I could listen to you all day! Im a 51 year old semi retired grandmother and have told people my entire life that I just dont have a green thumb. I have always spent hours looking at gardens and dreaming and wishing I could do one. My perfectionism held me back for years. I eventually reached a time when I just said the heck with it, Im planting it and I dont care if it’s ugly and unweeded. I had a couple of really bad fails, but learned a great deal each time. This year, however, I have a luscious, successful garden. Not pretty but it’s producing delicious food!
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
Not just the little stories either, it's the big lies that work the best for mass manipulation. Which of the biggest stories have You believed, without question, in the last 4 years, and how many are really what they told You? The answers aren't on mainstream platforms or simple searches, but they're totally visible if One looks a little deeper.
Something I always tell people who say things like, “Oh you’re so talented. I wish I could do that,” is a phrase I heard Bob Ross say many times on his painting show: talent is nothing but pursued interest. I live by that.
Exactly, when I'm with others and someone says that about someone else, I tell them that they can do it too. And I always get snarky remarks like "oh like you think you could do it too". Well yes, if we all dedicate ourselves we can, with practice, persistence and passion, yes. So sad to see people give up so easily and even more so, to put others down
Oh my Rajiv! I was in tears when you spoke of, "Matha, Pitha , Guru, Daivam." I am a Hindu and many a time I have difficulty in explaining aspects of my faith. But, the way you explained the meaning was correct, concise and beautiful. Thank you! You are an inspiration. Namaste!
For me, I recently started painting, and realized this important thing…. If your want to make art, you have to be willing to make bad art. A. Lot. Of bad art. Suspending judgment of yourself while you learn and explore all forms of skills is the key. How many famous, beautiful paintings have failed paintings underneath them? Canvas is expensive and artists are often poor, so my guess is most of them! If you don’t love the process, the outcome is irrelevant. Took me a lifetime to learn this and I’m so impressed with Rajiv for knowing this at such a young age. Do the things you love… even if you suck at them. Who cares? Do it anyway!!
I'm 72 and always told people I had a tin ear, all the while envying anyone who owned a piano. Seven years ago I dipped my toe into music-making by buying a funky tin can ukulele at a craft fair. Cut to the present, I've had a wonderful piano coach for four years and I continually apply all my patience, humility, diligence and curiosity to my daily practice. I'm getting there!
Rajiv,who are you…. I am a proud Indian. I am what I am today because of my mother and father and my teacher/s. I am a Hindu and have a spiritual bent of mind. But…. You are so young, so steeped in our Eastern culture and so evolved despite your age. You are truly special and so inspirational. Your inner -self is so conscious and so awake. You have so much to give to this blasé, jaded world that we live in. May you go from strength to strength and may your innate wisdom forever be your guiding light. Rajiv you truly are adorable. May the forces of Good be your guide always.🙏🙏Jai ho.
Oh…How I understand what your are saying. You are a young man and you have figured out want vs need. I retired at 59. I am now 70. I have been a maker all of my life. I discovered art about 5 years ago. I took a few classes to learn how to draw correctly. A skill anyone can learn. Now i not only draw , but paint in watercolor and acrylics. I consider daily, what shall i do with my time. So i practice what I love. I live in Tennessee, in a sweet little house on a corner in Franklin Tn. There is so much inspiration for me here it is endless. My artistic journey, plus a son, plus a grandson brought me here. Oh how blessed i am. If you follow at any age, what inspires you, you will never be lonely and you will have plenty around you to make you happy. Love your channel Rajiv. 🎉
Hi Gabrielle There is an artist in TN that I follow on you tube who paints in acrylics. She has at the most wonderful joyful personality and very loose and laid back if you like that like of person and art. Her name is Sandi Hester and IMHO an exceptional teacher.
Hi Gabrielle, so nice to read your story, a great person as Rajiv allow us to learn also from great people to hear other interesting experiences. You are also an inspiration. I am 60, worked on TV all my life, I had a lot of responsibility in my last job, streaming platforms changed the business, and my department was reduced,I was out, free, I decided not no seek for another job but pursue my passions, draw, paint, play piano, calligraphy.. yoga, that makes me happy ! but still have some guilty and doubts when people my age still working ask me ‘and where do you work now? What do you do? Only hobbies? .. Rajiv and friends make me feel I am in the right path. Greetings from Mexico.😊
@@evavillarreal9753 Hello …. Such questions “only Hobbies” ? I think people simply don’t know what freedom is sometimes. When we have worked all of our lives, traveled far and wide mentally and spiritually, we simply want peace. That is what “art” is for me. Peace and quiet. We have earned the right to do nothing but what we love. You are from Mexico. I moved from California. I love and miss my Mexican friends. I love the art of Mexico too. Once per year in Alta Loma California, Sam Maloof ( a famous wood worker) would invite artists to his property to show their art. What a treat for those of us that took the time to go see. These artists came from all over Mexico. Continue to do what you love. ❤️
At 68 I started learning guitar. I recently realized that classical guitar is what I love. So I am fine tuning my focus in that direction. I still have a ways to go. Sometimes I get frustrated at my progress, but then I remind myself I am doing this for me. It’s not a race. Slow down and enjoy where I am at. I still work full time, so my time to practice is limited. There is no one else to clean or cook, so I must take care of the basics of life.
What I like about you is that you are genuine, gentle, calming and not pushy. You are organized, crafty, intelligent and capable. Thank you for sharing part of your life experiences and your knowledge. Best wishes for your continued learning of new skills.
There is nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it. I taught myself how to knit, paint, draw, play music, etc. your limitations are in your own mind.
To be so self realized at your age is a blessing in itself. I hear so many people say,”oh I wish I had done fill-in the blank.” Doing things you love and enjoy is never wasted time. I respect and admire you so much, Rajiv you are a beautiful soul, and easy on the eyes too!
My skill set has skyrocketed in the last few years with cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, spinning, felting…etc. I’ve had so many people tell me “I could never do that,” assuming it was easy for me. What people don’t see is hours and hours upon hours of perseverance. It does come down to a desire to learn something. I’ve failed more times than I’ve succeeded but that practice eventual turns into knowledge and learning a new skill.
Thank you - for acknowledging that many people have children, jobs, parents to care for, etc. and that it's good to rest - for stating that even 5 minutes here and there spent honing a skill... really does add up - for encouraging people to figure out what they really want to learn, and focus on that - for sharing the Hindu...Mother, Father, Guru, Divine. I love that! Beautiful studio, Beautiful video, Beautiful you! Metta to you and all everywhere!
This is the comment I came here to write. Thank you Rajiv for acknowledging us who have passions but are trying to figure out time to practice/think about them.
What you have learned can never be taken from you...............money, people and stuff can vanish, what you have learned is yours for as long as you live.
