Winter Juicing

Hi All,

Hope you're having a great weekend.  It's been a fantastic winter here in Phoenix, AZ.  It's almost too warm (all you from the north...don't hate me for that comment).  It's been nice here and I can't complain.

One of the wonderful things about Phoenix is that this time of year the citrus trees are full of ripe fruit.  I'm very fortunate to have two citrus trees in my yard, one is grapefruit and one is a tangelo tree.  It's hard to eat all the fruit, so I give some to friends and people at work - but I also like to make fresh juice.

Juicing in progress...mmm...good.

I've got a Jack LaLane Powerjuicer.  It's not bad...definitely not a top of the line product, but it does an alright job.  This morning, Sue and I peeled a bunch of our fruit and fresh picked oranges a friend gave us and made some fresh juice.

The juicer essentially squeezes or pulls out the part of the fruit with the most nutritional value (the juice), and dumps the pulp out the back into a container.  This morning we added some spinach, celery, and cilantro to the fresh citrus juice.  It sounds like it may taste a little odd, but trust me - it's delicious.

You can juice most fruit and vegetables and make a lot of variations.  I like to experiment a little with it.  Right now I'm just trying to get the most out of the fruit on the trees while I can...then the juicer will get a little rest.

The great thing about this is the juice we made is organic, locally grown and very nutrient dense.  It's so nutritious...almost like a shot in the arm, of vitamins.  Very energizing.

That's it for now....have a great week.  Be good to one another.

Peace,

Tom

Flexibility is Key

Hi All,

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but it's alright being busy sometimes too.  The New Year is off to a pretty good start and I'm glad to get a chance to sit down and do a little writing.  Recently I was involved in a situation with friends that revolved around a meeting place and time (I won't bore you with specifics).  Like I said, we're friends and everyone was kind, loving and civil, but there was one thing that stood out: inflexibility.  There were some "lines in the sand" drawn that really limited the outcome.

All of this reminded me of something from when I was in the Air Force.  One of the Tenets of Airpower is, "Flexibility is the Key to Airpower."  In an Airpower perspective, flight, agility and altitude, speed, the ability to fly anywhere in a short period of time, etc...all of these things allow the Air Force to act or react to situations in the world with great flexibility.

Pen and Ink illustration from my first duty station - 1365 AVS, Det 4
Altus AFB, Oklahoma.  It's a drawing of a C-5 aircraft.

Now that I've got your attention (or put you to sleep), you've probably figured out where I'm going with this.  I've always liked using this saying seriously and also with a little tongue in cheek.  It's simple with a deep and broad meaning.  When I was an NCO and my troops were resistant to some direction or change that I was imposing on them, I'd quote this tenet.  I'd also use it with my kids as they were growing up.  OK - I admit that a big part of that was me being humorous (or at least in my own mind I was funny).  And....quoting this to my Airmen or my kids never made them happy.  However, there's a point made here and a real life application that weaves in and out of the fabric of all of our lives.

A drawing I did while stationed at 11th CES, Bolling AFB, Washington DC.  I printed
some and gave them away as going away gifts.  I'd write a personal message in the blank space.

The application is obvious and you know it...flexibility is key.  You have to be flexible.  It's going with the flow of life.  It's being in the present moment and enjoying it, and when something doesn't go our way, it's switching to "plan b," or going with the flow, knowing that life is change and thats alright.  In negotiations its a give and take, and how can we come up with the best solution for everyones best interest.  It's also adapting to the constant change in life.  On earth, everything changes all the time; things break, storms wash out your picnic...our best made plans can often be made to change in an instant.  If viewed in the proper perspective, that can be what keeps life interesting.

Being flexible is also being free of expectations.  Expectations are tricky and can lead to a lot of disappointment.  Ever hear yourself saying, (in a disappointed way), "is that too much to expect?  Am I being unreasonable?"  Your expectations may not be unreasonable, yet they may not always be met.  If we're hanging on to the outcome we expected and we felt we deserved, it can be a tough time.  So enjoy whatever life throws at you.  That's about all we can do, right?

I also had another saying I liked to use that has a similar theme; "Do your best, Do what's right, and let the chips fall where they may."  From spiritual aspect, I just need do the footwork and trust and have faith in my Higher Power/God, that all will work out for my highest good.  When I do that, things always work out well - although not always the way I envisioned or even wanted them to.  Conversely, when I try to impose my will on any situation, it always stresses me out and messes with my serenity.

In a physical sense, when we keep our bodies fit and flexible, everything flows better too and helps us to maintain balance and health.  We do this thru nutrition, exercise and stretching.

All of this being said, I'm not saying that we have to be door mats or accept unacceptable behavior.  What I am saying is it's a universal principle that can help us lead a happier and more peaceful life.  I don't do it perfectly all the time, but I know when I'm able to be present and just flow with life, it's a sweet ride baby!

Have a sweet ride today.  Enjoy the moment, even if you're in a long meeting or in traffic, or whatever you're doing.  Act from a place of love and kindness with everyone.  It'll be good.
Have a great weekend.

Peace,

Tom

My Massage and Holistic Therapy Business
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My Art and Design business
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Packers Gallery - Playoffs start this weekend!

Hi All,

Happy Friday.  I'm excited.  2014 is starting off pretty well in many ways.  One good thing - my favorite football team (Green Bay Packers), will be playing the 49ers on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs.

