Meet Sheryl
Finding My Voice. Speaking My Truth. Writing this bio was, and continues to be, interesting. As in the Chinese curse, "may you live in interesting times". This process has literally taken months to complete. Finding my voice and speaking my truth has been a challenging, lifelong adventure, so it comes as no surprise that writing about myself reflects that. Although I've read only a few, there are hundreds if not thousands of opinions about how to write a "good" bio. I've broken some of the rules of bio writing. This isn't the first time I've broken rules, and likely won't be the last. Authentically speaking my truth matters to me. Even though bios are fundamentally self-indulgent, I hope what I've written will also be helpful. It's my wish that you'll see me.
Figuring Out What I Want. For the past 4-plus decades I’ve looked for (and found) ways to live, thrive, and make a difference in the world. Hope for my future and the future of the planet defined my twenties. I felt optimistic about my life, my place in the world, and the future of the planet. I was passionate about causes: the Environment, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, the Peace Movement. I was ignorantly blissful and naïve and believed in our potential as humans to be good and do good things. I didn’t have a clue about the complexities of the personal and global problems we faced. I loved that people came together united in a common purpose. We were connecting to something that was greater than we were individually. In retrospect, I realize how in tune we were to an unseen and deeply felt collective consciousness.
Even though there were only a few spiritual teachers and very limited publications or self-help sections in bookstores, I found ways to stay centered in the midst of chaos. I feel fortunate that I learned Transcendental Meditation (TM), a practice that has been part of my daily routine for over four decades. I think of this practice as "practical" spirituality. The ritual of meditating and the benefit it brings to daily life are more important than following rules or dogma that sometime accompany spiritual paths. I tend toward irreverence and I'm a bit rebellious. Because of these traits, I have a very eclectic approach to personal growth. Before I invest time and energy I ask: Is the approach practical? Does it feel good in my body? Does it help me find and stay true to my truth? Do it lead to feeling calm, relaxed, and peaceful?
Many Paths. Many Truths. I incorporate what I've learned from different teachers and perspectives into my personal and professional life. In my travels to Israel, India, Tibet, Thailand and in the States, I learned that most teachers believe that their paths are the best, right, and only way to achieve peace, well-being, or enlightenment. I also learned that many paths lead to the same destination, each one using a different road map. We are fortunate that we have access to so many different "truths" that we can explore and help us find our own truth, so it’s a win-win situation.
Balancing Self-care and Service. While my peers were going to college, earning degrees, and choosing careers, I was less focused on the world of work and more interested in self-development, believing that by following a spiritual path I was making a positive contribution to the planet. Inspired by the idea that enlightenment was a possibility (even if I wasn't quite sure what enlightenment was, I knew it was something I wanted), I made choices that put spiritual practices at the center of my life. From 1975 until 1980, I lived and worked at retreat centers in northern California and Washington state. Daily TM practice, along with yoga and personal retreats, and immersion in a culture that focused on the evolution of consciousness taught me the importance of being grounded in self-care. The time invested in living in an intentional community softened most of the hard edges that defined who I was. I also experienced how deeply fulfilling and joyful it is to be of service to travelers on their paths to enlightenment. I set an intention for myself to act from the heart of service in everything I do. This deep desire to change the world through service is at the center of all the personal and professional choices I make.
Lifelong Learning. I came to realize the importance of finding balance between attending to my inner life and earning a living. When I was 35, I enrolled in college, earned a bachelor’s degree at 38 and a masters in Applied Behavioral Sciences just before my 40th birthday. I didn't have a clear vision or plan for my future, I simply sensed the importance of pursuing an education. I've attended many workshops and devoted countless hours to professional development opportunities, including completing EFT-CERT-1, Dave Ellis's Falling Awake Coaching Program, and Rebecca McLean's Circle of Life Health and Wellness Coaching Certification. During the past two and a half decades the choice to be a life-long learner has led to opportunities for exploring several helping professions including director of a non-profit, organizational development consultant, management coach, trainer, counselor, academic advisor, and health/wellness/life coach.
While attending college, I discovered that I have a natural talent for teaching. Over the years I deepened and refined my abilities. Currently, I teach courses in Acupressure Tapping Techniques (Emotional Freedom Techniques--EFT) in a holistic health professionals program at a community college in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Figuring Out What I Want. For the past 4-plus decades I’ve looked for (and found) ways to live, thrive, and make a difference in the world. Hope for my future and the future of the planet defined my twenties. I felt optimistic about my life, my place in the world, and the future of the planet. I was passionate about causes: the Environment, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, the Peace Movement. I was ignorantly blissful and naïve and believed in our potential as humans to be good and do good things. I didn’t have a clue about the complexities of the personal and global problems we faced. I loved that people came together united in a common purpose. We were connecting to something that was greater than we were individually. In retrospect, I realize how in tune we were to an unseen and deeply felt collective consciousness.
