New Card & Book Set of Everyday Symbol Cards is a Welcome Addition to One’s Personal Growth Tool Kit.

Boulder, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/22/2010 -- Archetypal images have been used throughout history because of their simple power. Many of the most popular and highest grossing films, like Star Wars, Finding Nemo, and Shrek, owe their success to the power of the archetype especially when they are connected to "the hero's journey." The Insight Story , Cards ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) provide a simple, yet profound way for people to connect with their own hero's journey, either by themselves or with their close friends and partners, and in doing so can lead people to greater psychological well being.

In our rush to reach happiness and enlightenment, many people have become increasingly stressed out. The average person needs a variety of tools on the path. Simple, visual cues or archetypal images provide the easy access needed to the inner workings of the subconscious-and can bring a little peace and internal connection.

Nurturing one's inner life has always been an important task for living an authentic life. William L Shirer, the 20th century historian and journalist knew this when he said, "Most true happiness comes from one's inner life, from the disposition of the mind and soul. It takes reflection and contemplation and self-discipline." Finding ways to access one's inner life and feelings that aren't overly complex or simplistically gooey is important for the average person and The Insight Story Cards seems to have accomplished this task.

The Insight Story Cards are comprised of 90 easily recognized symbolic images from the world common enough for most anyone to relate to. For example, the Gate, Wheel, Earth, Rose, Shield, Cake, Snake and Sunrise are all familiar images. But they also have rich symbolism, which when looked at more deeply can connect us to the deeper parts of ourselves and lead to psychological health and well being; and it doesn't involve eating more chocolate.

The cards are simple to use. One picks a card at random and sees what message it has for them that day. Or one sits down with their spouse and each picks a card that relates to what is going on inside them so the couple can begin a conversation about topics and feelings that are vitally important. Basically, the cards are used as a doorway into the richness that lies just below the surface.

The Insight Story Cards came about as the result of seeing just how effective a similar deck of simple symbol cards (now out of print) were with educators. Rachael Kessler, one of the pioneers of social-emotional learning who was willing to talk about the importance of nurturing one's inner life in schools, used the cards in her workshops with educators as a way to connect participants to their inner life. She couldn't use Tarot cards because of the connotations and prejudices people had towards them. But she could use the symbol cards she had at the time-and people loved them.

This success led Randy Compton, the creator of the cards and an educator, mediator, long-time practitioner of social-emotional learning and close colleague of Rachael Kessler, to create a new set of cards similar to the ones out of print. The cards were created in collaboration with her lead trainer at PassageWorks Institute and other practitioners in the fields of social-emotional learning, yoga, and archetypal symbolism.

The illustrations are striking in and of themselves. A mother and wife said, "The card set is beautiful, thoughtful and makes you think about our world. The images are a great way to remember the things in your life you are grateful for and some things to aspire to." A marriage and family therapist felt the cards could be used very effectively in his practice saying, "They are an exciting and provocative way for individuals and couples to discover new insights into their own and their partner's inner journeys."

In a world where many people are looking for ways to work on their own emotional and spiritual development, The Insight Story Cards are a welcome addition to one's personal growth toolkit. This card set has the potential of becoming a classic.

About Randy Compton and Think-a-Lot Toys: ( http://www.think-a-lot.com )
Randy Compton is the author and creator of The Insight Story Cards. He is an author, trainer, and inventor. He obtained his master's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder with an emphasis in Social Conflict. He was the executive director of the Colorado School Mediation Project and taught numerous classes and workshops to educators and youth. He is the co-editor of Kids Working It Out: Stories and Strategies for Making Peace in Our Schools. He is also the CEO of Think-a-lot Toys, the company publishing the cards. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. Think-a-lot Toys is a Boulder based toy and game company founded in 2005 that creates toys and games that make you think. Its mission is to create games and products that provide entertainment, joy, and learning while stimulating imagination, memory and interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. They also make StoryPlay Cards for kids and families, which use many of the same images for storytelling, card games and conversation starters.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Randy Compton at 303-449-2737 or e-mail randy@think-a-lot.com. Further information can be found at http://www.theinsightstory.com and http://www.think-a-lot.com

Press Contact:
Randy Compton, CEO
Think-a-lot Toys
1600 Zamia Avenue
Boulder, CO 80304
303-449-2737
randy@think-a-lot.com
http://www.think-a-lot.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

For Inventors, Artists, Storytellers, Designers & Big Picture Thinkers.

