Meet Karena Neukirchner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karena Neukirchner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karena, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For much of my life, I felt like I wasn’t enough—like I didn’t belong in the spaces I found myself. I carried this heavy weight of comparison, always finding myself lacking, and my inner critic was often harsh and relentless. That constant criticism didn’t just fuel imposter syndrome; it also left me feeling anxious and deeply unsettled in my own skin.

But something extraordinary has happened over the years. I now have the kindest relationship with myself—one filled with genuine love and appreciation. In fact, I have almost no inner critic anymore, which is incredibly mind-boggling to me!

This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It’s been the result of a profound healing journey, one where I’ve tenderly turned toward the wounded parts of me that I had been carrying without even realizing it. By meeting those wounds with compassion, I’ve come to understand the roots of my imposter syndrome and inner critic. In that understanding, I found not only freedom but also a deep, unshakable kindness toward myself.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

There was a time when I felt completely lost in chaos. Anxiety consumed me, self-judgment weighed me down, and my emotions were overwhelming. I longed for peace but secretly wondered if true healing was even possible.

I tried everything—meditation brought some relief, and therapy helped a little—but the deep wounds buried in my subconscious kept shaping my life. I felt stuck in patterns I couldn’t fully understand.

But, luckily, my story doesn’t end there.

Through a series of synchronicities, I found some remarkable tools and learned how to listen to my body, regulate my nervous system, and access the subconscious roots of my struggles.

For the first time, I felt at home in my own skin. I didn’t just cope with my emotions—I learned to embrace them, to understand the stories they carried, and to meet even the most vulnerable parts of myself with kindness.

Now, even when life gets hard, I know how to support and resource myself deeply. This transformation has given me so much freedom—and a passion for helping others experience the same.

As a somatic healing coach, I specialize in guiding people to uncover subconscious blocks, heal old emotional wounds, and reconnect with their authentic selves. My work is about helping you find self-compassion, peace, and a life that feels deeply aligned with who you are.

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling whole and grounded, I’d be honored to walk alongside you on this journey. Because healing isn’t just possible—it’s transformative.

To get started, listen to my popular podcast, Somatic Healing Meditations, for guided practices that help you regulate your nervous system and deepen your healing journey: https://helloinnerlight.com/podcast

And if you’re ready to dive deeper, I invite you to enroll in my free mini-course, The Feel It To Heal It Mini-Course, where you’ll learn a body-centered approach to emotional healing: https://helloinnerlight.com/mini-course

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities or skills stand out as the most impactful in my healing journey. These were not just practices—they became lifelines that guided me toward deeper connection and transformation.

1. Learning to regulate my nervous system.
I didn’t realize how much stress I was carrying in my body until I learned the tools to release it. So many of us are unknowingly stuck in cycles of anxiety and overwhelm because our nervous systems are constantly on high alert. Nervous system regulation has allowed me to quiet my mind, let go of pent-up tension, and feel grounded in my true self.

2. Healing the wounds stuck in my subconscious.
For years, I thought self-awareness was enough. I could name my patterns and understand them intellectually, but I still felt stuck. Neuroscience shows that 95% of our thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors are driven by our subconscious—so healing often requires going deeper. Learning to access and heal the parts of myself held in my subconscious mind completely shifted my patterns and gave me a sense of freedom I never imagined.

3. Cultivating unshakable self-compassion.
I used to think self-compassion was a nice idea—something for the “good days.” But I’ve learned that it’s essential for real healing. Without it, change feels impossible. With it, you give yourself permission to grow, to stumble, and to begin again.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, it’s a clear signal from my inner world—a gentle nudge to slow down and pay attention. Often, overwhelm arises when I’ve been pushing too hard or ignoring the messages my body and emotions are trying to convey.

When this happens, I pause. Just 5–7 minutes of gentle regulation can completely shift how I feel. It’s incredible how such a small moment of intentional care can transform my perspective, my emotions, and even the trajectory of my day.

Sometimes, though, overwhelm asks for more than a simple pause—it’s an invitation to go deeper. I’ve come to understand that it often appears when I’ve been unintentionally suppressing my emotions or neglecting my true needs. In these moments, I take time to drop in, to really listen to my authentic feelings, needs, and desires, so I can meet myself with the care and support I’m truly longing for.

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