Category: Celebrate Today

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating a Living Light: His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

In a world filled with noise, confusion, and change, there are rare souls who radiate unwavering peace and divine purpose. His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is one such living light—a beacon of love, wisdom, and healing whose presence has touched countless lives across the globe. This year, Pujya Sri Appaji celebrates 83 years. He is the epitome of Truth, Knowledge, and Bliss.

Son of Sri Narahari Teertha Swami and Jayalakshmi Maata, Pujya Appaji was born in 1942 in Andhra Pradesh, India, at the sacred confluence of three rivers – the Arkavati River, the Kaveri River and the Guptagaamini River. Pujya Appaji has dedicated His life to uplifting humanity through the ancient yet timeless path of Dharma, Bhakti, and Seva. A spiritual master, yogi, musician, and compassionate healer, His Holiness is the revered founder of Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, a vibrant spiritual and cultural center that offers spiritual guidance, Vedic knowledge, and charitable services to all, regardless of religion or background.

In creating a greeting I was looking for a particular photo of Pujya Appaji (one I had not used before) and I kid you not when I say that a lot of photos with Pujya Appaji show His Holiness either with a microphone in front of Him, or Him doing pooja or something of the sort and it made me smile. Why? It was this thought in my mind, ‘Rachael, your Appaji is always doing something. He is selfless and it is always for the good of mankind.’ 83 years is a milestone and 83 also has other significance for me, and will there are so many things I can share that would show why I don’t question His Holiness, I will say this. My understanding of who Pujya Appaji is began long before I physically met Him. It began with a fascination with His name and saying it over and over because in addition to being was very young at the time, I liked the way His name sounds.

I have experienced His Grace and His compassion in so many ways. I always feel His presence, His energy and His Love. This is why I always say, “Thank you Appaji for all that You do and continue to do. Please accept my humble Prostations at Your Lotus Feet.”

The Power of Divine Music

One of Pujya Appaji’s most extraordinary gifts is His healing music. Through His soul-stirring Raga Sagara concerts, He brings together music and meditation, soothing the mind and awakening the soul. His Holiness has even been recognized by Guinness World Records for His musical achievements, yet His humble mission remains the same—to heal, inspire, and reconnect humanity with the Divine through sound.

Pujya Appaji is both timeless and relevant. While rooted in the deep wisdom of the ancient rishis, He speaks to the modern seeker with clarity and compassion. Whether through discourses, bhajans, or silent blessings, He opens the door for each soul to walk its own unique path toward peace and self-realization.

He teaches not only through words, but through His actions—feeding the hungry, healing the sick, protecting nature, and uplifting the downtrodden. His global humanitarian work reflects a deep understanding that true spirituality is lived through service, love, and unity.

To be in Pujya Appaji presence—even through a video, bhajan, or written word—is to feel a rare silence, a rare joy. Devotees describe a sense of calm, direction, and a reminder that no matter how dark life seems, there is always divine light waiting within.

He reminds us that God is not distant, but near. That our breath, our heartbeats, our very existence is sacred. And that by living with truth, humility, and devotion, we can transform our lives and uplift others.

As we celebrate the life and mission of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, let us take a moment to reflect on the grace He brings into this world. May we honor His teachings not just in word, but in practice—by being kind, by being present, and by walking the path of love.

Sri Guru Datta!

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life

Rising in the Face of Adversity: When the Smiles Are Fake and the Words Are Hollow

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Life has a way of testing us when we least expect it. Sometimes it’s through quiet struggles—stress that no one sees, battles we fight in silence, or moments when everything feels just a little too heavy to carry alone. And in those times, what makes it harder is not just the adversity itself—but the smiles that don’t reach the eyes and the words that lack sincerity.

We live in a world that often tells us to “stay strong” without truly understanding what we’re going through. Some say, “I’m here for you,” but disappear when you need them the most. Some compliment us but secretly compete. They smile at us, but whisper behind our backs. And while it’s easy to become jaded, bitter, or withdrawn—there is something powerful about choosing to rise anyway.

Strength Isn’t Always Loud

True strength doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it’s just getting out of bed in the morning. Showing up to work or parenting when your heart is heavy. Smiling back—even when you know the smile isn’t real—because you refuse to let the world change your softness.

Rising in the face of adversity means choosing authenticity in a sea of pretense. It means being kind even when kindness is not returned. It means forgiving—not because they deserve it—but because you deserve peace.

Fake Smiles Don’t Define You

You’ll meet people who pretend to care. Who say one thing and do another. Who clap when you win but secretly hope you lose. But their smiles don’t define your worth, and their words don’t reflect your truth.

