Savvy Raj

Live Life Lovingly!

Tag Archives: life


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5 Tips To Breakthrough The Rut of Routine  

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


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Your life matters in every moment.

Life is a precious gift!

A recent spate of connects and requests from my old students to hold a workshop for them got me thinking of what is it that makes sense of what truly matters. Almost most of them were and are middle-aged and above and seem to be in the same boat.
All of them feeling loneliness creeping through somewhere into their lives in spite of having family and friends and an active social life and network.
Many of them are seeking a purpose in their life … unknowingly searching for a sense of meaning. It has become common for people around 40s to begin a second innings of soulful searching of that spirit that someway has deviated and lost its way.

In the throes of bustling family life and living, new meaning seems hard to find but around middle age, children take care of themselves the spouses find more time to pursue that which they have never done before or found time to do. In such times there is scope to do so much more than before. The question then is how to fine balance life well and achieve all that you set out to.

Here are a few tips on living well and achieving a work-life balance:

If you find yourself feeling stuck and stagnant in your present condition maybe in your relationships be sure to take some time to find solutions creatively.

  • Watch out for signs of loneliness or hopelessness if so make sure to replace negative thoughts with positive reflections and thoughts
  • Use this time to find new outlets of creativity within you like maybe find your new interest in hobbies art culture in your environment
  • Try to spend time making new friends increasing your social circle
  • Try to take time out to read solve puzzles for they help in bettering your neural pathways. Every new thing you learn as you grow, your brain re-activates and channels certain parts of your dormant brain cells.
  • Avoid procrastinating and face your fears and problems headlong one by one the trick is to not try to do too much at one time but to be open to challenges and yet find time to do concentrate on the thing you are involved at that moment.
  • Make sure that you have small goals that you have in mind and work towards fulfilling it.
  • Respect the life you have and appreciate the moments for what it is.
  • Work on yourself by being grateful, nurture relationships and friendships and spend some time caring and sharing this lays the foundation for a more fulfilling life.
  • If you’re looking for things to do that can make a difference to your personal self as well as feeling productive consider volunteering. A number of organisations require genuine help from people who are having the time to share and mentor.
  • Use your knowledge to make this world a better place teaching youngsters basic life skills or even taking lessons for them can change your life in dramatic ways
  • Try to find places where you can volunteer your time and resources constructively. The take-back you will have is the undeniable joy.
  • Spend time nurturing and caring for yourself and also do not hesitate to take advice from those who have done it so before and change your life, swim the tide through to positive ways.
  • All is a matter of choices we make and the positive intentions that we choose to carry.

©Savvy Raj


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Life is…

 

Had written these following verses to a dear friend while discussing the spirit of life and living … Thought I could share it here.

Savvy

 

Life Is…

Savvy

 


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Dances of India: Roots in Culture

In a land of diversities in all spheres from culture to climate, from religion to celebrations.
Every region expresses its culture distinctly according to the ethos of the people of that particular region.And as dances are a coherent expression of human nature thoughts and feelings, each form of dance that originates, encapsulates it distinctly.
Indian dances can be broadly divided into Classical Dance Forms Semi Classical and the Folk forms.
The most well known Classical Dance styles of India are the Kathak, Odissi & Manipuri of Northern and Eastern parts of India.And
Bharatanatyam Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam Kathakali from Southern parts of India.
Classical Dance and Arts is given a revered status as according to the legends, the Gods invented the dance. It incorporates music melody beats drama form and line along with gestures through hand fingers and eye movements.
The elaborate costumes and heavy makeup somehow helps convey many depictions of the overall performances.
There are a number of Folk dance forms that are performed as well.
Traditionally all these forms have been structured around the nine emotions or rasas namely:
  • Hasya: happiness
  • Shoka: sorrow
  • Krodha: anger
  • Karuna: compassion
  • Bhibatsa: disgust
  • Adbuta: wonder
  • Bhaya: fear
  • Viram: courage
  • And Shanta: serenity.
The earliest Indian religious texts have described creation in terms of a dance. And the dances of India are said to have their origins in the Vedic Age of 1000BC
Even today the practice of the Indian dances have an element of religious rituals although much may have changed with time.
Musings on Dancing

A dance is an expression of who we are, our mindset our bodies our culture all intermingled inextricably. It is a statement of our roots and our connection to others.

