My Philosophy
Elements
for Life was founded in order to bring the magic and aliveness of the
Five Elements to all of humanity. The Five Element Model is a
natural law and healing model that has remained true for thousands of
years. The Five Elements represent how the energy that exists
in nature also resides within us as human beings. It serves as
both a powerful healing model and inspiring coaching model that brings
us into alignment with our highest purpose.
"Sharla
provides compassion, listening, and an inner knowing. She creates a
partnership, which empowers and solidifies the healing of body, mind
and spirit. It's been deeply satisfying working with Sharla."
-Glenda
B. Neo Soul/ Recording Artist www.glendab.com
My
Mission
I am committed
to women in leadership transforming the planet by being successful in
their business while finding balance in their personal lives.
 Meet
Sharla
The
most important thing to know about me is:
I
have a deep love of the Human Spirit and a gift to inspire greatness
in others.
What
did I do before I became a Coach and an Acupuncturist?
Prior to acupuncture school, (a four year master's
program--quite a journey), I worked in the hospitality industry.
Specifically, I was a bartender. Yes, a bartender. I saw
the best and worst in people as they loved me one minute and the next
minute all of their "stuff" was right at the surface.
I really learned about being with people through years of unpredictable
behavior. Simultaneously, I was studying Biology at UC Santa
Cruz and learning a lot about who I was and who I wasn't. I became
fascinated with Metaphysics and Human Beings.
People
ask me all of the time: how did you decide to become an Acupuncturist?
After graduating with my bachelors degree, I didn't know what I wanted
to do with myself. Graduate school for science didn't appeal
to me and I was trying to figure it all out. I moved to Palm
Springs after a difficult relationship and went through a spiritual
healing process while living in the Desert.
Then one day, someone mentioned acupuncture as a career. I became
curious. You know when you have a clear inner knowing about something--I
began to research schools and found that there was a school back "home"
in Santa Cruz. I attended a preview night at an acupuncture school.
I discovered the 5 Elements and the connection of the Spirit with the
body and mind and I was hooked.
Acupuncture was the answer to using all of my gifts. As a bartender,
scholar, and spiritual seeker, my life felt segmented. With Chinese
Medicine, I could use my people skills, my love for academia(did you
know there are 365+ acupuncture points on the body?), and my love of
Spirituality. And so the deeper journey began...
How
did I decide to become a coach?
Acupuncture school was challenging in a number of ways. I had
traditionally been very competitive with myself in school and the amount
of information was enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. During
Summer session, my friend went away on a retreat called, "There
Is Nothing Wrong with You" at the Zen Monastery Practice Center
in Murphys, CA. When she came back, something was different about
her. Next thing I knew, my friend Kea was moving to the Monastery
to train with Cheri Huber and live the life of a monk.
Hungry to experience the peace and joy I saw in her, I
followed suit. I lived at the Monastery for a short time--3 1/2
months, but in the world of living mostly in silence with no eye contact,
it felt like an eternity. I had to deal with my own inner struggles
in a whole new way. I was changed dramatically from that experience.
I learned to love myself and to know what was right for me. And
I was really happy to come back into the world and be with people.
While at the Monastery, I learned about a program
called, "The Landmark Forum." It was told it was about
completing the past and living in 'possibility.' Sounded like
"the next thing to do." Through the program I created
a new relationship with my Dad and with myself--I kept opening into
more Love. This is where I discovered Coaching. I completed
many courses with Landmark, including two leadership programs, where
I learned how to coach others and make a difference.
And then I learned about the Coaches Training Institute--it
was another one of those "inner knowing" experiences, where
I knew this was "the next thing to do." I spent a year
and a half learning how to coach as I completed the courses and got
Certified as a Professional Coach.
Why
do I do what I do?
Simply stated: I love people and I love supporting people.
I am committed to making a difference and drawing forth the Spirit of
each human being I meet. I choose to work with people who
are doing meaningful work in the world, like alternative health care
practitioners, workshop leaders, and professional women who want to
make their choices from a foundation of Spirit. Spirit shows up
in all of my sessions, whether it is personal or business coaching,
consulting, or acupuncture.
When
I'm not with clients...
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I
live with the love of my life, Jesse Koren. We spend a lot
of time together, hiking in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains
and cuddling with our cat, Destri. Jesse is also a Professional
Coach and we create and lead workshops together.
We
have also created Rejuvenate
Yourself! a win-win program that raises money for non-profits,
helps people get affordable healing sessions, and supports practitioners
to build their private practice. |
We often attend weekend workshops together. We are both always hungry
for the next edge of growth, whether personally or professionally.
We are life learners and world changers. We also have an incredible
community of friends who are committed to consciousness.
My
Dream that I am committed to is...
I am building a company that supports people in feeling
vibrant and alive. This is where the ancient world of Chinese
Medicine meets the modern world of Human Potential. I have an
amazing team of consultants, advisors, and artists who are working with
me to create cutting edge products and services. So, I
spend a significant amount of time being the CEO of an emerging company:
developing products, meeting with investors, and finding all of the
resources I need to create an environmentally sustainable company.
I'll keep you posted as our new products are released, I think you will
like them...
What
excites me...
Being
with Jesse...chocolate...5 Elements...South Fork of the Yuba River...cuddling...my
friends...massage...big hugs...Spirit...Visioning...conscious business...making
a difference...Heart Opening... symbols and metaphors...leading workshops...networking...comparative
mythology...facilitating dreams coming true in others...hiking...organic
food...Love...Coaching
Here
are my titles and some trainings I've completed:
Santa Cruz, CA
- Five
Element Acupuncture Training, Five Branches Institute, with
Mary Huse, RN, LAc and Tala Lindaro, LAc
My
Unique Ability is Inspiring Transformation and Possibility in others
so they create from divine purpose
and
move forward with Power and Grace.
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