Let their insincerity be a reminder of what you never want to become. Let it fuel your growth, not your grudges. Because rising doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine—it means facing what’s not, and growing anyway.

Your Truth is Your Power

You don’t need everyone to understand your journey. You just need to stay true to your path. Real light doesn’t need validation to shine. Keep doing your best. Keep showing up with heart. Keep speaking truth, even if your voice trembles.

And if you’re walking through pain right now—take heart. You are not weak. You are rising. Even when no one claps. Even when the spotlight is on someone else. Even when it’s quiet.

Keep Rising

Adversity will come. So will fake friends, shallow conversations, and fleeting applause. But so will your strength. So will grace. So will clarity. And the more you rise, the more you’ll recognize who’s truly with you—and who only showed up for the highlight reel.

Keep rising. Not because it’s easy. But because you were never meant to stay low.

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Life, Nature and the Environment

Celebrating 365 ClickASnap Moments: A Year of Nature, Landmarks, Food, Projects, and Motivation

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

A picture speaks a thousand words, and over the past eighteen months, I have captured 365 unforgettable moments on ClickASnap! From breathtaking landscapes to mouthwatering food, iconic landmarks, creative projects, and daily motivation, this journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

365 Uploads of Pictures

Photography is more than just taking photos; it’s about storytelling, emotions, and capturing the beauty in everyday life. Every image I’ve shared has been a reflection of my experiences, passions, and the little joys that make life extraordinary.

Nature’s Beauty 🌎

Nature has always been a source of peace and inspiration. From golden sunsets and towering mountains to delicate flowers and crashing waves, my gallery is filled with moments that remind us to pause and appreciate the world around us.

Landmarks That Leave You in Awe 🏛🌍

Whether it’s famous historical sites, hidden architectural gems, or local wonders, landmarks tell stories of history and culture. Through my lens, I’ve captured places that hold significance and beauty, allowing viewers to travel with me visually.

Food: A Feast for the Eyes and Soul 🍽📸

Food is more than nourishment—it’s art, tradition, and culture combined. From homemade delicacies to restaurant masterpieces, each dish I’ve photographed carries a memory, a flavor, and a unique story.

Creative Projects and Passion 🎨💡

Beyond photography, I’ve shared glimpses of my creative projects, whether it’s DIY crafts, business ventures, or artistic endeavors. These snapshots highlight my dedication to learning, growing, and inspiring others to bring their ideas to life.

Motivation and Positivity 💫📖

A picture can lift your spirits, and that’s exactly what I’ve aimed to do with my motivational images. Whether it’s a sunrise symbolizing new beginnings or a quote against a powerful backdrop, each post has been a reminder to stay positive and keep pushing forward.

Looking Ahead

Reaching 365 photos is a milestone, but this is only the beginning! I look forward to capturing even more moments, exploring new perspectives, and continuing to share inspiration through photography.

🎉 Join me on ClickASnap and explore my collection! 🎉
🔗 Click to view my gallery

Thank you to everyone who has followed my journey! Your support, engagement, and appreciation mean the world. Here’s to another year of creativity, storytelling, and celebrating existence—one click at a time! 📸✨

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Life, World Steelpan Day 2024

Happy World Steelpan Day 2024!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj
Photo showing the Nada Sangama Steel Orchestra led by His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Yes, today, August 11th, 2024, is World Steelpan Day. In recognition of today’s historical significance, this post is dedicated to the steelpan. As such I begin this post by highlighting the Nada Sangama Steel Orchestra led by His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji.

For those who may not be aware, Trinidad and Tobago is the home of the steelpan. This year, on July 3rd, 2024, the steelpan officially became known as Trinidad and Tobago’s national musical instrument following the passage of legislation in Parliament.

Also, for those who may be unaware, the United Nations has now recognized August 11 as World Steelpan Day. Just a few days ago, on August 9, 2024, Trinidad and Tobago achieved another milestone in securing the steelpan as its own when it attained a geographical indicator (GI) for the manufacturing of steelpans. This was approved by the Trinidad and Tobago IP (Intellectual Property) office and therefore gives all steelpan manufacturers and producers the right to affix the GI branding once established standards of production are applied.

The steelpan is an acoustic instrument with a rich cultural history that reflects the creativity and resilience of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. This distinctive instrument, recognized for its unique and captivating sound, has grown from modest origins to become a global symbol of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and a staple in diverse music genres.