Hello, I turn 69 tomorrow. Retired at 67. I loved being crafty and drawing as a kid. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 52. A life of anxiety, and low level dysfunction. Felt like I just survived employment, college overwhelmed me, so left. Now I am pursuing any creativity that makes me happy and content. Little steps, helps. I have a timer. 10,20,30 minutes of living a creative life. So quilting, watercolor, drawing are my current pursuits. My learning focus is art and culture so the local community college is great. I figure, if I am healthy and committed to creativity for the next 10 years I can be at peace. Thank you so much! Figuring it out in Kansas City.
OMG you are such a beautif person. Thankyou . I am in my 80s . My darling husband died4 years ago. I have no family and my friends all passed. You are such a joy. Please know that I have not long to live but gives such pleasure from all your blogs. Thankyou .
Rajiv, I want you to know how much I appreciate your positive attitude and frank perspective about life. Every time I watch one of your videos my spirits are lifted. Thank you so much for all of your efforts.
Non negotiable. What word! It explains how I felt when I was raising my children. I put all my personal interests aside for many years because my children were more important to me. I never felt that this non negotiable task was a burden. On the contrary, I felt fully accomplished and to see them become good human beings has been my reward. Now that they've moved on with their lives, I have moved on with mine. I do all the crafting, reading, and resting I want and need. And yes, there are things I can't do but I don't feel it's a failure. Because by not forcing myself to do things I can't or don't want to do gives me more time to do the things that enrich my soul. Thank you for your inspiring video.
Thank you @ julienanetti5400 🥰Someone once said (Jackie Kennedy Onassis quoted) a similar sentiment and wise words to live by: "If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." 💝
I love that you started off with sports I am so uncoordinated and traumatized by forced childhood sports. I have no interest in them. I enjoy working out, hiking and outdoor activities but not coordinated competitive sport. As always thank you for a great video to start the weekend. I’m going flea market hunting and house hunting in PA today (inspired by your antique festival video last weekend). That is sport enough. ❤
I really wanted to learn how to quilt, but there were aspects of it that scared me (doing the binding) and I didn't have anyone to show me. At the age of 52 I watched a RUclips video on how to do it and I tried it. It wasn't as hard as I imagined and I thought , "That was IT? I could have been quilting for decades!" There were times when I was learning that I almost quit. When my seams weren't matching up I got frustrated and almost threw it in the trash but I decided to try it ONE MORE TIME. It got better and I kept practicing. One of the reasons I haven't done other things I want to, is I don't take time to practice. Thank you, Rajiv, for encouraging to take only 5 minutes if that's all you have. I need to be a better steward of my time. Practicing guitar or drums instead of playing World of Warcraft, for example.
I've learned a bit about Hinduism and something that stays with me is about the gurukula system of learning from our many teachers in life and passing on that knowledge. The guru can be anyone whether they're a formal teacher or someone on line in the grocery store that sparks something within you
You are so right about not discounting even 5 minutes. I was able to research 4,000 years of the history of decorative arts (furniture and architecture), textiles, color, and the elements and principles of design for 10 week and 16 week design courses that I taught for 15 years at a design school. It was a daunting task that took a lot of time but it was something that became my dream job. I worked on it even if I only had a few minutes. I didn’t wait until I had a block of hours. That would have never happened. We all love watching you!! ❤
I feel so called out 😂 “the things I can’t do are the things I don’t want to do”. This entire video really resonates with me and is something I wish more people would watch. Leave room for spontaneity, but be careful about what you spend your time on. Life is so short.
I love your videos. I am 75….not your target audience but I talk to others about you. You are an inspiration. Not easy to be as disciplined as you are! I’d love to know more about your mother. Is some of your discipline a cultural thing? Keep the videos coming…even at 75 we can still be inspired and learn.
This is so helpful to me as a person who struggles with maintaining the momentum necessary to acquire new skills when I’m not immediately proficient. Thank you!
"Don't discount 5 minutes." Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I've applied this concept to the "maintenance " areas of my life for decades and become very efficient. I've yet to intentionally apply it to creative endeavors. Thank you, again for sharing your insights with us. ❤
Over the years I’ve tried learning many creative things. Some I’ve stuck with and some I haven’t. This video confirmed my feeling that it’s the difference between the things I WISH I could do and the things that I REALLY WANT to do and put the time and effort into. For example, some years ago I wished I could play the double bass. I bought one and I had lessons for a while, but I wasn’t practicing. Even now, I still wish I could play it (especially when I listen to rockabilly) but I’ve accepted that I don’t want it enough to really put in the effort that is needed. On the other hand many years ago I tried bobbin lace but I didn’t have a teacher and quickly reached a plateau in what I could teach myself. But over the years I kept coming back and trying again. It was only last year that I finally found a teacher and I’m so glad that I never gave up on that dream!
Great video. *I was a process control engineer (just retired 2/21/24) I would always stress test my projects just to make sure it would work under all conditions.* Also depending on the government. *But I found away of earning more income despite my Retirement. $57k weekly returns has been life changing, after so much struggles.*
My outlook on money changed when I realized someone making $200K can retire broke & someone making $80K can retire a millionaire. With the current market movement.
We all have all the gifts. But for this experience now, we are given some. You and everyone probably have more, you will find them in the future. You are so easy to like. Simple honesty, yet another gift you give.
I appreciate you being non-arrogant in your life and sharing. Thank you for your beauty, and sharing of your creativity and hope with us all! Many Blessings.
Hello, thank you for making this video. As somebody who often gets told, "Is there anything you can't do??" I often don't know how to respond. I have wide interests in many traditional types of crafts and a love for art, so spending time doing them comes naturally, but also, as you said, thinking about them and researching them. Now, a skill I want to learn is roller skating, and it doesn't come naturally. I am still quite bad, but I am determined to get better, even if it takes a lot of time. So if the weather permits, I go outside and get on my skates, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Being this way can be quite isolating among my peers, as most people I meet don't understand a passion for learning, and conversation can run dry when we don't have common interests since my interests are quite uncommon. You have shown me that there are people out there who value and think the same way as I do about beauty, skill, art, and learning. So thank you for sharing your content and making this community. You are a great personal inspiration to me.
How to get free from doing work you don't want to do so that you can do the work you love ? You are indeed so inspiring, dear Rajiv. I love that you share about the culture of your roots, which is very close to my heart. For many years, I have studied, a few minutes at a time, Vedic astrology. Now it's all I want to do. Many blessings from Florida 🙏🌍🕊🕊
Sooooo wise!!! A few years ago I decided to forgo new year’s resolutions and instead I created rules for my life. Rule number 1: “honor my preferences” and so all the other rules follow along this theme. I review them often, and adjust them as needed. I need to live the life that inspires me not what other people want or think… Looks like you are the master of yours and it is inspiring to watch you live it. Thank you Rajiv ❤
I love that you emphasized how rest is important and acknowledged how for many people the day to day can get in the way of learning things. This was such a wonderful video, thank you for sharing your thougts!
