From “rather be dead than paralysed” to paralympic champion - Karen Darke

This week on the show, we are honored to have Karen Darke, an accomplished individual with a mission to support others in turning challenges into opportunities. Karen’s extensive understanding and personal experiences with trauma have fueled her passion for guiding people beyond perceived limitations towards expansive possibilities.

From ‘Rock-Doctor’ to ‘Mind Miner’

A climbing accident resulting in paraplegia diverted Karen from her path as a ‘rock-doctor’ studying geology to become a ‘mind miner.’ She explores experientially how individuals can be their own alchemists, transforming the challenges of life into opportunities for discovering ‘inner gold.’

Embracing the Boundaries of Possibility

Karen’s personal journey involves pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible. Her curiosity about overcoming self-doubt, facing fear, and enhancing performance has led to experiments in high-performance sports and adaptive adventure exploration. Notable achievements include being a Paralympic hand-cycling champion, World Champion in Paratriathlon, and Guinness World Record holder for land speed by arm power.

Diverse Adventures and Personal Growth

Karen’s diverse experiences, including sit-skiing across Greenland, sea kayaking in extreme latitudes, and hand-cycling across major mountain ranges and continents, have shaped her unique perspective on life as an adventure. Her studies of the mind, resilience, and performance contribute to helping others view life’s experiences as opportunities for learning and growth.

Flow Activities and Coaching

While hand-cycling and adventurous journeys are Karen’s primary flow activities, coaching and expanding possibilities for others constitute her secondary passion. She is fascinated by the power of the mind and language to positively impact emotions, emphasizing their role in improving presence, performance, and overall possibility.