Even though there were only a few spiritual teachers and very limited publications or self-help sections in bookstores, I found ways to stay centered in the midst of chaos. I feel fortunate that I learned Transcendental Meditation (TM), a practice that has been part of my daily routine for over four decades. I think of this practice as "practical" spirituality. The ritual of meditating and the benefit it brings to daily life are more important than following rules or dogma that sometime accompany spiritual paths. I tend toward irreverence and I'm a bit rebellious. Because of these traits, I have a very eclectic approach to personal growth. Before I invest time and energy I ask: Is the approach practical? Does it feel good in my body? Does it help me find and stay true to my truth? Do it lead to feeling calm, relaxed, and peaceful?
Many Paths. Many Truths. I incorporate what I've learned from different teachers and perspectives into my personal and professional life. In my travels to Israel, India, Tibet, Thailand and in the States, I learned that most teachers believe that their paths are the best, right, and only way to achieve peace, well-being, or enlightenment. I also learned that many paths lead to the same destination, each one using a different road map. We are fortunate that we have access to so many different "truths" that we can explore and help us find our own truth, so it’s a win-win situation.
Balancing Self-care and Service. While my peers were going to college, earning degrees, and choosing careers, I was less focused on the world of work and more interested in self-development, believing that by following a spiritual path I was making a positive contribution to the planet. Inspired by the idea that enlightenment was a possibility (even if I wasn't quite sure what enlightenment was, I knew it was something I wanted), I made choices that put spiritual practices at the center of my life. From 1975 until 1980, I lived and worked at retreat centers in northern California and Washington state. Daily TM practice, along with yoga and personal retreats, and immersion in a culture that focused on the evolution of consciousness taught me the importance of being grounded in self-care. The time invested in living in an intentional community softened most of the hard edges that defined who I was. I also experienced how deeply fulfilling and joyful it is to be of service to travelers on their paths to enlightenment. I set an intention for myself to act from the heart of service in everything I do. This deep desire to change the world through service is at the center of all the personal and professional choices I make.
Lifelong Learning. I came to realize the importance of finding balance between attending to my inner life and earning a living. When I was 35, I enrolled in college, earned a bachelor’s degree at 38 and a masters in Applied Behavioral Sciences just before my 40th birthday. I didn't have a clear vision or plan for my future, I simply sensed the importance of pursuing an education. I've attended many workshops and devoted countless hours to professional development opportunities, including completing EFT-CERT-1, Dave Ellis's Falling Awake Coaching Program, and Rebecca McLean's Circle of Life Health and Wellness Coaching Certification. During the past two and a half decades the choice to be a life-long learner has led to opportunities for exploring several helping professions including director of a non-profit, organizational development consultant, management coach, trainer, counselor, academic advisor, and health/wellness/life coach.
While attending college, I discovered that I have a natural talent for teaching. Over the years I deepened and refined my abilities. Currently, I teach courses in Acupressure Tapping Techniques (Emotional Freedom Techniques--EFT) in a holistic health professionals program at a community college in Fort Collins, Colorado.
A Zig-Zag Path to Enlightenment. Fast forward to present day…I’m now in my mid-60s. I’ve lived a few lifetimes in this life. I've made mistakes. Often, I learned from them. Sometimes it took more than one mistake to "get it". I've made wise and not-so-wise choices. As I look over the landscape of my life journey I see peaks, valleys, scenic routes, and both intentional and unforeseen detours. It looks like a zig-zag, spiral, path. Life has been a process of elimination...I didn't always know what I wanted, but eventually I figured out what didn't work for me and adjusted my course accordingly. Sometimes it felt like life was happening to me, not for me. That's a painful space to be in. The life I envisioned and believed to be possible four decades ago is still evolving. The changes and challenges that shape my current reality include a painful divorce, deep depression, chronic illness, and weight issues. Sometimes I feel disappointed and discouraged and think I should feel better, be more resilient, be more centered. Mostly, I’m grateful that I experience many moments of clarity and contentment. I realize that enlightenment isn't a destination, it's an unfolding that occurs everyday in every encounter, experience, thought, and feeling. Sometimes the unfolding appears to be "positive" and sometimes it appears to be "negative". I'm discovering ways to tap into inner resources that remind me that, no matter what it looks like "out there", I can choose to respond with ease, harmony, and grace.
So What? How does knowing this about me help you? Maybe you'll see something of yourself in these words and remember we're kindred spirits. Maybe you'll know that you're not alone. Maybe you'll be curious to find out what I've learned and what I'm doing differently now. Maybe you'll trust that I will help you remember that you're not broken, you don't need to be fixed. I'm drawn to work with people who are tired of listening to the inner, critical voice that tries to convince them that they aren't brilliant, sensitive, whole, complete, and amazing. I'm inspired by the words of Thich Nhat Hanh (Cultivating the Mind of Love): "We have within us a miraculous power, and if we live our daily lives in mindfulness, if we take steps mindfully, with love and care, we can produce the miracle and transform our world into a miraculous place to live." I want for you what you want for yourself...remember and appreciate your brilliance, embrace the miraculous being you are, and find your place in the world. Together, let's tap into your resources and choices! |
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