Boulder, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/16/2010 -- Isn't it time for a deck of playing cards for the right side of the brain? Sure, regular playing cards will never go out of style but if a deck of playing cards came along that stimulated the right side of the brain, wouldn't you be intrigued? After all, some of the world's most creative people-Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Walt Disney, and Thomas Edison-were likely right brained thinkers, and who wouldn't want to follow in their footsteps.

Every parent wants to prepare their child for the future. Daniel Pink, in his book "A Whole New Mind," showed us why right brain-ers will rule the future. He describes how we are "moving from an economy and society build on the logical, linear, computerlike capabilities of the Information Age to an economy and a society built on the inventive, empathic, big-picture capabilities of what's rising in its place, the Conceptual Age." And the right side of the brain, which deals with emotions, artistry and context, is the lead actor in this play.

So, what, you might ask? If you believe him, these right-brain-ers-artists, inventors, designers, storytellers, caregivers, consolers and big-picture thinkers-will soon "reap society's richest rewards and share its greatest joys." And if parents want such rewards for their child-and what parent wouldn't-they would find ways to support this development. After all, it might lead to their kid being happier, richer and more fulfilled.

For these parents, StoryPlay Cards ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) is a right-brainer's dream. The card deck has 90 beautifully illustrated cards in 11 different categories (or colored suits). Some of the categories include People, Animals, Elements, Power, Love, and Food. There are 8 cards per suit, making 88 regular cards, plus two wild cards. It can be used like a typical deck of cards to play traditional card games such as Spoons, Poker, Match Up, War, etc. The right-brained twist is that instead of basing card games on numbers and only four colored suits, this card deck bases itself on letters and 11 colored suits, making a rainbow of colors and images.

StoryPlay Cards ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) can also be used for storytelling. With 90 different images, the storytelling potential is immense. In addition, each card comes with its own short summary of its symbolism and a meaningful question to ponder, which us listed in the 48 page guidebook. So, if kids and families want to have a deeper conversation about life, all they have to do is lay out some or all of the cards, pick one that they are attracted to, and then find out the hidden meaning in the cards. As more and more families seek meaningful interactions with their kids, having a simple, engaging tool to do so is not only a right-brainer, it's a no brainer.

Think-a-lot Toys decided to make a versatile deck of cards because research showed that the top four answers, by kids, to the question, "What makes a good toy?" were 1) it makes me use my imagination; 2) it has many different ways to play; 3) it makes me want to invent a toy myself, and 4) it does not break easily. StoryPlay Cards fit all four requirements. In addition, Reyne Rice, Toy Industry Association's toy trend specialist said that the four toy trends for 2010 are games that promote: 1) active play, including active imagination and active intelligence; 2) accessibility, meaning games that are small and portable; 3) affordable games under $25; and 4) aspirational games that empower young people to think and play in ways that positively influence their emotional and intellectual development. StoryPlay Cards can appeal to kids and adults for all the reasons listed above.

StoryPlay Cards has already received acclaim in its early release. Internationally renowned storyteller and author Laura Simms says, "Imagination is essential. It keeps alive our access to embodied compassion, inner reflection and delight. In these times of dependence on digital communication, StoryPlay Cards are a gorgeous and stimulating way to enliven imagination, make meaning, and drench ourselves and/or our children in the visceral delight of sharing our stories." One mother says, "StoryPlay Cards encourages creativity and imagination and takes traditional card games to a whole new level."

Western society has been dominated for nearly a century by a narrowly reductive and deeply analytical form of thinking that is beginning to shift. The age of high concept (think artistic and emotional beauty) and high touch (think empathy and deeper connection) is coming-and StoryPlay Cards seem a wonderful way of supporting this shift.

StoryPlay Cards by Think-a-lot Toys ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) will be available at stores nationwide in late August and will have a suggested retail price of $19.99. They are recommended for kids 8 and up.

