Take Care of Yourself

Hi All,

I hope you're doing well and taking good care of yourself.  I'm working on it.  It's heating up here in Phoenix....summer's coming fast.  But really, it's always a good time to take care of ourselves, isn't it?

I know it can be a well worn topic, but it's always good to revisit it.  Are we taking good care of ourselves?  How do we do that?  So on a basic level, we're taught to have good hygiene, get some exercise, eat some good food and get a check-up every so often from your physician.  Right?  OK - we're done...have a good weekend.  Well...not so fast.  Perhaps there's more to add to all of that.  How do we ensure we have balance and wellness in our lives?

So where do we put ourselves in order of getting cared for by ourselves?  Do we always put others first?  Is it alright to put ourselves first?  Is that a selfish thing?   I would suggest that some of us may tend to take care of others first, and take the scraps that are left (usually not much if any), for ourselves.  Is that good?  Or - is it just being a martyr, when we really don't need to be one?

I like the analogy of being on an aircraft when the oxygen masks come down in an emergency.  The first thing we're told is that we have to put our mask on first, before we assist others around us.  In other words; its good to love and care for others that may depend on us for help, but if we're not taking care of ourselves properly, we may be setting ourselves up for a crash.

I would suggest - make time in your day for the things you need.  As I suggested before, at a basic survival level, good food, proper rest and exercise are essential for our health and well being.  More and more studies are coming out and more emphasis is being placed on getting 8 or more hours of sleep each night.  We need that re-charge....physically, mentally, emotionally.  I know some people only need 4 or 5 hours a night...but they are the rare exception.  Most of us function optimally on 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Meditation or a power nap every day is also good for us.  It's good to take a period of time each day and slow down the mind, close your eyes, and enjoy a little break.  It can be a formal approach with music and a learned meditation technique, or just closing your eyes and "shutting er down" for 15 to 30 minutes before the afternoon or evening begins.  I try to get in an hour of meditation every day.  It feels so good to let go of the stress and pressures of daily life for a bit and enjoy some deep relaxation.  Its also good to help bring down stress levels in our lives and reduce blood pressure.  It can offer the body and mind a space to do some healing.

What are we feeding our spirits?  Do you have Spiritual beliefs?  Or do you consider it nonsense?  Do you go to church weekly, but maybe let it sit by the wayside during the week?  Having a spiritual practice can be nourishing to the Soul.  Most of us have had some kind of spiritual training....it may be time to dust it off, or look around for a church, class, or Spiritual practice that fulfills you.

Of course, there's so many things we can do with self care.  Love yourself enough to offer yourself the gift of your time and $$.  Be good to yourself.  Do something good for yourself daily, like taking a walk, going for that ride on your motorcycle, getting a massage, or hitting that yoga class.  Do some deep breathing and get your head out of the job or routine for a bit.

One other thing - be kind to yourself.  How to you talk to yourself?  Do you beat yourself up about little things (or big things too)?  We're all doing the best we can with what we have.  We have our daily struggles...be kind to yourself.  Treat yourself like you would treat a dear friend who's feeling down.  We all fall short once in a while - don't sweat it.  Don't dwell in the past...learn from it and enjoy the present moment.

This summer - put your oxygen mask on first...then of course, enjoy and love those around you too.  Be kind to yourself...it's not selfish.  Take care of yourself and enjoy the summer.

Peace and Love,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
I'm a massage and holistic therapist located in Phoenix, AZ.
For more information go to:  www.holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com
have a blessed day.

New Office - Holistic Therapy Solutions

Hi All,

Well, it's the first of May and today is moving day.  I'm excited to announce publicly that Holistic Therapy Solutions is moving to a new location.  The new location is in the Pointe Business Plaza at 7227 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.  It's south of Northern Ave on 16th Street.

Moving day...the front door.

 I was just fine with the location that I was at (19th Ave and Camelback), when a friend of mine, (Dr. Katie Nuckolls), asked if I'd like to share office space at the Point Business Plaza.  It's a great location and a very nice professional business plaza.  So I'm a little sad as I leave the old location, but looking forward to the new opportunity.

Our comfy waiting area...ignore the stuff stacked up - still organizing the office space.

We share a suite with three other people.  They're all counselors/psychologists.  We all share a nice waiting area as well.  It's a very nice quiet comfortable and professional environment...great place to relax and get a massage or cranialsacral therapy.

The office.  Getting set up and ready for this week.

I'll be booking appointments on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  I'll be starting there tomorrow.  Let me know if you need an appointment.

Have a great week. 

Peace,

Tom

www.Holistictherapysolutions.weebly.com

Reiki I and II Class

Hi All,

Hope all is well with you.  I'm moving right along...taking life as it comes.  I've also got some exciting things happening.  I'm moving my practice to a new location at the beginning of May (more to come on that).  I'm also stepping back into some teaching.

I'm excited to share that on the 20th and 21st of May, I'll be teaching Reiki I and II at, At the Center of You, in Wickenburg, AZ.   The class is from 6 to 9pm on Friday night and on Saturday the 21st, class runs from 9am to 5pm.  It'll be a class packed with information and hands on learning.  It'll also be a fun and enjoyable class. 