Omg I so love you! I too can’t do sports! I will go to the gym workout every day, do yoga, and meditation but it stops there I love the finer things in life … arts, music, books …. My husband is an avid runner and tennis player ( I am at the Wimbledon right now ugh) my eldest daughter was a national junior golfer, my twin daughters both tennis players and also competed nationally in their teens! Oh how I dislikes sitting and watching and waiting but I did it for them, they are my world and now we all joke that my eldest is the female version of you! We also live our lives based of the very same Sanskrit teaching, my dad taught me Sanskrit as a little girl growing up in East Africa. Rajiv you are so inspiring you are our guru in many ways and you are so genuine it is pure joy watching and learning so much from you! Don’t ever change!
It sounds like you don’t really put pressure on yourself to become competent, or excel, as fast as humanly possible; that you’ve learned the journey is as important as the destination. Good on ya! Fear of failure is a real thing, and it can take a while to adjust to a mindset that accepts or welcomes the process of revealing how to improve on a skill. Having kind and patient gurus, plus a safe place to suck, are blessings…and surprisingly abundant when one stops prioritizing instant gratification. Thanks for offering your estimable skills as inspiration, Rajiv.
This was truly lovely and I hope you share more of those brain droppings very inspired to go out and learn more and excited to see what you are up to in the barn studio
I live in the country in my retirement and all I hear is birdsong and far away trains. I spend my days knitting, handsewing my clothing, slow stitching and making delicious healthy food. It’s my dream life and I feel so privileged. A lot of people might think it’s boring but i absolutely love it! Thanks for inspiring me Rajiv
@@denisedejose718 wow! You must live in Tennessee like me. I moved from California here. What a huge difference and i love it………Oh, here comes 2 chickens visiting me from someone else’s coup. Life is good.😊
I thought I would love to sew. I love fabrics, patterns, pattern piecing to fit the final outfit. Also, I adore quilts. But, sitting at the sewing machine is not fun to me. I did nice work. My Grandma was a great seamstress and always looked at my pieces, turned them over to inspect the seams and was generous with compliments. That made me happy.
It's funny that this is reminding me that I have a goal of picking up skiing again, lol. I grew up with it, but didn't have much opportunity over the last decade, so now I want to bring that particular joy back into my life. But I also have ADHD, so after asking if I really want to do something, I have to examine my energy, schedule, and finances. This process of learning to say no to things to make space for what I know truly brings me joy has been so beneficial to me over the past few years.
This truly made me feel a lot better about having a lot of skills or experience in a variety of occupations and not choosing that “one thing” and sticking to it until retirement 😅
I believe the human capacity to learn is boundless; we simply must make the choice and put in the effort. You are so eloquent and have a lovely spirit.
I once saw someone say about ppl saying they cant get themselves to start something they want to do because it will take too much time, they said, "time will pass anyway." That really stuck w me and helped me start new hobbies!
I walked out of a maths exam. I didn't WANT to do it. I hated maths, I could not do maths, so why sit the exam? AND you know what....nothing happened!!
As a mother of 7 children, finding time to pursue things has always been the challenge. I totally agree, you have to really want the thing, especially if your time to dedicate to it is limited!
That must be hard. But I am sure you're doing your best to do for your kids. At the same time, tske care of your self too and whatever little time you have left, do that gives you utmost joy. Best wishes
What a wonderful example for your children if you take time for yourself to do the things that you love… besides taking care of the children that you love😅!!!
Well said Rajiv! And thank you for the gift. My uncle used to say, "you can lose your wealth, career, job, friends etc but your learnings can never be taken away." And there's a Spanish saying that translates to, "they who want to do more than they who can." I have often felt bad about the things that I can't and don't do. So thank you for the reassurance that we should spend our energy on the things that we really want to do. I applaud you and what you do with your channel 🎉 ❤
Rajiv’s guide to living an intentional life. My Saturday mornings used to be mundane with chores etc but I put Rajiv’s video on ( and if there isn’t a new one I play something from before) and the joy and wisdom from those videos uplift my Saturday mornings. Love you, Rajiv! Keep doing you! ❤
I have a first guru I think, in Jessica Sowards. Jess has a RUclips channel called Roots and Refuge. I’ve wanted to garden forever but did not have enough sun for it until Hurricane Sally felled trees in my front yard. Now I have a garden and a mantra because of her. It is, “Turn your waiting room into a classroom.” RUclips has been an inspirational channel for me. I’m learning, and practicing flower arrangement, water color, cooking, etc. , and find your channels so inspirational as well, @Rajiv. Thank you for sharing your gifts and insights.
Rajiv, you embody everything I have tried to follow throughout my life and pass on when I have been teaching others. You have gifts you you were born with that make easier for you than others, a curious mind , a strong intelect, a love of beauty and craftsmanship, and knowing what you want. Blessings to you for showing others there is no shame in following arts and crafts and pursuites they admire. Thank you yet again. Muffy from Oz.
Love your videos. ❤️. I started painting with watercolor six years ago. I have fibromyalgia, and I was going through a horrible time. I saw a video online (Let's Make Art) and just started painting to distract myself from the pain. It did. Little by little I got more confidence and I didn't stop even when what I painted was awful. You have to allow yourself the grace of being bad sometimes, to over come the fear that comes with creating art. If you can do that you are well on your way. Today I have recently retired to be an artist full time. I still deal with pain, but art is an outlet. ☺️
It’s your fellow NY-er here. Viv. I love how you put it. It is true a good teacher will teach skills you will take with you the rest of your life. “Teach a man to fish”! Thank you for sharing Rajiv. You are so calming! Love your energy & how you choose to live your life full of wonderful experiences … cabin in Rhode Island, making “Jesus” soap, learning to sculpt in Florence, throwing pottery in Connecticut. Your life is charming! Love it. Love following you
“Don’t throw away the value that five minutes have”… ah, that is what I’m trying to learn more than everything. Thank you for this video and I hope you have a wonderful summer ☀️💖🌾
This is very inspiring! Thank you! It would be super interesting to see a series or long video over time where you are learning a new skill from scratch and we can watch your progress, or progress with you!!
I am doing a lecture series next year on artisanal skills that are on the verge of being lost and your video today helped me fine tune my message on the importance of not only preserving skills but encouraging others to still learn them.
Rajiv, you are a dedicated artist and your diligence to your craft is astounding. you are also incredibly gifted. never seen anyone like you in the world.
You are just an incredible teacher and motivator. I often get overwhelmed with all that I want to learn and do - but you level set me and you have no idea how much I appreciate you shifting my perspective..
Your genuine caring kind personality seems to be the key that you have attracted good people in your life that lend you a barn or teach you a skill. That’s how famous creators artists etc seem to allow you to film with them or be interviewed etc. Keep soaring, keep growing. Best wishes 🙏🏼
Hi Rajiv, your videos are the first ones that I watch, they appear first when I access YT. You are a true inspiration, you can speak properly, with a pleasant tone and rithm, the topics and skills you choose are very interesting and inspiring. In many cases you are the reason why I open YT at all. Namaste!
