Like many of you I watched the events from 9/11 over the weekend. It brought back of a lot of emotions, not only from a ‘someone I knew or could-have-known’ perspective, but in bewilderment as to how humans can do this to each other. At the time of the event, I was working Bank One’s command center and had to kick into action (protecting employees and data) rather than process emotions. Have you been in that kind of situation (postponing your feelings for a higher purpose)? If so, my hat is off to you.

In preparation for the weekend’s observance, many authors came together to create an inspirational book: The Gratitude Project: A Celebration of Personal Heroes. It is FREE for you to download, with my compliments. I hope you’ll pay it forward and share with your friends, as we all need inspiration from time to time.

Do you have a personal hero? Do they know they are your personal hero (or one of them)? How would it change your day to receive that kind of gratitude? Please take a moment to thank them and share with them an example of how they’ve changed your life. Better yet, reply to this blog entry and send them the link (that you thought enough of them to share your/their story with the world).

Also, stop by our table at The Women’s Book event on September 29 where we’ll share another resource, The Woman’s Advantage: 2012 Shared Wisdom Calendar (a daily inspirational quote). Over 5,000 people submitted entries, and yours truly was given December 25! Indeed, stop by so I can share your personal Feng Shui energy and free tips to empower yourself!

May You Be Exceedingly, Generously, and Joyfully Blessed, ©

Diana Garber (Chapter 48 in the book)

President and CEO (Creative Environment Officer)©

Master Feng Shui Practitioner

Intuitive Concepts, Inc.

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.

It was such an honor to be chosen for the Spring issue of The Collective. At the issue’s launch, I promised to write about why the time for women is now … so here goes.

In classic Feng Shui, we deal with timing. I’ll write later about the different methods of Feng Shui but only classic (also known as traditional Feng Shui) deals with timing. Timing goes in several cycles: There is each 20-year period, each year, each hour, and so on. Today we’re delving into the 20-year periods. Let’s explore these based on yin (female) and yang (male) energy.

There are five elements: Fire, earth, metal, water, and wood:

• Fire is female energy and is represented by the number nine. The next fire period is 2024-2044.
• Earth is both male and female energy and is represented by the numbers two (female), five (both male and female), and eight (male). We’re currently in period eight 2004-2024.
• Metal is also both male and female energy, represented by the numbers six (male) and seven (female). Period six was 1964-1984 and male. Period seven was 1984-2004 and female.
• Water is male energy.
• Wood is both male and female, represented by the numbers three (male) and four (female). So, what does this mean?

To set the tone for this blog post, let’s digress to period six (1964-1984). Not only do I believe that by looking back we look forward (and hopefully make better decisions), six represents male leadership, the head (thinking with the head rather than the heart), travel, and accumulation. We were post WWII. The woman’s role was mostly domestic even though WWII required many of us to work outside the home. People were establishing homes, accumulating property (things), and planning for college and retirement. Likely one of the most powerful woman of that time was Jacqueline Onassis, whose role included renovating the White House and looking good. Ward and June Cleaver (from the 50’s TV show Leave It To Beaver) left a legacy that many were still trying to live up to. Remember the ad, ‘I can cook up the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forget you’re the man?’ This became quite controversial due to timing and the women’s movement. Also during period six was space travel and landing on the moon.

That period seven (1984-2004 and female energy) was already an influencing factor, there was unrest due to switching from male to female energy. Feminism, the hippie movement, and protests abound. Dare I say that war is yang (male) verses yin (female) energy? Period seven has to do with the mouth (communication and media), so it was our first real glimpse of war (in that the Vietnam Warwas so televised). We didn’t like what we were seeing, thus why media coverage of war today is so filtered. Think about it, the media is invited and then their activities (and access) are controlled. During the Vietnam War, they were literally in the trenches and shared its reality. Period seven was a time of rebellion. Since I mentioned communication and media, wasn’t there more gossip than ever (think of all the coverage Michael Jackson received during this time, and the gossip magazines were coming into their own)? Let’s not forget technology (also represented by seven). The big technology boom – need I saw more?

This is a good time to interject that yang does not exist without yin, and vice versa. We don’t recognize light without having a perspective of dark, and so on. We need both in order to survive, thus why the correct tai chi symbolhas a circle of white in the black, and circle of black in the white.

So think about period six (1964-1984) and seven (1984-2003) and the women that started to surface: Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and so on. Billy Jean King won the ‘battle of the sexes’ match in 1973. Coincidence, or was it that we were transitioning from a male period to a female period? Then moving from period seven (1984-2003) to period eight (2004-2024), we were going from young female energy to young male energy (and from older males to younger males): George H. to younger George W. Bush, Korean President elder to junior, older management to younger management, older work force to younger work force, and so on. Not unlike now – we’re transitioning from period eight (2004-2024) to period nine (2024-2044): Young male to female energy.

During period eight (young males), the focus appears to be ‘newer is better, quick and fast.’ That’s why I love classic Feng Shui. It’s old wisdom. However, is the ‘out with the old and in with the new’ mentality serving the world? Is this making the world a better place? Is it possible that global warming has been influenced by short-gain decisions versus long-term strategies? Might that also apply to the economy? Those are questions to ponder. A Native American proverb says ‘we did not inherit the Earth from our forefathers, we are borrowing it from our children,’ so wisdom in this time and age is needed. Thus, why the time for women is now! It is a time to question the status quo. Not only are we in period eight (the time of the mountain, stillness -- stopping and questioning), we are entering the age of Aquarius (seeking of truth). Is what is happening in the world acceptable; and if it is, is it good enough to meet the needs of our children and grandchildren?

Are you content or is there a yearning inside you? Do you feel you and your family are safe and secure? I’ve talked with many, many people who are ready for a change; which is what my business is all about. I’m an example of answering the call, having left the corporate world to change the world one business, one home, one person at a time. Yang ways (war) are no longer serving us. Even in regards to Mother Earth and our resources, we are consuming more than we contribute. That imbalance needs to be addressed.

So many people I talk with these days are looking for answers. Are you? Period nine starts in 2024. It is a female energy … so transition is in process. Change is natural. Don’t fight it, guide it. If YOU are questioning where you are, you’re right where you need to be! The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. For centuries we’ve been doing the same thing. It IS time for change and women will save the world! Be the light! Be the change you want in the world! With humble but passionate nudging,

May you be exceedingly, generously, and joyfully blessed©

Diana Garber

Master Feng Shui Practitioner

President and CEO (Creative Environment Officer©)

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