Have completed more than 365 days of writing a post every single day.
WordPress reminds me I have written a post every day for 365 days in a row.
Here I reminisce about my experience of writing a post every day on WordPress.
What is it to write 365 days consecutively? A lot of passion patience and perseverance. But above all is the joy of writing…
Looking back I realise the amount of contentment in the personal fulfilment of a promise I made to myself to write every day for a year.
The 365 days have certainly had their share of challenges..like relocation, health issues medical emergencies, and ensuing operations and recovery phase, marriages and demise in the family and a host of all those sudden changes of both the personal and professional kind that is prone to occur in the span of an entire year’s time.
But the whole idea for me was to see how committed I was to my writing and if writing every day would make me short of ideas ever.
What was the purpose? Simply to see if I can truly sustain in making time to do something I love and enjoy every bit of it for a long period of time.
The only clause I set for my self is to never write with a pressure to publish but to write with a passion for self-expression and send out positively charged messages through these words into space… hoping it will make a difference!
My heartfelt gratitude to my wonderful readers and followers for your support and insights that sparked much of the creativity.
Some would take time to share relevant quotes and resources, some beautiful thoughts that were truly inspiring and some would send emails sharing their personal stories and experiences and even express a desire to connect and collaborate on artistic endeavours.
So this year of committed and consistent writing on varied topics has had its rewards too inspite of the grind. Like an offer for conducting my dance workshops. an opportunity to speak on motivation and womens empowement, invitations to judge local school competitions, write and compile a book of these blogs and two enquiries to ghostwrite their books. More importantly to have come across some truly amazing people and their writings many of who have turned into great friends here in these interactions.
Good start I would say! There is, after all, no writer without a reader. Thank you all for your generous words and comments that kept pouring in motivation required to continue in those challenging times.
Looking back at the posts published, I found my life experiences of the day moving like imagery through these words and I am truly happy to have written and published my positive reflections in time.
Sharing my thoughts on what writing truly is to me in verses…
The Joy Of Writing
Never force the words out
For then there is no joy.
In fact, let your words flow from you
And remember you are just a channel.
The giving vessel will pour the words
Water this gift of creativity.
Your innate sense of understanding
Will summarize and summon the words for you.
Be proactive and prepared.
Provide time for reflections.
Reference from life and experiences.
Contemplate and convey.
The joy of writing is in the trust
Of allowing and accepting
The endless possibilities
Of creativity in the flow.
Know your thoughts are unique
In the way, they arrive and arrange
In the flow is the magic
That is playing out through you.
Enjoy witnessing the tumble through
Of words in their own arrangement.
Trust in yourself and your maker
For all is pre ordained in time.
Each of us create Circles of being
As our life changes
We create new circles in living
We are constantly recreating
The interpolation of circles
Every circle interconnects
Somewhere somehow.
In these circles of being
Is a sense of community
Creating camaraderie
Creating the ease of flow
Creating confusion and chaos
Of life lived along the edges
Of life lived protected in the core,
Of lives transacted in the transitions
Of lives lost and gained.
Let us know the strength of the circle
Let us respect its flow in the flexibility
We are, but dots in these circles of being
Every dot matters & completes the circle
And can begin a new circle of being.
Savvy
Check out this amazing idea by a woman using the strength of the circles for providing a basic human need for the homeless.
Touch a button and everything is downloaded or uploaded. Isn’t that the trend everywhere now whatever the field, this push button convenience seems to be taking over, whether it’s publishing, the kitchen, homefront luxuries or travel or communications entertainment etc? This is convenience at its best where there is
minimal or no effort and the result is plain to see. Whatever happened to no pain no gain? Anyway I am not complaining here, hi techno gizmos you are most welcome.
The thing that is a cause for concern is that with all this easy way of living that technology brings forth there is a paradigm shift in the thinking of this new generation of hi tech users who are so hooked up to these gadgets of convenience that they expect it to be so in all others areas of life too… The emotional ,physical ,personal aspects of life cannot somehow become machine like and that’s how it is seeming to be.
Many are aware of their growing sense of inadequacies in mutual relationships. The lack of care and concern due to time, and work pressure is somehow seen to be adjusted and neutralized by hi tech gadgets in our households. So much that the person lets the products of convenience make up for his personal presence or absence in family situations andexperiences.
Similarly if one notices most students are averse to listening to another and taking in information from another as their attention span for personal communication is overridden by convenience of Internet, chats and social networks and group calls so why bother.
What happened to good old teaching? Actually the educationists to prefer going tech savvy as they feel that they would be lagging behind otherwise.
The issue for concern is larger than all these little details, slowly machines have replaced humans in most spheres of life. The advent of machines is real and right there in front of us.
Every house in the city and even villages are connected with Internets, so there is a network of telecommunications system without any hazard control measure in place.
