Tornadoes and Feng Shui

Today while reading news reports of the devastating tornado damage in Oklahoma, I learned that after rescuing victims of the destruction, the most important duty of government workers is to re-install street signs. At first taken aback by the simplicity of the task, I realized how we’ve come to rely on signs to guide us on our way.

In modern society, roads, bridges, cities, neighborhoods and homes have names and numbers that help imprint our memory of the landscape. They orient us to our surroundings the same way forests, mountains and rivers did our earliest ancestors. But of course, these man-made structures are not as permanent or reliable, and their loss reminds us just how vulnerable they are to the forces of nature.

I’ve been inspired lately to spend more time outdoors grounding myself, concentrating on the sights and sounds of nature and the earth beneath my feet. Each experience is different depending on the lighting, time of day and air movement. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said “You can never step into the same river; for new waters are always flowing on to you.” This is also a tenet of feng shui, and one that cannot be overstated, for despite our best efforts to hold them back, time and nature move along.

With wishes for healing to all who have lost their loved ones, homes, neighborhoods and livelihoods,

Diane Gallin, CFSC

Wind and Water Feng Shui Consulting