Peaks and valleys - a book review

A great book!

'Who moved my cheese ?' was the first book I read written by Dr. Spencer Johnson. What an awesome book it was! Enjoyed it so many times over all these years. Now another gem...'Peaks and valleys'!

The story revolves around a wise old man and a young chap about tackling successfully the low downsides in life and to make use of it too work for our own good both in work and life. It also details how we can enjoy more while at the peak, prolong this phase as well as to prepare ourselves to deal with the inevitable valley life in a better way.

Simply written, sure you all will enjoy this motivational book.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Johnson_(writer)

• While at the peak, at the pinnacle of a career, basking in the glory of limelight we may not think how lonely it can become when a crisis hits. Books like these give hope, restore confidence and provide great help when nothing seems working. 

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Creative ideas for success, an example - Wind catcher, an amazing traditional indoor temperature maintenance system!

Those who have traveled middle eastern countries might have noticed such tall cylindrical structures on top of buildings especially the old ones. These are actually 'wind catchers', they as the name suggests, literally 'catch' wind to direct the flow of it towards the interior of house creating a uniform airflow throughout, thus maintaining the temperature inside at a very cool level even in the hottest summer times when the temperature in the desert can go well above 50 degree Celsius. A marvelous traditional architectural innovation by the old generation that worked well effectively and is still relevant. Nowadays you will find many firms worldwide providing similar systems based on this unique concept to make our homes 'green'.

This system is very much environment-friendly.

Modern technology modified the traditional concept by adding solar powered fans to direct the flow inwards in a much more efficient manner. There are many technical things involved in the design of such wind-driven air management systems.

Well, I am not going into the technical details of this awesome innovation. Those who would like to know more please check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windcatcher

I googled to collect more info about wind catchers before posting this, wow...there are effective methods to remain 'cool' inside our homes during summer. In Kerala, day by day atmospheric temperature is going up, humidity levels are rising and rains becoming less. It is high time to conduct more research to find out 'greener methods' to make our life better.

We all have to learn a lot from our pasts; we have much more to learn from our ancestors. There is no denying the fact that they had more creative talents than us. Limited resources, the acute necessity to do things for survival, the day-to-day struggles to live life well, all made them work hard combined with the good human values that the society had at those times. Most of the innovations were made not with commercial eyes but with much better intentions for the betterment of human lives in general.

Things are possible, there is nothing like impossible! But the first step is always important. Start... action! We cannot learn to swim in water without getting into the water.

Be cool!

• Our ancestors, with limited resources, were able to invent many things that made their life simpler. Wonder, how they could come out with such great innovations with very primitive technology at their disposal. Hats off to such creative minds!

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Relaxation - Enjoy seabreeze

'Abras', the traditional boats that ply the Dubai Creek

Enjoy sea breeze! Go to the beach and let the breeze unwind yourselves.

'Dhow', a sailing vessel, gliding through the waters!

An exhibit at the Dubai creek during the Dubai shopping festival 2011 - 12. Interesting attractions like these from many countries will be showcased like this during the festival time.

Entrance to Burdubai souq from the creek. Replicas, shawls, spices...you name it, it is all available here.

The famous Dubai dhow cruise. All illuminated dhows will be cruising here at night most of the days. Music, delicious food, dance, onboard magic shows etc. it is all fun! A must enjoy activity while in Dubai!!

Dubai creek at night during the DSF.

Enjoy these videos too :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYDfpv7lGjo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp_koY8-o1k

A cool place to unwind after a hectic day of work, a peaceful spot to chill out, a hang out to sit quietly reading a book...wow...! We need such things in life to live well. Natural methods to chill out bring everlasting wellness. Identify such cool spots and visit often. Allow some time for Nature to calm us.

• Recreational activities like music, dance and good food are good stress busters. The most important point to remember is to enjoy the present moment, thoroughly.

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Relax - Peringalkuthu reservoir, amazing natural beauty of Kerala!

Thank you guys for the beautiful comments about the posts of Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls.

This post is about the Peringalkuthu dam reservoir along the Chalakkudy river, a short distance from the Peringalkuthu dam and hydroelectric project. This dam is situated deep in the forest; it is not open for visitors.