We can express ourselves by learning and staying rooted in the structure or choose to vary and fuse and develop our understanding by adding to the repertoire other dance forms and evolve in the sharing. The choice is ours to choose. We don’t need to discard old learning as we learn something new but align ourselves to understand the larger picture. This way we experience diversity for ourselves as we learn to see the significance of every form its contribution its essence and relevance of its roots in culture through the movements and expression. Learning dance from different lands helps us understand and evolve. We can learn to respect others traditions and cultures while valuing our own.

Savvy


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On Wisdom of Moderation

Sharing an inspiring story on knowledge versus wisdom.

In two independent houses,separated by a compound two people were living, in one a retired person and in the other a techie.
They had planted identical saplings on either sides of the compound.

The techie used to give lot of water and manure to the plants.The retired,just small quantity of water and little manure.

The techies plant grew into lush green,leafy robust plant.

The retired person’s plant was a near normal but much luxuriant than his neighbor’s.

One night there was a heavy rain with gusty wind.
Next morning both came out to see the fate of the plants.

To techie’s surprise his plant had got uprooted where as his neighbor’s was unharmed.

Techie asks the retired as why his plant was uprooted despite such a good care where as the neighbor had hardly cared.

The retired person’s answer should be a lesson for all of us.

Look young man, you had supplied every thing a plant would need,in abundance and the plant did not have to go in search of it.Your roots did not have go down. I was supplying just enough to keep it alive. For the rest roots had to go down into the ground to fulfil it’s needs.

Since your roots were superficial the rain and wind could easily fell it.

Since my roots were pretty deeply grounded they could withstand the onslaught of the nature.

The same applies to your children too.
#HappyParenting!!😊


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For every friend is perfect in time!


Cheers to all the good friends

Who manifest in our lives

And make our living fine!

Savvy Raj


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ART OF MANAGEMENT : Managing Teams

Art of Collaboration and Team Spirit:

 

Team spirit is an Inspiration towards Integration.

To inculcate a positive temperament and boost morale, individually and communally any management must ensure team spirit to help enhance an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding.
Collaboration is an art of management through team building activities that increases productivity and helps to finish more tasks on time.

Tip 5: Concurring to Collaborate

The spirit of Collaboration is in giving and sharing value to and with one another. And most of all respecting skills each have been uniquely endowed with and can bring with them.

How to Collaborate Better? A few tips :

  1. Work with respect for one another’s individuality.
  2. Aspire towards a team’s goal plan
  3. Set roles and norms in place.
  4. Value and incorporate accountability
  5. Recognize the uniqueness of creativity
  6. Understand and listen to perspectives
  7. Simplify communication protocols.
  8. Share the knowledge  and information
  9.  Be responsive and receptive to learning and co-working.
  10.  Learn to trust & build an atmosphere of trust.

The trust comes from encouraging one another. It builds team spirit! 

Savvy

About the Author:

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On Giving:Part 3

 

Giving is the movement where the heart speaks without hesitation and in the flow through deeds and words.There is a moment of decision before the giving and it is in that moment that the life can be propelled to evolve along with the patterns of thought.

There is a lot of lovely words  focussed on Giving  and most are essentially on the’ Give before the Take.’

However, I also have something to share here …

Every giving may have its own reasons…

Some may be in an instinctive reaction like warming up of the heart due to mutual understanding either being in the wavelength of a resonance at that moment.

Or it may be because it is in goodwill as you genuinely care to show your appreciation.

Another would be because of your own good nature where you cannot leave without a positive act of appreciation in response…. there may be so many million and more reasons for giving which is wonderful for the world at large.

Now the reasons for not giving may be personal and unique as well.

Like for instance when you feel you are being used for a purpose that is self-serving.

Often there is a certain energy, in the very act of giving and that is what leaves an imprint on us and decides our future course of action.

Like at times a particular person’s energy may overwhelm and exhaust you or may be too much to handle that giving more thought or attention to it would feel counterproductive.

Like when you feel stressed and overburdened in the complexities of life and living that you simply may have overlooked the fact that the giving action is truly way beyond the gift itself.

Like when you fail to understand the reasons for giving or think the giver has ulterior motives for that matter…you may just appreciate it out of politeness but steer clear of receiving further as its truly not in your best interest to receive such a gift.

But whatever it is, Giving nurtures and nourishes the soul of both the giver and the receiver when the intention is positive.

Go Give More of Yourself

Cos You come from Abundance

Receive with  thankfulness

For that fills your own being with Grace.

