Meet Sharon Okun

We were lucky to catch up with Sharon Okun recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

I became a licensed massage therapist in 1998 because I felt there was a strong mind-body connection. I saw amazing transformation in my office. When you give space for the body to heal through self-care and touch anything is possible.

I also immersed myself in everything I could learn about guided imagery and trauma. My research led me to somatic experiencing, a body-based healing approach that blends psychotherapy with gentle movement. I trained in it, not only to heal myself of Chronic Lyme Disease and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome but to truly understand the deep synergy between trauma and the body.

I also became a Qigong practitioner, aligning with what I had already knew about Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Massage Therapist. Qigong offered exactly what I needed: slow, mindful movements paired with breathwork that grounded me and calmed my nervous system.

Qigong isn’t just movement—it is a philosophy. It’s rooted in the five elements: earth, water, fire, wood, and metal. Each element relates to specific organs and emotions. For example, fire connects to the heart and joy, while metal connects to the lungs and grief. Through Qigong, I learned to warm and open my organs, allowing stuck emotions to flow freely.

The practice is playful. It taught me to return to a state of being I hadn’t felt since I was a child: present, grounded, and alive in my body. There is an acronym that I turn to every day. SMILE=start my internal love engine. Just the act of smiling changes your mood.

Building a Life of Resilience did not happen overnight. It was a slow, steady climb—two steps forward, one step back. But with every day, I learned a little more about what my body and soul needs.

I created a personal toolbox of healing techniques that I turn to every day:
Breathwork: Slow, rhythmic, and steady breathing to calm my nervous system.
Anchors: Stones, bracelets, or other small objects I carry to ground myself during anxious moments.
Connection to Mother Earth: I imagine light or energy pouring from my feet into the ground, anchoring me to the Earth’s unconditional love.
Phoenix Movement: A Qigong exercise where I spread my wings, symbolically shedding what no longer serves me.
Palm Pounding: this stimulates nerve endings & acupuncture points and helps me assert boundaries.

I also made significant changes in my life. I left toxic situations behind and moved to a place by the ocean, where the rhythm of the waves soothes my soul. Slowly, I began to notice how much lighter I felt—not just physically but emotionally. I attracted new people and opportunities that aligned with the life I was building.

Healing taught me more than just techniques—it gave me life-changing wisdom. I learned the power of self-compassion, the importance of undoing limiting beliefs, and the value of slowing down. When I need to, I allow myself to be like a turtle: steady, deliberate, and at peace with moving at my own pace.

I also learned to advocate for myself and to speak my truth unapologetically. This wasn’t easy, especially after years of being dismissed by doctors and others who didn’t understand. But with every step forward, my voice grew stronger.

And then there was joy—something I thought I might never feel again. I found myself singing, dancing, and smiling more. These weren’t just moments of happiness; they were proof that healing was possible.

As I healed, I realized my journey wasn’t just about me. I started sharing these techniques with my massage clients, many of whom also suffered from chronic illnesses. Then I extended them to my coaching clients, energy healing sessions, and Qigong students.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I have been a licensed massage therapist in New York & Connecticut for 27 years. I am a Certified Life Coach, Certified Qigong Teacher & energy healer.

Building a Life of Resilience Healing didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow, steady climb. I healed Chronic Lyme Disease and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder.

I learned the power of self-compassion, the importance of undoing limiting beliefs, and the value of slowing down. When I need to, I allow myself to be like a turtle: steady, deliberate, and at peace with moving at my own pace.

I also learned to advocate for myself and to speak my truth unapologetically. This wasn’t easy, especially after years of being dismissed by doctors and others who didn’t understand. But with every step forward, my voice grew stronger. And then there was joy—something I thought I might never feel again.

I found myself singing, dancing, and smiling more. These weren’t just moments of happiness; they were proof that healing was possible. But I’ve learned that the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the commitment to move those mountains, no matter how long it takes.

I was eventually able to create a personal toolbox of healing techniques that I turn to every day: Breathwork: Slow, rhythmic, and steady breathing to calm my nervous system.

As I healed, I realized my journey wasn’t just about me. I started sharing these techniques with my massage clients, many of whom also suffered from chronic illnesses. Then I extended them to my coaching clients, energy healing sessions, and Qigong students.

What I saw was incredible. These practices helped others feel empowered in their own bodies, minds, and souls. I can help you build your own toolbox for resilience and joy. Healing is possible. Transformation is possible. And it starts with the simple decision to take one small step forward. Are you ready to take that step? Let’s climb this mountain together.

All of my offerings are at my website: https://selfhealinglab.com/ and on the Insight Timer App.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I learned the power of self-compassion. And the importance of undoing limiting beliefs and advocating for myself, speaking my truth unapologetically. I gained knowledge of the value of slowing down my breath and body. I allow myself to be like a turtle: steady, deliberate, and at peace with moving at my own pace.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Self-care takes patience and belief that you are worth it. I try to keep off social media. I turn inward and listen to my own breath, feeling grounded every day on Mother Earth. Slow and steady wins the race. I have a I have a lifetime of wisdom to share. A psychologist deems me an eclectic healer and coach, for all the modalities that I have learned 1st for myself and then for all of you. Actually, the more self-healing you do the more effectively that you are out in the world.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@tessrunion

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