by SharonHartnett | May 8, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K
Every Person Experiences His/Her Body Uniquely.
Our bodies are created as a result of a creative force, our thinking and our actions.
When we stop living fully in our bodies, our life force diminishes, we loose our spark and joy.
So What does this mean to you?
Well, through life, most people encounter some type of suffering, discomfort or pain. When this happens, we have different ways of coping. We may ignore the pain and push through … we may disassociate from what the body tells us and disassociate… we may pretend that everything is alright with a happy face when we don’t feel that way at all. There are many type of coping mechanisms that help us to avoid pain when our thinking is trying to leave the situation.
The Challenge is that when we oppose what our experience is telling us, that information stays stagnant until we stop defending against it whether subconscious or not. That energy of pain that is not originally felt waits to complete its cycle into health and integration. To unwind these patterns, it is necessary to include unwinding the body too. It is through opening and feeling deeply that we can restore our energy levels and wellbeing.
My experience as a professional Structural Integration Therapist is that there is soft pain that is often tolerable. This is a basic natural reaction to getting physically or emotionally hurt. For example, a child falls off a bike and has a boo boo. He/she goes to Mommy gets a kiss and bandaid and all soon is well. It hurt but was taken care of with kindness and sensing. This is a positive interaction because it allows flow but also keeps our physical being safe and wise in interacting with our environment. This type of pain is helpful in keeping us alive physically. What causes the real suffering is not feeling deeply into it when it occurs in the moment. An example of this might be a soldier goes to war and the experiencing is overwhelming. When home, PTSD or other biological processes need to be integrated because the experience was just too much. Our defense systems assist us when life feels overwhelming and intolerable. This intelligence has its benefits. Yet when that defense system becomes a habit, and it often does, it is important to question the benefits of maintaining its system.
Pain can stay numb or can show up later in life if it is disregarded longterm.
What has helped me assist clients is to work with people in their zone of comfort.
I enjoy being a bodyworker with a lot of modalities under my belt. But one of my favorites in giving and receiving is Structural Integration. That is because by layering deep into the fascia, all that cellular memory begins to awaken. The tissues soften, rehydrate and the body actually reshapes itself from its own wisdom. Structural Integration is a wonderful method to help the body find its proper alignment, leading to more ease and freedom in the body, mind & soul.
Now Rolfing has had its negative popular opinion. Historically it has been known to be to rough and abrupt. Some people have claimed that it is painful in itself as a treatment. And it is true that when the tissues are felt, the natural defense systems kick in and that closed system is not necessarily happy to be unprotected. The mind is smart and wants to to keep things status quo. Yet if the body is not allowed to stay open, relating, and communicating as a whole, we become segmented.
Structural Integration as I have learned it is the same as the Rolfing method, but as with the Rolfers, many practitioners have learned to slow down and stay in the zone so there is no re-injury. Yet I have to say that Structural Integration is not for that half-hearted. It will be uncomfortable at some points and there may be some pain involved. But that is the pain that already exists in the body and is being touched and awakened. Often clients tell me that it hurts, but it is the good kind because as the resistance dies, new energy can surge in that is very healing and helpful. At the end of a session, clients can be very giddy and happy because they have let go of old patterns that have kept them down. It is wonderful to witness this.
It is my promise as a Professional Structural Integration Therapist, to help you to feel deeply into your body. I will do this at your pace, in your time and with your consent. In order to keep in the zone, we set up healthy boundaries of communication. If anything feels over the top, then we slow down or give you a rest. Now I don’t want to scare you off, but I am being honest that this work does usually include discomfort. The key to a great session is to listen, allow and be in the moment. The mind will resist at some point the changes that are happening, and I will ask that you feel this softer discomfort when it shows up. But your dialogue and wishes are always respected.
When clients finish going through the 10 series of Structural Integration, their whole body changes. They stand straighter, they feel more energy, and the pain in their body diminishes quite a bit. Life is general changes just because people feel better after a series even if they can’t put their finger on it.
Because this takes a commitment to your overall health and wellness, take your time and consider the possibility of Structural Integration. As Marianne Williamson says in one of her quotes, “Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Opening to feeling vitality and joy means moving through inner resistance… mental, emotional and/or physical. It’s easier to stay in our habits than to break through.
Here is a quote by Byron Katie that I think about when I consider Structural Integration Work in relationship to the mind:
The Work
I also offer more gentle modalities like Craniosacral Therapy, Brennan Healing Science, Aromatherapy and more. This is just one road to healing. As I mentioned in the beginning, each person’s make-up is unique, and if we are to heal, we need to be met where we are.
When you decide to ask for help… interview, ask questions. Find the right practitioner for you.
Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett LMT
740 966-5153
by SharonHartnett | May 6, 2014 | Craniosacral Therapy
Dr. John Upledger is the founder and creator of the Upledger Institute.