The wisdom that comes from knowing One's Self, never ceases to amaze Me. 5-10 minutes of daily thoughtless-awareness-meditation if You want to fast track it. Of course other meditations, mindfullness, and being absorbed in creative projects are great, but to establish the foundation of Self-realization, do this daily, first for a few months and see what Others say about how You've become a better Person, the changes are subtle but significant, most times, others notice the difference before You will! (Usually 3-5 weeks) The other methods will be helpful, but may never bear Self-Realization, even after 3 decades! All the best 🧘♂️💚
You are a true “Renaissance” soul! I look to your channel for inspiration to curate my meaningful and well lived life. Enjoy your beautiful surroundings and we look forward to what you share next. 🙏🌟
I love that you take the time to make videos and chat about the things that matter. Learning to do new things is definitely something, but what really matters is you taking time face to face to address the challenge of doubt and comparison with others inside a human being. Your time working on yourself has made you a compassionate teacher and commenter on life. I am so grateful you care enough about the human experience to make these videos. Thank you with all my heart. ❤
It is so relaxing watching you. You are an old soul full of knowledge and karisma. I'm a 63 year old lady and you could sometimes be my guru. Thanks for all your teaching that you share in this channel. Saludos.
I feel quite emotional at your interpretation of what you've learned and the teachers who have helped you. They truly are gifts laid before you that you can then pass on to others. It's a beautiful energy exchange that indeed makes you extremely wealthy. I'm taking note of the small increments of time that are so valuable in the moment and beyond. Thank you🙏
Oh Dear, this is the best video to address one's time and interests. There is nothing like "self discovery". Sweetheart, I would like to correct you about the sanskrt part "maataa, pitaa, guru, deivam" as you took it out of context! The original sanskrt verse(in Narayana upanishad) is 2 lines "tvam(you) eva(only) mata(mother) ca(and), pita(father) tvam eva, tvam eva bhandus(relative) ca, gurus(teacher) tvam eva 2nd line Tvam eva vidya(knowledge) ca dhravinam(wealth) tvam eva, tvam eva sarvam(everything) mama(my) deva(God) deva(God)" In a nutshell this means ",You are the only mother, you are only father, you are the only relative, you are the only teacher, you are the only knowledge, you are the only wealth and you are everything my Lord of All the Lords". This is from the spiritual perspective. We all come alone and leave alone. There is a Tamizh version which is even more clearer than the sanskrt version😉. Warren Buffett once said that everyone has talents but we don't prioritize. We waste lot of time. Even though I have artistic talents, I used to waste my time with ridiculous people which wasn't beneficial bodily, mentally, intellectually and spiritually. The moment I realized that it cleared junk and created time, space and energ to pursue skills I had always wanted but couldn't due to either financial or other reasons. Oil paints, guitar, knitting are a bit expensive but my father couldn't afford to spend when we were young. When you become independent, you have the luxury to pursue the skills. You and your videos bring a genuine smile on our faces. For that, I thank you love. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Rajiv ! I totally agree with everything you said. I started learning various skills, because I get very interested and passionate and appreciative about how things are made and the beauty of the craftsmanship, but when I gave birth to my daughter, I had less time, so I now try to concentrate on the basic first steps of these skills that are a wealth for life so that I can transmit them to my daughter when she has the age of learning them and so that she can then decide to make use of them, learn further and maybe even pass them on to her on children or others if she so wishes. Often, the basic skills, like learning how to sow, knit, crochet, pottery, jewellery, tapestry, music, calligraphy, soap making, cooking, etc.…are useful in more ways than one. Sometimes it helps us to understand history, proportions, patience, dexterity and motor skills, calculations, or just how different materials interact physically and chemically, not just the end result. It’s a full exercise that can help us understand many other everyday life things that we sometimes take for granted. So please keep helping us to experiment and appreciate all these talents.
It is no wonder so many people love you. You are a sincere, real-life-based encourager. I am grateful to have you in my tribe.
+💚
Well said! ❤
Is this one of the most beautiful people in the world or what?❤❤❤
Yes, definitely! 😊
Yes he is.
YES! YES! YES! He is.
Agreed 💯
@@AvaTara such beautiful hair and peaceful aura
I could listen to you all day! Im a 51 year old semi retired grandmother and have told people my entire life that I just dont have a green thumb. I have always spent hours looking at gardens and dreaming and wishing I could do one. My perfectionism held me back for years. I eventually reached a time when I just said the heck with it, Im planting it and I dont care if it’s ugly and unweeded. I had a couple of really bad fails, but learned a great deal each time. This year, however, I have a luscious, successful garden. Not pretty but it’s producing delicious food!
Bravo ! 👏🏽 that’s wonderful
You are not just growing a garden...you are growing your self. Wonderful Learning.
Thank you!
You can do it!!!!😊
A garden that not only feeds your body, it also feeds your soul. Splendid!❤
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
Yes! Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I’m loving that !
😮
Yes, beware the story behind the story, or the story motive, behind the news today.
Not just the little stories either, it's the big lies that work the best for mass manipulation.
Which of the biggest stories have You believed, without question, in the last 4 years, and how many are really what they told You?
The answers aren't on mainstream platforms or simple searches,
but they're totally visible
if One looks a little deeper.
Something I always tell people who say things like, “Oh you’re so talented. I wish I could do that,” is a phrase I heard Bob Ross say many times on his painting show: talent is nothing but pursued interest. I live by that.
Absolutely true.
Exactly, when I'm with others and someone says that about someone else, I tell them that they can do it too. And I always get snarky remarks like "oh like you think you could do it too".
Well yes, if we all dedicate ourselves we can, with practice, persistence and passion, yes.
So sad to see people give up so easily and even more so, to put others down
Surendra yourself to a new skill today! 💫
💯 ❤😅
Oh my Rajiv! I was in tears when you spoke of, "Matha, Pitha , Guru, Daivam." I am a Hindu and many a time I have difficulty in explaining aspects of my faith. But, the way you explained the meaning was correct, concise and beautiful. Thank you! You are an inspiration. Namaste!
For me, I recently started painting, and realized this important thing…. If your want to make art, you have to be willing to make bad art. A. Lot. Of bad art. Suspending judgment of yourself while you learn and explore all forms of skills is the key. How many famous, beautiful paintings have failed paintings underneath them? Canvas is expensive and artists are often poor, so my guess is most of them! If you don’t love the process, the outcome is irrelevant. Took me a lifetime to learn this and I’m so impressed with Rajiv for knowing this at such a young age. Do the things you love… even if you suck at them. Who cares? Do it anyway!!
