The Science of Architecture – Home-Improvement
The Science of Architecture
You're told to take vitamins, drink plenty of water, get a good night's sleep and exercise, but has anyone ever told you that the design of your home and office can impact your health? You wouldn't be alone in raising an eyebrow and questioning how this could be so, but thousands of years ago, the ancient seers of India spent entire lifetimes observing how man-made structures impact humans beings. Their findings were compiled into a body of knowledge called Vastu Shastra.In Sanskrit, Vastu means science and Shastra means architecture. It is from this environmental science that some of the worlds' most enduring structures were created.According to Vastu, all five elements in nature (earth, water, fire, air and space) are in perfect balance. When we build, this delicate balance is disrupted, which can cause a wide range of physical problems from poor sleep to major illnesses.You might have experienced this if you've ever remodeled or moved into a new home and suddenly your health got worse for no apparent reason. If you work with the natural laws inherent in the universe rather than against them, you can align these five elements to your advantage. This is what Vastu Shastra is all about, and the affects on your health and well-being can be dramatic.We have worked with clients all over the world using this powerful architectural science. We hear wonderful stories of how Vastu has changed people's lives. Health is one of the top challenges people come to us about. We find that there is always some reason for the problems they are having that becomes apparent when we do an environmental analysis, either of their residence or their place of work.Here's just one example of how directly our environment can influence our lives: A Boeing executive who lives in the Madison Park neighborhood was living with the consequences of diabetes, which had compromised his health to the point he was on dialysis. He was growing weaker from multiple, unsuccessful operations before we performed a Vastu analysis on his home.Our consultation showed major imbalances in his living environment, which contributed to his health problems. After making the changes needed to rectify this situation, both he and his wife reported that his health had improved, he was stronger and that they both felt an enhanced sense of well-being.As a part of this earth, we live in a sea of electromagnetic and stellar influences. Every shift produced in the atmosphere has the potential to affect our actions and emotions. Every particle of energy in the universe is linked to the next particle. Nothing happens in a vacuum. We are all striving for balance and this cannot take place when there is environmental stress.Stress comes when there is clutter, poor layout or design, lack of light, improper air circulation or when the environment is not aligned with true North.When the environment is out of balance, you can experience a lack of energy, back problems, mental instability, stomach problems, learning disabilities, emotional imbalances and financial difficulties.Unfortunately, most modern architecture is based on function alone and is not designed in harmony with the forces of nature, which influence our health, happiness and overall well-being. When our environments are designed to conquer nature, there is no question we will feel stressed. The beauty of Vastu is that it specifically balances living and working environments without costly structural changes and does it in ways that can improve the quality of our lives.About The AuthorMichael and Robin Mastro's synergistic approach successfully assists people in living in peace and harmony with themselves and others, and in creating balanced lives filled with unlimited possibilities. Visit us at www.VastuCreations.com
Authenticity Of Vastu (Science of Indian architecture)
Authenticity Of Vastu (Science of Indian architecture)
Vastu is one of the most ancient sciences of Indian architecture and is composed of specific rules, regulations and directions, set down by sages of the vedic times. For the modern society it is the highly evolved, comprehensive building philosophy.According to vastu, a building or a premises is a living organism and can be designed in harmonic resonance with the underlying energy structure of the universe. Such a building or premises becomes a generator of coherence, attuning the occupants to the universal laws and increasing health, wealth and spiritual well being.Prosperity of Famous Tirupati TempleWorld famous Tirupati temple is found adhering to the principles of vastu shilpa shastra. Its prosperity legendary thanks mainly to the exemplary implementation of the principles of Vastu Shastra. The main temple is situated on the South - West side of the temple complex. On its North - East direction is a lake and pond. The dining hall of the temple is on South-East side while the North-West and North side of the temple is allocated to the godown for grains and items require in the kitchen. The entire temple complex is of square shape as a result of which its axis and that of the Earth are perpendicular to each other. The main temple is occupying only the one fourth area of the total areat and on its Eastern and Northern side is open area. Thus the Tirupati temple of Lord Balaji is an ideal place according to the norms of Vastu Shastra which is why it is the most prosperous temple on the earth.Prosperity of JapanInspite of a small country, Japan has progressed tremendously. It has a large water body - the Pacific ocean in its North-East direction. The eastern side of Japan is widely spread and open. Thus Japan gets full benefit of the rays of the sun. This gives Japan a maximum benefits of Vastu & made this country rich and prosperous. But it has sea in Southeast and south, which is a place for Fire, this The Japan has suffered the attack of atom bombs explosion and earthquake ,as it has sea in south east and south.Prosperity of LondonProsperous city London is ideally situated according to the principles of Vastu Shastra. The Thames river is in the east direction. It has more parks & garderns in the North west & East. Many famous Educational institutes & universities are located in the North east corner. The boundry of the England is more towards North & East directions- a positive directions to capture benefical morning sundrays ,according to vastu.Prosperity of AmericaLooking at the map of America, the country is more located towards east side than west. Also the extention is more towards north east, which is auspicious. It has huge lakes in the north east location. As one progresses towards North-East in United States of America the land becomes richer and richer, it is found.At the root of the progress and prosperity of the cities like New York, London, Mumbai, Singapore, Hong Kong etc. are always the benedictory principles of Vastu Shastra, it is found.Prosperity of MumbaiMumbai, a rich port has a water body to its North ? East. All major lakes for drinking water are situated in the North east direction of Mumbai. It has an atomic plant represting Agni (Fire) in the south east of the Mumbai. Fire is a key factor in prosperity of any vastu premises or location. It has more ocean in the West, the perfect location for Vayu (Air).Spiritual prosperous IndiaIn India, Slope is more towards east, which is auspicious. All important rivers are flowing towards east, that is why country is more rich in spirituality. Thousands of westerners flock to India for spiritual enlightenment. India has the Himalayas in the North of the country which is against vastu, thus there is lot of poverty in the country. There is water in Southwest and southeast side of our nation, thus we have to face the attacks of foreign empires & lot of expenditure on defence.About The AuthorDr. Nitin Parmarhttp://www.vastu999.comparmar@vastu999.com
