Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!


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Gratitude: From one writer to another.

Gratifying to know…

The gratification that comes from and only through all you involved readers.

So much gratitude to you all for your support and engagement and likes.

Through encouraging comments and fabulous link shares.

So much learning in these sharings.

So grateful for the opportunity to share

Looking forward to reading your works

In mutual admiration and respect

From one writer to another.

For readers and writers are connected

In a dance of symbiosis

There is no one without the other.

Savvy

 


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SOUL TO SOUL

Soul to soul,

Heart to heart

Speaks one to another.

I am another you,

One soul to another.

I am an extension

Of your own love of Life.

I seek your blessings.

I seek your knowledge.

I seek your wisdom.

I seek your strength.

Ingrained in the sands of time,

You have experience in living life

That I have none.

I begin with what you give.

Your thoughts, your intentions,

Your belief and faith

Interweave in mine

To carve this new life.

An imprint of you I am

As much as the souls before.

Savvy


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Creative Enrichments

WordPress certainly has its unique ways
Of appreciation and encouragement
To support the writers on this platform
There are stats that show up on screen.

So I am told one morning by WordPress
That I am on a three-day posting streak
At first, I was amused and a tad bit confused
For hadn’t I been posting literally every day… for so long…

But guess WordPress took its own sweet time
To catch up to my blog amongst the millions
So I too decided to play along…
Every day since then I have been publishing

A poem written afresh, simply inspired
A continuation from my previous post
In creatives emerging in thoughts.
Perhaps from a readers comment
Or better still in its contemplation.

Today as I complete a 10-day streak
I want to share these published posts
Here together in an attempt to string
These beads of thoughts together

Poetry can be the jewellery of language.
Pearls of fresh thoughts bonded into words.
Creativity strung together in a form.
Like a necklace that is adorned in appreciation.

Creativity is there within
Us all for the taking
And all it needs is a step in
In reflection and action…

It was a joy to play along
Connecting the dots,
Stringing the words,
As they came along.

Kudos to WordPress

Stats for the supportive inputs
And my amazing blogger friends

For inspirations along my way.

Savvy

Here are the links of the last 10 day Post streak that I will simply call Creative Enrichments

A few observations …

These ten days I had a purpose steeped in creative enrichment. The idea was to be receptive and responsive to whatever that these posts brought forth.

And I sensed how these Inspirations came my way on its own.

A special thanks to a few WordPress writers who are involved without their own knowledge… that I want to thank here.

Dr Sridhar from

https://philosophyviaphotos.wordpress.com

for sending that poetry challenge up my alley and asking a profound question that made me write some more.

Efi from

https://efisoul63.wordpress.com

for mentioning and sharing some interesting links that inspired me along the way.

Sadje from https://lifeafter50forwomen.com

a new friend I made in these few days for her kind and generous words of heartfelt appreciation.

Dutch from

https://onthepathleasttraveled.wordpress.com

for being there with words of encouragement and sharing apt and brilliant quotes in goodwill every step of the way. They are truly thoughtful insights. Do keep them coming.

Annie from

https://anniegoose.wordpress.com

a new friend thanks to this writing streak

and my friend from

https://thereluctantpoetweb.wordpress.com

both whose shares and reblog of these posts, spirited my writing with their kind gestures.

And to all my fellow readers who liked shared and commented in these posts every day.

Thank you all.🙏

Any act of creativity is a collaboration of thoughts and ideas that spring forth from everywhere .

Savvy

Day 1
3 Day Lyrical posts Day I

Favourite Songs Day 1

Day 2
Lyrical Challenge Day 2

3 day Lyric Challenge’Day 2

Day 3
Lyrical Challenge Day3

Favourite Songs Day 3

Day 4
Sunflower trait

Sunflower trait.

Day 5
Creativity and Humility

Creativity & Humility

Day 6
The Potent Now

The Potent Now!