I'm 72 and always told people I had a tin ear, all the while envying anyone who owned a piano. Seven years ago I dipped my toe into music-making by buying a funky tin can ukulele at a craft fair. Cut to the present, I've had a wonderful piano coach for four years and I continually apply all my patience, humility, diligence and curiosity to my daily practice. I'm getting there!
Patterns arise in life and reveal a path. So happy for you! Keep Going!
@@allonesame6467 Thanks!
@@lshwadchuck5643 Yes! This is wonderful.
Dear Rajiv, in the shattered ruins of my life, all the stress now, you my dear give me a calm moment of peace, and for that I thank you❤❤❤
Rajiv,who are you…. I am a proud Indian. I am what I am today because of my mother and father and my teacher/s. I am a Hindu and have a spiritual bent of mind. But…. You are so young, so steeped in our Eastern culture and so evolved despite your age. You are truly special and so inspirational. Your inner -self is so conscious and so awake. You have so much to give to this blasé, jaded world that we live in. May you go from strength to strength and may your innate wisdom forever be your guiding light. Rajiv you truly are adorable. May the forces of Good be your guide always.🙏🙏Jai ho.
So well said, and I couldnt agree more! He's a ray of light in this dark scary world!
I can only reiterate what we all already know: you are an absolute treasure and too beautiful Rajiv!
Oh…How I understand what your are saying. You are a young man and you have figured out want vs need. I retired at 59. I am now 70. I have been a maker all of my life. I discovered art about 5 years ago. I took a few classes to learn how to draw correctly. A skill anyone can learn. Now i not only draw , but paint in watercolor and acrylics. I consider daily, what shall i do with my time. So i practice what I love. I live in Tennessee, in a sweet little house on a corner in Franklin Tn. There is so much inspiration for me here it is endless. My artistic journey, plus a son, plus a grandson brought me here. Oh how blessed i am. If you follow at any age, what inspires you, you will never be lonely and you will have plenty around you to make you happy. Love your channel Rajiv. 🎉
I love this. Thank you for sharing
Hi Gabrielle There is an artist in TN that I follow on you tube who paints in acrylics. She has at the most wonderful joyful personality and very loose and laid back if you like that like of person and art. Her name is Sandi Hester and IMHO an exceptional teacher.
Hi Gabrielle, so nice to read your story, a great person as Rajiv allow us to learn also from great people to hear other interesting experiences. You are also an inspiration. I am 60, worked on TV all my life, I had a lot of responsibility in my last job, streaming platforms changed the business, and my department was reduced,I was out, free, I decided not no seek for another job but pursue my passions, draw, paint, play piano, calligraphy.. yoga, that makes me happy ! but still have some guilty and doubts when people my age still working ask me ‘and where do you work now? What do you do? Only hobbies? .. Rajiv and friends make me feel I am in the right path. Greetings from Mexico.😊
@@celinefederici6951 Hello fellow artist. Yes. I watch Sandi as well. Lots of fun. Lovely young woman. ❤️
@@evavillarreal9753 Hello …. Such questions “only Hobbies” ? I think people simply don’t know what freedom is sometimes. When we have worked all of our lives, traveled far and wide mentally and spiritually, we simply want peace. That is what “art” is for me. Peace and quiet. We have earned the right to do nothing but what we love. You are from Mexico. I moved from California. I love and miss my Mexican friends. I love the art of Mexico too. Once per year in Alta Loma California, Sam Maloof ( a famous wood worker) would invite artists to his property to show their art. What a treat for those of us that took the time to go see. These artists came from all over Mexico. Continue to do what you love. ❤️
You are a rock star….this old 71 year old grandmother adores you
this one does too!
@@KerryH-sk4gj….and this 74 year old great grandmother too 👍
What a talent and what an inspiration ❤️
@@lenoramorris5375 agreed.
you are my hero, rajiv. this from a 56-year old woman who is trying to learn calligrpahy, watercolor and macrame.
This 85 year old grandmother loves your projects; so inspiring!
At 68 I started learning guitar. I recently realized that classical guitar is what I love. So I am fine tuning my focus in that direction. I still have a ways to go. Sometimes I get frustrated at my progress, but then I remind myself I am doing this for me. It’s not a race. Slow down and enjoy where I am at. I still work full time, so my time to practice is limited. There is no one else to clean or cook, so I must take care of the basics of life.
What I like about you is that you are genuine, gentle, calming and not pushy. You are organized, crafty, intelligent and capable. Thank you for sharing part of your life experiences and your knowledge. Best wishes for your continued learning of new skills.
There is nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it. I taught myself how to knit, paint, draw, play music, etc. your limitations are in your own mind.
I agree. I picked up those talents in my 40. But my mother was an artist. Partly genetic(20%) rest 80% curiosity, hard work.
"There is no spoon."
To be so self realized at your age is a blessing in itself. I hear so many people say,”oh I wish I had done fill-in the blank.” Doing things you love and enjoy is never wasted time. I respect and admire you so much, Rajiv you are a beautiful soul, and easy on the eyes too!
My skill set has skyrocketed in the last few years with cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, spinning, felting…etc. I’ve had so many people tell me “I could never do that,” assuming it was easy for me. What people don’t see is hours and hours upon hours of perseverance. It does come down to a desire to learn something. I’ve failed more times than I’ve succeeded but that practice eventual turns into knowledge and learning a new skill.
Thank you
- for acknowledging that many people have children, jobs, parents to care for, etc. and that it's good to rest
- for stating that even 5 minutes here and there spent honing a skill... really does add up
- for encouraging people to figure out what they really want to learn, and focus on that
- for sharing the Hindu...Mother, Father, Guru, Divine. I love that!
Beautiful studio, Beautiful video, Beautiful you! Metta to you and all everywhere!
This is the comment I came here to write. Thank you Rajiv for acknowledging us who have passions but are trying to figure out time to practice/think about them.
Just when we thought we couldn't love Rajiv any more than we already do… ❤
True!
@@anneredmoon
I’m just blown away by how insightful he is❣️
@@cynthiaann4465 agree!
@@cynthiaann4465 I agree!!!
Rajiv, you are the Guru of Life Skills for your viewers.
What you have learned can never be taken from you...............money, people and stuff can vanish, what you have learned is yours for as long as you live.
Really needed to hear this today! A reminder to be patient with ourselves in pursuit of creativity.
Hello, I turn 69 tomorrow. Retired at 67. I loved being crafty and drawing as a kid. I was diagnosed with ADHD at 52. A life of anxiety, and low level dysfunction. Felt like I just survived employment, college overwhelmed me, so left. Now I am pursuing any creativity that makes me happy and content. Little steps, helps. I have a timer. 10,20,30 minutes of living a creative life. So quilting, watercolor, drawing are my current pursuits. My learning focus is art and culture so the local community college is great. I figure, if I am healthy and committed to creativity for the next 10 years I can be at peace. Thank you so much! Figuring it out in Kansas City.