The steelpan’s story dates back to the early 20th century in Trinidad and Tobago. At that time, under British colonial rule, the African descendants who made up much of the population were prohibited from using their traditional drums in their cultural and religious ceremonies. In response to these restrictions, they began experimenting with alternative materials to create new instruments, which eventually led to the creation of the steelpan.

The first steelpans were crafted from discarded oil barrels, which were abundant due to the island’s active oil industry. Musicians would carefully hammer the bottoms of these barrels into concave shapes, with different sizes and depths producing various pitches and tones. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for the steelpan’s development into the instrument we know today.

The 1930s and 1940s were pivotal in the steelpan’s evolution. Innovators like Winston “Spree” Simon and Ellie Mannette played key roles in refining the instrument, exploring different techniques to enhance its sound. Ellie Mannette, often called the “Father of the Modern Steelpan,” was the first to create a steelpan with multiple notes using a full oil barrel, establishing the modern design of the instrument.

As the steelpan continued to develop, its popularity grew. Over the years it has become central to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival celebrations, providing the energetic soundtrack to these vibrant festivities. Steelbands are ensembles of musicians playing steelpans of varying sizes and pitches, became a staple of these celebrations and the steelpan became synonymous with Caribbean musical culture. In this post I have also opted to highlight the Phoenix Steel Orchestra which is based in Belmont for the awesome work this very young vibrant band continues to do and both Junior Regrello and Johann Chuckaree who over the recent years have come together to do great work together! I have also opted to highlight Dr Lennox “Boogsie” Sharpe also known as Dr Len Boogsie Sharpe who is a successful and popular composer and arranger of steelpan music. 

Posted in Celebrate Today, Learning Opportunity, Life, Unfortunate Experiences

Celebrating Embracing Humility and Honesty: Striving for Excellence Amidst Misunderstandings

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Yes, I am embracing humility and honesty because this is who I am. I always do my best! All through my life as far as I can remember, I have always treated others the way I would want to be treated. People who really know me would say yes, it is true! Unfortunately, those who don’t understand me would misunderstand my silence or my staying away from persons who misunderstand me as something it is not. Even better, those in my circle keep me going and I know I cannot do it without Pujya Appaji.

In life, we often aspire to do our best, guided by the principles of humility and honesty. Giving my best is always me! These values shape our actions and interactions, leading us towards personal growth and meaningful connections. However, despite our best intentions, we may encounter situations where others misunderstand us or accuse us of things we haven’t done. Why? Is it so they can feel better about themselves, or their mindset is just so low that they cannot think about anything better? How do we deal with such situations while staying true to ourselves? It lies in making a conscious decision to continue being your best friend!

The Virtue of Doing Your Best: Doing your best isn’t just about achieving perfection; it’s about giving your all, whether in work, relationships, or personal endeavors. It’s a mindset that drives continuous improvement and resilience in the face of challenges.

The Humility Factor: Humility is often misunderstood as weakness, but it’s a strength that allows us to acknowledge our imperfections and learn from them. Being humble doesn’t mean diminishing your achievements; it means recognizing that you are part of something bigger than yourself.

The Importance of Honesty: Honesty forms the foundation of trust and integrity. It’s about being truthful, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. Honesty builds credibility and fosters genuine connections with others.

Navigating Misunderstandings: Despite our best efforts to be humble and honest, misunderstandings can arise. People may misinterpret our actions or motives, leading to false accusations. It’s crucial to respond calmly and with clarity, seeking to understand the root of the misunderstanding.

Dealing with False Accusations: Being accused of things we haven’t done can be hurtful and challenging. It tests our patience and resilience. In such situations, it’s important to stay calm, gather facts to refute the accusations if needed, and seek support from trustworthy persons who know the truth and accept it for what it is.

Embracing Resilience and Integrity: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It’s about facing adversity with courage and determination while integrity on the other hand, is staying true to your values and principles, even when it’s difficult.

In a world where misunderstandings and false accusations surround us day after day, staying true to ourselves becomes a powerful act of resilience and integrity. By doing our best, embracing humility, and practicing honesty, we not only grow personally but also inspire others to do the same. Let’s navigate life’s challenges with grace and integrity, knowing that staying true to who we are is the ultimate victory.

From me to you, here’s to celebrating your journey!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Helping Others, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Life’s Lessons through the eyes of Experience!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Hey everyone, yes, I am celebrating life’s lessons, and I am celebrating it through the eyes of experience. Certainly, life presents us with so many challenges that sometimes it comes one after the other, but one of the important things is keeping our faith and not giving up!

Easier said than done, right?

Don’t get me wrong, I am not here to tell you I know what you are going through, or to tell you to get over it or to tell you that your challenges are insignificant! That is not me, it was never me and would never be me, and I can assure you that. I believe in treating people as you would like to be treated and I always do my best to help others.

