Balance for the Holidays

Hi All,

Hope you had a great week and are keeping warm.  It's been a pretty nice week here in Phoenix.  So, the Christmas season is in full swing here and it's getting busy and a little hectic.  Of course that means we may get a little stressed out at times, right?

I was talking about this with a friend of mine the other day and we did a hypno session with her as well.   When discussing her issue, the key word that came to me was Balance.  It occurred to me that we get out of balance during this time of year.  Why?  We're working hard, preparing for Christmas or other holidays, stores are packed, there's more traffic on the roads than usual, etc.

Why we allow ourselves to get out of balance?  No matter how hard we try to keep it all balanced out, it's hard to get everything done and continue to make time to relax by ourselves or with those closest to us.  There are more demands made on us, seemingly from all directions.  Even though its a season of love and giving, there's lots to do and probably more social events as well - the work party, extra church celebrations and celebrations thru other organizations as well, not to mention parties with families and friends.  It's a lot going on and so much fun as well, but it's easy to over do it.

With all of this going on, should we just give in and go with it?  Perhaps we can regain our sanity after the new year starts?  Well, there is something to "going with the flow."  Go with the current, but be a little selective about which or how many events you attend.  You don't have to go to all of them.

Slow down a bit.  Take it easy and make a little time for yourself.  Take 15-30 minutes a day to just relax, maybe close your eyes and meditate.  Get a massage (I know a good place to get one).  Watch some football, or engage in a favorite hobby.  Get some exercise every day.  Be gentle with yourself and make a little time to relax.

Remember every day to be grateful for all the blessings we have in our lives.  Carrying an attitude of gratitude makes you feel better and is contagious.  Its good to get off the "pitty pot" and start looking at the good things going on.  Sometimes just being grateful for the air we breathe, the water we drink and a little food can make a difference in our outlook.  Conversely, there are always going on that we'd like to change in this world and a lot of times the world does not cooperate with us.  Dwelling on those things will only make us feel worse.

Meditation is always a must.  15-30 minutes of pure relaxation.  It's like re-booting the computer.  No TV and put on some very relaxing music - then just relax the body and mind.  If you have too many things on your mind, remember to bring yourself back to the present moment and maybe try focusing on your breathing.

Get involved in worship.  Christ is the reason for Christmas.  Which ever holidays you celebrate this time of year, get involved in the spiritual celebration.  Remember why these holidays exist in the first place.

A little bit of prevention goes a long way.  Keep your diet moderate, but don't deprive yourself either.  Get rest, down time, and make time to have fun with family and/or friends.  Do something nice for someone less fortunate.
Keep it in balance and you'll less stressed and feel much better come January.

May God Bless you all this holiday season and have a very well balanced Christmas.

Peace,

Tom

The Reiki Collection

Hi All,

Merry Christmas, Felis Navitad, Seasons Greetings and more.  I know this can really be a stressful and busy time of year for most of us.  Like most others, I've been busy myself.

This past Saturday we had our Holistic Fair at Beyond Today Co (where I run my therapy business out of).  One of the things I had wanted to do more, was to integrate my art and holistic therapy businesses more.  So at the fair I unveiled the work I had been pulling together that integrates both...the Reiki Collection.

Reiki - the Japanese kanjis that spell out the word Reiki

The Reiki Collection is a collection of six Reiki inspired pieces of artwork.  The collection is mostly digital artwork created with a pencil sketch, Photoshop, and Wacom tablet on an iMac.  They're a lot of fun to create.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen - Distance Reiki Symbol in Japanese Kanjis

So I finished the art and had prints made.  The symbols are 11"x14" and the Sea Turtle and Usui Sensei are a little different dimensions.  I had them printed from digital file on a bright white 80lb paper on a four color, color copier.  I was very pleased with the results.  I did sell some copies this past weekend.

Usui Sensei - portrait of the originator of Reiki, Mikao Usui

The prints go for $12 each, or $60 for the the set.  My contact info is on my blog profile or my website if you'd like to order.  I also can have larger giclee (12 color) prints made on canvas.  I'll have to get sizes and pricing individually, but will be happy to do it.

Se He Ki - a Reiki Symbol of that name

One of the energy work modalities that I practice in my holistic therapy business is Reiki.  I'm a Reiki Master/Teacher.  I'm happy to provide sessions in person or remotely.  I also teach Reiki and can provide one on one instruction in the Phoenix, AZ area.

Sea Turtle - Original produced on green Canson paper with colored pencil and airbrush.
Touched up digitally.

I hope all of you enjoy the prints.  I enjoyed making them.  I also plan on expanding my integration of art and holistic therapy....more to come on that.

Cho Ku Rei - Reiki Symbol by that name.