About Think-a-Lot Toys
Think-a-lot Toys ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) is a socially responsible toy company that makes the award-winning Think-ets games of imaginative play. The company was founded in 2007 and now has twelve products in its line of "toys and games that make you think" including StoryPlay Cards and The Insight Story Card Set, for adults and young adults.

Our mission is to create open-ended toys and games that provide entertainment, joy, and learning while stimulating imagination, memory and interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. Think-a-lot Toys products are available nationally at specialty toy retailers, and book, gift, museum, and general stores all across the country including large outlets such as: Amazon.com, ToysRUs, Sears.com, Geppetto's, ThinkGeek and Xtreme Geek. Their Think-ets line is assembled in the USA by people with developmental disabilities.

For more information, call Think-a-lot Toys at 303-449-2737 or visit their website at http://www.think-a-lot.com.

Press Contact:
Randy Compton, CEO
Think-a-lot Toys
1600 Zamia Avenue
Boulder, CO 80304
303-449-2737
randy@think-a-lot.com
http://www.think-a-lot.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Think-a-lot Toys Expands Line with Themed Think-ets Collections.

Boulder, CO -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/04/2010 -- Think-a-lot Toys has just released two new travel games, Think-ets Fairy Collection and Think-ets Sports Collection. The Fairy Collection, which comes in a bright pink pouch, has fifteen adorable, tiny trinkets with a fairy theme. The Sports Collection has trinkets with a sports theme. The game uses tiny trinkets to engage kids in their own "magical fairy-land" or "awesome sports-event" of stories, play, and imagination. The tiny trinkets are imported from around the world and come with instructions for ten different games to play.

Parents love ways to get their kids away from the computer and engaged in open-ended play-something all child development specialists and play researchers say is good for social and cognitive development. The allure of the miniature trinkets gets kids talking, sharing, laughing-even working together. Some of the games kids can play with their Think-ets include the classic memory game, "What's Missing?", "What's Your Story?" and the simple but challenging logic game, "Who's Last?"

Think-ets ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) combines fun with education and can be used on summer travels, at pool sides or in restaurants. Says one Mom, "We love this game and highly recommend it for families. I love the small size of the pouch-it can easily fit into a purse or diaper bag. The games are Brain-Boosters to enhance memory and critical thinking skills. Think-ets are a great activity to play while waiting for a doctor's appointment, waiting for food at a restaurant, or an anytime challenge."

All Think-ets games are assembled in the United States by people with developmental disabilities. So, Think-ets are not only good for kids, they are good for our community.

Think-ets Fairy and Sports Collection games ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) will soon be available nationally at specialty toy retailers, book, gift, museum, and general stores all across the country including large outlets such as: AreYouGame, Amazon.com, ToysRUs, Sears.com, Geppetto's, ThinkGeek and Xtreme Geek.

About Think-a-Lot Toys:
Think-a-lot Toys ( http://www.think-a-lot.com ) is a socially responsible toy company that makes the award-winning Think-ets games of imaginative play. The company was founded in 2007 after Randy Compton came up with an idea of putting miniature items into a pouch and turning it into a fun and entertaining game for kids and parents. At the International Toy Fair in New York in February 2008, Think-ets was listed as the top game/toy for the entire show by the toy reviewer at About.com. By then, Think-ets had already won five awards and was on its way to being a best seller. The company now has twelve products in its line of "toys and games that make you think" including StoryPlay Cards and The Insight Story Card Set.

Our mission is to create open-ended toys and games that provide entertainment, joy, and learning while stimulating imagination, memory and interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence.

For more information, call Think-a-lot Toys at 303-449-2737 or visit their website at http://www.think-a-lot.com, their blog at http://www.imaginativeplay.blogspot.com, and their Facebook page at Think-ets: Games of Imaginative Play. Think-ets Fairy and Sports Collection games have a suggested retail price of $9.99. Shipping now.

Press Contact:
Randy Compton, CEO
Think-a-lot Toys
1600 Zamia Avenue
Boulder, CO 80304
303-449-2737
randy@think-a-lot.com
http://www.think-a-lot.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm