As I mentioned in the previous blog entry, The Time for Women is Now, there are several forms of Feng Shui. Some require no formal training, but the more complex the method, the more training one should pursue. Below are basic descriptions of the more popular methods: 

Classic, also known as Traditional Feng Shui

Based on the two original types first used in China thousands of years ago, classic Feng Shui consists of principles from Form and Compass Schools. Contemporary classic Feng Shui is related to and utilizes a variety of modalities that include physics, magnetic influences, algorithms, numerical trends (called flying stars), Ming Gua, Bazhai (four pillars), geomancy,and other applications. It is the only method that considers the space/time dimension. Classic Feng Shui evaluates the land, man’s impact to the land (buildings, roads, etc.), time, and then people in the space. 

Black Sect Tantric Buddhism (BTB),also called Black Hat, Black Sect, and Western Feng Shui

This method reportedly has its roots in the pre-Buddhist, Bon religion of Tibet. It was influenced by Indian Buddhism, and later incorporated some traditions of Chinese Feng Shui. In the 1980’s it was brought to the West (Americas) where it has blossomed. This may be because of its easy application. BTB uses a modification of the Wen Wang (Later Heaven) bagua and is superimposed on a site, building, room, etc. utilizing a door or entrance as its anchor. Its remedies include the use of crystals and mirrors. BTB emphasizes the flow of chi, mantras, and transcendental practices. 

Intuitive Feng Shui

To feel or know (from an inner voice) what is needed in a space for placement and remedies. This utilizes shamanism and also evaluates people and their lifestyle. Practitioners may or may not have formal training. Please note the term Intuitive Feng Shui is trademarked by William Spear and should not be confused with an intuitive approach to Feng Shui. 

Vastu Shastra  

A traditional Hindu system based on directional alignments. It is primarily applied in Hindu temples, although it covers other applications (including poetry, dance, sculpture, etc.). The foundation of Vastu is traditionally ascribed to the mythical sage Mamuni Mayan.

May you be exceedingly, generously, and joyfully blessed,©

Diana Garber, President & CEO (Creative Environment Officer)©

Master Feng Shui Practitioner

Intuitive Concepts, Inc.

While hold up in the basement one evening, I was tweeting about the storm and huge hail that was pounding the window. I offered to share my preparedness list on social media when Bonnie from Beverly Hills suggested it would make a great blog entry. What a fabulous idea! So, this is part one. 

As you know, my background is in disaster recovery and business continuity. With weather patterns seeming more erratic and tornado season in full swing, I decided to update the list -- the result of many years of preparedness research. In addition to it being my business in a former lifetime, I want my family and YOU to plan for the unexpected … whether it be severe weather, biological hazard, blackout, earthquake (Ohio is on a fault), fire, pandemic, temperature extremes, tornado, or war. 

Some time ago (during a snow storm), I tried to spread ‘thought seeds’ encouraging people to think about what can happen. It’s a fun exercise when we get to play with an idea versus being in the thick of a situation. There are many circumstances not in our control, but there are many that are – that’s what I try to focus on. My philosophy is that when we plan for an event, we’re more likely to experience it with a little more grace. Here’s the resulting article, Over Plan and Underutilize. 

So, let’s get started. Here are beginning steps to help you survive unexpected situations (mentioned in the second paragraph). 

• At your bed side, keep a flashlight and pair of shoes
• Pack a grab-n-go bag (also known as bug-out bag) nearby. I’ll have more about contents to pack in this in a later blog post.
• Discuss contingency plans with your family. Example: Plan A is everyone meet at home. If they can’t get home then Plan B is to go to Aunt Lou’s house. If they can’t get to Aunt Lou’s then Plan C is go to the Meijer’s on Sunbury Road (something open 24 hours). The idea here is that roads may not be open or travel friendly (example, debris). If traffic is jammed, walking may be in order. Get the idea?
• Within your home, everyone should know where and how to turn off electric, gas, and water. If tools are required, a set needs to be readily available.
• Have you heard of ICE contacts? ICE (in case of emergency) contacts should be input to your mobile phone. Example: ICE1 Fire (with name, phone numbers, emails if known, and address). ICE2 Police. ICE 3 Spouse. ICE4 Parents. ICE5 Children. ICE6 Work contact, and so on. In the unfortunate event emergency services or hospital personnel need to contact someone on your behalf – they’ll look in your phone directory for ICE contacts. P.S. Notify your emergency contacts that you have them listed and keep this list current.
• Inventory your home. Whether you have a physical written list, or a video log … maintain a record of contents. The ideal list includes the item, when and where purchased, and how much it cost. Of course original receipts are helpful. While you’re at it (especially on video) include any family or sentimental history. Consider doing this with photos and memorabilia too!
• Talk with your neighbors. What are their plans? If you can’t get home will they turn off utilities or take care of your pets? If they can’t get home, how can you help them?
• Hold family drills. Brainstorm what to do during a biological attack. What is each person’s role? Then talk through your plan as though it is happening. Who steps in for each person if they aren’t there to help (called a backup plan)? What can each person do when a blackout happens? Where will supplies be? Have a drill for earthquake, fire, pandemic, and tornado scenarios. What will you need that you don’t have? When will you make those purchases? Maybe place items on your wish list? Most important is to work on your plans, and plan your work – in other words, figure out what can be done in month one, month two, and so on. It’s also good to review your plans periodically (once every six months or more often). Practice builds confidence.
• Eliminate earthquake hazards such as open shelves, cupboard doors that aren’t latched, and large furniture than might fall over. Secure things to walls or install latches. I’ve seen beautiful dishes dance across countertops and crash to the floor during an earthquake. In one case, a man had a wall of swords fall to the floor. Luckily, no one was in the room. Look on your walls and surface tops. What hazards are possible? Are there items to pack safely away?
• Discuss your home-evacuation list. In the event you’re told you need to evacuate, what are the ‘must takes’ – pictures, pets, family heirlooms, etc., that can’t be replaced (because stuff can be replaced). Make it easy on yourself. Instead of binders of pictures, scan them onto a memory stick. Do the same with important papers and medical information. I’ll have more about this on a future blog post.
• Ensure your last will and testament is current. Everyone should have a will!