I hope your Christmas and Holiday Season is starting off in a blessed way for all of you.  Have a wonderful season - be good to everyone this year...especially those who may be having a rough time.
Bless you All.

Peace,

Tom

Holistic Therapy Solutions, LLC
www.holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com

Tom Kbrink's Art and Design
www.behance.net/tk-art

GLori Hallelujah!!

Hi All,

It's Thanksgiving week.  Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, one of our favorite holidays where we take a break, gather with family and friends, and give thanks for all the...For Everything.

Recently I was contracted to do a logo that seems to fit the theme.  The name of the company sort of sounds that way anyhow.  The logo is for an on-line shopping site called, GLori hallelujah.  It's really a cool site and a great deal (so check it out www.facebook.com/GLorihallelujah ).

The client's name is Lori.  "G" is what her grandkids call her.  "hallelujah" fits with the gratitude she's in for her family, her life, etc...  So, GLori hallelujah is the name she chose for her company.  I like it, it's catchy and it's personal, but she needed a logo.

Lori liked a script font spelling of the name - but, like the name of her company, it needed a personal touch.  We kicked around some ideas but they still weren't quite working.  Then she sent me her handwritten name and pointed out the unique manner in which she makes the L.  It all fell into place around that handwritten L.

Logo for GLori hallelujah - violet version

As you can tell, the L is a unique style - very personal to my client.  I made the sizes of the script typestyle varied and linked the G and L together, to balance out the logo.  Lori likes it and I feel like it works.  It's representative of my client and her company in a very personal way.

GLori hallelujah Facebook cover photo version

I made a black and white and 6 other versions; basic colors and metallics.  I also put a handful of Facebook cover pics together (like the one above).  Since social media is such a big part of marketing, these will come in handy.

Metallic Silver logo version

Christmas Facebook Cover photo version

Violet Facebook cover photo version

So Glori Hallelujah - have a great Thanksgiving everyone!  Every day is a great day to be grateful, but this coming holiday season, I hope you have the opportunity to take even a small break, and enjoy a little relaxation with some special people.

Be good out there and always take the opportunity to say something nice to another person.  Be good to  each other.

Peace,

Tom

My online art and design sites:

www.behance.net/tk-art
www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Kreienbrink-Art-and-Design

Holistic Therapy Solutions' Upcoming Events

Hi All,

Hope you had a good weekend and that your week is off to an excellent start.  Things are going good here.  Time just keeps flying by....it's hard to comprehend how fast the weeks go by.

Today I want to share some of the things going on at Holistic Therapy Solutions (HTS).  HTS is the company name for my holistic therapy/massage business.  As my clientele is growing, I'm putting together some other offerings that may be just what you're looking for.

Logos for Holistic Therapy Solutions and my artwork business

Tom K's Wednesday Meditation Group

I facilitate a meditation group every Wednesday from 1:30-3:00.  We chat a little about how our meditating is coming along and provide support and ideas.  I also try to bring something interesting to share and that we can try out.  It may be a guided meditation or a different meditation technique that we can all try as a group.  It's a lot of fun and I hope you'll try it out.

Hand Reflexology Map showing reflex points on the palmar side of the hand

The Hand Class - offering 7 CEUs.

This Sunday (24 November), I'll be teaching half of the Hand Class.  It's a 7 hour class that's all about working the hands therapeutically.  Rod Lyman is teaching the acupressure points of the hand and how to work them.  I'll be teaching hand reflexology.  Both acupressure and reflexology can be very powerful and effective ways to help assist healing....and it feels good for your client as well.  Come be a part of this fun and enlightening day - get your hands worked on and learn how to work on others as well.  This class is good for both the experienced therapist and the lay person alike.  All are welcome.

Beyond Today Holistic Fair

I rent at and run my business out of Beyond Today Co in north central Phoenix (see web link below).  We're hosting our monthly holistic fair at Beyond Today Co on the 7th of December.  It's just in time for the holidays.  You can relieve the holiday stress by recieving some of the therapeautic or intuitive offerings availalble.  You'll also have opportunities to treat yourself or shop for a variety gifts from the vendors that will be on site.  It'll be a great time and we hope you'll join us.

Of course I'm still available for Massage, Reflexology, Cranial sacral therapy, Reiki, and Hypnotherapy sessions.

In the future I'll be offering more classes at Beyond Today Co.  I'm planning to offer more reflexology classes.  Some of these will be geared toward professional and at home health care givers.  I'm also putting together an intro to Chinese 5 element theory and energy meridians class.  I'll be advertising these as they're scheduled.

As we enter the most joyful and sometimes most stressful time of the year.  I hope you'll make time to take care of yourself and be good to yourself.  Take a class, meditate (maybe be part of our group), or get a massage or other soothing, relaxing and healing therapy.  If you take good care of yourself, you'll be better for those around you.
Have a great week and do something nice for someone, just because you can.

