New Ancestors
Imbolc 2026 (delayed) A brief note this time as it has…
WELCOME
Something has piqued your interest and I’m delighted you’re here.
If we haven’t already met, let me introduce myself. My name is Karen Abi-Karam and welcome to my digital home! In the real world, I live on the edge of the beautiful Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, England with my husband and two rescue cats – Bella and Boris. My work might be described as eclectic but a common thread is the honest, whole-hearted and empowering support I will offer for wherever you find yourself at right now – in your life or with your business.
My work is grounded in a desire to help change the way we talk – and therefore, feel – about our lives and work. For too long the prevailing narratives – created by outdated and unhelpful societal structures – have prevented us from fully dignifying our lived experience and honouring a reciprocal relationship with each other and the world we are part of. I want to walk alongside you as we change this – one situation at a time.
If you are looking to commemorate an important milestone with intention and meaning, I can help you create – and be on hand to officiate – Ceremonies with HART. If you’re a founder, senior leader or brand guardian, I am available as a trusted partner to refine and share your story through Change-Making Communication.
While you’re here, feel free to take a look at my other projects, including my academic endeavours, which focus on better understanding the impact and value of ceremony or find out about my work as a Non-Exec Director and menstrual advocate. You can also read more about my personal and career journey, as well as what inspires me.
At any point, if you’d like to chat, do get in touch to set up a call.
Thank you for your time and interest; I look forward to supporting you soon.
AS FEATURED
HOW I WORK
Inspired by my holistic training and practise, I strive to live and work with intention and integrity. There are four principles, (which I was introduced to many years ago)*, that I aim to bring to everything I do. They are:
BEING PRESENT
This is about focusing on the here and now, without worrying about what has happened in the past or what might happen in the future. This allows me to remain in the moment, without being distracted by ‘if’s, ‘but’s and ‘maybe’s.
LISTENING TO WHAT HAS HEART AND MEANING
By cutting through someone’s tone of voice, their turn of phrase and my own visceral response patterns I offer myself the opportunity to hear what is really important and find the real story behind the words. When we listen in this way there can be no misunderstandings.
SPEAKING MY TRUTH
This means saying how I feel, honestly, openly and always with compassion for myself and others. When we are courageous enough to speak our truth, we encourage others to speak theirs and true communication can begin.
BEING OPEN TO THE OUTCOME
By remaining open to all possibilities, and not attached to any specific one, I give myself and others permission to change and grow and flourish. The future is unknown so holding on to any particular outcome is impossible.
* These principles were introduced to me by one of my mentors, Anja Saunders, who adapted them from the teaching of ‘The Four Fold Way’, which itself was the distillation of thousands of years’ worth of indigenous wisdom undertaken by the late Angeles Arrien. To both these women, and the ancestors, I am forever grateful.
TESTIMONIALS
“It is a total pleasure to work with Karen! The time, effort and attention she gives to our work means she feels like part of our team. I truly believe our partnerships are in a better place, thanks to her input.”
Sophie, Premium Product & Partnership Marketing
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you Karen, for delivering such a wonderful service; I really couldn’t have asked for more. You captured Sam and her life so well. I know she would have been looking down on us very happy.“
Wolfango
TESTIMONIALS
“Perfectly chosen words that meant so much to my wife and I, our love for one another, the importance of the occasion and a touch of humour. A perfect balance.”
Erica
TESTIMONIALS
“Karen’s depth of experience is second to none. She consistently provides thoughtful feedback and strategic insights that ensure our activity aligns with over-arching plans and objectives.”
Arna, Brand Sponsorship & Experiential Marketing
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Mum’s funeral positive and beautiful. Although it was heart wrenchingly sad, I will remember your wonderful input for the rest of my life.“
Suzanne
TESTIMONIALS
“Karen captured us and our marriage completely. She turned what I wanted to say into something beautiful, and just right for a thoughtful and inspiring ceremony.“
Ruby
TESTIMONIALS
“Beyond her professionalism, Karen is incredibly kind, considerate and respectful of others’ time. She’s a brilliant teammate and I genuinely feel we bring out the best in each other.“
Katie, Brand & Sport Sponsorship
TESTIMONIALS
“With her personal, loving words, Karen managed to create an impressive and fitting ceremony. During the service, I was deeply moved by the way she expressed grief, love, and memories. I look back on our collaboration with great appreciation and can wholeheartedly recommend her.”
Judith, Funeral Specialist at Els Uitvaarzorg, The Netherlands
TESTIMONIALS
“I came away with tools to further help me. Thank you for the support you provided.”
Sam, International Workplace Resilience Educator
TESTIMONIALS
“Karen, you made our sad day into one that was full of warmth, heart and meaning.”
Sonia
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