One thing that I always say and those who know me can attest to it is that no one can ever stand in your shoes and fully say they understand what you are going through because there is only one you and a pair of shoes doesn’t fit any two people the same way. The same adjectives may be used like ‘comfortable’ or ‘uncomfortable’ but that’s as close as it gets.

What I do however is share positivity as best as I can with the hope my messages can reach people the world over! This blog is one medium, then there are my social media pages and my most recent addition has been TikTok. Here is my TikTok link for those who want to visit it, https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelathomasj . I also urge you to think about these five things!

  1. Not everyone will like you! In this life, people will be bothered by your success, your achievements, your disposition, your beliefs, your finances, your appearance and your happiness just to name a few.
  2. Not everyone lives up to their word! Often times we would realize this is more real than we expect.  Many times people show us what they want us to see! They are about appearances, using flowery language and what we would call, ‘mamagism’.  (Re: Dictionary.com to deceive or tease/ (ˈmɑːməˌɡaɪ) Caribbean / verb. to deceive or tease, either in jest or by deceitful flattery.) They say what they think you want to hear and think that’s okay rather than be honest.
  3. Some people don’t realize the more they lie, the more difficult it becomes to tell the truth. It becomes so bad in some cases, that even they begin to believe their own lies.
  4. Some people do not realize that karma is real. It’s not about wishing anyone bad but asking people to apply Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion, “To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction,” to karma, with the full realization that there is a distinct parallel between the both.
  5. People love to create illusions. They don’t realize illusions can be shattered in a split second.

This being said, I sincerely hope these help you!

  1. You don’t need everyone to like you! Your circle may be small but those people you need in your life will be there.
  2. Always use what you know to guide you through your reasoning. Also, don’t change who you are unless it is to become a better version of yourself.
  3. Lies don’t survive. The truth eventually comes out. Just don’t let anyone insult your intelligence, take advantage of you or underestimate your worth.
  4. Always be good and do good! Don’t stoop to anyone’s level! Remember that God always takes care of His children!
  5. Remember sometimes when people choose to be ridiculous, know you just don’t have to respond. I am not saying that should not defend yourself or let others walk over you but sometimes silence pays and trust me, you would know when you should be silent and not expend your energy. Some individuals are so self-absorbed that they cannot see how they are destroying others or hurting them. Don’t subject yourself to insults and by all means if you can, use the scissors of life to cut toxic people out of your life.

Nuts.com

In closing, don’t give up! Always believe in yourself! Sometimes, it may not be easy but always know you are not alone!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Celebrate Today, Celebrating Existence, Celebrating Life, Helping Others, Life, Love and Blessings, Music

Celebrating Opportunity and Positivity in the face of Adversity!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Indeed, you read the title correctly and you may be wondering how these two come together, but as you go through this post, it will all make perfect sense!

For those who could remember, a couple years ago I would create my own motivational quotes and sure enough they would be a reflection of my own writing. Now, one of the things people either underestimate or remain ignorant of is the power of their words. Words can make you or break you, that is if you let them. If they keep you down, which might probably be the case, it would not be forever. Remember, when you hit rock bottom, the only place after is to go up!

Trust me when I say, everything I do is done with meaning, sincerity, love and a genuine desire to help others. It is my hope that you can be motivated to celebrate opportunity and positivity in the face of adversity.

Yes, I have been aiming for consistency in posting my messages and letting them be a true expression of my thoughts and feelings as I share them with the world and direct them to all who receive them. In case you are wondering what exactly I am referring to, you can check:

  • https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelathomasj (you can follow me there to get my daily messages)
  • This blog was recently viewed in another new country so now in addition to my home country of Trinidad and Tobago it has been viewed in 138 other countries plus has been viewed over 20.5k times and I also have over 250 followers here. https://rachaelathomasj.com/ Yes, it’s in every continent and that’s at least 70% of all the countries in the world!
  • Time to Travel to Trinidad and Tobago (my latest book) has been released as a Paperback and is due to be released as an eBook in the imminent future. This book is filled with so much information about Trinidad and Tobago, and yes, it is 275 pages long. Some of the things to look out for are lots of photos (yes, I finally got the perfect way to use so many of the pics I have been taking over the years and I also got awesome pics from family members, close friends and some interesting people who provided a wealth of information for me to create a wonderful representation of our twin-island paradise.
  • https://www.instagram.com/rachaelathomasj/ is my main Instagram platform and that continues to grow.
  • https://www.instagram.com/skyprofwritingandtutoring/ I have been sharing more of my professional services here and this is relatively newer.
  • I also have a Spotify channel where I add my favorite music https://open.spotify.com/user/31pyidff5ukqzjeukyrmcryshbh4. Please follow me here if you can!
  • My YouTube channel has gotten over 1,400 views to date https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm4fdLy4PsNFIcXfNVDzgSA
  • I have invested time in updating my LinkedIn profile as well.
  • Google has reliably informed me that my reviews have received over 8,000 views at present.