I love your comment🙏
Happy birthday Kimgerber!🙏🎂🎉🪅💐🤗🙏
You are an amazing person who continues with all my scares both physical and emotional to continue to try for that I thankyou 💗
69 hehe congrats
Your choices and what you have done is so inspiring Thank you!
OMG you are such a beautif person. Thankyou . I am in my 80s . My darling husband died4 years ago. I have no family and my friends all passed. You are such a joy. Please know that I have not long to live but gives such pleasure from all your blogs. Thankyou .
What a wise and well rounded person you are Rajiv❣️I wish we could visit. 😊You also make me remember to make the most of this life we are given.
Rajiv, I want you to know how much I appreciate your positive attitude and frank perspective about life. Every time I watch one of your videos my spirits are lifted. Thank you so much for all of your efforts.
Non negotiable. What word! It explains how I felt when I was raising my children. I put all my personal interests aside for many years because my children were more important to me. I never felt that this non negotiable task was a burden. On the contrary, I felt fully accomplished and to see them become good human beings has been my reward. Now that they've moved on with their lives, I have moved on with mine. I do all the crafting, reading, and resting I want and need. And yes, there are things I can't do but I don't feel it's a failure. Because by not forcing myself to do things I can't or don't want to do gives me more time to do the things that enrich my soul. Thank you for your inspiring video.
Thank you @ julienanetti5400 🥰Someone once said (Jackie Kennedy Onassis quoted) a similar sentiment and wise words to live by:
"If you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much." 💝
I love that you started off with sports I am so uncoordinated and traumatized by forced childhood sports. I have no interest in them. I enjoy working out, hiking and outdoor activities but not coordinated competitive sport. As always thank you for a great video to start the weekend. I’m going flea market hunting and house hunting in PA today (inspired by your antique festival video last weekend). That is sport enough. ❤
I really wanted to learn how to quilt, but there were aspects of it that scared me (doing the binding) and I didn't have anyone to show me. At the age of 52 I watched a RUclips video on how to do it and I tried it. It wasn't as hard as I imagined and I thought , "That was IT? I could have been quilting for decades!" There were times when I was learning that I almost quit. When my seams weren't matching up I got frustrated and almost threw it in the trash but I decided to try it ONE MORE TIME. It got better and I kept practicing. One of the reasons I haven't done other things I want to, is I don't take time to practice. Thank you, Rajiv, for encouraging to take only 5 minutes if that's all you have. I need to be a better steward of my time. Practicing guitar or drums instead of playing World of Warcraft, for example.
It’s always a pleasure to watch new vlogs from Rajiv. I’m looking forward to vlogs in the new retreat.
I've learned a bit about Hinduism and something that stays with me is about the gurukula system of learning from our many teachers in life and passing on that knowledge. The guru can be anyone whether they're a formal teacher or someone on line in the grocery store that sparks something within you
You are so right about not discounting even 5 minutes. I was able to research 4,000 years of the history of decorative arts (furniture and architecture), textiles, color, and the elements and principles of design for 10 week and 16 week design courses that I taught for 15 years at a design school. It was a daunting task that took a lot of time but it was something that became my dream job. I worked on it even if I only had a few minutes. I didn’t wait until I had a block of hours. That would have never happened. We all love watching you!! ❤
This message couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Thank you for your openness and wisdom.
Love you, Rajiv ❤🇧🇷
I feel so called out 😂 “the things I can’t do are the things I don’t want to do”.
This entire video really resonates with me and is something I wish more people would watch. Leave room for spontaneity, but be careful about what you spend your time on. Life is so short.
I love your videos. I am 75….not your target audience but I talk to others about you. You are an inspiration. Not easy to be as disciplined as you are! I’d love to know more about your mother. Is some of your discipline a cultural thing? Keep the videos coming…even at 75 we can still be inspired and learn.
I think everyone is Rajiv’s target audience! And I agree that the discipline is impressive.
What makes you think you are not his target audience?
This is so helpful to me as a person who struggles with maintaining the momentum necessary to acquire new skills when I’m not immediately proficient. Thank you!
"Don't discount 5 minutes." Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I've applied this concept to the "maintenance " areas of my life for decades and become very efficient. I've yet to intentionally apply it to creative endeavors. Thank you, again for sharing your insights with us. ❤
Over the years I’ve tried learning many creative things. Some I’ve stuck with and some I haven’t. This video confirmed my feeling that it’s the difference between the things I WISH I could do and the things that I REALLY WANT to do and put the time and effort into. For example, some years ago I wished I could play the double bass. I bought one and I had lessons for a while, but I wasn’t practicing. Even now, I still wish I could play it (especially when I listen to rockabilly) but I’ve accepted that I don’t want it enough to really put in the effort that is needed. On the other hand many years ago I tried bobbin lace but I didn’t have a teacher and quickly reached a plateau in what I could teach myself. But over the years I kept coming back and trying again. It was only last year that I finally found a teacher and I’m so glad that I never gave up on that dream!
🤣"putting on all this equipment in the cold and going down a hill" - I love you and this encouraging take on discovering our talents.
Think I've commented this before, but here it is again; I learn so much from your wisdom. Much appreciated xx
Great video.
*I was a process control engineer (just retired 2/21/24) I would always stress test my projects just to make sure it would work under all conditions.*
Also depending on the government.
*But I found away of earning more income despite my Retirement. $57k weekly returns has been life changing, after so much struggles.*
wow this awesome 👏 I'm 37 and have been looking for ways to be successful, please how do I make such weekly??
@@babytruca02Maria Angelina Alexander I really appreciate her efforts and transparency.
I remember giving her my first savings $20000 and she opened a brokerage account for me it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.
My outlook on money changed when I realized someone making $200K can retire broke & someone making $80K can retire a millionaire. With the current market movement.
You're correct!! I make a lot of money without relying on the government.
Investing in stocks and digital currencies is beneficial at this moment.
We all have all the gifts. But for this experience now, we are given some. You and everyone probably have more, you will find them in the future. You are so easy to like. Simple honesty, yet another gift you give.
I appreciate you being non-arrogant in your life and sharing. Thank you for your beauty, and sharing of your creativity and hope with us all! Many Blessings.
You are so right! My grandmother told me once, If you want to work, You’ll find work. It is the same premise in all just like you said. ❤
Where there is a will, there is a way.
I love when you post on the weekend ❤ It's morning in my time zone. Your videos make the start of my day so relaxing!
Hello, thank you for making this video. As somebody who often gets told, "Is there anything you can't do??" I often don't know how to respond. I have wide interests in many traditional types of crafts and a love for art, so spending time doing them comes naturally, but also, as you said, thinking about them and researching them. Now, a skill I want to learn is roller skating, and it doesn't come naturally. I am still quite bad, but I am determined to get better, even if it takes a lot of time. So if the weather permits, I go outside and get on my skates, even if it is only for 15 minutes.
