Life and Work with Sharon Poortinga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Poortinga.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sharon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always been passionate about everything I’ve ever put my mind to. I live life to the fullest, and pour my soul into everything I do, even things I despise. I always strive to teach others how to succeed and bring them a little sunshine in their gloomy days, even when miserable on the inside.

In Fall 2010, while pursuing my Associates of Business at Mesa Community College, I stumbled across yoga for one credit hour class so I could stay full time. After my first class, I knew I wanted to be a yoga teacher, later, once I’m retired and sitting on a pile of money because happiness wasn’t worth taking risks. Boy, was I wrong?!

I continued my education at the University of Phoenix in 2013, studying Information Systems Security. I worked full time in an IT call center, went to school full time, sat at home, and found myself very unhappy. I didn’t do yoga. Actually, I wasn’t active at all! It was a rough period that continued for a span of a couple of years.

By the end of 2017, I was a trailblazer for women in the IT industry, specializing in network security and standard operating procedures, meaning that I wrote and delivered training material via 1:1 or groups of up to twenty. I helped launch the threat intelligence portal, malware analysis, maintained internal and customer firewalls. It was the movie job, looks cool on the screen, but stressful and not much excitement to be found. I did not understand why everyone was so jaded until I was standing there with them. This was the first time in my life that happiness in my life was completely nonexistent.

As the end of 2018 approached, another company purchased my previous employer, I like to say I was “thrown to the wolves” after the acquisition. I was being mistreated and I was allowing it to happen. I finally asked for help from my upper management on how to address the issues that I was unable to handle alone, and I got “stop being a victim” as the solution. I think I took that too literally. I started searching for a life coach, or happiness coach, or just some way to find happiness in my current situation. Counseling, antidepressants, promotions, praise, vacations, nothing helped.

I found the Transformational Life Coaching program at SWIHA and the thought sparked once again of “be a yoga teacher” not knowing what that meant, exactly. In January 2018, I signed up for Yoga Teacher Training 500 hour and Transformational Life Coaching. Shortly after, I left my corporate career. The words are still hard to find on how becoming a yoga teacher and life coach has changed my life. I’ve found genuine happiness within, I’ve rid myself of bad things (toxic people, toxic habits, and negative thought patterns).

I’m the healthiest and strongest I’ve ever been! Mentally, emotionally, and physically. I am your cheerleader. I am my own cheerleader, too. I’ve found my voice and want to share my story with the world! I live from a place of love instead of fear, huge! I still find myself wondering what the heck I’m doing at times, and I remind myself “I’m trailblazing”! I’m paving roads that are new, so there’s no way to know what’s next! It is both exciting and terrifying!

Early 2019, I founded Mayurah Wellness with a focus on private yoga coaching and life coaching for the IT Professional, yet everyone is welcome to work with me. I travel to my clients’ homes in Chandler, AZ for individual sessions. My favorite style of yoga to teach is Yin. I may venture to teach in studios, but not at this time. I look forward to helping people find happiness in the sometimes unchangeable career or situation. Cultivating seeds for growth, one conversation at a time.

Has it been a smooth road?
Over the last few years, I lost my mind-body connection. I had no idea my body was hurting; screaming for help, for years. I was forever too tired and in pain. I’ve suffered from hip pain for six years, and that’s recently come to an end. Reestablishing my mind-body awareness led me to the root of the problem. My ankle. I underwent welcomed ankle surgery, with the hopes that I’ll run, hike, bike, and swim again. The recovery was brutal and tested every part of me, mentally, emotionally, and especially physically. I am grateful to have recovered and am now living an active lifestyle once again.

Advice: If you’re in pain and can’t find the solution, the practice of yoga can help bring mind-body awareness. Yoga can also help you get to the root of the problem. Be patient with yourself and keep fighting for your well-being. You know your body better than anyone else!

My biggest obstacle and challenge, again and again, has been myself. It took me ten months to overcome the fear of teaching in front of groups, and approach my fear with love and compassion. This is something that did not come naturally to me, but I have spent time learning how to do it. Every single time I teach, I feel amazing afterward, and I know this is what I’m supposed to do. The anticipation and the anxious thoughts around that are where my work is. The root cause is perfectionism. What if it’s not perfect? Well, it’s not perfect ever. So now what? I get out of my way and teach from the heart. It’s not about me.

Advice: The only way to grow is to do something different, which is typically outside of your comfort zone. Remember that the fear lets us know that whatever we’re doing is important to us. Fear is fuel, not a guide.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I teach a few different styles of yoga; yin, restorative, and hatha. I specialize in slow movement and working one-on-one with my clients. I incorporate sound and vibrational healing into yoga and meditation sessions. I am also a Transformational Life Coach focusing on career satisfaction and wellness for Information Technology professionals. This industry is still new and professionals find “burnout” at a high rate. Coming from an IT Security background, I relate to their line of work and am better-equipped to address their needs.

Who have you been inspired by?
Kate Shipp has been a huge inspiration to me. She loves gently, listens carefully, and gives you her undivided attention. She has helped me conquer my self-doubt, and was there to push me out of my way, gently, of course. She shows up to be there for other teachers and humans alike.

Contact Info:

• Website: mayurah.com
• Email: sharon@mayurah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayurahwellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayurahwellness
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MayurahWellness

Image Credit:
Mayurah Wellness LLC

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.