Joy of Dancing Naturally!

Here I am learning to embrace life in its myriad forms, from the joy of movement to the serenity of silence as well as the journey of silence to movement. In this lies the entire universe and the answer to almost all human endeavors .Along the way have discovered that I love to introduce people to the joys of dancing naturally, as much as my  favored  Latin & Ballroom dancing styles.I share my love for these art forms with all those keen to learn and enjoy these simple pleasures of life whatever their age.

Every dance form is an assimilation of the hopes, aspirations, trials and tribulations of the culture it originates from, so to truly understand the dance one must go back to where and when it all began. For instance travel the journey back in time and realize that a dance form from say Dominican Republic like their national dance Merengue,which seems so much, an expression of exhilaration of life, has more to do with the original pitiable living conditions of the African Slaves of the plantation  masters. These slaves lived a life of subjugation, cruelty and domination being shackled with heavy chains lest the escape. And their very love for life and the need to live the moment happily, comes from their testing living conditions. One can’t help but appreciate the tenacity of the human mind to survive against all odds...

This knowledge of the history of the dance is of good use to the keen student as it becomes very easy to imbibe the attitude of that dance form with even just a reflection of that culture.Taking the students through a journey of movement, pertaining to Latin and ballroom styles, techniques and partner connections and then enthusing in them an appreciation of the art form is something  I have been doing through my Latin &Ballroom Dance Workshops.

 Currently the Dance For Wellness Workshops  is on every Sunday at a couple of  locations in  Mumbai & Thane . If you would like to register yourself for the workshop you can  email danceconcepts@rediffmail.com for further details. 

Savvy

Training Wisely.

Importance of warm ups before any moderate to intense training is either ignored or misunderstood. Equally important is the understanding that every warm up should be done as a gentle foundation for a safe activity or training. So it is wise to be able to have a warm up routine which is structured keeping in mind the activity or training that one plans to take up following the warm ups.

We must understand that it takes the body a little time to get going so it’s important to thoroughly warm up for optimal benefits from the training that one partakes in. It’s ideal to start warm ups about 10 to 20 minutes before the training activity. And it’s important that one starts their training as soon as the warm ups are done with. Normally if one divides the warm up session into different phases, then initially it is important to do movements that raise your body temperature and breathing rate gently by low to moderate intensity movements of your choice. This results in muscle fibers becoming more flexible. By the end of this phase you should find yourself sweating but not be out of breath. The next phase must focus on using the bigger muscles which are going to be used greatly during your planned training activity. Doing about 10 to 20 repetitions gradually starting with smaller movements to going through a full range of the motions in the movement.  For example, a serious  dance trainer should have warm ups which include motions that use the specific style that the training focuses on for that particular session, this develops and tones  the muscles enough to prevent  the risk of overuse injury. Simply put certain movements that mimic the game or sport that one intends to train in are also good to be included in the warm up phase. If the planned activity or training requires sudden bursts of energy then it’s the ideal time to introduce varied footwork, rapid direction changes using movements like running or flicking or even kicking. By the end of this phase the body will be sweating and the breathing fast enough for the necessary training to commence without delay.

Points to ponder

 To avoid straining muscles  it’s wise to not stretch a cold muscle but to first gently mobilize all the major to minor joints of the body , the neck, shoulders, elbows ,wrists hips, knees, ankles , heels and toes. This simply provides the lubrication required and safeguards the body during warm ups enough to get on with the training activity.

Likewise it’s wise to remember to train oneself to keenly listen to our body .Our body has a knack of communicating through signals and we only need to learn to interpret them. Many a times one finds that there is a slight discomfort in a particular area of our body during warm up phase itself, or our body temperature might be raising too quickly … these signs must be heeded to and we must adjust our training methods accordingly.

 Being gentle with your body and learning to not take it for granted and abuse it by overuse or under use will pave the way to optimum health to hold you in good stead all through your life!!!!!

Savvy

The Student and the Teacher: A Dance of Symbiosis!

 Every learning is a two way process. There is the imparter of knowledge, skill and wisdom of truth and the factual, who could be called a guru, teacher, facilitator…. Then there is the one who receives, assimilates, processes, synthesizes and is then convinced about his or her interpretation of assimilation of truth enough to be called the student, shishya, disciple etc.  Now as learning is a never ending process of growth and realization all the seekers of knowledge should have the channels of thoughts words and deeds open for correction, improvement and also be able to retain and 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 they are bound to the imperfections of human nature. 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 and mental sense must be in place for a mutually symbiotic relationship to take place. It’s 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.

Many a 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 distance to be maintained 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. 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 teacher’s education The thought and senses need to be checked before every movement such that there is respect enough for the student towards the teachers’ knowledge and in doing so the teacher manages to gain the required acceptance from the student and learning resumes. 

But this is only one side of the coin the student too has certain modes of conduct which must 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 and 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 spill over 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 don’t give  the other side the benefit of doubt.

 The realization that experiences necessary for your learning and growth come to you must be clear but at the same time you must realise that no student or teacher can exercise and influence you to the degree that you do not want to be.

 Learn what YOU CAN COMFORTABLY ACCEPT NOT MORE NOR LESS.

AS FOR REALIZATION IT IS BOUND TO KNOCK YOUR DOOR ONE DAY OR THE OTHER IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME…. 

Savvy Raj

Smile from the Heart....

