7 Things to Know about Highly Sensitive People

by SharonHartnett | Sep 8, 2024 | barbara brennan, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, healing, mind body & spirit, mindfulness, Spiritual Healing

457273541_508265741899361_9059625423507972459_n

Recognizing the Gifts of Being with Highly Sensitive People

Understanding Sensitive People takes effort. Yet it’s definitely worth your while. About 20% of people are sensitive. Basically, what this means is that we (I am including myself) react more to life’s stimulation. At times, it’s not as easy for us sensitive people to screen out certain stimuli. Things can become overwhelming for us if we aren’t mindful to our comfort zones.

Anyway, in the recent past, I was talking to my Craniosacral Therapist about my sensitivities in group relationships, and she recommended the book, “The Highly Sensitive Person“, by Elaine N. Aron. As I began to take the test in the beginning of the book, I checked off almost every single characteristic of a Highly Sensensive Person (HSP). Wow, this woman understood my life without even meeting me!

Honestly, I can’t tell you how alone I have felt (on a certain personality level) for a long time being highly sensitive. Most of the world either masks it or is less sensitized. I have processed things and been in the healing and therapist field for close to 30 years. I have worked on boundaries and so many things. Yet, still-when I walk into a room, I feel the mood of the people, and all the nuances in human relationship. I hardly miss a thing, especially emotionally. This even extends to plants, trees, and watching a bird fly. It’s as if I feel ever flap of the wings. My heart resonates. Yet I also feel very vulnerable.

At the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, we learned to develop what Barbara called “HSP” Higher Sense Perception. Same acronym. This is a fine tuning of seeing, feeling, tasting, sensing etc at a very subtle level. This helps people who work with energy or relationships to become astute and skillful in meeting people in connection, the auric field and other dimensions. This has benefited my clients in that I can deeply sense stress, pain, and dysfunction simply by tuning in. When I do this, I can use my sensitivity skills to help ignite the healing response within.

For me, being aligned with my sensitive nature is tremendously helpful in my work. I can sense things and support where others may not. On a fine level, I gather so much information through listening and melding. I know how to meet the “Other” in a gentle manner with touch which can encourage wonderful openings. At the same time, I often have to take some alone time afterwards to settle and digest life experiences. Being senstive doesn’t necessarily make me an introvert, but I do need to rest and integrate often. Self care is crucial.

Aron, writes in her book that our mind/body experiences are different and unique. Some of our positive traits that she mentions are:

1. We are better at spotting errors and avoiding making errors.

2. Highly conscientious.

3. Able to concentrate deeply on things where we are drawn.

4. Especially good at tasks requiring vigilance, accuracy, speed and detection of minor differences

5. Good at being able to process materials at deeper levels.

6. Deeply affected by other people’s moods, which help us to understand and be more present.

7. Able to learn without being aware we have learned.

There is so much great material in this book. What I like best about it is that I don’t feel so alone in that I feel different than so many others. Also, It helped me to refocus on the gifts of this personality I have lived with. I feel so aware of the interconnection of all of life. I feel it deeply. Sometimes, life hurts as the casing around the heart breaks wide open, but I am also able to have such profound life experiences. I have become emotionally stronger in my vulnerablity and can hold that for others in “Presence”

I am sharing today about being sensitive, and I hope this helps someone else recognize that there are many other of us around. We need to learn to accept ourselve and find the seeds of truth and kindness inside to make this life of sensitivy so worthwhile. We do this through self nourishment and awakening to our authentic selves.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Aligning Your Life with the Truth of Your Body

by SharonHartnett | Sep 6, 2024 | Craniosacral Therapy, Healthy Body, mind body & spirit, mindfulness

The Truth of Your Body

Believe in the Truth of Your Body. It’s honest. It’s integrity. It is what is real in the moment. What I mean by this is that the physical is not making up perceptions. It is what it is. An expression of your human physical state of being. It lives and does its’ thing!

The mind is what perceives and creates stories. Your thoughts, experiences and learned beliefs influence the body. But the body is not the thinker. Rather, it is living physical relationships dancing cheek to cheek inside of you on a physiological level.

From one perspective, this includes individual parts. The human body can be seen as cells & their parts, tissues, organs and systems. They are all separate, yet the truth of your body which also exists is experienced as a “Whole” dynamic creative expression. The body exists in partnership through fluids and connective tissue as ONE Living Experience. It shapes based on mind and from Source itself.

When a professional and experienced manual therapist works with you, they are listening to your body primarily and also your story (if this is their practice focus) if they are to be precise and accurate in discovering and supporting the health of any physical tension areas. While a person may come in and say, “this hurts”, the therapist listens verbally but also stays curious primarily by where the body directs us. By placing our hands on the body, we allow the body to lead us to the pattern that is most significant in the encounter. This is where we work rather than on the place that hurts. Generally, the pain spot is what speaks from a mind perspective. It could feel like the weakest link. However, the truth of the body is more accurate in its’ objective communication.