In most of the developing countries the health standards and safety for mobile towers, radiations hazards in private personal and public spaces are totally disregarded. People seem to be more interested in getting the job done quickly… with lack of time stress levels are on a all time high and no one seems to be bothered if there are reports published once in a while by some concerned individuals about the dangers of radiations from all these devices of modern technology. The page is turned over with not even a response as no one seems to have the time. ‘ Let someone else to do the job or let’s wait and see if it’s really that bad or so far I haven’t experienced anything. So why bother,’is the care a damn attitude prevalent across most sections of the thinking population.
Lack of empathetic responses makes us more and more mechanical in our approach and we seem to be losing the humane side of us. This is exactly what is happening on a large scale. People are growing indifferent and unapproachable, shrewd and over efficient for a purpose. There is no genuineness left in most relationships as well, everything is for what can I make from this.
So whether its education or otherwise the trend is to conveniently download information and present your work as done instead of contemplative thought and deep understanding. There are very few individuals who are not caught in this web of technology and their numbers is dwindling…
It’s time we wake up to core values or they would be lost forever. An e-card will wish you on your birthday and a cake and roses will be sent to you by post but there will be no one to eat it with. Just you and your gadgets how about it?
Learning any skill requires disciplined and repeated practice. Skill Development is an art itself .
Without the effort of practice , skills cannot improve or sustain.
While practice may not make every person perfect it will certainly better them gradually.
Practice makes you learn until you start to work instinctively.
To reach the level of an expert, practical training is a progressive module which creates challenges as you go along. Every stage a bit tougher than the earlier one.
What is important to remember is that practice is not only necessary but it is necessary to practice efficiently and effectively.
Does practise makes it perfect?
Practice is to engage and rehearse repeatedly in order to perfect a skill to mastery , but not all who practice acheive the level of an expert even with structured and deliberate practice standards in place . So we can safely say practice makes one better gradually.
A consistent practice of any talent or skill will begin to show results for sure. It could be tangible jump or it could be a little step according to the amount to time, focus and energy given to practice. In time the results could be exponential in its rewards as well.
Practice can be truly rewarding and a great source of confidence.But practice needs not only consistency but also determination in perseverance.
A few tips to improve and implement a practice routine..
Be ready to self reflect so as understand why you are motivated to continue practicing.
Be willing to develop the learners mindset and maintain it.
Be mindful of your behavioral changes as you improve and work on it positively to sustain you.
Be engaged proactively to adjust your practice levels as per requirement.
Be focused to set short and long term goals and work on achieving them.
Most of all…
Continuity of practice is important after achieving a set goal…
When you dance with another, what matters most is the trust you place in yourself and your partner to dance as one unit, moving in synchrony and feeling the harmony of your beating hearts. This is the ideal connection that makes dance come alive in the moment.
Yet as much as trust is a much-needed trait in dancing as a couple, often trust takes time to build and is subjective amongst dancers.
To trust is to let go of doubt.
To trust is to allow space for growth.
To trust is to know patience in waiting.
To trust is to allow space for faith.
To trust another is not easy
For one and all.
To some, it may be very difficult.
But trust is certainly worth trying.
To trust takes effort, not assumptions.
It takes practice in time and space.
For trust can be on many levels
Emotional, mental, or physical.
Trust is built to evolve along
For in building the relationship
The foundation needs to endure
The winds of change.
Trust what trust does.
Try to pin it down.
Watch how it turns out to be
Confusing and elusive…
Before you trust, you will
Spend time sensing,
And witnessing the energy,
The tension in the transactions
Being ready for changes,
Being prepared to brave
Through disappointments and dissatisfactions
That may arise at any moment.
And yet…
Trust is not only about building
But about the ability to let go
Of worry and insecurities,
Fear and failures.
To trust is to reach out
Without any expectations
But in utter faith and belief
That you will be supported!
A dance between a couple is a blissful feeling only when there is trust in both the self and the other, just as much as the passion, as only when there is the letting go, can there be the flow manifesting itself through the movements. Savvy Raj
This note above has a true story that happened with me…. I have published it in my earlier article called the Magic of Movements. This is one of those moments when writing and sharing stories from our lives bring us a deep sense of connection… with our readers and ourselves in gratitude for the learnings. And there is that sense of magic through words. This is an old story but to me, but sharing it evokes the same poignant feeling of fond memories of the people that are attached to it
Here is the story if you would like to read.
The Magic of Movements
‘Life is a dance’….A painting by Savvy Raj
As a Dance Educator and a Creative MovementTrainer using Ballroom and Latin dances to improve health and well-being through various Dance for Wellness programs, it has been an enriching experience watching the learners revel in the simple joys of movement.
I have witnessed complete shifts in self esteem, confidence and agility among learners of all ages.But to cite a very recent instance …there is a small group of senior learners at one of my workshops who are gradually changing their mental makeup to being extremely enthusiastic about life and learning to dance. I still remember that Sunday morning about four years ago when I was almost through with teaching a Waltz class and I saw this slender, elderly elegant woman walking in and standing quietly, keenly watching the students who were practicing their steps from the sidelines. She was waiting to speak to me ….In that first moment of contact instinctively I knew there was an instant connection.. I gave her a listening ear and noticed she spoke softly and clearly . She said she was heading a group of Senior citizens she would like me to come over and meet the group and also teach them to dance . Her request seemed just right up my alley as I had been intending to conduct some workshops for seniors myself but hadn’t had the opportunity yet . This seemed as if my intentions were slowly finding a way to fulfillment . We fixed up that I would come over and meet them the following Monday at the local church where they all meet up for their weekly meeting . This I came to know later,was the only activity they had together every week .