Being this way can be quite isolating among my peers, as most people I meet don't understand a passion for learning, and conversation can run dry when we don't have common interests since my interests are quite uncommon. You have shown me that there are people out there who value and think the same way as I do about beauty, skill, art, and learning. So thank you for sharing your content and making this community. You are a great personal inspiration to me.
How to get free from doing work you don't want to do so that you can do the work you love ?
You are indeed so inspiring, dear Rajiv. I love that you share about the culture of your roots, which is very close to my heart. For many years, I have studied, a few minutes at a time, Vedic astrology. Now it's all I want to do. Many blessings from Florida
🙏🌍🕊🕊
Sooooo wise!!!
A few years ago I decided to forgo new year’s resolutions and instead I created rules for my life.
Rule number 1: “honor my preferences” and so all the other rules follow along this theme. I review them often, and adjust them as needed. I need to live the life that inspires me not what other people want or think…
Looks like you are the master of yours and it is inspiring to watch you live it.
Thank you Rajiv ❤
I love that you emphasized how rest is important and acknowledged how for many people the day to day can get in the way of learning things. This was such a wonderful video, thank you for sharing your thougts!
Thanks Rajiv, I agree! You have to Want something!
Omg I so love you! I too can’t do sports! I will go to the gym workout every day, do yoga, and meditation but it stops there I love the finer things in life … arts, music, books …. My husband is an avid runner and tennis player ( I am at the Wimbledon right now ugh) my eldest daughter was a national junior golfer, my twin daughters both tennis players and also competed nationally in their teens! Oh how I dislikes sitting and watching and waiting but I did it for them, they are my world and now we all joke that my eldest is the female version of you! We also live our lives based of the very same Sanskrit teaching, my dad taught me Sanskrit as a little girl growing up in East Africa. Rajiv you are so inspiring you are our guru in many ways and you are so genuine it is pure joy watching and learning so much from you! Don’t ever change!
It sounds like you don’t really put pressure on yourself to become competent, or excel, as fast as humanly possible; that you’ve learned the journey is as important as the destination. Good on ya! Fear of failure is a real thing, and it can take a while to adjust to a mindset that accepts or welcomes the process of revealing how to improve on a skill. Having kind and patient gurus, plus a safe place to suck, are blessings…and surprisingly abundant when one stops prioritizing instant gratification. Thanks for offering your estimable skills as inspiration, Rajiv.
Teaching makes you immortal. Yes, sacred. Thank you for being so open and honest.
This was truly lovely and I hope you share more of those brain droppings very inspired to go out and learn more and excited to see what you are up to in the barn studio
I live in the country in my retirement and all I hear is birdsong and far away trains. I spend my days knitting, handsewing my clothing, slow stitching and making delicious healthy food. It’s my dream life and I feel so privileged. A lot of people might think it’s boring but i absolutely love it! Thanks for inspiring me Rajiv
@@denisedejose718 wow! You must live in Tennessee like me. I moved from California here. What a huge difference and i love it………Oh, here comes 2 chickens visiting me from someone else’s coup. Life is good.😊
I thought I would love to sew. I love fabrics, patterns, pattern piecing to fit the final outfit. Also, I adore quilts. But, sitting at the sewing machine is not fun to me. I did nice work. My Grandma was a great seamstress and always looked at my pieces, turned them over to inspect the seams and was generous with compliments. That made me happy.
It's funny that this is reminding me that I have a goal of picking up skiing again, lol. I grew up with it, but didn't have much opportunity over the last decade, so now I want to bring that particular joy back into my life. But I also have ADHD, so after asking if I really want to do something, I have to examine my energy, schedule, and finances. This process of learning to say no to things to make space for what I know truly brings me joy has been so beneficial to me over the past few years.
This truly made me feel a lot better about having a lot of skills or experience in a variety of occupations and not choosing that “one thing” and sticking to it until retirement 😅
I believe the human capacity to learn is boundless; we simply must make the choice and put in the effort. You are so eloquent and have a lovely spirit.
I once saw someone say about ppl saying they cant get themselves to start something they want to do because it will take too much time, they said, "time will pass anyway." That really stuck w me and helped me start new hobbies!
I walked out of a maths exam.
I didn't WANT to do it. I hated maths, I could not do maths, so why sit the exam? AND you know what....nothing happened!!
Feel like crying. Wish I had done that Brilliant !
As a mother of 7 children, finding time to pursue things has always been the challenge. I totally agree, you have to really want the thing, especially if your time to dedicate to it is limited!
Quality over quantity.
“Seven children?!!?????”
“You like children, Maria?”
“Yes, but SEVEN??”
That must be hard. But I am sure you're doing your best to do for your kids. At the same time, tske care of your self too and whatever little time you have left, do that gives you utmost joy.
Best wishes
What a wonderful example for your children if you take time for yourself to do the things that you love… besides taking care of the children that you love😅!!!
@@rajivsurendra Yes, symbolizing complete and perfect, as Maria sang: My Favorite Things❣
" feels like heaven", the song sings in my head...So happy u 've got your friendly tranquil summerspot
Well said Rajiv! And thank you for the gift. My uncle used to say, "you can lose your wealth, career, job, friends etc but your learnings can never be taken away." And there's a Spanish saying that translates to, "they who want to do more than they who can."
I have often felt bad about the things that I can't and don't do. So thank you for the reassurance that we should spend our energy on the things that we really want to do.
I applaud you and what you do with your channel 🎉 ❤
Rajiv’s guide to living an intentional life. My Saturday mornings used to be mundane with chores etc but I put Rajiv’s video on ( and if there isn’t a new one I play something from before) and the joy and wisdom from those videos uplift my Saturday mornings. Love you, Rajiv! Keep doing you! ❤
I have a first guru I think, in Jessica Sowards. Jess has a RUclips channel called Roots and Refuge. I’ve wanted to garden forever but did not have enough sun for it until Hurricane Sally felled trees in my front yard. Now I have a garden and a mantra because of her. It is, “Turn your waiting room into a classroom.” RUclips has been an inspirational channel for me. I’m learning, and practicing flower arrangement, water color, cooking, etc. , and find your channels so inspirational as well, @Rajiv. Thank you for sharing your gifts and insights.
Thank you and when you have a moment can you do a tour of the inside of your barn space ☺
It’s ALWAYS a red letter day when you post a new video.
Keep em coming!
We makers out here in subscriber land adore you❤
This is the most positive, and gently encouraging video I have watched. Thank you Rajiv for sharing your wisdom with us. Thank you, and Namaste.
The success is in the trying.
You need something like a podcast, i could hear you talk all day! So have so much wisdom i love hearing your thoughts
Rajiv, you embody everything I have tried to follow throughout my life and pass on when I have been teaching others. You have gifts you you were born with that make easier for you than others, a curious mind , a strong intelect, a love of beauty and craftsmanship, and knowing what you want. Blessings to you for showing others there is no shame in following arts and crafts and pursuites they admire. Thank you yet again. Muffy from Oz.
