In February 2008 at the age of thirty-three, Karen experienced a sudden and radical awakening. Prior to this realisation, no teachings or practices were followed – in fact at that time the terms non-duality and awakening were completely unfamiliar. This spontaneous realization presented itself during a period of intense emotional suffering and when demands in life exceeded Karen’s physical capability. Karen attempted to persevere in the face of these challenges, the consequence being a severely debilitating illness that affected physical functioning on every level. Although the illness had a devastating effect on life as it was then known, it seemed to create a space for a deeper reality to be recognized. As her state of health was so poor, Karen was unable to return to work – meaning that she spent a significant amount of time confined to her home. The effect of this period of solitude was profound surrender, allowing the realization to become deeply integrated into daily living. Two and a half years after the initial recognition, someone Karen didn’t know approached her for guidance, which really was the beginning of sharing in a more active way. Karen now shares openly with all those who wish to enquire into the true nature of reality. In the years prior to the realization, Karen has experienced challenges and disappointments that seem common to many. She is also a certified life coach and that, coupled with her nursing career has given her considerable experience of working with people from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. This has endowed her with the ability to empathize and understand life as it is to commonly experienced, making her easy to communicate with. Realization – from a human perspective – means that the unity beyond apparent diversity is remembered. Life can then be embraced fully and authentically – without contamination from the lens of the conditioned mind, bringing relief from all psychological suffering. An inevitable consequence of this recognition is the arising of compassion, love, and respect for life in all of its appearances – having an ever-deepening impact on the human experience. This has the direct consequence of transforming the world we see literally before our eyes, having a powerful healing effect on the planet as a whole. ‘May you rediscover who you truly are, for in that knowing lies liberation, peace, and wisdom. You are THAT for which you have been seeking’ Much love, Karen Richards Interview recorded 9/25/2011 Summary and Transcript of this interview. 2nd interview with Karen YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Karen Richards' Awakening Journey 00:03:14 - A Complete Mental and Physical Shutdown 00:06:29 - Early Inquiries into Life's Meaning 00:09:11 - Awakening and Spiritual Homework 00:11:36 - Awakening and Physical Incapacitation 00:13:57 - Awakening to Reality and the Shift in Consciousness 00:16:52 - Embracing Life and Responding 00:19:50 - Awakening and the Evolution of Experience 00:22:21 - The Journey of Embracing What's Always Here 00:25:02 - Living the Recognition Fresh 00:28:03 - The Knowing from the Heart vs. the Conditioned Aspect 00:30:48 - Making Spiritual Teachings Accessible 00:33:19 - Meeting People Where They Are 00:36:16 - The Flow of Water and Meeting People Where They Are 00:39:13 - Seeking Happiness in Things 00:42:00 - Awakening to Timeless Consciousness 00:45:02 - The Experience of Everything 00:47:31 - The Fluctuating Polarity of Awakening 00:50:37 - Living Realization from a Memory 00:53:14 - Experiential Recognition and Thought Identification 00:56:09 - Different Ways of Awakening 00:58:53 - Ramana Maharishi's Period of Integration 01:01:37 - Uncovering Conditioned Tendencies 01:04:29 - Uncovering Hidden Tendencies and Conditioning 01:07:40 - Recognizing Conditioned Patterns and Dissipating Tendencies 01:10:48 - The Illusion of Clarity and Cultural Conditioning