I have also been practicing better self-care and for more reasons than one, all of which are good. As always, I believe in the golden rule, ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated.’

As I often say, I am here to help others, one country at a time and I do it in my own way. For me, it is all about helping others and spreading positivity. It is about good vibes and treating others as you would like to be treated. It is about keeping your focus and yes, like everyone else, just like everyone I have my tough days. As such, some days it takes longer to get back up, but I do not quit or do anything to hurt anyone. Simply put, that is not me. I urge you not to quit as well or do anything to hurt anyone. Always be true to yourself!

At the end of the day, let us celebrate where we have come from and where we are! Let us celebrate our journey and keep our focus! Let us take it bit by bit and day by day! Let us count our blessings, our little victories and each challenge we overcome! Let us rise in the face of adversity! Together we can!

Posted in Being Prayerful, Blessings from Appaji, Celebrate Today, Love and Blessings, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji

Celebrating Appaji!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

Jaya Guru Datta!

In this post I am celebrating His Holiness, Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji! 

To some He is Sri Swamiji but to many of us He is Sadguru Deva, Appaji and Tataji!

He is the bearded Master who loves all of us and mankind unconditionally! He is the one who takes care of us selflessly, whose love transitions everything. He is the one with the priceless smile, with the overflowing energy, who gives and gives and only asks when He needs us to do what is necessary for our own good. 

The past couple days have been a testimony of Appaji’s unwavering love and selflessness. His entire life is but this has been one microcosm of a much longer story that is representative of His life and transitions everything else! He is Nada Brahma, friend, teacher, Sadguru, healer, protector, Appaji, Tataji, and so much more in one physical form. He is Lord Datta!

In spite of health challenges, prior commitments, His extremely hectic schedule and so much more, Appaji came to Trinidad from Mysore for His devotees in Trinidad and Tobago and created history once again as His every action resulted in a most memorable visit that would forever be in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by the events of this very short but blessed visit where so many blessed things have happened.

With Appaji’s Grace, an entourage of learned vedic pundits and scholars, all a part of Appaji’s mission travelled to Trinidad from Mysore, India and some from the USA and Canada to ensure that the Maha Rudra Yagam was conducted as it should be and from Day 1 of their arrival, they did excellent service. 

In addition to this, devotees came from several different countries to witness the very same and some also, to see His Holiness for the very first time and to do seva. While on one hand His presence is a testimony of His greatness, His every action is a testimony of His greatness! He is the epitome of Truth, Knowledge, Bliss, Grace and Humility! He is Sachchidananda. 

Appaji we pray for Your Health. Appaji thank You immensely for all You do for us moment after moment, day after day. Thank You for all that You do for all mankind! You are a blessing to us all! We love You more than words can ever say and value You immensely! You are our Appaji, Tataji to our children, Sadgurudeva to us all! Thank You for loving us, Thank You for guiding us constantly, Thank You for showing us how to live and all the reminders You share with us through social media platforms and Apps. Please accept our humble prostrations at Your Lotus Feet! 

Posted in Celebrate Today, Celebrating Life, Helping Others, Life, Love and Blessings

Celebrating Life: Lending a Helping Hand!

Posted on by rachaelathomasj

The focus of this post is on Lending a Helping Hand!

Why? This is necessary for so many reasons:

  • We cannot always tell what someone else’s circumstances are!
  • A smile does not mean everything is okay!
  • We cannot tell someone else how to feel or what to do because many of the times we cannot stand in anyone else’s shoes.
  • Hardly ever will two people treat the same situation the same way!

As you go through your life, people will always judge you no matter what you do! Let them!

As you go through your life, you will come across others that think they know your reality better than you do! Let them!

As you go through your life, some will put you through hell in order to feel better about themselves! Pray for them! God is with you and He always takes care of His children!

These are just some of the reasons why you should always lend a helping hand!

The reality is there are many who need your help though no fault of their own! The reality is many others may be going through some of the unfortunate things you are coping with! The reality is that there are many who may not be able to ask for help!

The reality- always be you! Always do the best you can. Live without regret and never do anything looking for something in return.