Something in us guides us to where we need to be to achieve growth and balance. Thank you.
Love your videos. ❤️. I started painting with watercolor six years ago. I have fibromyalgia, and I was going through a horrible time. I saw a video online (Let's Make Art) and just started painting to distract myself from the pain. It did. Little by little I got more confidence and I didn't stop even when what I painted was awful. You have to allow yourself the grace of being bad sometimes, to over come the fear that comes with creating art. If you can do that you are well on your way. Today I have recently retired to be an artist full time. I still deal with pain, but art is an outlet. ☺️
It’s your fellow NY-er here. Viv. I love how you put it. It is true a good teacher will teach skills you will take with you the rest of your life. “Teach a man to fish”! Thank you for sharing Rajiv. You are so calming! Love your energy & how you choose to live your life full of wonderful experiences … cabin in Rhode Island, making “Jesus” soap, learning to sculpt in Florence, throwing pottery in Connecticut. Your life is charming! Love it. Love following you
Just perfect. We get to choose based on our likes, not our musts.
“Don’t throw away the value that five minutes have”… ah, that is what I’m trying to learn more than everything. Thank you for this video and I hope you have a wonderful summer ☀️💖🌾
This is very inspiring! Thank you! It would be super interesting to see a series or long video over time where you are learning a new skill from scratch and we can watch your progress, or progress with you!!
Always a pleasure to listen in Rajiv, you may be doing things for YOU, but the fruit comes to US!
I am doing a lecture series next year on artisanal skills that are on the verge of being lost and your video today helped me fine tune my message on the importance of not only preserving skills but encouraging others to still learn them.
This is such a gem of a channel. I am grateful for Rajiv and his content. Kudos and thanks to you Sir.
Rajiv, you are a dedicated artist and your diligence to your craft is astounding. you are also incredibly gifted. never seen anyone like you in the world.
You are just an incredible teacher and motivator. I often get overwhelmed with all that I want to learn and do - but you level set me and you have no idea how much I appreciate you shifting my perspective..
Your genuine caring kind personality seems to be the key that you have attracted good people in your life that lend you a barn or teach you a skill. That’s how famous creators artists etc seem to allow you to film with them or be interviewed etc. Keep soaring, keep growing. Best wishes 🙏🏼
Hi Rajiv, your videos are the first ones that I watch, they appear first when I access YT. You are a true inspiration, you can speak properly, with a pleasant tone and rithm, the topics and skills you choose are very interesting and inspiring. In many cases you are the reason why I open YT at all. Namaste!
The wisdom that comes from knowing One's Self,
never ceases to amaze Me.
5-10 minutes of daily thoughtless-awareness-meditation if You want to fast track it.
Of course other meditations, mindfullness, and being absorbed in creative projects are great, but to establish the foundation of Self-realization, do this daily, first for a few months and see what Others say about how You've become a better Person, the changes are subtle but significant, most times, others notice the difference before You will! (Usually 3-5 weeks)
The other methods will be helpful, but may never bear Self-Realization, even after 3 decades!
All the best
🧘♂️💚
You are a true “Renaissance” soul! I look to your channel for inspiration to curate my meaningful and well lived life. Enjoy your beautiful surroundings and we look forward to what you share next. 🙏🌟
I love that you take the time to make videos and chat about the things that matter. Learning to do new things is definitely something, but what really matters is you taking time face to face to address the challenge of doubt and comparison with others inside a human being. Your time working on yourself has made you a compassionate teacher and commenter on life. I am so grateful you care enough about the human experience to make these videos. Thank you with all my heart. ❤
It is so relaxing watching you. You are an old soul full of knowledge and karisma. I'm a 63 year old lady and you could sometimes be my guru.
Thanks for all your teaching that you share in this channel.
Saludos.
I feel quite emotional at your interpretation of what you've learned and the teachers who have helped you. They truly are gifts laid before you that you can then pass on to others. It's a beautiful energy exchange that indeed makes you extremely wealthy. I'm taking note of the small increments of time that are so valuable in the moment and beyond. Thank you🙏
Rajiv, you're a treasure. Enjoy your summer ❤
Oh dearest Rajiv❤ what a pleasure it is to listen to you! You are a treasure. Happy birthday and big love from Argentina.
Oh Dear, this is the best video to address one's time and interests.
There is nothing like "self discovery".
Sweetheart, I would like to correct you about the sanskrt part "maataa, pitaa, guru, deivam" as you took it out of context!
The original sanskrt verse(in Narayana upanishad) is 2 lines
"tvam(you) eva(only) mata(mother) ca(and), pita(father) tvam eva, tvam eva bhandus(relative) ca, gurus(teacher) tvam eva
2nd line
Tvam eva vidya(knowledge) ca dhravinam(wealth) tvam eva, tvam eva sarvam(everything) mama(my) deva(God) deva(God)"
In a nutshell this means
",You are the only mother, you are only father, you are the only relative, you are the only teacher, you are the only knowledge, you are the only wealth and you are everything my Lord of All the Lords".
This is from the spiritual perspective. We all come alone and leave alone.
There is a Tamizh version which is even more clearer than the sanskrt version😉.
Warren Buffett once said that everyone has talents but we don't prioritize.
We waste lot of time. Even though I have artistic talents, I used to waste my time with ridiculous people which wasn't beneficial bodily, mentally, intellectually and spiritually. The moment I realized that it cleared junk and created time, space and energ to pursue skills I had always wanted but couldn't due to either financial or other reasons. Oil paints, guitar, knitting are a bit expensive but my father couldn't afford to spend when we were young.
When you become independent, you have the luxury to pursue the skills.
You and your videos bring a genuine smile on our faces. For that, I thank you love.
Have a wonderful weekend.
I am that I am, you are, we be: one in the One. Blessings🥰
Hi Rajiv !
I totally agree with everything you said.
I started learning various skills, because I get very interested and passionate and appreciative about how things are made and the beauty of the craftsmanship, but when I gave birth to my daughter, I had less time, so I now try to concentrate on the basic first steps of these skills that are a wealth for life so that I can transmit them to my daughter when she has the age of learning them and so that she can then decide to make use of them, learn further and maybe even pass them on to her on children or others if she so wishes.
Often, the basic skills, like learning how to sow, knit, crochet, pottery, jewellery, tapestry, music, calligraphy, soap making, cooking, etc.…are useful in more ways than one. Sometimes it helps us to understand history, proportions, patience, dexterity and motor skills, calculations, or just how different materials interact physically and chemically, not just the end result. It’s a full exercise that can help us understand many other everyday life things that we sometimes take for granted. So please keep helping us to experiment and appreciate all these talents.
This is such a beautiful video. Thank you so much.