Day 7
On Expressions

On Expressions

Day 8
Perspective

Perspective.

Day 9
Waltz of the words

Waltz of the words

Day 10
Windows of the Soul

Windows of the Soul


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Perspective.

The light shines from above in congruence

On top of the mountain

As much as on the land and trees

The light knows not the difference.

It’s purpose is to shine …

The snow capped mountains receive it

And disperse it in reflections.

And the light melts the snow

To let it flow like a river.

While it’s a different path for the tree.

The tree takes it to grow and bloom

As the light helps the flowers blossom.

Nature teaches amazing grace

To flow as much as to grow

To let go as much as to flourish

Lessons that come in the envisioning

Source is the same

It is all in the choices

In the knowing

What to do

With the source…

All is a perspective of light!

Savvy


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On Expressions

An Expression is full of intent
Full of focus and determination
Seems far removed from submission
Let alone the letting go.

And yet in the juxtaposition…
To flow with the eloquence of grace
Exists the enigma of the elusive
The surrealism of subtlety
Of approach & demeanour
Of action and intention.

For in the wisdom of every movement
Is the potential of the now…
To capture or to connect
To be bound or to blend
All is a choice within us.

Savvy


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Creativity & Humility

Creativity is innate potential.

Deeply entwined in humility

In every realisation of potential infinite

Creation manifests itself time and again.

So much to know and understand

So much to learn and discover

So much to explore and fathom

Lifetimes are never enough

Such is the potential of the infinitum.

Creativity is embedded and enmeshed with emotions. To create is to connect with the core and the depth of the being.

Savvy

In the flow of creation

Is the acknowledgement

Of the letting go

In the depth of creation

There is only pure potential

Where I, Me or Myself

Ego plays ceases to exist.

Expressions are conceived

In the potentials intention

They will find purpose

In the very strength of intention

That elevates consciousness

Beyond pride and prestige

Beyond fame and fortune.

As creativity tunes in to sense

The subtlest of emotion.

In the shaping and the blending

From thoughts to action

Creativity and humility

Go hand in hand in sublimity.

Have you any experience on the interconnects of creativity and humility? Do care to share.

A few of my posts related to Creativity

https://wp.me/p6a0yZ-2Pj

Art : Creating the Symphony of Life

10 tools to Manifest Creative Flow

On Creativity https://savvyraj.com/2018/04/01/on-creativity/


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3 day Lyric Challenge’Day 2

Challenge accepted.

Day 2.

My sincere thanks to Dr Sridhar for nominating me for a ‘3-day Lyric Challenge’
Please do check his wonderful blog at
Philosophy Through Photography

https://philosophyviaphotos.wordpress.com

And delve into the philosophical angle of his photos which is his interest as well.
Hence the apt title.

My choice for Day 2 lyrical challenge is

Blowin’ in the Wind

https://youtu.be/sPbfJAIugIQ

Bob Dylan

How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Yes, ‘n’ how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
Yes, ‘n’ how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, ‘n’ how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Yes, ‘n’ how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, ‘n’ how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, ‘n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind

Songwriters: Bob Dylan

Blowin’ in the Wind lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Audiam, Inc

Today my nominees to this challenge are:

1 Maxim https://themaximoblog.wordpress.com/

maximoco@gmx.co.uk

2 Anne Copeland https://allinadaysbreath.wordpress.com/

3 https://thejetsetgocouple.com/

Rules:
1.Thank the person who nominated you.
2. Share one of your favourite song/lyrics one at a time for three days.
3. Nominate three other bloggers each day.

Savvy Raj
http://www.savvyraj.com


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Light of Life.

In the vastness of the dark
A single candle makes a difference
It illuminates and creates interest
It draws attention and focus
For it casts a riveting spell
It attracts life towards it
For it is light of Life itself.