Reiki - by Tom Kreienbrink.  The kanji spell "Reiki."

So what is Reiki?  Reiki is an energetic healing modality.  Reiki is a Japanese technique for relaxation and stress reduction that promotes healing.  Reiki uses energy that is everywhere...universal life force energy.  This energy is in and all around us.  Thru the technique and intention, we can apply this energy to ourselves and others, to promote healing, help relieve stress, tension and pain.  It can be very effective.

Reiki is not a part of any religious sect or belief system.  The type of Reiki that I teach is Transformational Reiki.  The differences from traditional teachings are mainly style, not substance.  At the end of Saturday's class you'll have completed Reiki I and II training and will be ready to share this energy work....maybe you'll even want to start a practice of your own.

Sea Turtle by Tom Kreienbrink

I'm also happy to be teaching at At the Center of You, in Wickenburg, AZ.  It's a great little shop and wellness center in the heart of historic Wickenburg.  It's also a short drive from the west side of Phoenix.  It'll be a peaceful quiet weekend of learning in this relaxing location.

Flier for Reiki I and II Class, 20 and 21 May.

I'm excited to let you know that we're offering a very special price for this class....and we're extending the special offer one week(original offer thru 1May).  Original price is $90.  Thru the 8th of May we're offering the class for only $80.  You must pay in advance, though.  We're also bringing in lunch from one of the local restaurants, (lunch included in the price).  Even if you miss out on the special price, it's still a bargain.  So contact Laurel, at At The Center Of You and sign up today.

So get out of the city for a little bit and join us in Wickenburg for Reiki I and II Class.  Taught by me.  I can't wait.

At the Center of You - https://www.facebook.com/AtTheCenterOfYou/
Phone: 480-447-4968
You must reserve a spot in the class thru At The Center of You.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink, LMT
Web: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolisticTherapySolutions/

Air Force Artwork

Hi All,

Good afternoon everyone.  I hope you're all doing well.  It's a nice day here in Phoenix, Arizona...getting warmer as we're on the road toward Summer.

Recently I've had a few reminders of the career I had in the Air Force.  Some of the recent reminders - Getting my GI Bill going for school in the Fall, nice people thanking me for my service (when they catch a glimpse of my Mil ID), and I found out one of my former troops had to be airlifted out of a deployment and have surgery (don't know the details, but glad he's doing well).  So I thought I'd share a little of my career and artwork from my Air Force days.

After attending graphic design school here in Phoenix, I enlisted in the Air Force about a year later.  I was very fortunate that with my training and experience, I was able to get into the Visual Information (graphic arts), career field.  And...I landed a choice assignment to Altus AFB, OK (LOL).  It was fun and a little bit of a culture shock - being in the Air Force and small town Oklahoma...but we had some good times out there.  I also got a lot of great experience and learned a lot from some great people.

Pen and Ink illustration.  A C-5 aircraft from Altus AFB, OK.  I drew this for practice and 

to be used on local products.

Along the way my family and I spent time stationed in Fort Worth, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Washington, DC (and I spent a little time in some other places here and there).

T-Shirt design for the Offutt Runway Run. 

It was a good career and I was happy and honored to serve, and I thank my fellow American citizens for the opportunity.  One of the highlights of my career was my last assignment.  I spent the last 3 years as First Sergeant for the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, Bolling AFB in Washington, DC.  It was one of the most challenging and also rewarding positions I've had the pleasure to serve in.

Pen and ink artwork for 11th CES going away artwork.  A print could have a farewell message in the center and be framed as a nice farewell.  Even though I wasn't in multimedia, I still liked to do a little artwork when I had time.

T-Shirt artwork for 11th CES.  Proud to be an honorary Prime Beef troop.  They're a good bunch - hard working folks ready to do whatever is needed.

It's been 9 years now since I've retired from the Air Force and I spent some time with FEMA in DC, and now have a second career as massage and holistic therapist here in Phoenix.  Every now and then it's nice to remember the old days.  I really enjoyed being an Airman in the US Air Force and am grateful for all of the great folks I've crossed paths with along the way.  

Self Portrait...me, a little younger (little being a relative term, Ha!)

Now I'm on a new path and chapter in my life.  It's a good one too.  It's good to enjoy the journey and enjoy the moment.  I hope you're enjoying the moment as well.  Remember - we make a difference in peoples lives in every day.  Whether we're doing community service work, serving in the military, or just being kind to someone while in line at the store - the ripples go out.  Like I used to tell the troops...Keep doing great things!

Peace and Love,

Tom

Portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
HTS Website: www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Artistry of Disney

Hi All,

I had a pretty amazing opportunity this past weekend.  I was able to go to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA with my family - including my 6 year old granddaughter.  I have to say, it was a pretty incredible place.  The vision and artistry of Walt Disney is still on full display, and being there to witness my granddaughter taking it in was a sight to behold and savor.  The grown-ups had fun too.