To Write Successful Business & Academic Communications, Learn the Architecture of a Story
To Write Successful Business & Academic Communications, Learn the Architecture of a Story
Human beings seem to be born with a gene for telling stories. Stories from our families, our communities, and the media form our worldview and shape our lives. In fact, scientists have discovered that our ability to create stories is intricately connected to our ability to learn. This is because our brains seek to create meaning through relationship, which is what stories do so well.Our storytelling faculty comes into play not only when we speak, but also when we read, which means that our brains are unconsciously seeking a well-told story in every kind of writing-whether it be a business proposal, an academic essay or the Great American Novel. When a story connects with us, it can have a powerful effect on our thoughts and decisions. When it doesn't connect with us, however, it may leave us confused, bored, or even angry.The question is: Why do some stories succeed while others do not?Successful writers understand the architecture of a storyThe answer lies in the architecture of a story, which at the most basic level requires a beginning, a middle, and an ending. The beginning needs a way to draw readers into the story and make them want to keep reading. The middle needs to tell the basic parts of the story in some kind of logical order so that readers can follow and understand it. And the ending needs to tie up loose ends, being sure to answer any questions that have been raised.Successful stories are always targeted at a particular audience and use language and terminology the audience understands. They also use concrete details and strong, active verbs to add color, emotion and energy.If any of these elements are missing from our written communications, we will confuse our readers at best and completely fail in our purpose at worst.Let's take a book for exampleWhen I am browsing in a bookstore and pick up a book, I usually look at the first paragraph. If something about the writing "hooks" me, I read further. If it doesn't, I put the book back on the shelf.If I accidentally pick up a book in Italian--a language I do not know--I put it back immediately because I am not its intended audience. In other words, it literally doesn't "speak" to me!Once I begin to read the book, I expect the author to lead me skillfully through his story, giving me as much detail as I need to understand and visualize his ideas. Sometimes, however, the author's plot jumps around so much that I have a hard time following it.Sometimes the author's characters are so vaguely drawn that I can't keep them straight. The result is that I end up not caring about them at all, and I soon forget the whole thing.Sometimes I get to the end of a book and find that the author has left me hanging, without tying up loose ends and satisfactorily answering my who, what, when, where, why and how questions.As I experience each of these frustrations, there is a good chance that I will misunderstand what the author is trying to say, lose interest in his message altogether, or start becoming irritated with the author himself.This is obviously not the kind of reaction any writer wants to engender. If you are writing business or academic communications, and are not a professional novelist, what can you do to ensure that your "story" succeeds?One possible solution is to write your communication using the Story Spine technique.Use the Story Spine to build your narrativeThis technique, which is described by Kat Koppett in her book Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Learning, is especially good at helping writers build their narrative without getting lost. It consists of the following steps:
Once upon a time...
Every day...
But one day...
Because of that... (Repeat as needed)
Until finally...
And ever since then...
"Once upon a time" is your opening. It draws your readers into your communication in some way and introduces your setting and characters. By answering such questions as "Who?" "What?" "Where?" and "When?" it provides the context and sets the stage for your communication.In the "Everyday" step, you present some background information and further develop your message.The "But one day" step represents your catalyst. This is where you ask and answer such questions as: "Why is this message/idea important? What is different about it?"The "Because of that" step represents the heart, or main section, of your story. It presents the consequences that result from your catalyst.The "Until finally" step is the climax of your communication, where you present your most important points or results. It is what your whole communication has been building up to.The "And ever since then" step is your conclusion. It is the place you tie up loose ends and leave your reader with a feeling of satisfaction, of completion and understanding.Concrete details make a story compellingEnsuring that your story follows a basic structure isn't quite enough, however. You must also provide vivid, concrete details. According to Koppett:Shakespeare's structure is strong. His "because of that's" flow from one to the other, building in intensity beautifully. But mostly, it is the language Shakespeare uses, the descriptions he employs, the way he develops his characters that makes his work a masterpiece. What makes a story compelling is not just what happens, but how it is related, the specific moments, the images and sensory impressions that are created. So, again, we come back to our brain's need for meaning and connection. To ensure your writing succeeds, keep in mind that you are, in effect, telling a story. Ask yourself, "Has my story met my audience's needs and expectations?" If you can answer "yes" to this question, your results will show it.Clarice Kyd Dankers is a freelance editor and learning coach in Portland, Oregon, who works internationally with business and academic clients. To learn more about her services, or to sign up for her free monthly newsletter, go to: PolishYourWriting.com