Light and dark
Fill the void
With their own potential
There is much that is yet dark
Yet even a glimmer of light
Sends out a message there is hope

The purpose of light
Is to shine on its path
In spite of the darkness
The essence of light
Is never hidden too long
Although the light
May cross paths with darkness

The nature of light
Is to shine on…
No matter the darkness
For it cannot remain
Too long in the pocket
Suppressed or subdued.

It shares from wherever it can
In every direction and distance
And when it stir up on some reflections
And has pushed those shadows behind
It knows it has fulfilled its presence

Light is all encompassing
All allowing and fearless
Lighting paths of darkness
In clarity and understanding

In the utter dark of the night
Its presence needs a little wait
In both patience and perseverance
To envision the mighty rays
The dawn of its true potential

In Lighting the hearts
Aflame in purpose
In beauty of the envisioning…
The potential of possibilities

Light of Life
You are on your own
From the moment you birth
And you are enough for you

Savvy

This poem is a reflection of my thoughts after reading my good friend Anne Copeland’s verses on Lady of Light.

https://wp.me/paaMAw-2A .And while you are there you should also check out her very interesting blog All In a Days Breath.


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Honour the Body

Your body confidence begins with honouring the body. Find ways for self care that nourishes the temple of your abode. Treat yourself well.

Savvy

The Art of Self Management.

Honour and value the body.

It is truly the only one you have.

Disrespecting the body

Creates disease from within

Managing the self is to value your potential.

Integrating the spirit and the soul

Is to align the thoughts and actions

And to realise the infinite possibilities

In balance of the heart and mind.

Care for your body. Nurture it .

And take control of your health.

Respect the body for your life is in it!

Savvy


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What’s your favourite style of dance, and why?

As a Ballroom & Latin dance educator, many students have asked me what my favourite dance style is…
It is said that each style is like a language. Personally, I also think of different dance styles as having a “mood” that goes with them. I guess it’s not surprising that I do like lots of “happy” or “joyous” styles of dance. But I really do like the variety of dances for the variety of moods and it’s amazing ability in bringing a sense of balance. If I was stuck to dancing in one style, I would probably get bored after a while (I know that sounds strange). But it’s one of the reasons I really like dancing a variety of dances.

The Tango (for its intensity and passion at play as much as its fancy footwork)

And dancing the Waltz (for the heady glide, the rise and fall and its romantic sway).

Love the Rumba for it certainly is the dance of love… the song Everyday I love you, immediately comes to mind. But this performance by Slavik and Karina is quite riveting.

Happen to like the Cha cha for its stylish moves as much as its teasing spirit …that kind of speaks, this is my move … now, what’s yours?

I love the Jive for its lively spirit. You can truly never be sad after a little Jive/ Swing and Rock and roll. What say? At least it has always been a happy dance for me.

Really fond of it as much as the Samba for its lively bounce, so full of joyfulness.

Then of course comes the Foxtrot that feels like a wonderful conversation a dialogue between the steps

I also like the Merengue with its simple marching steps and executing many inter-looping turns almost feeling like a pretzel.

And how can I leave the Bachata for its engaging sensuality as those dancing hips don’t lie, they say it all and much much more…

Dances are so many and styling makes it even more unique.

In fact, I enjoy all these dances and more for their unique expressions – just one style would get boring.

The trick is to flow with the music and your partner whatever the dance and partake in the pleasure of dancing together in the now.

To actually be able to enjoy dancing to the varied music styles that would be a real treat. All the more reasons to learn and train in more than just one dance style :))

Do share your thoughts on dance and if you love to dance, what your favourite style of dance is…

I would be glad to learn and read more.

Savvy


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Amazing Nature

Breathtaking Symmetry

Amazing poise and amazing grace

Came across this picture online

And I couldn’t take my eyes off this one

This speaks for nature at its symmetrical best

In harmonious synchrony of creation

Every curve, shape, profoundly manifests

Nature in all its awe and wonder

A testament to divinity in life and living.

Savvy

There is moment of reckoning

As you face nature’s beauty in the eye

You are arrested by emotions

Welling within you in admiration.

