Sunday Newscape Magazine

I've received many questions from many readers about my background and philosophy, and what made me Me. No amount of room could hold the life of anyone, but this will give you some insights into the woman who enters your inbox twice a month. I hope you'll pardon the side-step from the usual Waking Up message this one time to peek behind the Karen curtain.

I was born the oldest child of 3 to a working class family in Washington state. we moved a lot growing up to follow the work and I had two characteristics planted in my psyche early on: 1) I always felt like the "outsider," and 2) I learned quickly to make friends and find a place for myself in the established order of things. (Of course, as I grew, I found that finding my place wasn't nearly as fun as creating a NEW place!)

I graduated college with a double degree in Art/English and Education. My first job was the only one of my careers that actually used that degree: junior high school teacher for 8 years. 12-14 year olds!! I think I probably learned more from them than they learned from me. I humbly apologize to them for all my naiveté and immaturity! Boy, would I do it differently now!

My other careers in succession were: investment broker, image consultant at Nordstrom, marketing director for a film company, TV news reporter, corporate leadership trainer, and finally business consultant, professional speaker, workshop facilitator, and author.

I've been married twice and divorced twice. I'd do all that differently now too! No children. I think the close to 3300 students I had as a teacher sapped every maternal instinct I ever had! Been single for almost 22 years now with no prospect in sight. Ah, the prime of my life!

I've lived in Washington state (many locations); Portland, OR; Cleveland, OH; San Francisco, CA; several places south of Los Angeles, CA; and finally back up to Washington state. I'm complete when surrounded by forested mountains!

I was raised Christian, but have never been a strong traditional religious individual. While in San Francisco I was dragged kicking and screaming to a friend's church. Non denominational, VERY non traditional. They studied all the great religions of the world as well as their holy texts. I was hooked when I saw that each religion shares so much in common. We are more alike than different. So began my awakening to a new perspective of life that continues to this day. One of deeper reverence for all life and one of connection to spirit.

From 1995 until 2000 I lived aboard a sailboat in southern California. When I bought the boat I asked friend to help me name her. I wanted a name that reflected my spirit and being. Of all the names submitted, Seeker rang with crystal clarity. I have been an insatiable seeker my entire life and it shows no signs of waning. I'm an explorer at heart and my most fascinating subject is the immense capacity of the human spirit.

In my quest to find truth in my own life, I've found myself surrounded by those walking the same path. Sometime they lead; sometimes I do. The quickness of our step is not important. We are not in competition. We are all heading to the same destination: why are we hear? And with each revelation of recognition, we all glow more brightly.

\About the same time I lived aboard Seeker I turned the page in a magazine and found this quote, "The real voyage of discover consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." ~ Marcel Proust. It wrapped my heart like a childhood binkie. It described my life before and hence. New Eyes - the way to truth and enlightenment.

Every book I read, every seminar I attend, virtually every conversation I have explores the wonder of humanity's capacity for greatness. This stark truth, back-dropped against the even more stark reality of the mess we've created, engages my mind in endless questions. What I know without doubt is that we are capable of far greater than this. We've gotten distracted by what is expedient and glamorous. But, truth is patient and we are eager to reconnect.

This is a magnificent time in humanity's history. Such astounding achievements. Such devastating failures. It truly is the "best of times and the worst of times." But, with all the economic and political turmoil; with the pain of inhumanity and the disparity of ideologies, we are at the brink of a shift that will shake us to our very souls. A shift that will strip us of what is robbing us of our lives and deliver us to a necessary step in our own evolution. We are almost unable to cope with what is and that, for me, is the sign that a paradigm is about to shift.

The Baby Boomer generation (to which I belong) is a glut of humanity that has changed every social more' it's touched. Sheer numbers force this change of perception and reality. Every seven seconds a Baby Boomer turns 50. And, it seems, the world is entering a mass midlife crisis. In an effort to finally find some level of personal fulfillment, this mass of humanity is asking for more than money and fame. They want relevance. They want meaning. They want personal connection to a deeper experience of life. Religion or spirituality. They are seekers.

I believe that my role here is to help shepherd that search. I've dedicated my life to discovery of what is unseen, but real. If we, as a planet, are to evolve into a peaceful accord, it will begin with finding peace in our personal lives first. "Be the change you wish to see in the world, " M. Gandhi. Change begins within before it is ever seen without.

I fill myself in nature. It connects me to a deeper meaning of life. I feel primitive and real in untouched forestlands. One of many species weaving this tapestry of life. I can breathe and be...and stop thinking. It's intoxicating.

I'm single and it appears that I may be for the rest of my life. I don't find that depressing. I have a good life and I enjoy the solitude that allows me to continue my explorations. But, I do feel that there are lessons of partnership that would serve me that only a life partner can bring. We'll see if that fate is mine.

I live in the Pacific Northwest - truly God's country. Washington state is a geologic wonder. From coastal rainforests to the snow-capped Cascade Mountains to the wheat fields and orchards mid-state and the Grand Canyon in miniature to the east. This state has every terrain you could hope for. This is the place of my birth and the place of my return after eighteen years absence. I'm home.

I hope you've enjoyed this stroll down 'my' memory lane. Having just attended my 40th high school class reunion this past weekend, it seems appropriate to continue the remembrance. Regardless of how our paths have echoed or different from one another, you and I are much alike. It's a glorious journey, filled with great ecstasy and great pain. Our teachers are many, our lessons endless. What a wild ride we've chosen. May you find peace and deep personal meaning in the path you walk. I'm honored to share it, even if briefly, with you.

In Joy - Karen