In honor of that, I'm posting a gallery of some of the Packer artwork that I've done over the years.  Go Packers!!

Aaron Rodgers - pencil and digital paint

Of course - there's the current star quarterback for the Packers, Aaron Rodgers.  However, I thought I'd dip into the archives and break out some Packers of the past.  Some of these, you may not have seen for a while.  I hope you enjoy.

Leroy Butler - Defensive back - originator of the Lambeau Leap.  Digital paint.

Aaron Kampman - Defensive End and pass rush specialist.  Digital paint.

Mike Mckenzie - Defensive Back.  Digital paint.

Ray Nietzsche - One of the baddest, meanest Linebackers of all time.  A Hero
in the Packers teams of the 1960s.  digital paint.

Bill Schroeder - Wide Receiver  - Amazing speed and ability to make
the coach furious.  digital paint.

Enjoy your weekend everyone.  If you're a football fan - have fun watching the playoffs.

Cheers,

Tom

TCM - Chinese Five Element Theory

Hi All,

Christmas is past and the New Year is coming up quickly.  As I approach 2014 I'm getting ready to launch some new classes and groups at Holistic Therapy Solutions.  One of the first classes I'll be teaching is on "Energy Meridians/Chinese Five Element Theory - an introduction."

Chinese Five Element Theory is a part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine).  In very simple terms it incorporates the 12 organ meridians(or energy meridians), points along the meridians, the 5 elements, and so much more.  Everything works together in TCM and the goal is really to bring balance to the person.

Illustration of the lung meridian

There are 5 elements in TCM.  They are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood.  There are two organs for each element and two regulators.  One is a Yin organ and one is a Yang organ.  Each one has an energy meridian (like the lung meridian pictured above).

An example of an element and the organs associated with it: The Element of Wood; Yin organ - Liver, Yang organ - Gallbladder.  The element Wood is associated with the color green, the season of Spring, birth, morning, developing goals, will power, and anger.

What we'll cover in the class are not only the elements and organs, but the meridians associated with them.  This is where the rubber meets the road.  These "energy" meridians travel up and down the body and extremities and there are a number of points on each meridians.

These energy or organ meridians can be brushed daily to clear any blockages in the meridians.  I'll teach how you can do this simply and easily.  Daily brushing of meridians will help keep your Chi or lifeforce  energy in balance.  This can affect your sleep patterns and your overall health in a very profound way.

We'll talk about the Circadian Clock or the body clock.  Each organ has a two hour period that relates to it, every 24 hours.  Going back to the Wood element example; Gallbladder is from 11pm-1am and Liver is from 1-3am.  If you find yourself trying to sleep at night and you are awake between 1 and 3am, your Liver may be energetically out of balance.  Simple daily brushing of the meridians can bring balance and resolve the sleep issue.  Other issues can brought to balance by this simple daily act.

The meridians also have a number of points along their paths.  For example, Gallbladder has 44 points along it's meridian.  Each point can be helpful for specific uses.  Gallbladder 20, or GB 20 is good for helping with headaches, migraines, stiff neck, and shoulder pain.  You can apply pressure to the point, or massage the point.  Acupressure and Acupuncture modalities work along the meridians and use the points to help clients with health issues.

Although this is only an introductory course, each student will leave with some practical tools to take home and use.  The class will give the attendee a basic understanding of elements, meridians and points.  The attendee will be able to brush their meridians and learn some key points and be able to work them.

I'm also putting a foot reflexology class together and will teach it early in the year. I'll be starting an holistic weight loss/weight management group together where we'll meet weekly and discuss practical solutions for weight management and healthy living coupled with the power of hypnotherapy.

It's been a wild ride this past year; I started my business out of my house and am now renting a space.  I'm doing the holistic therapy work and massage as well as running a meditation group and taught my first hand reflexology course a couple months ago.  There are other professional experience and many personal as well that I'm so grateful for.  I'm excited about 2014 which is coming up quickly.  It's going to be a good one.  We'll see what happens........more to come.

Enjoy your New Years celebrations.  Be careful out there and be good to one another.

Peace,

Tom

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Merry Christmas from us in Phoenix

Hi All,

Here I am - the day before the day before Christmas, finishing my Christmas Card and updating the blog.  It's been a good year and me and my family have a lot to be grateful for.  I'm looking forward to relaxing a little now and enjoying the holidays.  I've got most of the holiday prep and shopping done.

I've got a wonderful holistic therapy client coming in tomorrow morning.  She's been recovering from some serious health challenges and we've been working together for a while.  It's been such an honor and blessing to work with her and she's making such good recovery strides.

I've got dough for cookies and all the food for Christmas.  We're making our own individual homemade pizzas for Christmas dinner.  Then we'll play a board game and maybe watch a Christmas movie.  Getting together with the kids...good times.

The New Year looks promising too.  Continuing to be blessed to be able to run my holistic therapy business here in Phoenix and do some artwork on the side as well.

Merry Christmas 2013 Card - Photoshop and Wacom Tablet on Mac

On behalf of wife Sue and myself, I'd like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, or which ever holiday you celebrate.  Enjoy.  And may your New Year be a very very good one.

Peace on Earth and good will toward men,

Tom

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