How to Free Yourself through Breath

by SharonHartnett | Jun 7, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, fear, grounding, healing, healthy, mindfulness

The Breath: A Path to Healing and Inner Calm

By Sharon Hartnett CST-D | Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

?️ The Sacred Breath of Life

Why do so many of us hold our breath—or barely breathe at all? As a Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio, I’ve asked this question for years. I see it daily in my clients… and I’ve seen it in myself too.

Shallow breathing has become the norm in our fast-paced world. But our breath holds the key to a more relaxed, resilient, and nourished life.

? My Journey to Breathing Better

Years ago, I enrolled in a yoga teacher training course, partly to deepen my understanding of breathwork. I enjoyed it, but honestly—I didn’t keep up with the practices. They didn’t quite stick.

Later, I read Breath by James Nestor, and it sparked something deeper in me. I tried mouth taping at night (as he suggests), and noticed my jaw relaxed, and I breathed through my nose more often. But again… I fell off the routine.

Creating new habits takes effort, and I’ll admit—like many of us—I didn’t always make it a priority.

✨ A Turning Point: Breath & Awareness

Eventually, I discovered a breathwork teacher who helped me realize something important:
My exhale was restricted, and the pause after exhaling was even harder. But through consistent practice, I noticed improvement. My breath began to shift, my awareness deepened.

More recently, I took a five-hour course on The Breath and Digestion with Nikki Kenward and another brilliant teacher. This time, it landed differently. The experience was informative and embodied—helping me understand how deeply the breath is connected to our digestive health and nervous system regulation.

With mindful breathing, gentle touch, and a calm presence, I could feel my body soften and re-energize.

?‍♀️ Breathing in My Craniosacral Practice

I’ve shared simple breathing techniques with clients for years, but this workshop gave me new insight. Breathing—especially with awareness—can support digestion, emotional healing, and a balanced nervous system.

Now, I’m weaving breathwork more intentionally into my Craniosacral Therapy sessions. When clients tune in to their breath, it opens the door to inner wisdom, subtle motion, and profound relaxation.

? Why Breathing Efficiently Matters

Efficient breathing means slow, intentional, and diaphragmatic breathing. Here’s why it’s so powerful:

? Physical Benefits

Better oxygen flow: Nourishes tissues and supports healing

Improved posture: Strengthens the diaphragm and core

Lower blood pressure & heart rate: Activates the parasympathetic response

Enhanced digestion: Calms gut tension and supports regularity

More energy: Oxygen supports every cell in the body

? Mental & Emotional Benefits

Reduces anxiety: Signals safety to the nervous system

Increases focus and clarity: Breath calms the mental chatter

Supports emotional balance: Builds capacity to respond, not react

? Nervous System & Sleep Support

Moves you from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”

Improves sleep quality and supports gentle recovery

? A Simple Practice to Begin: The 4-6 Breath

This is one of my favorite practices to return to—especially when feeling anxious or disconnected.

The 4-6 Breath

When to use: Morning, bedtime, or anytime you need calm.

Sit comfortably or lie down

Inhale gently through your nose for 4 seconds

Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose for 6 seconds

Repeat for 2–5 minutes (or longer if you’d like)

Optional: Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly. Let the belly rise more than the chest. This signals the nervous system to soften.

? Closing Reflections

I still return to this truth: Breath is medicine.

Breathing mindfully—especially with longer exhales—helps us release fear, calm anxiety, and reset the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our system. I can feel it shift my mindset and open space for healing.

If you’re on a healing journey, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, try reconnecting with your breath. And if you need support, I’m here.

Let’s explore how Craniosacral Therapy and mindful breathing can help you feel more whole, more connected, and more at ease in your body.

With breath and presence,
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
Craniosacral Therapist Columbus Ohio
? Worthington, Ohio
? 614-653-8111
? www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Take Care of Your Toes

by SharonHartnett | May 22, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, grounding

Let’s Talk Toes!

Today, I want to bring a little attention to a part of the body we often ignore: your toes!

They’re easy to take for granted, aren’t they? But these little digits do so much more than we realize. Without them, standing, walking, even balancing would be far more difficult. Your toes quietly support you every single day.

