastness and discipline in acquiring the related skill. This act itself clears the ground for proper acceptance of a teacherâs education.
The thought and senses need to be checked before every movement such that there is respect enough for the student towards the teachersâ knowledge and in doing so the teacher manages to gain the required acceptance from the student and learning resumes.
Respect
But this is only one side of the coin the student too, has certain modes of conduct which needs to be observed and never crossed.
It is very important to understand first of all that neither a teachers time must not be taken for granted nor his teachings. They will be there for you as you need it and thus trust enough to understand that you cannot learn more or less of anything than what is required for you at that time.
Secondly, it is important that both accept and follow the principles of conduct in which learning is taking place which is ideally laid down by the form or subject to ensure that both do not stray beyond the boundaries and go off track.
The purpose of learning is absolutely free flowing & spills over to life and its situations and circumstances so this association of thought must not be confused with favoritism and partiality of any kind between both of them.
In some learning, the personal space both physical and mental greatly narrows down between the teacher and student putting them in a quandary especially if both are seeing a reflection of thoughts and actions in each other. This is definitely a situation to exercise caution enough to circumvent the spillover of knowledge beyond the cup of the mind.
Finally, there is the need to assimilate and interpret an information and only then act upon it, not get taken by impulse so much that you donât give the other side the benefit of doubt.
The realization that experiences necessary for your learning and growth come to you will be clear but at the same time, you must keep in mind that no student or teacher can exercise and influence you to the degree that you do not want to be.
You learn what you can imbibe.. Not more not less!
Savvy
I wrote this article years ago but I was reminded of it today as in India it is Guru Poornima a day dedicated to the Teacher or Guru in and around us.
It is a day of celebration in respect & reverence for the exchange of knowledge and wisdom.
I addressed here the interplay of that which needs a mutual definition in understanding between both the students and the teacher as learnings begin to happen. It is always a work in progress for I believe learning is never ending and a continuous path of life and living.
Yet it is beautiful to pause & be grateful for the understanding that comes our way. Thus through the trials & tribulations of being a student & a teacher, life abounds in deep gratitude.
Happy Guru Poornima!
Savvy
A good word or a kind deed
As a response than just a reaction
Sets off much goodwill in the river of time.
Appreciation is an evolved response.
To appreciate without fear or favour
Is to understand the value of life.
To appreciate is to sense this human need.
Of the joy of the interconnects
Between life to life, of seeing the positive.
Appreciation can come from nowhere
But it is the seed for self-improvement
Giving the value of recognition.
When appreciation exists
Kindness and respect manifests
While it nourishes the spirit, life flourishes.
Savvy
Rut of Routine
Are you feeling you are living a routine life
You get up and you do things mechanically without a trace of being alive to it.
Do you feel life is boring and just another day to rise and do your duties as a chore?
Do you sometimes wish for the day to end before it even begins?
Do you feel life is too complicated and desperately want a change of scene…
Perhaps then you are passing through the path of nowhere.
Life often hands you wisdom at the time you are in the path of least resistance because it wants you to listen keenly.
It wants you to understand you are your own path maker and path breaker, you are your own teacher and tutor.
You are your best friend and guide.
It wants you to sense the futility of living so that you can finally bridge over and honour the living you. And perhaps then strive to nourish the moments of life left with you willingly.
Going berserk in helplessness, sensing pain or loss and loneliness are part of phases we may all move through…. at some point in our life. The choice is with us how to find ourselves than lose ourselves. Some find solace and comfort in others along the path when the going gets too tough. Some are givers and some takers in the interbeing of life and living And travellers we all already are.
Here are 5 steps you can take to shake free from the rut of routine.
1: Work on Self-observation:
Observe more of your environment. Develop healthy interests in the world you are living. Care to understand more. Be open to learning.
2 Value & acknowledge one another:
Many times life feels like a standstill and as if its caught in a rut of routine and mundane because it is truly how one is living. When moments are given value over things, when people around start to matter, life starts to change and evolve for the better. Make an effort to greet people extend polite courtesies without expectation and acknowledge another as they are. Life starts to transform vividly as you start showing interest.
3 Love your self & cultivate gratitude:
Balance the relationship with yourself and others. Show self-respect and care to love the person you truly are. Cultivate the habit of being grateful for the blessings of life …. it holds you in good stead.
4 Trust yourself more:
Develop your sense of self-worth and self-esteem as you value your thoughts you will learn to trust yourself more in your deeds.