Soon enough in a week or so I got a call from the lady who initiated it all saying that they need some time for permissions to use the same space of the church for the dance lessons . And that was that … nothing happened . Meanwhile I continued with my Dance workshops , and facilitated training’s of corporate clients . I would remember that meeting once in a while but left it to time to decide the outcome of that meeting.
A few years passed and I was returning back after finishing a children’s workshop in Chennai when I received her call again . Her clear and determined voice was cheerful and hopeful . She said she had two things to say , the seniors have agreed to join in and the church had given them the space to go ahead with the classes . Fantastic …. I knew in my heart it was no coincidence that it happened at all . After all the connects that we established that day were just moving to affirming itself !Well I got Godspeed on my side this time around … things moved on smoothly and we were well into rolling out the first class of Swing Dancing and more .
When I had first met up with them, I remember them huddled in chairs, quite apprehensive and some of them unsure about their ability to learn dancing . But today they have a spring in their step , glint in their eyes and a smile on their lips as they Swing and Cha Cha to their hearts content . And guess what… they love to dance the Merengue and Bachata too and are waiting to learn some more.So happy to have had the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
The first time I met them they were a group with lots of concerns. They heard me patiently and asked a lot of questions , ranging from whether they would be able to learn at all as most of them were well over sixties and seventies or so .They also mentioned that though they have danced earlier in their lives, they don’t remember much. Some said they know all there is to know, a few others brought out their health issues which were bothering them so much that they cant possibly exercise let alone dance, some questioned what is the point of learning to dance …
Well to be frank I had an interesting and enjoyable time clearing their doubts and addressing their concerns . I knew most of their concerns were common to most people at their age in India.I spoke to them addressing each of their concerns and finally mentioning instances of my own intention of wanting to work with a group of Seniors.
The initially reluctant let their defenses down and an interactive session followed, where I got some understanding of them and they of me . It was one of those fulfilling days a wonderful memory now which I hold close to my heart .Though at the end all they said was that they will get back to me in some time…. somehow as I drove back home that evening I knew in my heart we were all certainly going to meet again in time .
Today as I write this its been six months and more.Dancing together they say they have realized the values of the human connection and the strength of community . They mention to me how they eagerly wait for their dance workshops .They speak of how dance steps into their lives , in moments of loneliness and makes them positive and alive again. They know dancing now is so much more about valuing that equal partnership between the leader and the follower and that the bonds of the dance floor leaves lasting and empowering impressions in their hearts and lives .
This experience as well as many similar incidents has left me even more confident about my beliefs …C ultivate Patience. Dream selflessly. Positive things are waiting to unfold if only we continue to dream our unique dream and believe in it !All you need is the strength of intention and the dreams realizes itself , just trust in the process!Do what you do with all your heart !Like minded people will arrive somehow and help you actualize it !
In this endeavor I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of appreciation to some of my dear students who assisted me at the workshops who took time out to be with me at these sessions and I know they shared with me equally the joys of making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Your superficial imperfections cannot break your spirit
For your spirit is alive and kicking,
With much to do and make a mark.
Every moment is too precious to waste.
Add some self-love and spirit
While you converse with your mirror.
For its high time, indeed;
Make that mirror work for you.
Use it well to help yourself.
Turn yourself into a confident you.
Present yourself in the best possible light.
Believe in who you truly are and what you can do.
There is much power that is awaiting you.
So, meet and greet your reflection with faith!
Savvy
Many of us may have had a love-hate relationship with mirrors at different periods of our lives. It is, however, the extremes of behaviour that one must bring awareness into. The mirror becomes a narcissistic tool of overt admiration bordering on self-indulgence. Then there are those for whom the mirror becomes a bane of their existence; it depresses them every time they catch their reflection.
Befriend the Mirror
Life is full of changes, and it certainly takes a whole lot of self-understanding to come to a place of comfort with your changing self in various points of life.
There is utter confidence in the brashness of youth; mellow musings find their way a few decades later, and then, we are overcome with resigned indifference bordering on self-negligence. Acceptance of the changing self than denial makes you befriend yourself as you are.
That is the game-changer. For then, you reflect the power of what is truly within.
If something seems to be useless to one person, there is always a possibility of so many who may find it useful.
Savvy
Often profound meaning arrives from the most mundane and the so called ordinary moments in life and living. For the truth is out in the open but our overworked brain often misses these simple truths for it chooses to search for meaning in the complexities. But what is wonderful to know is that all is never lost… for every step makes a difference matters to the whole some how somwhere.
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 Raj 