Peace,

Tom

Beyond Today Co. - http://www.beyond2day.com/

Holistic Therapy Solutions - http://holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com/

See Beyond Today Co and Holistic Therapy Solutions on Facebook also.

Life as Art - The Trip to Lambeau

Hi All,

I hope your week was great.  Mine flew by (like all weeks seem to).  Recently I had the opportunity to do something very special.  I took a trip to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin to see a Packers home game.  I've been a fan of the Green Bay Packers my whole life and had always wanted to take in a game, but just never gotten to it.

I'm originally from Wisconsin, but my because my family moved across country when I was 13, I never had been to a Packers game as a kid.  Another special aspect to this trip was getting together with my brother Dave, and cousins (Kurt and Kyle).  We all were kind of close growing up, so this was a special trip, to a special place...a pilgrimage of sorts.  So I thought I'd share some pictures of the sights I'd seen on this trip.

My really bad map (that I sketched out), showing the trip.

My brother Dave and I flew in to Minneapolis and met up with Kurt on Friday.  We enjoyed some hospitality from Kurt, Karen and family Friday night.  Saturday morning, we set out on the 350 mile trek to Wabeno, WI.  Wabeno is where my Dad grew up on my Grandparent's farm, and Kyle now lives in the old farmhouse.

We saw lots of farms along the way.  You can still see many small family farms, but its
become a big business in Wisc., like so many other places as well.

It was a fun drive, with some nice fall colors on the trees, lots of farms, and more and more as we got to the north woods of NE Wisconsin, we found more and more of the trees had lost their leaves by then.

Fall colors in western Wisconsin.  The colors were actually a little better
than this photo represents.

It was a sentimental trip for sure.  Spending time with these guys, and in Wabeno (which was like another home where I spent a lot of time over the years).  Unfortunately my other brother couldn't make it on this trip.

The Kreienbrink Farm house.

The Kreienbrink Farm circa late 1950s.  The farm was a little less than
170 acres.  A beautiful place.

We made it up to the farm and found Kyle getting ready for work.  We spent the afternoon driving around seeing some sights around the town - places we'd spent so much time at and have so many memories around.  We had a great time that evening, did some partying downtown.  We ran into some old friends and made some new ones.  We reminisced with some folks who knew our Dads and Grandparents.

Tom and Dave

Luckily on Sunday the game started late in the afternoon.  This gave us time to have breakfast in town at the only restaurant, and make the 100mile drive to Green Bay.

Tom, Kurt, Dave, and Kyle Kreienbrink.  Look at the guy photobombing
between Kurt and Dave...I don't know who he was, just another Packers fan.

A packed stadium

The game.

The game was excellent.  We did a little tailgating, had a few beers, and then headed into the stadium.  The energy in the stadium was incredible.  It really was a fun and tremendous experience - 35 degrees at game time, drizzling rain, watching the game with 70,000 fans packed into Lambeau with me.  By the end of the game, our Packers had won, and our throats were hoarse from yelling.  Time to drive back to the farm.

Holstein Dairy Cows - in America's Dairyland

Monday morning brought a long drive back to Minneapolis in a car not made to seat three big guys - Ha, we laughed about that, but we survived the trip and had fun anyhow.  After a nice dinner with Kurt and family we went had to fly out, back to our lives.  What a trip.

Is this blog post related to my art or holistic business?  Perhaps not directly.  But when it comes to our health, it does help to take time out, have some fun, see some family or friends and cut loose a little.  I thank you for letting me indulge in sharing some photos and stories of my trip.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Perhaps this weekend you can take a little time to relax and enjoy yourself a little.  Take care and be good to each other.

Peace,

Tom

More thoughts on Meditation

Hi Everyone,

I hope your week is off to a great start.  Mine is moving right along...always interesting, that's for sure.  One new development for me is the start of my "Tom K's Wednesday Meditation Group."  We start tomorrow in Phoenix, AZ at 1:30 pm.  It's for everyone from beginners to expert and everyone in between (fee is a $10 love offering).

So I wanted to go back to the blog and discuss meditation a little more.  What is meditation?  At it's core - its relaxing very very deeply.  It's going inside, quieting the mind, relaxing body and mind - slowing everything down.  It's a power nap - can be 10 minutes to an hour (or whatever you like).  It's not necessarily a religious practice, however, just about every religious tradition has some form of meditation associated with their religious practice.