While I had not been blessed to study directly under Dr. John, I have enjoyed working with Dr. Chas Perry of Integrative Intentions, an Advanced Teacher who teaches Craniosacral Therapy at its’ very best. He stays true to the basic principals of the Institute and travels around the world spreading this fantastic work. He also is in charge of the inter-species program with the dolphins and in bringing people together for comprehensive intensives. Personally, I have been deeply transformed with CST, especially with the aquatic dolphin experiences.
In my experience as an Advanced Certified CST, I have seen Craniosacral Therapy work wonders on helping people to find balance, a new vitality and to heal on a very deep level. While I feel comfortable speaking about the many benefits of this type of work, I wanted to also bring you a video of one of my teachers in order to give you another perspective. Take a moment to watch this to see if it answers any questions you may have of CST.
Chas Perry from Helgi Sverrisson on Vimeo.
FAQ Page
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
Worthington, Ohio|Serving the Columbus Area
614 653-8111
To find out more about Craniosacral Therapy, check out my main page.
by SharonHartnett | May 6, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K
We each have a way that we have configured the energy in our lives.
There is a “Yes” current and a “No” Current.
As Human Beings, we have access to a certain amount of energy to use every day.
With this being the case, the ego always has a way to align with either positive or negative intention and thereby create.
Where do you focus your attention?
What if you were able to align your flow current with an optimistic view of life?
Could your life change if you focused on the very best in every moment?
Intentionality
It does not always seem easy to change old harmful habits of thinking. Especially if these ways have served well in the past. However, you do have the choice now to make a new decision about what type of life you want.
Only we can create positive lives but focusing on positive intentions.
Many Blessings,
Sharon Hartnett LMT
(740) 966-5153
by SharonHartnett | May 1, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, thought for the day
To learn to let go and forgive is a practice.
Finding compassion for those who have hurt us may seem like it is about the other person, but the truth is… you’ll be happier and find more joy if you can let go of your own anger and pain.
It’s interesting as a Massage Therapist/Bodyworker to witness this firsthand. While I am not a licensed psychotherapist therapist, often on the table doing the work I do, as people stay more deeply connected into their bodies, stuck or chaotic emotions tend to arise. If the clients can stay with their experience and open their hearts, something beautiful happens. I can’t help but to notice this connection between the mind, body & spirit as I observe and connect with the person in front of me. Each session is a delightful surprise as the Unknown reveals itself, and I always trust it is exactly as it should be. I am committed to helping my clients to let go and forgive, allowing new space to open to more kind ways of Being.
I do like to dance with the moment during the sessions by listening, through contact, and by experiencing life as fully as possible. Sometimes this means that resentments, anger, hate and darker feelings show up. But these are all part of the blessed realm of humanity. I hold the container for these to transform. The reason I like to do this type of work is because I have found time and time again that it is our resistance to love that keeps us in pain. If we want to release this stress, the key is to change our thinking and to allow ourselves to feel whatever else that has been stored away that no longer serve our Highest Good anymore. Helping people to let go and forgive opens the door for a better life. How wonderful is that to be part of someone’s process in support? For a few people, life awakens spontaneously. For most people, life is a practice about choosing to let go and opening the heart and mind for healing. We all have a choice how we want to live in each moment.
A Teacher I admire-Byron Katie, teaches that we need to question our stories and turn them around if we want to peace of mind, and the truth of all things. Mindful work about our thinking is also very helpful if we want to turn our lives around. The four questions about stressful situations are: 1. Is it true? 2. Is it absolutely true? 3. How do you react to the thought? 4. What would your life be like without that thought? Try this with a stressful situation in your life right now and see what happens. It’s an easy experiential to open up the mind and our thinking. While you do this, stay in contact with your body. Notice the sensations and other information that shows up to be released.
We can’t find true forgiveness within our Selves until we forgive those we blame and feel deeply into our own resistance and soft pain.
Sometimes I ask myself why is it so easy for some people, and so difficult sometimes as a committed healer and bodyworker. What I have found is that the benefit of facing our own challenges is a depth and a surge of experience that is unlike none other. The meaning I have found is to let go means to be free of misconceptions and to find a way to reconnect with the rest of life. It is in our humanity that we ride the waves of despair, jealousies and resentments. But it is also in humanity that we remember love and compassion as a whole. People who decide to take a journey into forgiveness in life, set themselves to a life of liberty and a not only pursuit of happiness, but the real deal.
So if you are wanting to let go and forgive… open your thinking and feel deeply into your heart. This is for your peace, your richness, your love. When you are anchored firmly there, join into a relationship and heal that too. It is in unity that harmony and vitality are lived.
