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.

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/

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

Got Enough Control of your Life?

Hi Everybody,

I've been enjoying the last couple days of spring here in Phoenix...at 115 degrees F, and the beginning of summer.  Ha....yeah, it's pretty warm.  So what can you do about it except enjoy the moment, and try to keep cool when you can?  We all would like to have a little more control over various aspects of our lives, but what do we really have that control over?

I've been thinking about doing a post on Control issues lately.  Many of us have control issues in one form or another (including myself).  Some control issues may include being bossy or wanting/cohercing/manipulating others to do what you expect of them.  Other control issues may be more subtle and private like "reminding," someone of something more than one time or several times; just to make sure they follow thru.  Do we try to fix others, or change them, maybe just "help" them to improve (even though we weren't asked).  How do you react when things don't go the way you expect or plan for them to go?

We may think we've got it all planned out in life.  We've got finances under control, the people we want surrounding us, the job, the lifestyle, etc....everything is set up how we like it and nothing can change that...and is that true?  Sometimes we may even go to great lengths to ensure we keep it all together.  We may manipulate or try to coerce others to fall in line with our plans...either overtly or maybe trying to be very smooth in trying to pull this off.  We want things to go, "the way they're supposed to go."

The truth is, control is an illusion.  Trying to control the people in our lives can be a tricky business, and in the end will leave us with a lot of heartache.  Whether it's a sibling, spouse, or friend; we may be able to get them to fall in line, behave, or do what we ask or demand for a while.  Sooner or later though, if we have expectations that others will change to meet our desires, we will always find ourselves getting frustrated and our expectations unmet. 

We may want to control events, our businesses, jobs, etc.  Again - you may get the outcome you want for a while, but if you're trying to force solutions, sooner or later you'll end up stressed out and very frustrated.  Basically, we may have control issues in almost every aspect of our lives.  Do you do everything in your power to get the outcome you want?  Do you try to force your solutions to any or every situation?  If so, you may have issues with control and you may want to do something about it.

Then there's denial.  Denial can play a huge role in keeping the controlling person from making changes.  They may feel they have to "control," to keep it all together.  They probable feel like they're trying to help...how can that be bad, right? 

First - you need to realize, you're not in control of everything and everyone.  If you feel like you are, go get a handful of water or sand and hold it tightly...the harder you squeeze, the more it goes right thru your fingers.  It's a great metaphor for how we try sometimes to hold on too tightly in our lives.  The more we try to get others to do what we want, and hold on to and try to manage outcomes, the more elusive it seems to be.  So what can we do?

We can go with the flow.  We can do our best, and take the steps necessary, but sometimes things don't go our way.  When that happens we need to adapt, adjust, and perhaps go with the flow and not hold on so tightly.  When we fight the flow, it wears us down.  Back to the water/sand example; when we try to hold it tight, it slips thru our fingers.  When we gently cup our hands together and dip out some water, it will stay in our cupped hands. 

There's a couple of sayings - "Give it over to God," and "Let Go and Let God."  If you're a person of faith or spirituality, you can give that person or situation over to your Higher Power, and let Him handle the details...and try to keep my fingers out of it.  When I do this, things don't always go the way I want them to, but they always work out just right.  Of course sometimes it's hard to immediately see that they turned out just right, but that's not really for me to dictate, anyhow.

The bottom line is that controlling is a fear based behavior.  When we release that fear and move over to a place of love and allowing, things immediately shift.  This means, I let go of the outcome and doing only my part.  With people, I need to accept them for who they are and release feeling the need to change them in any way.  I only give help to people who ask for it (because I think someone needs my help, doesn't mean they need it or want it).  For plans or events - I do my part, do my best, and let the chips fall where they may.  I detach from forcing outcomes or solutions. 

I also try to stay in the present moment as much as possible.  That means not dwelling on the past or anticipating or trying to manage the future, but just being right here, right now.  This moment is the only one we have, and I let the future unfold as it is supposed to.

These are some of my thoughts on control and how I deal with it in my own life.  Of course, I'm still a work in progress, but I like to think I'm moving in the right direction.  If you feel you have control issues, try some of these ideas.  If it's still too much and the compulsion to control is too great, there's help to be had; therapy, 12 Step Groups, etc.  Believe me when I tell you; it feels good when you don't feel like you have to control everything and everyone around you.

Have a great week and be kind to each other out there.

Peace,

Tom

I'm an Holistic Therapist in Phoenix, AZ.  Check out my website at:
www. HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com

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