Changing the world one business, one home, one person at a time.
Manage your environment consciously, or it unconsciously manages you.©
December 2006 News

By Diana Garber, The Feng Shui Results Lady
@ Intuitive Concepts, Inc.

www.IntuitiveConcepts.com

 

Contents for December 2006:

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Allow me to begin with this question. Should we shorten our newsletter? The average adult attention span was (a few years back) 17 seconds. If you don't capture their attention in that timeframe, you've lost the audience. Readers frequently comment that our newsletter is long (and it is, I'm known for 'giving it all away'), but when I ask the above question their reply is, "Yes, it takes time to get through it but there's nothing I want to miss." It was nice to hear Sally share with another reader that everything on ours is original. I wasn't aware that some newsletter services provide 'inserts' to help fill content. We don't use a newsletter service (yet?). Anyway, please give us feedback.

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Monthly Column:   Happy Holidays, Decorating & Gift Giving

May we discuss something you already know but from a different perspective? Think about changes to your environment because of the holidays. These include the geography, structures, and you personally. These are all key aspects of Feng Shui so this is very relative.

The environment changes in many ways. Ads (TV, newspaper, credit-card inserts, etc.) increase and direct us on what and where to buy (I think of David Bowie's song, Under Pressure). Traffic increases. Cold and flu season arrives. Our schedule changes to accommodate school and work holidays (meant to be enjoyed but usually used to get more done). Do you have several events and relatives to visit? Holiday decorating (while I love it) increases the use of the fire element (discussed in the next paragraph). Other effects are year-end deliverables (closing out books, upcoming taxes, etc.), money for gifts, sending cards and packages to meet postal deadlines … well, you get the idea. Our patience and manners are put to the test.

Then for our homes and businesses we use more electricity (fire element are triangle and cone shapes, and objects with points). Lights, candles, fireplaces, and the colors red, pink and purple all represent fire. This element is yang (active) and excites us (as well raises the blood pressure). There was a study done by a physician where children were placed in a blue room. They were interactive and having fun. When moved to a red room they became agitated and combative. Moved back to the blue room, they returned to their normal selves. This may not sound profound except these children were visually challenged and couldn't see colors!

This is why I'm very careful about the use of red. It also increases the appetite, and yet is popular in kitchens and dining rooms. So this increase in the fire element during the holidays can put us on edge, so to speak. Green represents wood, and wood feeds fire (gives it more power). My house and office have red and green within reason. Even during the year that combination of colors reminds me of this holiday season.

So what can you do? First, observe your environment and the reaction to it. If you love it, that's what matters. But if you or others are stressed, anxious, sleep deprived, low on energy, emotional or argumentative…consider something is amiss.

Fire and/or wood energy may not be good for the room or area (examples are SW or NW) they are in. Next year place the concentration of red and green in areas where it needs it or will aggravate your environment the least. Either perform a flying-star analysis on the structure or hire a classic Feng Shui professional to help. It's worth it!

Think about January and February--the rate of depression and health issues sky rocket. You've heard the statistics. Here's a way to be proactive. Athletes know they need to warm up and cool down in order to avoid injuries. We need this too when exposed to so many changes in our environment. Make sense? 

So for now (if you don't know flying stars or have a classic practitioner to assist you), minimize your risk (stress and expectations) and maximize results (enjoy). Some would say use lots of earth (yellow, tan, brown, crystals, stone, etc.) to counteract fire BUT earth has its own risks when used improperly. So to ask the question again, what can you do?

Remember you don't have to do it all. Enroll others in tasks, and if that becomes too challenging they likely don't appreciate all you do anyway so keep it simple. Another way to think about it is that many of us are good at giving but not receiving. If you're one of those (us), flow is hindered or blocked. That's not good. You're depriving others of giving, and you know how good giving feels. Right? We all know a few takers that don't give. My belief is atonement eventually comes. Call it karma, God's work, or yin/yang. If everyone gave without expectation (one of my mission statements and why these newsletters are long), the world would be a better place. So be generous and feel good about it (dance like no one is watching)!

You can also ensure there's balance in your life so your stress level doesn't get out of hand. For as much as you work, find time to play. This holiday season is about faith and family. If you aren't present to either, you've missed the point. I'm singing to the choir for the most part and there's a few I'm talking directly to.

Speaking of being present, instead of money or a gift, give people a gift certificate for your time. Time is more valuable than money. We can never get the years back. One of my granddaughter's favorite things to do when we're together is for us to read a book together. So that's what we do. Spending time with others creates memories; other gifts are short lived. I know a lottery winner that will attest to that. Things don't change the world. People do. Do you remember gifts you received when you were five, 17, or 26; or do you remember who was there and what you did?

Ensure there is a balance of all the elements (fire, earth, metal, water, and wood) in your environment so there's not too much of any one of them (unless you know your appropriate remedies). Think there's any coincidence that a lack of water results in fires on the tree? And remember Mother Earth … find ways to conserve energy and help her, which in turn helps everyone and our future. Check out our links page for ideas and attend our Happy, Happy, Merry, Merry teleconference next year. A very merry holiday season to you and yours!