Here’s just a glimpse of what they do:

Help you balance
Push off the ground with every step
Absorb shock
Adapt to different surfaces
Support the arches of your feet

When we’re younger, toes are usually flexible and mobile. But over time, especially with certain shoes (yes, high heels—I’m looking at you!), they can stiffen or even conform to unnatural shapes. I’ve seen it with many clients. One woman’s feet eventually took on the shape of her heels after years of wearing them.

The truth is, how we stand, move, and hold ourselves all starts at the ground level—your feet. And when your toes are tight or misaligned, it affects everything above them. Your ankles, knees, hips, spine, and even your neck can be impacted.

So here’s my suggestion: spend a few minutes every day moving your toes.
Point. Flex. Curl. Spread them. Move them up, down, in, out. Let them explore.

Try lying on your back and using the wall to gently stretch your toes and feet into flexion and extension. Afterwards, give your toes a little traction—gently pull each one. It can bring immediate relief to tired feet and, believe it or not, even ease tension in your neck or help with headaches.

That’s the magic of fascia—it’s all connected. When your toes feel more alive, your whole body benefits. It makes a difference in how you move, how you rest, and how grounded you feel in the world.

Just because we’re aging doesn’t mean we have to give up flexibility or stability. We can choose to stay connected—mindfully, from the ground up. Grounding is important for keeping us healthy.

P.S. I love working with the Craniosacral rhythm of the toes. It’s subtle, powerful, and deeply renewing.

Cetified Diplomate Upledger at the Highest Level of Expertise in Columbus, Ohio

Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett CST-D? 614-653-8111
? www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Feel Safe in Your Body: 5 Grounding Techniques to Reduce Anxiety and Boost Well-Being

by SharonHartnett | May 3, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healing, Healthy Body, mindfulness

Body Awareness with Craniosacral Therapy

The Top Benefit:

The greatest benefit of feeling safe in your body is enhanced emotional regulation. When you cultivate a sense of bodily safety, healing happens!

It’s important that when you are choosing who to work with for somatic therapy, that you interview, and take your time. Trust your intuition, and ask plenty of questions. Your healing journey truly depends on having a person to trust, and with whom you feel safe when you are on the table.

Craniosacral Therapy, in itself, is a very comforting type of somatic therapy. It begins with being present, using proven technques, and listening and melding rather than manipulating. It offers the body an opportunity to self-correct and move into wellness.

Feeling safe can:

Reduce chronic stress and anxiety, as your nervous system shifts out of “fight-or-flight” mode
Increase resilience, enabling you to face life’s challenges with calm and clarity
Improve relationships, because you’re more present, compassionate, and able to listen deeply
Boost overall well-being, with better sleep, digestion, and energy levels

5 ways to Ground and feel more safe:

1. Stand Outside barefoot and feel how the earth supports you.

2. Mindfully breathe and notice the sensations in your body.

3. Exercise

4. Pat your body from feet to your head.

5. Eat and taste. Listen and hear the music of nature. Touch a tree!

It’s possible to re-build a sensation of “safe” inside again.

Upledger Craniosacral Therapy near me: Check out the Upledger Institute

Breath Freely again with an Upledger Certified Craniosacral Therapist’s kind touch!

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How Can We Manifest a Great Health Care System Together?

by SharonHartnett | Mar 10, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healing, healthy, Healthy Body, mind body & spirit, mindfulness, upledger institute

What kind of Health Care Model Would you like to see in the United States?

Reimagining Healthcare: A Vision for a System That Truly Cares

What would the perfect health care system look like for you? Imagine a world where health care is truly about healing, prevention, and well-being—not just treating symptoms. Let’s manifest this together!

Today, I’m reflecting on healthcare reform, especially with new discussions happening at the national level. What would an ideal health care system offer? What do people truly need to live healthier, happier lives?