You will reach this reservoir spot within half an hour drive from the forest check post at the Vazhachal waterfalls on the way to Sholayar and Valparai. This road is right through the middle of the forest.

We spent a lot of time here clicking pictures. Beautiful :)

What a beautiful spot!

• Feeling stressed out? Just browse through such pictures of natural beauty to cool your mind, body, and the soul.  

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Hypnotic sights - Athirappilly waterfalls, beauty of Kerala

Athirappilly is an exotic destination in Kerala!

Awesome waterfalls, full of greenery all around, wonderful trekking, some wildlife...it is amazing!

Athirappilly is in the district of Thrissur (Trichur), near Chalakkudy about an hour's drive from the Kochi International Airport in South India.

Chalakkudy river originates from Anamudi in the western ghats, a mountain range in the western border of South India. This river runs through the Vazhachal forest division and at Athirappilly it runs through massive rocks resulting in spectacular waterfalls.

After plunging down from a height of nearly eighty feet it runs a turbulent course for some more distance before acquiring a smooth flow until Thumburmuzhi dam. An interesting fact is that we can view this falls from two locations, upper part from where it falls through a massive row of rocks and lower down - the spot where it plunges. We have to trek through the forest to reach this spot. This spot gives us the opportunity to view it from the front at a close range, a perfect chance to get a close-up view!

Trekking from the entrance to the falls was really fun. Plenty of monkeys all over the place😊 This is the only place where the unique, rare species of birds like Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Indian Grey Hornbill are found. Great Hornbill is the official State bird of Kerala. Such an ecologically important spot!

We visited here during the summer time. This place attracts a lot of tourists during monsoon when the waterfalls spread the whole of the rock bed instead of the three plumes we see in summer.

Be prepared for trekking right from the entrance to waterfalls. It is a little bit tiresome, but you will surely enjoy it😊

It was an unforgettable weekend!

Check these videos of waterfalls that I have uploaded in my Channel on YouTube :)
Please add some comments there too and 'like' :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1dHR9unE04
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KOeLckloDg

It is scientifically proved that the sights and sounds of waterfalls stimulate our brain to produce good chemicals that better our mood. Listening to self-hypnosis tapes of waterfalls and the like operate on such theories. Spend some time near the falls to enable the brain to assimilate the visual and auditory stimuli and allow the effect to kick in. This is important when you listen to such tapes too; it takes some time to get the desired effect.

Wait patiently and allow Nature to relax you. Remove the mental barrier that we are keeping, drop the guard off, and allow the Universal energy to engulf us.

• Nature...lush greenery, the lullaby of the flowing river, sound of music of the forest, waterfalls, nothing else will recharge the tired mind, body, and soul in a natural and better way!

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Negotiation, an art

This book gave me valuable insights into the many facets of the art of negotiation. I added this very informative book to my library some years ago during one of my travels. Being a small book I could finish it within a few hours. Very interesting read!

Herb Cohen is an expert in negotiation. His biography mentions many high profile clients who have availed his expertise in their negotiations.

Rules are the product of negotiations but then they can also be subjected to negotiation. It does not mean that you cannot put forward an application even after the deadline. I have many experiences in life where the so-called deadlines have been broken by the same authority who made those deadlines initially. There is no harm in negotiating to get what you want! Cohen is right :)

It is easy to say 'no' through email and telephone but it is difficult to say 'no' face-to-face. So take advantage of this if you are a hard negotiator.

Escalate the matter with somebody higher up and you can see dramatic changes happening. The problem is we do not try. We are psyched into following rulebooks. We are habitually reluctant to negotiate.

Be persistent! We may have to run from pillar to post but that finally will get us the reward even if it was tiny! Do not just sit idle doing nothing thinking that the rules and decisions are final. Nothing in life is static, there is fluidity everywhere, today's wrong is tomorrow's right. In our place there is a saying, ' The baby who cries more gets the milk first'! 

Cohen who knows very well the intricacies and complexities of the corporate world seems to be knowing a thing or two how things work in organizations and this book is a valuable read for ordinary people like us who is under the impression that everything is black and white in the present day world, having no experience with the so-called grey areas.