Sunday night we got a curb-side seat for the nightly parade, and it did not disappoint.  Here's some photos that will give you a taste.

I wanted to highlight the parade because it was just magical.  The floats were high tech and artistic marvels.  The dancers were adorned with lights, very talented, and gave attention to the little ones along the route.  It was a high energy feast for the senses that featured old and new classic characters from Disney movies.  Of course, Mickey Mouse was on the last float.

It was a fun and a little hectic weekend.  Lots of people were there for the fun too.  There were some fun rides but mostly it's a kid friendly park with plenty to keep the adults attention.  One of the things that caught my eye, was an animation workstation, from long ago (photo above).  It was a little piece of animation history on display, surrounded by sketches and drawings. 

I just wanted to share some of the artistry of Disneyland, and a few things that caught my eye.  Again - it was a fun visit.  Definitely a wonderland for kids.

Have a great day....enjoy yourself - whatever you're doing.

Peace,

Tom

On-line Portfolio -- www.Behance.net/tk-art

Some ways we help the Homeless

Hi All,

I hope all of you are doing well today.  Here in Phoenix, it's Spring and the weather is warm and it should be warming up most everywhere else as well.  I hope you're enjoying it.

There are a lot of folks around here who maybe aren't enjoying it as much.  Homelessness has been an issue in many places for years.  There's always plenty of debate on what we can or should do individually and collectively to help.  There are many perspectives on the subject and most people have strong feelings on the subject.

Me personally, I feel like most people don't want to be homeless, and I'd like to help out a little, if I can.  There's many volunteer opportunities - I have some friends that started a non-profit org that feeds hungry people.  You can feed them yourself, or even give cash, right?  You could volunteer with a mission....but when face to face with a person asking for money at a stop light, what's the appropriate thing to do?

I found a great little article put out by the Phoenix Rescue Mission (PRM), that has their  recommendations for what you can do to help:

   1 - Be Prepared.  Have granola bars, water, directions and contact info for a mission (where they can get food and shelter), socks, or even a "panhandler pack."
   2 - Talk with Them.  Say Hi, start a conversation.  Acknowledge them...they're human beings and a little bit of kindness can go a long way.
   3 - Do Not give $$.  PRM recommends giving alternatives like granola bars, clean socks, even a gift certificate for a restaurant, bottle water, sun screen, etc.
   4 - Point them to a Mission.  Is there a homeless shelter nearby, or a church shelter or food bank?  PRM has referral cards to help people get there and get a shower, shelter and a meal.
   5 - Pray.  Pray that they get what they need, that the shelter workers have the strength and wisdom to assist those in need.  Prayer works.

These are just a few guidelines on how you can quickly and easily help the person panhandling on the street corner.  Places like the Rescue Mission still need funds to operate and volunteers and staff.  There's many ways we can help.

Of course, not every person on the street wants your food or help....they may want cash instead.  I don't know that I'm always wanting to hand over cash to panhandlers.  I just printed some referral cards for the rescue mission, and I think I'll start being a little more prepared with some of the other recommended supplies to be able to give.

Find out where you can help in your town or city (if you feel compelled to help).  There's so many ways you can help...if we all do a little bit, we can make a huge impact.

For Phoenix, here's the website for Phoenix Rescue Mission: http://phoenixrescuemission.org/
Here's a great list for Panhandler's Packs to give out.

Thanks All.  A little kindness and compassion can really help a person who is living in such a vulnerable way...living on the street.  You may never know how your small gesture may impact someone.

Have a wonderful week everyone...enjoy every moment.

Peace,

Tom

Holistic Therapy Solutions
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

Have a Heart

Hi All,

Hope your leap day went well yesterday.  Things are moving right along here....always plenty to do.

My son and business partner, Andy, are continuing to lay the groundwork and prepare for the opening of our new business venture - KBrink Design.  There's a lot to do.  We're putting several artwork and design products together, experimenting some, and figuring out exactly what we're doing...ha!  It's coming along nicely.

Andy has the guiding vision for this venture.  He's putting designs together that I think are exciting, unique, and very cool.  (I may be a little partial...however - I wouldn't put out garbage either).  I'm doing some illustration and design as well.  I'm also helping him get up to speed on using Photoshop and Illustrator - major tools of the trade now days.

On some of our projects we're collaborating.  It's fun - we both bring different things to the table.  One in particular recently, he needed me to produce a heart illustration, for a design he's putting together.  An actual human heart picture.  So - I did what I do....I drew a human heart.

Heart illustration - drawn in Photoshop.

It's a fun little organ.  Ha!  It's no DaVinci or anything, but it will serve it's purpose nicely.  I can't show the finished design yet...sorry.  We'll be printing and selling t-shirts, stickers, prints on paper, buttons and maybe other items.  Coming soon.....

I hope you're all having a great day.  Enjoy this moment, be a positive part of your community, and help a neighbor or someone in need.  Join me...it will spread.

More to come soon, from KBrink Design.

Peace,

Tom

On-line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art