A bit about my journey: As a licensed Massage Therapist witnessing and holding the sessions with the up-wellings of feelings during sessions, I became more curious how could I be in service to those who are in deeper stress and not healing on the different levels of consciousness. To be honest, my journey started with an interest in myself, but also with the world and all living things within it. I wanted to find a deeper meaning and sense to this life. So I attended the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, studied at the Hakomi Institute in a two year program, which is a body centered psychotherapy, later attended a course to help people with trauma, taught by Pat Ogden, founder of, “Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, and lastly learned how to dialogue through SomatoEmotional Release at the Upledger Institute. Integrating these practices for myself has helped me to support my clients to let go of dualistic beliefs and non-beneficial feelings by feeling deeply within themselves with a container of respect and beingness during our time together. Changing ourselves this way positively helps us to unlock unhealthy cellular memories.
Thoughts for the day,
Having Fun
Sharon Hartnett LMT, CST
Columbus, Ohio
740 966-5153
by SharonHartnett | Apr 28, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, thought for the day
The Source of our humanity is our connection to our blessed planet earth.
The wonder that we feel in life is always found in the simple nature of things.
Our Human Bodies are in continual flux because of the constant inter-play between our inner landscapes and the environment in which we live. Our health and wellbeing is dependent on how we develop our relationships here. It is in reconnecting to our roots that we can find unity and our sense of wholeness. What is the best way for you to enjoy the gifts of Creation?
Have you ever seen a natural waterfall? An eagle swoop down into the ocean? A sunset full of beautiful oranges, grays, blues, yellows and reds? Taken a walk in a forest surrounding by a chorus of nature’s sounds?
Does anything compare?
Healing from the Source
If you are feeling disconnected… your spirit can always be lifted by experiencing and acknowledging what is…
We are born as individuals, but it is in our unity and sense of connection that we find joy.
Take care of your bodies. Take care of our sacred earth. Take care of our precious resources.
Find the beauty and peace that is already here.
Our evolution is depending on it!
Sharon Hartnett LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist)
(740) 966-5153
Columbus, Ohio
by SharonHartnett | Apr 23, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K
Consistent Nurturing Touch… Finding a Way to Connect with Autism
For parents: Massage has been shown to be effective in helping children on the Autism Spectrum.
One study in particular found that children who received a general 15 minute massage before bedtime showed more on-task focus and improved social skills, along with better sleep throughout the night. Massage is an easy practice that all parents can take up to help their children relax on many different levels. If you are not sure of the best way to go about learning massage, a few sessions with a local and experienced Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) or Certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST) can help wonders. By taking your child in to see a LMT or CST a few times, you can learn some basic techniques to make your lives easier through touch awareness, exploration and experiential re-connection. Mindful touch is so nourishing and healthy and you might be surprised at the benefits for both of you.
Beautiful shifts and changes with children who are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum has closely been observed at the Upledger Institute for many years. Craniosacral Therapy is a much more detailed set of techniques that focuses on working with the brain, spine and surrounding tissues. With Craniosacral Therapy in particular, children have consistently found deeper balance and a sense of quiet centering. While they also have been seen to discover more positive feelings about the Self as well as with the surrounding environment, they also have the benefit of physiological change in the CNS. This work helps to decrease structural stress and strain on the nervous system. By releasing tension around the brain, and along the spine, the body functions more optimally, and many kids have experienced very positive results this way. For a case study, please click the following link located at the Upledger Institute, https://iahe.com/html/support/details.php?id=10059
Massage and CSt can feel non-invasive if done with respect and patience- the benefits are numerous: better circulation, more flexibility, less stress. Whether you want to set up a schedule for treatment for yourself and children, or learn some basic skills for calming and integrating, you can’t go wrong. There is no down side to this treatment!
Crainosacral Therapy supporting Autism
Additional Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11794416
https://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/21221626/cranial-massage-helps-autistic-boy
Some other recommended links given to me by mothers with autism:
Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/sensory-overload-while-shopping.html
Home Modifications for Autistic Kids
https://www.homecity.com/creating-a-home-where-your-child-can-thrive-with-a-disability
Resources for Military Families
https://www.patss.com/resources/
Moving with Special Needs Kids
https://www.yourstoragefinder.com/moving-with-special-needs-kids
Academic Accommodation Resources
https://www.washington.edu/doit/academic-accommodations-students-psychiatric-disabilities
Worry Wise Kids
https://www.worrywisekids.org/
Estate Planning for Parents of Kids with Autism
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/estate-planning-for-parents-of-children-with-autism
Sharon Hartnett LMT,
CST in Columbus, Ohio
740 966-5153
by SharonHartnett | Apr 15, 2014 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, thought for the day
If we want to continue to Grow and Evolve, it is necessary to open the mind to the body’s own wisdom. By bringing our conscious awareness to our body’s breathing, movement and dialogue, we continue to learn from our internal experience and stay healthier.