Savvy

 

 


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You Most Certainly Can Dance

You Most Certainly Can Dance

A short story of inspiration for beginners learning to dance!
A pleasant Sunday morning, finds me in a new venue, a family club actually for my dance workshops in the suburbs of Mumbai , well it was a start of something new, so there I stood before my new batch of learners. I notice a lovely couple  had brought their daughter of five along with them. Being a parent myself I understand the limitations of nuclear parenting in Mumbai and the fact that there are times that one has to just take the kids along where you want to go, as sometimes, there is no one you could leave them safely with.

The keen observer in the picture is the little girl  I have written about  🙂

I smiled at the little girl who gave me a warm smile back. Very sweet I thought! Soon enough I began the session with the usual round of introduction to the dance form and then went on with the basic step of swing. I was quite busy with the parents and just had a cursory glance the little girl who I saw amusing herself standing near the corner where a couple of chairs were stacked.I went about explaining about the beat, counts and the rhythm and the body positioning and was halfway through the session . I was engrossed in teaching so much that I was suddenly jolted with a soft but insistent tap on my arm. I turned and was absolutely amazed when the little girl showed me the basic step with perfect timing to music. The little girl had carefully observed what I was doing and imbibed it for sometime standing quietly in the corner and once she was confident she came up to me silently for approval.
I was clearly bowled over by the power of observation and interest in this child. Many a times with power of observation we can master all that we want to by our-self , provided we have the determination to focus on our goals.
The little child’s brain had mapped a visual imagery of the step clearly, and was able to recall it at will even though she had not practiced it half the number of times her parents had… along with me.

 The power of observation has no age barrier, some are gifted and some have to develop the latent power within, but  we all certainly have it within us to  reap the potential of this power.So do care to see a little beyond the denials and negations just trust and believe you can dance and then You Most Certainly Can Dance!

Savvy 

Author 
PS:

This was first written for my dance students and future learners, a couple of years ago .But I felt it can be shared  for the power of perseverance and belief makes all the difference ! 

 

  • We are all unique in our movements , so we must strive to find our own path to fulfillment , wherein lies our success. Success follows whenever we move with the strength of intention to learn to dance !
  • Take a step , start dancing today ! Make dancing a way of life, To find out more about learning to dance at your pace…
    please contact  here or write to me:  savvy@danceconcepts.in


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On Faith

 

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Flow in faith

Time evolves one and all,come what may

Yesterday’s mountains have become paths today

Love of life will show the way

As you keep building bridges not walls I say!

Savy_Email-Signture3

 


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Circle of thoughts 14

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With care and consideration

Sometimes like coaxing a unwilling mule

Thoughts can be harnessed

For each has great potential…

Savvy

This above digital artwork Titled ‘Circles of thoughts,14 is a creative interpretation of encircling thoughts, The verses that follow is the 14thpart of my series of micropoems on interconnecting thoughts.

Savvy

To be contd …

Related links to read more…

/https://savvyraj.com/circles-of-thoughts/1

/https://savvyraj.com/circle-of-thoughts-2/

https://savvyraj.com/2017/06/03/circle-of-thoughts-3

/https://savvyraj.com/2017/06/06/circle-of-thoughts-4/

/https://savvyraj.com/2017/06/08/circle-of-thoughts-6/

https://savvyraj.com/2017/06/08/circle-of-thoughts-7/

http://wp.me/p6a0yZ-1hZ

https://savvyraj.com/2017/06/17/circle-of-thoughts-8

https://savvyraj.com/2017/06/18/circle-of-thoughts-9

https://savvyraj.com/2017/07/01/circle-of-thoughts-10

#Micropoetry #PhotoFusion #Metaphysics

Artwork by Savvy Raj


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Art of Management : Commitment

Art of Responsible Commitment.

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Tip 5: Art of Management.

Don’t bite more than you can chew!

Years ago when I was in the university doing my masters, I have a distinct memory of our Head of the Department carrying a book which read. ‘Don’t bite more than you can chew ‘ written in bold on the cover. A diminutive bespectacled gentleman every day he would carry it along with him to his lectures. And habitually as he reached his table he would carefully place it towards him and then start to speak.

The words on the book always intrigued me for its significance in our life and living.

Today as we discuss the art of management I see how this applies so beautifully.  Commitment is an art of management.  To manage your ability, capacity and resources at hand optimally and sustain it successfully learning to avoid overcommitment is a necessary skill.