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What's a present that keeps on giving and is the perfect holiday or birthday gift, or goal for 2007? Help loved ones and business associates achieve a better quality of life. Consider a consult: Personal; residential; commercial (business); telephone (for those out of town); date analysis for an event, month, or all of 2007; or sponsor a workshop.

There's also gift certificates and other items available on our website. Abundance ribbons can be inserted into birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards. One lady purchased them for her friends and this resulted in a cruise.

Continue your Feng Shui journey with books, dowsing materials, art & sculpture, and more.
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Question of the Month:  For answers to more questions, see Feng Shui Facts.

Should I use an alter at work? The energy there is hostile if not dangerous. This question was asked at a recent conference and I didn't get the person's name.

The concept of alters invokes various perceptions and feelings (anything from peace to fear) so let's describe the word (see our on-line glossary). Simply put, it's a defined place or collection of items (or both) honoring an event, person, or faith. When you enter a church, the alter is typically the first thing you see. Entering one's home, you see how the host honors guests (art, flowers, furniture, family photos, etc.). During a holiday, you may see decorations or flags. People I work with come are of many faiths and some have alters in their homes so they can presence love and peace all day through. A meditation area, as an example, is an alter to connect with a higher presence or inner self.

An alter at work provides a home away from home. One of my alters is a collection of family photographs. Another is a collection of pictures of where I want to retire. Many people have a wall of certificates or degrees. The wall can be considered an alter of accomplishment. So, the answer to your question is yes; and be sensitive to your what you use and others around so. Their perception can create our reality, if you know what I mean. If the alter is threatening or offensive to others, it doesn't honor your environment and likely defeats the purpose. Make sense?

That you used the word 'dangerous' implies something else is going on. A thorough Feng Shui analysis would help a great deal, and in some cases can overt violence. Thank you for the question.

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Tip of the Month: December's Energy

On December 7 we began a four-wood period through January 6. A four-wood month in a three-wood year (began 2/4/06) implies affairs and emotional upset, be conscious of your intentions during this holiday season. The good news is this is a period of creativity.

The monthly Chinese astrology sign of horse may have more challenges during the month. Dragons are challenged during 2006 (2/4/06 to 2/3/07).

Remember to change your heat and air filters if you have not done so recently. It's flu season and filtering out dust and dander will help you breathe easier. Due to the holiday season and decorating, there's an increase in the use of electricity. Thus, there's a higher risk of fires. Clean dryer vents and change batteries in smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

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Energy Days This Month Read more here.

  • December 20 is a new moon is generally a good day to start new projects
  • December 4 is the full moon and generally a good day to wrap up a project (or presents). Full moon is not good for surgeries or medical procedures due to risk of increased bleeding. Bulbs planted during a full moon produce better results! 
  • December 4 and 5 are the poorest energy days during the month.

If you have an important decision to make (or action to take) be sure and consult with us for a good day.

For more information see our articles 2006 Chinese Astrology - Earth Dog in a Fire Year, 2006 Feng Shui and Year of Hardwood , 2006 Fire Energy and Health, Abundance, and 2006 Retrogrades, Eclipses and Moons.

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Resource Recommendations

As the New Year approaches, I'm turning my attention to goals. I covered this topic in a previous newsletter so I won't go into much detail here. As part of my goal process, I review them at the beginning of the year (as well as through the year). Why that's important--I collaborated with a client regarding life and energy management when we spoke at a dinner that his firm hosted. I was impressed with what he had to say, and what he gave away at the function.

George Wilburn III (goes by Butch) is a financial consultant with AXA Financial. AXA has a fabulous "life" kit that includes a family love letter that was featured in The Wall Street Journal. It's awesome! Give him a call at 866-883-4525 or follow this link and request your kit today.

Please support businesses who support Feng Shui. It means they care about the environment and good energy flow.

Another resource is one that Butch recommends. Sandi Caliva makes cuddly teddy bears from loved one's favorite clothes or sleepwear. I still have my son's favorite sleeper (he's now 28) and this is a super idea; and (as most of you know) my Mom passed over this year so I have some of her things. Call Sandi at 805-522-8970 or eMail her at Sandra.caliva@sbcglobal.net.

If you have a book, verse, or music that you'd like to recommend please send me an email. Time permitting, I'll review it and pass along your generosity.

Don't forget to check out our archive of newsletters, articles, and tips; and browse the rest of our website--voted best non-hype Feng Shui site!

Gain more insight and obtain free Feng Shui tips through a Yahoo chat group called Classic Feng Shui at ClassicFengShui-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Questions are generated by group members and everyone learns from each other. This format offers photos, files, a calendar, surveys, and other benefits too. Messages are reviewed before being posted so spam and solicitations don't get through.

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Our Upcoming Events: See our Events page for details and updated events listings.