I see the gentleness in those eyes

I am drawn to the patterns so pleasing

I am awed by the texture and shades

Creation so majestic in all living glory.

I bow in reverence to the creator of life.

PS: If you find yourself drawn to this picture like I did , do include your immediate thoughts below whatever comes to you . Am keen to understand and learn more… I would truly appreciate your effort.Thank you .


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Enigma & Elegance

On Black and White Artistry

Black and white may be excluded

From the family of colours.

But the tints, tones & shades

Find a family of their own….

In the enigmatic monochrome

And the elegance they exude

Borders on sheer simplicity

And dares on the utter sophistication.

In a world of colours that we may see

Using tonal contrast creates drama

Using light to capture textures.

Form and shape makes a difference.

Devoid of distractions of colours

Evocative captures, quality of lighting

Shifts focus on the ethereal elements

And accentuates the light and shadows.

Black and white photography

Flatters in a timeless way

At times it elevates, the subjects beauty

Creating an enigmatic dimension.

Presenting my artwork above

Titled : Chakra (Wheel ) above that felt right to me

Only in monochromatic elegance

Of Black & White shades and tones.

Savvy


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Think Positive Do Positive

Smile from the heart…

Help without expectations

Care without agenda

Paint with love

Sense the love!

Express yourself!

Share the love…

You do not live each day to discover what it holds for you, but to create it!
Lets start by creating some positive thoughts in and around us!

Savvy

Little things

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its-the-little-things-that-tend-to-add-up-in-a-big-way

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


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The Great Indian Thali

Indian food at Maharaja Bhog

For a complete Indian thali experience.

Culturally India has seen many influences from the past to the present times. One of the fascinating things about Indian food is the variety of tastes distinctive in form and appeal from a melting pot of influences and different cultures.

A recent visit to one of the famous traditional Indian Thali eateries with my daughter in tow turned out to be quite a delightful experience…

The Plating: An experience in itself.

The Thali is a distinct offering of varied dishes served on a platter.

The thali or the round plate of food depicts the unique way food is consumed. A visual treat of an assortment of delicacies laid out a plate served in many small little cups, bowls or katoris as they are called.

The richness of the food prepared makes it food fit for a king. For the Indian kings were known to have a history of cooks or Maharaja as they were fondly called had a special place in their lives. The Maharajas thali is a reflection of the opulence of those times.

A plethora of foods prepared in copious amounts and served in unlimited ways back then formed the foundation of the thali experience in today’s times.

The taste: What can be said but the words… A privy to the pleasures of the palate. its all taken care’ of as truly every taste is blended in beautifully in the thali from sweet salty sour spicy, bitter pungent astringent and more …

Found this proudly displayed for those interested in selfies! Replete with a grand turban… A (Maharaja ) king’s chair for a king’s (Maharaja’s) meal.

Cushy and comfy seating in a neat and well-maintained arrangement.

The Service :

Very unique and almost in a meticulous and methodical precision. They have unique sign language to communicate nonverbally between themselves as to how and where what needs to be served. It is such a refined and discreet practice when you actually begin to take note of it.

The result is a smooth rollout of flavours in a flow and you are left flabbergasted at the number of items on the menu.

The typical meal ensures a heady sensory experience on your palate. The usual all-time favourites have been the Gujarati Kadi and Dal and Khichidi as well as the Bhakri and Dal Bhatti. The sweet tooth cravings get deeply satiated with the often repeated Moong Dal Halwa and Basundi which transports you a few steps to heaven and back makes eating a thali like this all a totally unforgettable experience.

To top it all up and wind up a perfectly fine traditional Indian meal, is the refreshing pan they offer as soon as you are done with the meal which works well as a digestive and as a mouth freshener.

A sumptuous feast indeed! Do visit if you want to experience the abundance and flavours of the’ Great Indian Vegetarian Thali.’

Savvy