I know that sometimes people do have stories and issues where they need to be heard, and understood. This IS valuable information on a different level. Often this is key in healing too. This can be addressed in Somato Experiencing type of work. It needs to be mirrored and given equal measure. Yet if we truly want to address the physical piece, we need to understand that it’s vital to address the truth of the body to remedy what ails you.

When you trust the signals of the body, it is easy to move and meet the current concern. Feeling the pull towards that area is easy with practice. Dr. Barral says, “The body hugs the lesion”. I find this to be very true in my work as well.

What differentiates a talented manual bodyworker is the ability to listen on different levels. We have to stay open minded and learn our anatomy. If you want better alignment in the body, find a therapist who listens to the truth of your body.

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

How to Keep Your Eye on the Dream

by SharonHartnett | Sep 2, 2024 | Craniosacral Therapy, dream, meditation, mindfulness

457404923_10163295843877573_5876570919360858143_n

Dream On

Life is a Dream. In life, we are always in relationship. Whether it is to another person, an animal friend, an object or the empty sky. Reality is the world as it is. It’s whole, the sum parts of all existance. To be in it we must be in the present moment.

The challenge is our brains are most often generating what we think is our experience before we even live it. The truth, how we understand life to be in often a quest. Until we settle down into mindful awareness and curiosity to the experience of the One. It’s not really something the brain can wrap it’s mindset around. It’s a surrender. It’s a giving up of the ego’s need to exist.

We are fortunate to awaken out of the dream. But many of us actually enjoy the dream as well. It’s part of the earth’s gift to human beings. It’s an experience. Either way, becoming aware of illusion, the noticing of the dream state is helpful if you want to navigate life with more ease.

In the dream state, there are many glimpses. Signs so to speak. When these signs come into your life. Listen. Pay attention. For example, recently I had a deep loss. The heart hurt deeply. Inside, I felt broken apart. I still do although I am feeling a bit better every day.

Anyway, just as I was walking toward the physical place of my avoidance of feeling this all, a beautiful butterfly appeared. Black with turquoise wings on top. The colors associated with the horse I lost recently. My heart horse. It just stood in front of me flapping it’s wings until I was ready to leave. At that time, I felt my horse’s life all around me. I woke up to his joy and his freedom. I felt it inside me as well. This happened with the same type of butterfly 4 times with me and those close by.

I know this can sound like a dream. Part of it is the dream in which we all live. But the essence of love and interconnection inside opened and freed me as well with each sign that showed me the way. I am still in the midst of grief. But reality is showing me out the dream by keeping my focus on the signs. Yet, the signs are from reality poking through the dream. So pay attention.

I think, being human is very tough. I suppose that is my belief I came into with this life. At the same time, it is miraculous, so precious yet fragile. It’s eternal spiritually but just a speck of temporary sand in the physical world. This life in these skins in which we live are full of potential. Life is what we make out of it, and also in how we treat others.

Enjoy this dream world. It’s an adventure. But if you want to wake up out of the suffering, it’s essention to set an intention, then pay attention, and open the door by being yourself. Your real self.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Love Your Body No matter How it Looks

by qOxQK | Aug 27, 2024 | better posture, craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, Energy Healing, hakomi, Healthy Body, meditation, mind body & spirit, mindfulness, Spiritual Healing

454046657_10161589030384220_8352097849729451429_n

Love Your Body, Mind and Spirit

Here are some tips for Shifting your Mindset about your body. It takes time to Learn to Love Your Body.

Every morning before you get out of bed, bring mindfulness to your body and sense into it. Forget any preconceived ideas that you have believed. Living in these bodies are pretty miraculous. The good news is that we have plenty of fresh new starts.
When you get out of bed, feel into the Ok-ishness of your body. This is the beginning of practicing self-acceptance. Any perfection thoughts need to be put on the shelf!
Be mindful about how you speak about your body. You can change the patterning of your thinking. Drive in a new lane. The Love Your Body Lane. Eventually your belief system changes when you drop the old thoughts.
Every person deserves to feel love. And we are all different and unique in how we are configured. Realize that norms are group beliefs. It really says nothing about you. The more you move inward, you self-realized your essence. Imagine what it would be like if we all could appreciate the different skins in which we live.
Question your thoughts. Byron Kate,has great free worksheet for this in the website The Work
Receiving bodywork can bring a whole new awareness to you body.In our society, so much emphasis is placed on what is going on inside of our heads. However, we are whole people, body, mind and spirit. For example, Craniosacral Therapy is great for helping you to embody.
Meditation is a great way to open your mind about your body. It gives you a sense of understanding through neutral listening and understanding. It also opens up the path to compassion.
Exercise. Find movement that is comfortable and fun. Even basic walking can make you feel better.
Choose foods that are healthy. Maybe start a garden for herbs or fruits and vegetables. We feel good when we partake in the organic processes which sustanin us.

