by SharonHartnett | Jan 17, 2015 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, thought for the day
In this post, I want to share my personal experience in what has helped me to move forward in life…
Compassionate Witness
When I first began to questions my existence and purpose as a young adult, I headed myself over to a psychotherapist. My life was good, on the outside things were bright, and I knew that my life was blessed. Yet something deeper was calling me and I didn’t know how to connect to my life’s longing. I didn’t know how to sort through confusing thoughts and feelings.
My first step: I found a person who listened and asked me questions. This woman was somebody who really gave me time and consideration. In exchange, I paid, and this was a healthy balance. My sharing was real and expressed, and it felt great to be acknowledged. To have someone help me discover my own path from my own curiosity and wisdom was truly a gift. To be the center of my own Universe and have that be good was healthy for me. This was the first of many experiences for me to be listened to in such a way.
After that, I realized the continued importance of having someone listen who would be objective and not invested in my outcome. Someone who wasn’t a friend or a family member, but a person who could just “Be” with me as I rolled through the ups and downs of life. Eventually, this led me to the Barbara Brennan School of Healing where we learned “listening”, “contact”, “witnessing, experiencing and asking” as foundational skills to be a healer. While I attended the school I did at least the required 18 personal therapy sessions a year, usually more. I found that in the space of the objective listener, that my mind opened and I could see opportunities for change unleash my restrictive conscious patterns. Areas where I felt pain, cleared up, and my heart connected with new friends, community and my relationships expanded. I learned to be with others in 1:1 relationships and also in the midst of a group process, able to hold space for others and I heard and recovered their stories.
With this great expansion of listening, other teachings caught my attention…. Hakomi- which is a Masters Level teaching in Organic Unfolding with most of the students being in the field of Psychotherapy or Integrative healing. In this School, I finally understood that no internal experience was bad or good, but rather a learning opportunity as part of my experience as a human being. The listening techniques used in Hakomi are soft, gentle and support the unfolding of the essence of each session. It was a miracle that I could study these learnings and share them with others. It was a blessing to be able to incorporate these skills into my daily life.
Other techniques or schools that drew me in were the Upledger Institute with Somato-Emotional Release and courses with Pat Ogden to learn about trauma. In both of the fields, the emphasis again was listening and encouraging self-authority and empowerment. I loved learning about listening and just taking the present moment. There is always a teacher is you are wanting to learn and grow.
With all of this and much more study than I mentioned, I learned that when my clients come in, that I could now provide a rich and Sacred Space environment where people could speak, express, dance, hide, or shout without judgment to the best of my ability. It is in this gentle process, that clients lie on the table and can allow their body’s, their energy dynamics and their voice to be heard with compassion in a space of deep listening. With listening, I can take in the stories on a verbal cue. But what most excites me is the journey into silence and connection. When people are available to listen, people can come closer together in the most profound touching of the souls. Two can become One, and One becomes Zero.
When I saw that Carolyn Myss had written the above quote, I thought to myself, “how well said”. We each need somebody to listen to us objectively and to then ask us inquiry that will nurture us as the creative force is born within.
In this day and age, I wonder how it would be to live in a world where people truly listened, where all cultures and religions dropped their divisive beliefs so that we could all take in the beauty of each other and remove all the obstacles that we believe and adhere to that keep us one step farther from God.
The Sacred Witness… What would it be like to sit in silence each day and develop this skill even further?
Sharon Hartnett LMT, SI, CST
(614) 372-6598
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
I thank all my teachers who have ever listened to me with a sympathetic ear, and given me an opportunity to mature and evolve.
by SharonHartnett | Jan 17, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit
About 19 million Americans are living with Depression.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes constant sadness and lack of interest in life. It is often a place of feeling stuck or unable to move forward.
Releasing Pain
Speaking from experience while working with Massage clients, the worst thing a person suffering from depression can do it to isolate. Instead, it is best to look for long-term medical treatment from a doctor and a licensed therapist. When left untreated, depression doesn’t often resolve itself. In fact, by opening up to a healthy new way of processing, things can start to look a lot brighter. Why not ask for help?
If you are unsure if you are depressed, ask yourself if any of the symptoms below pertain to you?
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Physical back pain or headaches
- Fixation on negative beliefs
- Lack of Sexual interest
- Lack of Energy
- Irritability
- Angry
- Insomnia
Massage therapy can be helpful as an additional complementary treatment for Depression. It is a wonderful modality to add to your wellness plan.
Questions About Massage and Depression? The AMTA’s position based on research can be found at: AMTA Research for starters.
In my own practice, I have seen clients find help through Structural Integration, Craniosacral Therapy, and Aromatherapy Massage. With massage and bodywork, when the tension in the body is lifted, the spirit frees up too. It’s amazing how much one’s mood can change when feeling better in one’s own body. Release of stress has been found to help one to sleep better through the night, balance emotions, and to help feel more grounded and embodies.
If you are looking for a Holistic Licensed Massage Therapist who has experienced working with Mood Disorders, Anxiety, PTSD, or depression, ask questions in an initial interview. Make sure the therapist who works with you is comfortable with working as part of your healing team.
If you have any questions, please call Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST, SI for a free 15 minute phone consultation.
614 372-6598
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | Jan 14, 2015 | thought for the day
How can we change the stress level of our world?
Today I was reading a blog that I found very interesting speaking about the way our children learn. The primary point was that the author wants to help children to stop becoming information storage containers and to start become more creative and innovative. I loved hearing that. While he focused on this segment of our population where it all begins, I broadened the idea in my head to a “Stress Revolution” for everyone. What would it be like if one, then two, then three until the whole world could let go of our stressful thinking…. all the things that we have learned that are conflictual and painful?