5 Share more. Reflect the positive:
As you learn and engage with the world you will come across much that inspires and intrigues you. Share the positive messages from the universe and send the world your goodwill in care.
Someday when you truly need, the world returns it back to you manifold…such is the way of this circle of life and living as we are strengthened simply is raising of our positive interconnects as travellers in the interbeing.
Savvy Raj
Green and saffron
colors of prosperity and detatchment.
One leads to attach,
One to detatch.
Both gives fulfillment
One externally while
the other internally.
Both in abundance.
No force , in free will.
Selecting the path is in our choices.
Anjana
Above is a photo I took at my home in my terrace garden which invoked an interpretation from my mother Anjana this morning.
Green for prosperity (green earth full of hidden treasures), saffron is for detatchment (color code for sanyasam or renunciation).
Sharing this as it speaks so simply of the juxtaposition of balance in nature that abounds. In colour, form, shape etc in all perspectives of life and living.
Savvy
Every moment is a cornucopia of sensing
Fleeting thoughts in the making
Feelings and emotions reveal themselves.
Between action and inaction
And in the stillness in between
Like the ebb and flow on the tides
While at times amplifying & complicating situations
By tilting the tuning of the body and mind.
Sometimes overpowering almost self
defeating
Sometimes compelling to release the stress withholding
To ease up the being & free up some space
Between thought and action.
Think of your emotions
As a bridge in between
To pause and reflect a while
And then to respond.
Respect your self and own your emotions.
For all your emotions make you, you.
Feel good that you can express
In so many shades and tones.
Emotions are interlinked
In every moment of life and living
All the while authenticating and revealing
The person you truly are.
Savvy
#mindbodyconnection #selfrespect #selfacceptance #wellbeing #beingyou
Expansive & Inclusive thinking.
The importance and impact of thought on humanity cannot be denied. Positively steered thoughts transform lives and create transcendence.
Similarly, aimless thoughts lead to stagnation. And negative thinking is a road to self-destruction. Repression and suppression of thoughts through force and coercion can have harmful effects on the entire persona.
Educating the mind and heart with the power of rational thinking and clarity on topics like humanity and ethical living, natural laws of being, of the larger purpose of being than the self creates a conducive platform for steering the young minds towards self introspection and contemplation in self reflection and awareness.
For instance subjects like philosophy, psychology, sociology can be introduced in high schools along with other mainstream subjects so discussions on morality and ethics of being and humanity at a much impressionable age. Students showing interest can then be given options to advanced exploration.
Every subject has its own charm and significance, In fact including these subjects will help still a restless mind and induce tolerance and patience in thinking and relating.
In doing so the next generations understanding of the relationship of the self and world and itâs interdependence in the strength of the interconnects improves amidst the introspection. The possibilities are infinite.
Our world needs understanding in expansiveness and inclusivity more than ever⌠it needs governance by leaders who value response over reaction.
Savvy
A sense of purpose is necessary for your wellbeing as much as your success.
For purpose conjugates a direction than an aimless wandering.
To consolidate with a focus, is to connect yourself to your own existence.
It’s a knowing that you can direct your energies to fruition
Amassing your experiences towards self expression.
That gives a meaning to your very being.
In such a practice the purpose is reinforced.
Strengthened by the force of intention.
All in a dedication to connect with the core of being who you truly are.
Savvy
Image Credits : Google
Verses & Reflections by Savvy Raj
We shall have our moments of dancing ecstasy
We shall have music of joy beyond the melancholy.
We can cure our self of intolerable distress and worry
We can seek beyond and envision peace not as a possession but as a practice.
We can envision beyond the pitfalls of pain and pleasure
See in nature a mystical purpose greater than the self
Understand the spirit of life beyond petty interpretations.
And value the building of character
We know that what truly is, is what really counts!
Intelligence must question materialism.
It must have confidence in itself and respect its connection with evolution.
We can value art for art’s sake but go deeper to acknowledge the uncertainties of creative justifications.
Savvy
The words you speak has the power to influence more than you can imagine.
Your voice is a gift you own in life. your thoughts matter and they begin to matter even more when you start to speak well .
A few tips on speaking…
Savvy Raj
On Stability
Stay stable
On Faith
Stay blessed
as blessed can be
Feel the divine within you.
You are part of the abundance of nature.
Linked in the magnificence of cosmic connects.
Savvy
Savvy Raj 
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