Here are some key ideas to consider:

1. Doctors Who Listen & Treat the Whole Person

Health care should be patient-centered, not profit-driven. Imagine doctors who have time to sit with you, listen to your story, and treat the root cause of illness—not just prescribe medications. Functional medicine doctors already do this, but what if they were affordable and covered by insurance? The more proactive we are with our health, the better outcomes (and lower costs) we’ll have in the long run.

2. Holistic Wellness & Preventative Care

Chronic stress is at the root of many illnesses. Every person should have access to nutritionists, naturopaths, homeopaths, and osteopaths—because prevention is more effective than waiting until things spiral out of control.

3. Pay Health care Workers for Keeping Us Healthy

Right now, the system profits from illness, not wellness. What if doctors and healthcare workers were rewarded for keeping people healthy instead of for expensive treatments? Imagine a system where the better we feel, the higher they are paid—flipping the current profit-driven model on its head.

4. Manual Therapies for Stress Relief & Well-Being

Chiropractic care, craniosacral therapy, massage, physical therapy, and structural integration should all be included in health care plans. These therapies help with alignment, relaxation, and overall wellness. Even just one session a week could reduce stress and prevent future health issues.

5. Alternative & Energy Healing Options

Energy healing, health retreats, and mind-body practices like yoga, Pilates, and Gyrotonics should be part of a well-rounded healthcare system. Programs that support joy and emotional well-being are just as vital as traditional medicine.

6. Clean, Transparent Food Supply

It’s time to eliminate harmful chemicals in our food. Transparency in labeling should be a standard, and access to nutritious, whole foods should be easier and more affordable for everyone.

7. Prioritizing Rest & Vacation

True health includes balance, downtime, and joy. Anyone working full-time should have access to paid time off to recharge and spend time with loved ones—because burnout isn’t healthy.

8. Mental Health Support for All

Imagine a world where therapy and mental health care are covered for everyone. People struggling with depression, anxiety, isolation, or trauma should have access to therapists, social workers, and healers—without worrying about the cost.

9. Accessible & Compassionate Senior Care

Hospitals, clinics, and telehealth services should be well-staffed, especially in rural areas. Elderly individuals should be able to stay in their homes affordably, without being forced out due to real estate taxes or lack of care. Younger generations could even volunteer to support seniors, fostering a sense of community.

10. Treating Every Person as a Valued Human Being

Above all, a great health care system treats people as whole, worthy individuals. When people are truly seen, heard, and cared for, humanity transforms.

What would your ideal healthcare system look like? Let’s start the conversation and manifest a healthier future together. You can also find out more about Craniosacral Treatments at www.upledger.com.

Tell me what matters to you?

? Sharon Hartnett CST-D
? 703-509-1792
? www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Grounding Techniques: Simple Ways to Connect with Earth’s Healing Energy”

by SharonHartnett | Feb 18, 2025 | barbara brennan, Craniosacral Therapy, grounding, healing, healthy, meditation, upledger institute

Grounding for your Wellbeing

The earth is a bundle of grounding energy. It can nourish you from the bottom up! If you take the time to stand outside and feel the ground below your feet, the earth will open up your life flow. Whether you stand out in the sunshine or lie in the snow, feel the healthy grounding of your physical wellbeing.

How Grounding can help you. For:

Empaths & Highly Sensitive People – If you absorb others’ emotions or energy easily, grounding helps you stay balanced and not get overwhelmed.
Healers & Energy Workers – When working with energy, grounding prevents depletion and keeps the flow stable.
People Going Through Spiritual Awakenings – Awakening can make you feel unsteady or disconnected; grounding keeps you anchored in your body and the present moment.
Those Experiencing Anxiety or Overthinking – Grounding shifts your focus from racing thoughts to the stability of the earth, bringing calm and clarity.
Anyone Going Through Major Life Changes – Transitions can make you feel uprooted; grounding helps create a sense of stability and trust in the process.
People Working in High-Stress Environments – Stress can scatter your energy; grounding helps you stay centered and focused.
Individuals Feeling Disconnected from Nature or Their Bodies – If you’re stuck in technology, overanalyzing, or feeling out of touch with yourself, grounding reconnects you.

