Which is Stronger - Environment Or Will Power?

We often talk about creating the life we want, and ofpeople who overcome the odds of adverse
making our surroundings reflect our own thoughts,environment are either exceptional people with
feelings and ideals.tremendous force of will, or are ordinary people with a
Our heroes are those who, despite adverse conditionsshort burst of energy strong enough to turn the tides.
of environment (be it social or physical) overcame theThe examples of environment overcoming and
challenges and fulfilled the dream according to theirshaping the subject are long term exposure scenarios.
vision.Here's why: Even the most powerful mind, incessantly
Psychologists say we are products of ourvisualizing the desired outcome needs rest. There are
environment. A spiritual saying tells us "Cast a sinnertimes when a person is simply tired, distracted or
among saints and he will soon be a saint himself."asleep. But environment is 24/7. It never stops emitting
Scientists report that two clocks ticking out ofits frequency, and so in the long term it has its
harmony side by side will soon synchronize. Geologistsinfluence.
inform us that soft plant and animal tissue willSo, in any given moment a person may overcome the
eventually become fossilized when surrounded bycircumstances with a mighty force of will, but over
stone.time, a person will become like the people he
So how does it work? Which is stronger, environmentassociates with, and attitudes and habits will be formed
or will power? Well, it is not black or white- bothbased on his environment.
environment and will power vary in strength andArchitecture, whether a person is aware of it or not,
intensity, and which wins the day ultimately is a mattersubtly influences the inhabitant for good or ill. How
of individual experience. However, there are some ruleimportant it is to create a built environment that
of thumb basics to be aware of, no matter who youenhances and facilitates our dreams and goals!
are.Ultimately, design can be the straw that breaks the
The key thing to notice in the examples above is thatcamel's back or the truth that sets us free!