My favorite way to get to know new friends is to hike in nature together. Getting outside and talking to my more-than-human kin such as trees, flowers, animals & birds is a daily joy.
Because I so need to move my body daily and have a genuine passion for community-building, I’ve been facilitating group and 1-1 embodied experiences since I was a teen, first as a fitness instructor, yep 80s high impact aerobics in leotards and leg warmers were my jam, then in yoga, counseling /coaching, authentic relating, creative alchemy, sacred entheogen retreats & ceremonies and breathwork.
It’s been a long process to unravel the deep-seated patterns of pleasing and proving myself through achievement to liberate my voice in expressing my needs directly and clearly.
I’ve been at work on some version of my memoir for many many moons. A piece of writing I’m particularly proud of called, Why I Kiss my Taskmaster and Cuddle With my Critic was published by Elephant Journal when I still went by my married name.
When I wasn’t stressed-out about proving my worth by good grades, I loved my years working towards and receiving my B.A. from UC Berkeley.
I had quite the adventures living in Europe for 11+ years working in publishing and fitness industries.
When my boys were toddlers I moved back to California and worked for my alma mater in fundraising. I was part of a small team that raised more than $6M for graduate fellowships in less than three years.
During those first years back in California I lived and grew through a huge rupture in my marriage and international child custody battle during which I didn’t see my young sons for eight months when they were wee three and five. This brings on the alligator tears to this day though we came back together and they are now healthy 20- and 22-year-olds.
Got my Kundalini yoga instructor groove on (and certification) in 2007, became a certified Counselor/Life Coach in 2012 then a certified High Performance Coach in 2014. In November 2023 I also had the honor of becoming an Ordained Facilitator with my beloved Sacred Garden Community.
Here’s to your birthright to honor your wise wild soul and live your most impactful interconnected joyful life! ~Karyn
photo by Candace Smith Photography