My thought is that it is first necessary for adults to want to begin to see that where they identify their belief systems that are not necessarily reality, but rather only a shade of the truth. Then they must question and examine their thinking as well as the actions and consequences of their decisions if a healing awakening is to occur. When we begin to see the suffering in our own lives and how it affects our relationships, it will then be possible to be courageous enough to let go of our erroneous beliefs and give our next generations a more clear and hopeful future. A moto that I have believed for some time , “Let Peace begins with Me” comes to mind as I write this.
A World without Stress…. Peace
Hmmmm. Could you imagine a world where we didn’t adhere to anything that brings about suffering? A place where we can turn around our environment, our communities, politics and spiritual practices?
I know it sounds like Utopia. But is it really impossible to live in a world where our children work in cooperation, peace and unity with still being able to maintain their individualism and spark? A place where one religion is not wrong and another right? A place where governments truly listen to the people and represent the good of the total?
I am not sure that this will happen in my generation, but the spread of something wonderful is happening. There are people who are learning to disengage from suffering, and bringing this new consciousness to others. One of my teachers is Byron Katie at, www.thework.com . But there are many others. Through meditations, prayer, inquiry- many people are awakening and expanding the consciousness of peace.
If you are suffering or are at war with anything in your life…now is the time to change not only your inner landscapes, but also become an active participant in the Stress Revolution.
Set a clear intention for peace…
Seek others who want peace..
Work on your own personal relationships…
Come together in questioning and opening to something new.
Be creative in finding new action to change the world.
Yes, it all begins with me:)
Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett LMT, SI, CST
by SharonHartnett | Jan 11, 2015 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, mind body & spirit
One of the questions I often get asked regarding Massage-
“How much do I need to come in and see you”?
This is a delicate question because most people would benefit greatly from getting 1-2 massages a week. Personally, I know that if I could… I’d get a massage every week, acupuncture, have a personal trainer and a cook that makes organic healthy great tasting meals each day:) However, many services are not covered by insurance, and many people these days are very busy.
So to be realistic- what I recommend is that one prioritizes time and finances regarding health and wellness. Some of the ways to look at this are:
- Rate yourself from 1-10 regarding your pain level. If you are in a lot of pain, you may want to come in twice a week. Massage and bodywork can work wonders for relieving pain. The more work you receive, the better you’ll feel in most cases. Also remember, that while your pain levels most likely will decrease with each session, that if you have been putting off your health challenges for long time, it might take a while to get healthier again. For example- to work with postural alignment issues, count on the basic 10 sessions for a good foundation at 90 minutes a pop.
- Finances are an important part of everyday life. Yet I do see people who go out to eat and drop $75.00 for a meal, but look for the cheapest massage deal they can find. Remember that you usually get what you pay for. If you are looking for a professional massage therapist with a lot of experience in bodywork, expect to budget for the best. After all, you do deserve to have your needs met, and actually exceeded. Someone who works at a big office for a low price is usually right out of school and doesn’t have the same qualifications as someone who has been practicing for 15 years.
- Often people wait until they are in pain before they get massage. If you can afford it, treat yourself to some massage and bodywork bi-weekly or monthly just to stay feeling more fit and flexible. It’s much easier to move back into health when you haven’t strayed far. Being proactive in anything is smart.
- Interview therapists. Each therapist is unique and has an array of different tools that they use to best serve their clients. Make sure that your Massage Therapist listens well and is educated about how they can help. Some protocols call for 10 sessions, some are based on your needs. But a good therapist will give you a general idea of a treatment plan that you can both agree to.
- I often give my clients exercises or homework to do when they go home. If your budget is tight and you don’t have the means for this type of self-care on a regular basis- make sure you are doing some type of lengthening and opening exercise like yoga, pilates, gyrotonics, Feldenkrais etc… All of these help you to strengthen your core while releasing restrictions in the body. If you can do both, that is wonderful.
Your health is important. Too many people tend to ignore symptoms of pain and discomfort. Begin listening to your body when you are young. Eat well, Exercise, Stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. As soon as you start to feel yourself losing balance, energy, or strength, turn it around by finding a local therapist near you to help you feel your best. Your intuition and self-mindful awareness will tell you what you need to do.
Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett LMT & CST
Columbus, Ohio
Health and Wellness
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | Dec 12, 2014 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, Structural Integration
Knee injury is one of the most common sports related reasons that bring patients to the doctors office.
knee injury
Be proactive if you feel any pain, notice popping sounds, see any swelling or can’t walk properly. It is important that you don’t put off getting the proper treatment for knee injury if you want to avoid long-term negative repercussions. If you are fortunate, with your physician’s recommendation, you can apply basic first aid, and take some Ibuprofen and everything will heal nicely. However, you don’t have to stop there. Structural Integration with its fascial massage can be very helpful in alleviating any stress around the knee, the quads, and the hamstrings. This can be done for minor ailments, or once your doctor recommends if surgery if needed. The body is miraculous at healing itself. However, the new tissue that is laid is not going to give you the same mobility you once had in many cases unless the fascia is spread, balanced and lengthens, allowing for more natural alignment.
If you are interested in playing sports and performing to your optimal level, Structural Integration can be very helpful in supporting you to relate movement to your activities with higher performance.
Working with the fascia can be done starting with the superficial layers to help ease the pain around the joint. As the work is deepened, it unlocks habitual patterns, and also those that resulted from the injuries. Often clients feel the positive effects from doing a series of session more than with other types of basic massage. That is because the adhesions and rotations, once they are released, stay that way, allowing for more freedom and flexibility.
If you have had a knee injury and are looking for a therapy that can make a difference, call Sharon Hartnett LMT at 740 966-5153 in Columbus, Ohio.
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