A good exercise to start grounding with is to imagine roots coming down your feet into the earth bringing you calm and centeredness. Allow yourself to absorb the strength and power of the Earth. If you are more of a touch person, reach out and touch a tree. I know that sounds a bit “out there, but you might be amazed, and what you can sense and feel. Lastly, just looking around and connecting with your eyes can help you to connect. Especially if you start by notice how beautiful the earth is!

Lastly, trying a session in Craniosacral Therapy can help you to feel more embodied and grounded. It’s gentle and very centering as well.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Best Express Your Emotions Effectively

by SharonHartnett | Feb 9, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, fear, grounding, healing, Healthy Body

The Transformation of Raw Emotions Into Emotional Intelligence

Speaking to Neurodivergence

Living with a neurodivergent mind can come with a range of emotions and challenges. As each individual is unique, this can show up in many ways. When I speak of neurodivergence, I am referring to those of us who cognitively process information differently than neurotypical thinkers. This can include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Unique social communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and repetitive behaviors. I recommend the Telepathy Tapes to learn more about this.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Features of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Dyslexia: Difficulty with language skills, especially reading.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty with performing basic arithmetic.
Dyspraxia: Issues related to physical coordination.
Tourette’s Syndrome: Involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations.
Down’s Syndrome: Genetic disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays.

Stress, in particular, among neurodivert people may play a big part in keeping neurodivergent thinkers feeling isolated and alone. Our feelings, emotions, and expressions can easily be misunderstood or misinterpreted. However, as we learn to understand our raw and vulnerable selves better, and also as more people learn to understand and accept people who seem different, for the whole, it allows for more diversity and creativity. We each have our gifts as well. Neurodivergent thinkers can actually be super creative out of the box thinkers, and help come up with innovate ideas to help resolve problems.

Common issues with Emotions with Neurodivergence:

Social Anxiety

I know that sometimes just being in the same space as other people alerts the nervous system into hypersensitivity. A neurodivergent person could end up feeling sensory overload when they detect conflict or too much energy around them. Maybe it is pressure to perform or to look like everyone else. Maybe coming up with words to communicate is hard. In this case, the healing response might be to ground or to limit overstimulation so that we can feel safe in our emotions.

Time Management

It may be difficult to keep focused or on schedule. People may become impatient or uncomfortable if they don’t understand or feel at ease with the boundaries and patterns which are unfamiliar. Especially with procrastination. It’s easy for people to think we are lazy or that we don’t want to partipate, or do the work. For healing, it’s important to realize that everyone is organized differently and healthy processing time for some may be to do nothing until ready to make the next move.

Self Blame

It’s easy to blame oneself when others who are neurotypical don’t understand why we don’t have the same social cues or regulation. Many neurodivergent people might believe they are the problem, when actually they are not. They are just different. It’s vital they they are reflected back as valuable in their authenticity and contributions. They should not have to “mask” in order to be accepted or valued. Once we all see the light in each other, the more the Whole can evolve.

Emotional Woundings

Neurodivergent individuals can feel emotionally chaotic at time. Their experiences may feel more hightened, and they don’t know the best way to respond. It’s important that they find supportive people to help them to understand. In today’s world, sometime emotions get a bad wrap. I’d suggest that many neurodivergent thinkers are actually more emotionally mature if they decide to work through what comes up for them. They have to work and move through so much more. It’s an art and a skill to relate when it doesn’t come easily.

Physically

They may need more rest and down time to integrate with introspection.

Unique Communication Styles

While neurodivergent people may not always communicate in ways that others expect, their style can bring fresh insights or directness. For example, individuals on the autism spectrum might be incredibly honest and straightforward, offering clarity in situations where others might shy away from being so direct.

Being good at understanding and managing emotions can be a challenge for neurotypical thinkers. However, with healthy support, they can learn how to deal with life and make better decisions based on their unique perspectives in life. Being mindful, as we learn to stay more in the moment, and get to know ourselves, moving from stress to emotional intelligence moves us and humanity forward. We are all in this thing called humanity together.

If you are interested in a body centered therapy to help you to ground, feel more embodied and integrated, check out the Upledger Institute for a therapist near you.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com