Living in a appearance oriented world, we are quite conscious of how we appear to the world on a physical level , often disregarding how we feel inside ,causing us to very often disconnect with our inner consciousness. Its important then to bridge this mind body disconnect with whatever the path  that you prefer to choose ,peeling the layers of disconnect and pave the path to healing oneself towards being  a better person inside to outside!

When we are more focused in our inner cross examinations  we  may realise the real meaning of why we are what we are , and the true substance in our lives . 

We must truly think of what and how we can evolve into a better being, cos life lived without direction and focus is a life never lived.... however  the process of our inner ruminations  need not always sap our motivations and test  our limits  to such extents that we lose ourselves in the effort, and forget to smile from our  core, at our near and dear ones,  We can  learn to find our selves amidst the chaos if we learn to stop over analysing ourselves  and living the moment from now on . 

Things are dandy if only we stop and realise it...  Lets care enough to smile from the Heart!!!!!!!!!! 

Savvy 

danceconcepts@rediffmail.com

Wisdom in Moderation !

My first intentional practice of Tai Chi began on a rainy day in the month of June. The sweet sound of rain in all its rhythmic glory, the cleansing nature of the rain was just as wonderfully comforting as much as the experience of Tai chi, with its movement in stillness and the stillness of its movements.

 As I tried to move in unison with breathe and learned to direct the momentum for the movements from the central core of the body to the outward, I could draw the parallels of the simple yet profound principles of Tai Chi giving us the wisdom of moderation.

It only adds to the fact that this moderation makes you want to work at building progressively than to push the boundaries and stretch beyond your abilities to the point of probably injuring yourself and giving up altogether.

A life lived in the middle path gives one equanimity to see beyond the obvious. To envision the duality of existence enough to understand joy and sorrow, are not something eternal. Life becomes simple and just as easy to live as we make it to be letting go of excesses of any kind, which ultimately works towards healing oneself from within.

The rain belting its pitter- patter rhythm on my open window sill, the occasional bursts of cool breeze surrounding me now and then was in tune with my learning to release and melt away the accumulated stresses through conscious gentle outward movements to the ground. I felt a few varied sensations coming to me vying for attention, but as soon as my focus returned to movements in silent contemplation of the flow of breath the very same sensations completely vanished.

It was so peaceful to end the practice with breath awareness and mindful movements that I must add that like everything else in life, Tai Chi is to be taken in measured doses just as much as it’s required and must be ideally learned under the guidance of a good teacher to experience the gamut of life enriching experiences it surely has to offer.

As I completed my  practice for  the moment , suddenly there was thunder and lightning  signifying the  release of feel good endorphins and hopefully  opening up of some of the blockages in myself  .This is after all the essence of Tai chi , the supreme ultimate to be one with Nature and learn to nurture it .
  
A humble dedication to the Tai Chi form and the powers of the supreme in and around us! 

Savvy Raj

Circles of Life.... ' Explore the Strength within'

What are you feeling that you ain’t felt before,

Why do u feel it can’t happen to you,

What really do u feel at the very core,

Why do feel it’s a big issue when its actually nothing new!

Everything happens just as before

It’s the same life drawing another circle

Same old sadness and laughter, you need to explore

Just a different ground before you to tackle.

So go on and build your sense of direction in life.

Make sure to be happy as you live life through!

Make the trials, torments, despair and strife,

Turn into a passion to make your dreams true.

Evolve further and stop depending,

Go through with all that you want to do

Yes, from others learn to be less expecting

Then you are sorted enough , for the journey that delves deep into ….

COME AWAY REALISING ALL THE ANSWERS THAT WERE ALWAYS WITH YOU …..

Savvy

Happy in the here and now!

As a mother of a growing teenager I have been witnessing a number of amazing experiences that only a mother and child are privy to and hold each of these moments close to my heart. I watch as my child is evolving into a vivacious yet emotionally intelligent teen, bubbly,full of life yet practical and sensible with a heart and mind of her own. Although my heart oft yearns for some of these wonderful moments to stay on forever, I know I have got to let it go, as time and tide waits for none. But each time I have this immense respect for this power of the infinite to carry on creating, and wonder where all this harnessing of energies is taking place. And to this divine form, which could possibly be creative feminism or the power of Shakti, the creator I humbly bow and hope that you bestow some of latent creative potential on all the beings around for them to evolve to the best of their beings .
 Coming back to the silent amazement that I feel is the way in which a child is moving from a situation of pure bliss of ignorance on to the happy in the here and now state of existence and later on moves on to a state of awareness of the world and all its actions and consequences. Gradually the child starts searching a meaning to this life and its relation to the world at large.
More than everything else I watch as the curiosity leads to discoveries and at times frustrations to accomplishments.  I, as a parent  do try to necessitate an awareness in my child to be linear in her thinking process. From a very young age if reading and writing are made a habit it definitely puts you in a state of calm by correcting and balancing the thought process, as one learns to be aware as well as gradually accepting the sequence of changes . After all change is inevitable and the natural order of growth  .  It enables one to have a beginning, middle and an end to a thought or action and thus helps you learn to be present in the moment and also let it go. This makes you less prone to being a victim of situations & circumstances of life.
 Happy in the here and now is a wonderful habit to cultivate for all of us; however it is equally necessary to have a focus in life and necessitate actions towards that goal and evolve further. This adds meaning in to life and life begets the ultimate satisfaction of having lived consciously.
 Loving every moment of life and learning to be aware and conscious of each moment as it passes by is a fact ,which can be so easily learned watching your own child grow .Thank you dear child as you teach me the lessons of life and living fine.