World and U.S. Events:

    01 World AIDS Day
    02 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
    03 International Day for People with a Disability
    04 St. Barbara's day (Germany)
    05 St. Nicolas (Holland)
    International Volunteers Day
    Fathers' Day, Nationals' Day, Kings birthday (Thailand)
    07 Pearl Harbor Day (U.S.A.)
    08 Chanukah / Festival of Lights (Israel)
    Immaculate Conception
    10 International Human Rights Day
    15 Koninkrijksdag / Kingdom Day
    21 Forefather's Day (U.S.A.)
    23 Queen's Birthday (Sweden)
    24 Christmas Eve
    25 Christmas
    26 Christmas (2nd day)
    28 Holy Innocents' Day
    31 New Year's Eve

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What's New or Different?

  • Our project was featured in From House to Home Magazine. Lots of pictures and a good example of honoring the client's tastes (no "Feng Shui" paraphernalia required).
  • 2007 Retrogrades, Eclipses and Moons
  • We're now an Angie's List service provider!
  • Have time to volunteer in exchange for learning more about Feng Shui? We need help with marketing, administrative duties, and research. This is your opportunity to help others in a global way. Michele and Kelly were hired this way!  If interested, call us at 866-689-6891.

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Testimonies, Good News, Quotes and more

Please see the letter of thanks for the Best of Fall Home Show. Here's an extract: "We had significantly increased attendance… the quality of professionalism and advice you offered our guests is unequaled in our market… you made my job easy and lots of fun." So if you're thinking about hosting a workshop or event, do it now. We've booked over 50 events for 2007 and lots of those are out of town and several-day events. We're about to close the schedule because the rest of our time is devoted to clients.

We received the Achievement in Consumer Excellence (ACE) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry .

Please send me 30 abundance ribbons today!  My sister gave me one in hopes of improving my sewing business. I put it in my money box in the morning and my business went crazy that afternoon!  I want to put one under each sewing machine and my wallet. My husband wants some for his bike shop. My sister in Mississippi wants some for herself and to share with friends.
Thank you …Jenny

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Want results too? Call us at 1-866-689-6891 so we can help you. Obtain more ideas at http://intuitiveconcepts.com/testimonials.htm.
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To our clients: Be generous with those you encounter! Your success may inspire someone else and offer a creative approach they didn't consider. When you share a success story with us, YOU are creating positive flow. What you put into the world comes back to you. Abundance attracts abundance. We'll keep reminding you of that. To those that have contacted us, congratulations on your success! The most powerful and consistent thing to do is evaluate energy where you live and work.

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Celebrate You: For those of you who celebrated or will celebrate birthdays or special occasions, best wishes to you! We offer gift certificates for you to give or receive.

The holidays are upon us; add our services or products to your wish list.  What will 2007 have in store for your loved ones?  By evaluating what's possible and taking preventive measures, you can choose what works for you and what doesn't.  Find ways to transform challenging energy to maximize the positive and minimize the negative.  This can be part of your investment strategy!

Anyone who makes a client referral will benefit from their improved energy in more than one way. You'll receive a gift of services, products or cash! 

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This Month's Feature:  Intuitive Concepts Gift Certificates

For Holiday gift giving give your loved ones a gift certificate, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

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This newsletter is based on classic Feng Shui principles which incorporate scientific processes, including astronomy, electromagnetic currents, geology, geopathic stress, physics, and mathematics, with the arts of architecture, astrology, philosophy, interior decorating, landscaping, and more.  Classic Feng Shui goes well beyond decorating and where your front door is located. Balance depends on five elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood; when a structure was built; when you were born; magnetic influences; and other significant factors. Every building has a unique energy blueprint.

Intuitive Concepts is a member in good standing of many organizations and has won several awards. Our lead practitioner, Diana Garber, has more than two decades of Feng Shui experience. Her many credentials are on our website , or you can request a portfolio.

As a popular speaker, Diana has presented at the Chinese Culture Symposium, International Feng Shui and other international conferences, Chinese Culture Connection, etc., and appears on TV and radio. Many articles are available about and by Diana. She has a corporate and a management background that includes disaster recovery, information technology, finance, and health care. For more biographical information, visit this link.

This free monthly e-zine, is written and distributed internationally by Intuitive Concepts, Inc©. We welcome your suggestions for content and articles; as well as questions. We honor our international community and do not share names and addresses. Select the following link to subscribe TheFengShuiResultsLady@IntuitiveConcepts.com included subject = subscribe.

May you be exceedingly, joyously, and generously blessed today©,
Diana
C.E.O. (Creative Environment Officer)©
Intuitive Concepts, Inc.
1-866-689-6891 (toll free)
IntuitiveConcepts.com

Thanks for referring people to us and continuing the flow of good chi. By sharing newsletters and articles with family and friends, you are helping to change the world one person, one kindness at a time. For more ways to help our planet and network with like-minded folk, visit tips and our links page.

The distribution of this newsletter is by subscription or recommendation. If you received it in error and want to unsubscribe, select the following link TheFengShuiResultsLady@IntuitiveConcepts.com and enter the subject "Unsubscribe".
 

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