So there are a few suggestions. Will you do a favor for me? Offer suggestions or insights. If you find this information helpful, please let me know. If I don’t hear anything, then I’ll assume this isn’t a worthy topic (then parts two and beyond may not get posted). It’s up to you!

May you be exceedingly, generously, and joyfully blessed,©

Diana Garber

President, CEO (Creative Environment Officer©), and Master Feng Shui Practitioner

Intuitive Concepts, Inc.

(740) 965-9458

Tip 1: First, from a Feng Shui perspective, look at the SW of your office building and home. What rooms are there? Are they functioning rooms (full of activity), or storage rooms (full of clutter)? The people in these rooms -- are they lively and positive influences? Are images in the SW full of pictures of single people and objects (such as one lamp or one chair)?

The reason I ask is because the SW represents the head female and Mother. Whatever is happening in the SW (and images displayed here) likely reflect how you experience the space. As an example, if there’s clutter in the SW -- you’re likely bogged down, blocked from achieving your goals, or your mood is low.

Does this describe you? If yes, there’s good news – there’s something you can do about it! A couple suggestions: 1) Clean out clutter. 2) Display loving and supportive images (i.e., objects or symbols of two or more people, a love seat instead of one chair, two lamps instead of one, etc.). Treat the SW in a way that YOU want to be treated, and presence what you want to draw to you (such as nurturing and supportive people).

Tip 2: I ran across this lovely sentiment regarding advice to someone thinking of becoming a Mother. It is also good advice on those ‘tough Mom days.” It touched my heart so I want to share it with you.

Tip 3: Another tip for Mother’s is to utilize the SW and NE in 2011 for academic endeavors – whether that’s you or your children studying. This year the 4 green and 1 white stars appear in these sectors. Activity in the SW and NE help trigger the chi (energy). If your or your children’s bedrooms are in the SW or NE, all the better. If not, use rooms in these directions when studying or writing.

Tip 4: Want to conceive? Feng Shui definitely helps. I worked with a woman who was told she couldn’t get pregnant. After implementing Feng Shui, she did just that AND I was so thrilled that she and her husband were still following through on adopting special-needs twins from Russia. That’s originally why she hired me (to make their home ‘kid friendly’). Do you think it worked? ;>)

In 2011, utilize the West, which is where the 9 purple star resides this year. This star helps new beginnings to manifest, and happy events to occur.

Tip 5: If you want to get pregnant in 2011 and your bedroom isn’t in the West, think of romantic interludes in rooms in the West. You’ll also want to know about your personal ‘conception’ area. We can help you with there. Send your birth date (MM/DD/YYYY) to fengshui@intuitiveconcepts.com. We’ll send you information FREE – our way of helping make the world a better place – one business, one home, one person at a time.  

Tip 6: Some forms of Feng Shui direct you to place objects (such as dragons or other symbols) to help with issues, but in classic Feng Shui we actually analyze the energy to develop an action plan. ‘Fertility objects’ in the bedroom (or house) have no purpose in classical Feng Shui. If there’s something obvious that screams “Feng Shui,” then it’s likely not Feng Shui. Good Feng Shui should be felt not seen!  

Do you find this information helpful? Knowledge is power only when shared, but knowledge is nothing without action. So how are you using these tips? Please – do share! Happy Mother’s Day!

Diana Garber, The Feng Shui Results Lady© & Master Feng Shui Practitioner

Intuitive Concepts, Inc., Your Quantum Living Experts©