Some benefits of regular meditation practice:  For me, it's the ultimate reboot.  It's the reset button for my body and mind and kind of puts me back out there, everything reset and feeling good.  It brings more balance in my life.  It helps to lower stress levels, blood pressure and brings about better overall health.  Peacefulness - feeling more mellow and relaxed on a regular basis.  Better sleep at night.  Quiets the mind chatter and junk going around in your head.  Basically - all of these things are related...better health; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

What kinds of meditations are there?  That's a question that can be as varied as each individual out there.  You can relax...deep relaxation with some soft music and steady relaxed rhythmic breathing; kind of the more commonly known form of meditation.  After 30+ years of meditating, that's what I like best.  However there's many other methods; Transcendental, yoga, yoga nidra, walking meditation (sometimes walking a labyrinth).  There's chanting, toning, meditating on a scriptural or spiritual reading.  There's also guided meditation or very similar; hypnosis.  Of course, self-hypnosis is a form of meditation.  You can make a meditation out of doing the dishes or doing any task, (by doing them in a very mindful way, staying in present moment). There's many, many more - these are just some off the top of my head.

So one of the things we'll go over in the group/class are the basics.  What are some basics to get going?  Number one - get comfortable.  Sit in a nice comfy chair, lie down, however you want.  Protect yourself - say a prayer of protection or whatever works for you.  Now - breathe.  Take a few slow deep breaths, letting them out slowly and then get into a very conscious rhythmic breathing pattern.  Relax your body - mentally, piece by piece.  Relax your mind - let go of the mind chatter and thoughts of the day.  Bring yourself into the present moment - in gratitude - letting go of the past and staying out of the future.  Stay right in the now - focusing on your nice rhythmic breathing.  When your mind wanders, just gently bring yourself back to right now - and focus on your breathing again....letting go....
That's it.  It's a basic meditation.

Week by week we'll explore other forms of meditation.  The key is to be consistent and to do what works for you.  Be kind to yourself though.  If you find it difficult at first, be gentle with yourself but don't give up.  It's almost like a muscle - it takes time to develop.  Most of us go thru life in a fast paced rat race these days, with cell phones, traffic, and media and information coming at us from every direction.  We didn't get all stressed out overnight and you won't be a master of meditation overnight.  It's going to take practice.  But let me tell you...it's worth it.  You'll feel better in ways you've never thought you could.  You may find yourself requiring less trips to the doctor or pharmacy...who knows.  The bottom line is, it's good to slow down and relax.  Its a part of basic self care.

However you like to slow down and meditate - do it.  Be good to yourself - everyone around you will be better off, and thank you for it.  Take care and be nice to each other out there too.  and have a great week.

Blessings,

Tom

Here's the Facebook invitation.  It's at Beyond Today Co., 11223 N. 28th Drive, Suite F101, Phoenix, AZ.  Phone: 602-633-8051.  The group is on Wednesdays from 1:30-3ish.    https://www.facebook.com/events/631361706914457/
Hope to see you there - it'll be fun.

Collage Artwork...that's what I call it

Hi All,

I hope you had a great weekend.  Mine was good - we hosted my granddaughters birthday party yesterday.  Great time.  She's 4 years old.  And - it's really becoming the time of year that we really enjoy here in Phoenix.  It's cooling down a bit, but not cold.  Great for outdoor activity.  I'm grateful for all of it.

So I went back into the archives this morning and pulled out some pieces that I'd done years ago but really haven't put online or promoted.  This morning I'm going to share one of those pieces of art.

On a side note, I've been using my phone camera for the photography.  I can't believe how good the camera is on my new smart phone.  It's an LG Nexus - pretty decent phone....and the camera is pretty good.  So the camera sits unused in the drawer.  I'm not a power user of technology and am constantly amazed at how it keeps progressing.

Collage 156; pen and acrylic color.  Approx 22"x14"

This is one of my collages - I call it, Collage 156.  I've always enjoyed putting things together in a collage format.  The piece is drawn on illustration board (approx 22"x14").  I did the original in pen and ink (technical pen).  Then I painted it with acrylic paint.

This piece is from the late 90s.  So you see the green #92; Reggie White's number when he was playing football in Green Bay.  There's other imagery in the pic that's related to me and my life in one way or another.  Some imagery is just flowing from my mind with no direct link to my day to day life at the time, and of course there's some graphic elements that bring it together....or not.

close up - a little detail.

I (of course), couldn't help myself and did a little touch up with the computer.  Not much - just punching up a little color in some areas.  Tightening a little detail as well, but I'm also trying to retain the integrity of the artwork.

a little detail - you see the London Bridge  - now located in
Lake Havasu City, AZ - where I lived the later part of my youth.

I've done a number of these pieces over the years.  I think I may take one of the pen and ink versions and color it in the computer.  Something to work on in the future.

I hope you've enjoyed this piece.  It was a lot of fun to make/produce.  I hope you all are starting off the week right and enjoy every day.  Enjoy each moment and be good to each other.

Peace,

Tom