If I see a board or sign and if I am in a situation where I think negotiation will work I surely will try. Mixed results but there were many positive outcomes 😊 Thanks for the book😊
Thanks, Cohen!

Some of his famous quotes :

"You and I do not see things as they are. We see things as we are.” 

“No' is a reaction, not a position. The people who react negatively to your proposal simply need time to evaluate it and adjust their thinking. With the passage of sufficient time and repeated efforts on your part, almost every 'no' can be transformed into a 'maybe' and eventually a 'yes'.”

http://www.herbcohenonline.com

• Always be persistent if you believe that what you are trying to achieve is right. Listen to your gut feelings, act accordingly, boost yourself! Rules and regulations are made by human beings like you and like you, they also have feelings and in that case, negotiations are possible. Nothing called dead ends exist anywhere!

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Superfoods for better health- Chillis...a hot and healthy superfood! Live well...

Why chillis are considered as a superfood?

• Weight loss 

Chillis help in reducing body weight. It is gaining acceptance and popularity as a weight loss food. They boost metabolism and help in burning fat.

• Heart health, cholesterol lowering and blood thinning actions

This superfood improves circulation. It is thought to reduce cholesterol levels and acts as a blood thinner. Being a blood thinner it may have a role in the prevention of stroke. Chillis prevent blood clot formation also. It improves heart health being a circulation booster and cholesterol reducing agent.

• Reduce blood sugar 

There are many studies claiming chillis ability to lower blood sugar. So few chillis a day if good for reducing blood sugar is a good thing. It may help people on medications to reduce the dosage.

Also, it has been found that the insulin surge that happens normally after a meal rich in sweets and carbs gets reduced markedly with chili consumption. This has relevance in controlling obesity and weight loss too.

• Reduces inflammation 

So it is useful in arthritis and related disorders. It also has pain-relieving actions.

• Irritable bowel syndrome

This, as the name suggests, is an irritating disease. Chillis are supposed to be effective here.

• Neuropathy and pain

Since it has the ability to control pain it is effective in these conditions too.

• Anti-cancerous

Some studies found that Chillies reduce stomach cancer risk. Capsaicin, the active compound in chillis retards the growth of cancer cells. It is also claimed to limit the spread of prostatic cancer.

• Relaxation improves mental alertness

It improves alertness and may be useful in depression. Natural endorphins are released that better our mood. Well, it literally burns so how can anyone feel blue then, lol!

    

Surprising that hot chillis also have become superfoods!

I thought of writing this post when I watched a chilli trail on traveler channel a week ago. They tasted different types of chillis and hot sauces across America at various outlets. I laughed seeing them doing the typical dance moves people do when they feel the burning hot sensation, a familiar scenario all over the world :) after consuming hot chillis!

But I was surprised when I stumbled upon the wonderful medicinal value of this hot stuff when I browsed the web! The chilli has to be eaten raw to obtain it's full health benefits. And it is no easy task! Be slow and steady :) and be careful too! 

Always consult your doctor before doing such things like following a health tip. Only your doctor can decide what is good for you.

Dairy products help in reducing the burn. Have a cup of yogurt or milk ready if you are going to give it a try! They are better than cold water.

I have seen in the middle east chilli kept in vinegar with a little salt; it tastes yummy along with Shawarma, a popular Arabic snack. In India too some people like chilli in vinegar. Shawarma is rolled pita bread stuffed with chicken or beef with lettuce, potato chips, and garlic paste. The chicken soaked in exotic masala is stacked layer by layer on a metal rod in Shawarma maker, slow cooked to perfection by flame and cut into small pieces to be stuffed into bread.   

Food gives us pleasure. No philosophy will get into our heads if we are hungry. Good foods better our moods. Healthy foodstuffs bring positive health. Safeguard health.

Always remember, health is priceless. 

• Nature has provided us with many unique gifts. Some may look ugly, taste bitter but they are treasure houses of well being. Our duty is to identify those, study about them and let others also know about the good things about it.

Note: Please read the DISCLAIMER attached to this blog.

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