When you are alone, take off the clothes and get comfortable in your skin. Turn off your computers/phones/ and TVs. Relax and Breathe. Know Yourself!

Our culture makes it hard sometimes for people to accept and love your body. Yet, we have many choice points to make up our own minds about how we related internally. You are the Captain of Your Own Ship. Sail the seas of Self-Love. Learn to be Ok with who you are- body, feelings, thoughts and all.

It’s not always each, but choosing change is a great intention.

With gratitude-

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Find Joy Again:Walk Away For Your Own Wellbeing

by SharonHartnett | Aug 24, 2024 | Craniosacral Therapy, meditation, mind body & spirit, mindfulness, upledger institute

Wellbeing is an Intention

I don’t know about you all. For me, growing up, life was quite often about others rather than my own wellbeing. How they were feeling. What they wanted or didn’t want. Building up the other just so there was some peace. When things were settled, everything was great. On the other hand, when that shoe dropped, cater cater cater. I learned to do whatever I could to make sure everyone was as happy as possible. In childhood, I don’t think I even realized there was a “Self” who had real needs too. Neglect is a silent wound. Not until I grew up did I begin to realize the void.

For a kid, that’s a big burden to carry. Too big really. In the order of things, it was never my place to try so hard just so I could feel secure in the family. As a child like this grows up, often in relationships, the young person doesn’t learn how to ask or how to receive openly and with trust necessarily. It’s a foreign concept. Into maturity, this leans even further into supporting the “other” at a huge cost. The cost being “Sense of Self”. Sometimes, this could even move into agreement to abusive relationships.

As a Craniosacral Therapist and Healer for about 30 years, I have had to truly look inward to discover my True Self. To find my own sense of power. To Live in Integrity. Still, in my 60’s, there is sometimes residual clutter that causes my attention to move outward and about even now. It takes a strong intention to learn how to stay “Present’ and in Service at the same time. It take a commitment and alot of compassion toward the Self, and towards others.

The biggest lesson I learned was to create a healthy boundary if I wanted wellbeing in my life. I learned to listen and take in as much as I could in relationships. As long I made decisions that felt healthy. However, when it was enough, my feet began to know how to walk away instead of leaving myself. For a long time now, I know that I deserve wellbeing. I now embody that sense of Self. When I take care of myself, I have more depth and space to be in presence for others too.

Conclusion:

Don’t wait too long to claim your own sense of power back. If something inside hurts inside because of the person you are with, or the current circumstances in life are overbearing, walk away. Don’t let the narcissists and the bullies win this game of life. Instead find out what you are made of. Sometime wellbeing means walking away and being in your own space. By gifting yourself this, you will be surprised how incredible you truly are indeed!

Exercise:

Mindful centered Meditation is a great place to start. This practice involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. A daily meditation routine can reduce stress, increase concentration and improve overall mental health and wellbeing.

Joy to you!

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

A Brand New Way of Thinking about Your Health

by SharonHartnett | Aug 20, 2024 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, meditation, mind body & spirit, mindfulness

Proactive Health

Life Style is a Choice. But it’s not always an easy choice. Most people are working so many hours that they feel stressed. They don’t spend enough time outside, having fun, or exercising because they are tired. In relationship to food, much of our maketing is aimed at pushing us to make unhealthy choices. For example, we hear eat vegetables and lean meat, but the grocery stores are filled with sodas and processed food with who knows what is inside. We hear it’s important to make friends for healthy relationships. What if you are an introverted person? Or facing mental and emotional challenges and there are no resources available? Our choices may seem to have limited answers.

As a Craniosacral Therapist and Healer for about 30 years, I have worked with many people. I listen. Often people blame themselves for ending up not feeling well. I have noticed this with women in particular. But honestly the society we live in contributes to making the choosing confusing. So many mixed up messages.

I believe it’s important to first acknowledge where you are right now in your health journey. Accept yourself as you are with some compassion by going to your heart. Next, take some time to consider the changes you want to make. Being with your own Truth is a Powerful Beginning. Self Awareness helps us to make proactive choices in our own best interests.

The next and most important key in my opinion is to get to know yourself. We are complex human beings. We have conscious thoughts and we also have patterns steeped in shadow. It’s important to take the time to get a sense of your own sense of power and core abilitites. That’s where you can start to make internal changes which are long-lasting.

Set your intention for proactive and positive health. Once this is clear. take action:

1. Set up health goals

2. Meditate to awaken self awareness

3. Choose someone to help you find deeper clarity and a health sense of Self.

4. Become friendly with your own body.

5. Find healthy activities which you enjoy, and do them! Start small but stop make excuses.

6. Prioritize your health because nobody else can do it better than you!

7. Reach in to find your deeper resources, and then reach out to connect with others in your own comfort zone.

It’s best to be proactive about your health. Also, it’s never too late. Ultimately only you can make the choices to return you back to your center and healthy embodiment.

Breathe and be the best you can be. That is enough!

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

6797 N. High #333 Worthington, Ohio 43085