A few Tips On the Art of Responsible Commitment.

  • Avoid over-commitment. To fulfil any commitment, before committing, simply make sure to clarify and define your own abilities and capacities to yourself. And communicate that in your actions as it will steer you clear from falling short of expectation from others.
  •  Be wary of over-compensating Remember every time you are over-committing somewhere you are weakening the very relationships you are trying to strengthen either your family or with your self by trying to overcompensate.
  • Respect your need for well-being as over-commitment is stressful and creates opportunities for health issues gradually.
  • Strive to bring a sense of balance. You know your abilities best. If you wish to expand your horizons and venture beyond your comfort zone, trust your intuitive intellect it certainly will not let you down.
  • Inculcate integrity in your approach to commitment at home and work for a balanced life and living.

Savvy Raj

About me : 

Wellness Mentor, Dance Educator & Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Writer, Freelance Designer 

 http://www.savvyraj.com

A few related Links

ART OF MANAGEMENT : Managing Self

ART OF MANAGEMENT : Managing Thoughts.

ART OF MANAGEMENT : Managing People

ART OF MANAGEMENT : Managing Conflicts


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Ease Into Alignment

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A life lived well…

Is more about being and doing well

Than about doing much

& finding no time to be you

& all that you actually are.

 

Resonate with your own reserves

Reach out in the knowing

That you are enough for you.

Align your posture, let go tension.

Acknowledge your needs at this moment.

 

Sense the potential in this now

To alter the reality of this moment.

To make a positive difference in your ways.

To pursue your passions,

To love well, to enjoy life.

 

You need to create a balance between

What you can do and what you are doing.

Sometimes the tilts are unavoidable

And then life takes care of itself.

 

But it always helps to not tilt the balance

By overdoing, over-controlling, overindulging

Overstepping and overshadowing your own self.

Aim to balance the holding back & the letting go

With discretion and discerning

Of conscious intention in awareness.

 

Modern maladies are mostly self-inflicted

Due to excess of thought, action and deed.

With awareness, your own free will

Can be your best ally in the understanding

That freedom and responsibility go hand in hand.

 

And soon you will reach a level

Where you feel grounded

And yet light as a feather in flight.

Make sense of the choices you make in every now

Every now matters after all!

 

You have one life

Live it well

Because you can!

Savvy 

 

About me : 

Wellness Mentor, Dance Educator & Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Writer, 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 as a Wellness coach, I offer a variety of Personal Effectiveness Programs for Self-development. 

Being a Writer and a Designer creating art gives me immense satisfaction with the infinite ways of expressing myself as I believe in enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

Savvy 

http://www.savvyraj.com


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Circle of thoughts

 

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Thoughts may be boundless in content

A figment of imagination

Choosing  thoughts is a matter of intent

To lead the thoughts with contemplation

Savvy

Contd

#Micropoetry #PhotoFusion #Metaphysics

Artwork by Savvy Raj

 


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On Nurturing 5

Nurturing Hope & Care

Hope is here to stay!’

Nurturing is a life affirming process ….rooted in bettering care and creating hope for a better life. There are many experiments conducted to support how even an exposure to nature like being amidst trees and tranquil places, hearing birdsongs and watching the sky , the sea and the sand can be extremely nurturing for ones health and wellbeing. The healing element associated with nature, is in the nurture it provides to replenish the soul.

The very nature of nurturing is both very inclusive and expansive in the same breath.The scope of positive outcomes of good nurturing is deeply significant to humanity at large . For that is what is truly important to sustain our planet . Every being’s effort in nurturing the world in and around him to thrive.

At the root of Creativity is a nurtured thought process. To nurture is to nourish the being with appropriate care.
Speaking of care giving, it is often a part of nurturing which can be rather challenging to say the least. In case of elders there can be a lot of unexplained resentment the care giver has to deal with for many seniors may take a while to come to terms with the many aspects of growing old.

Patience can have its limits too and with growing intolerance in a world which is more about the sense of self importance, the need to achieve much can stifle any thoughts of pursuing time consuming and almost never ending aspects of nurturing .

It is true the world is getting a little too self centered . However the realization of the impacts of an uncaring and indifferent citizens of the world is also hitting home and that too right from the modern changes of family systems in place.

The concern for global warming and carbon imprints is touching an all time high for the world now is slowly realizing how much it needs to nurture its own living spaces to ensure it has a world left to live at all. And thus thankfully hope is here to stay!

Contd

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