Human Evolution
As an experienced massage therapist and bodyworker, I am no longer surprised by how many people spend the majority of time living in their thinking head. I know this may sound crazy to some of you, but there is so much more to us then the thoughts we have been thinking for so long. There is a whole blissful pool of intelligence Within that is Light and the key to our human evolution.
Exploring our bodies with curiosity, through witnessing and and experiencing will help us to feel more deeply connected to the core of our lives.
For yourself, take some time to expand your life and move one step ahead into the fullness of your life!
Lighten Up Therapies is happy to help you on your journey too.
Call Sharon Hartnett LMT at:
(614) 372-6598
www.massageincolumbusohio.com
by SharonHartnett | Apr 13, 2014 | Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K, thought for the day
Flex those Muscles for a Great Stretch: Gently and Slowly
You know that as you get older, it can get harder to bend down and touch the ground. Yet somehow, remembering to stretch loses its priority in our daily routine. Why not change that now?
A full body stretch commitment can change how you feel. Taking a few minutes out your day to dedicate to the wellbeing of your body can change your life.You’ll find that stretching can feel great and it naturally give you more flexibility. The real plus here, is that freer movement helps prevent injury and keeps us feeling younger and more energetic.
Enhance your physical fitness by finding an activity that fits your needs. Below is a chart that I recommend that is based on Yoga. But there are many other DVD’s and classes that are just as useful. Ask your physician what he or she recommends.
Fit some stretching into your Day!
Don’t forget to breath and allow yourself to feel the relaxation of opening:)
You health is worth it!
Sharon Hartnett LMT
(740) 966-5153
Recommended link:
by SharonHartnett | Apr 11, 2014 | Massage, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K
Do your Feet Hurt? How about a wonderful Foot Massage to sooth away the pain?
When your feet feel good, you feel good. Foot massage will not only help undo knots and tension in your feet, but also helps bring comfort to your whole body.
Benefits:
- Having your feet rubbed helps with circulation and is especially advantageous for people experiencing neuropathy in their legs.
- It’s wonderful in how well it alleviates cramped feet discomfort and chronically tight leg muscles.
- From a structural perspective, when the foot is balanced, we stand better in relationship to gravity. Our posture improves from foot to the top of the head.
- Reflexologists state that there are certain areas of nerve innervation that when worked will enhance the corresponding parts of the body.
- Stimulates the Lymphatic System to carry away waste.
Massage Columbus Ohio
Ask your massage therapist to spend a little extra time on your feet!
For additional information, check out this Dr. Weil link: https://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02030/massage-tips.html
Sharon Hartnett LMT
(614) 372-6598
by SharonHartnett | Apr 4, 2014 | Craniosacral Therapy, Massage License in Ohio: 33.007505-H-K
To Quiet the Mind… That can be a challenge for those who experience ADHD symptoms.
A Challenge: For children and young adults with ADHD, it may be a test to just get them up on a massage table. They get distracted easily and it may take some time to have them follow the basic directions to prepare for a massage. In fact, initially they may want to avoid table work altogether as the idea itself to quiet down is uncomfortable. However, by building a trusting and calm relationship, supportive somatic listening and therapy can create healthy contact and allow new information to enter an overly active system to help re-center and re-organize. Believe it- that when a busy mind can rest- new focus and concentration can be the end result. Even better, when more fully integrated, it’s easier to fit in and feel comfortable with ourselves and in our lives.
Reducing Stress
How Massage and Craniosacral Therapy can Help
One of the most amazing experiences is when a busy mind actually finds the space to quiet down, even if only for a moment. When this happens the whole body can relax and find a deeper peace. It’s like a “remembering” into ease. In our society, most of us are taught to be active most of the time. We are very goal oriented and can be very stressful when in constant extreme. But do we also promote stillness and meditation with the same intention? Learning how to be mindful and quiet can take practice and it is possible for everyone to find mindfulness. For those with ADHD, to take it a step further- massage and bodywork can be key in helping one to re-establish contact with inner stillness.
One of the quieting tools that Craniosacral Therapy brings to a session is the Stillpoint.
The still point is a technique that a Craniosacral Therapist may induce. The cerebral spinal fluid comes to a pause and the adhesions and restrictions around the brain and spine begin to release as the system is flushed out by the rebuilding of fluid pressure. Often clients will relax to such a deep level that they fall asleep or find a sense of empty spaciousness. It may take time for people with ADHD to have this type of experience, but as sessions progress, the nervous system self-corrects. It can be such a relief.
When clients come into balance, it often helps their self-esteem and naturally builds confidence. No matter what the challenge, it is important that people learn how to rest equally to their abilities to achieve. Our bodies and minds are meant to touch into equilibrium.
Why not try a new experience and commit to an Integrative Self-Care system to help reduce your ADHD symptoms?
Sharon Hartnett CST
(614) 372-6598
Columbus, Ohio
