Meet Karen Jenifer Lopez | Artist/Mental Health Provider

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Jenifer Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen Jenifer, how do you think about risk?
I am moved by Terence McKenna’s quotes about how “nature loves courage”. This is an important reminder that, “by hurling ourselves into the abyss, we discover that it’s truly a feather bed”. Many times in my life I have encountered a fork on the road where I get to either remain seemingly safe and comfortable by doing what is familiar or hurling myself into the unknown.

I truly believe that without courage, we are unable to truly grasp, and embody the essence of who we are. It takes courage to truly materialize the inner visions and dreams, and to experience it in this lifetime. Without courage, I would not have enrolled in college, pursued my masters degree in Psychology, nor would I have follow through with my tasks in order to get to the other side.

You gotta have an insane amount of faith in the unseen to cultivate radical courage,

I remember my mother trying to save me from failure as she attempted to talk me out of going to college. Not because she did not believe that I was capable or smart enough, but because of the financial constraints that we were programmed to have. There was a part of her that believed that that these opportunities were out of our reach, and that we were not meant to receive professional education to step out of poverty mindset.

And yet, I stubbornly hurled myself into the abyss. As an 18 year-old fresh out of graduation. I stashed my belongings into trash bags, and moved out of my home to pursue the long road of education. I worked, studied, and did multiple internships. As many students, I ate my PB&J’s ceremonially and longboarded from one responsibility to another. I truly was not sure if anything would truly pay off or if his formal education was even worth it at times. But I held a vision that this would be a stepping stone that would support me in self actualizing while also supported my community in an effective way. And so I continued to purse my higher education.

Throughout my career as well, I have actively chosen to step out of the box that had been laid out for me. I believe that our visions and creativity has the power to bring perspective, healing, and mental shifts in individuals.

I’ve had the nerve to propose initiatives in different places of employment to help bridge gaps in the groups that we have served.

Clarity of vision has been fuel for my courage. If I can zoom out and see the big picture- the why and the how this can support the collective, then I know the details will fall into place.

I do not see it any other way than to materialize the ideas and see what happens. Courage in a sense calls for ego death because there is no true sense of control when it comes to victory or failure – you just have to jump.

The best part is that when you jump, you truly realize that this is medicine that people yearn for all you did not know they needed and wanted. Usually these become movements that support people in their growth.

Courage in essence is the acceptance that we are but instruments that get to channel transformational healing that wants to be birthed into the world.

It’s a beautiful reminder that it’s not about me, but it’s about service to others in the collective. And then I get to be here and show up fully embodied. To me that is courage and I feel so honored to show up in this lifetime in this way.

It takes courage simply to be alive. If I am here, I am here to make it count.

“Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it’s a feather bed.”
-Terence McKenna

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began making art before I could walk. Art has been a way of honoring and connecting to my emotions and a channel for healing my wounds. Art has provided me the opportunity to understand my self more deeply to to accept my light and shadow aspects. Art helps me problem solve and shift my perspective when I hit a wall.

I believe I am in a double mission to support the collective in returning to wholeness while also doing that for myself. I believe the most prevalent yet least spoken of challenge is impostor syndrome. It is an ego trap that perfection is necessary for profound impact. This could not be any further from the truth. My professional journey is a humbling one because I get to remember my own humanity. It showers me with the gift of empathy. I am deeply grateful for this journey as I help contain others as well.

My intimate relationship to art has given me the opportunity to also create space for others to do the same. Sitting with my clients as they uncover layers off themselves allows me to see them more deeply and to help integrate fragmented aspects that may have been birthed through trauma. It is truly magical to witness.

I don’t believe art sets me apart as much as it helps bring me closer to the human condition. It is a bridge that helps me and my clients realize that we are not in fact that different.

Art is a road in which we can walk each other home.

I am most proud of the ways the science of Psychology and Art coexist in such incredibly ways and that I get to support people in demystifying the illusion of separation within themselves and one another.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am most excited by multi-dimensional, creatively-faceted, artistic, adventurous, and genuinely kind individuals with a heart for depth and philosophy. Places drenched in artistic flair, eccentric energy, gutsy adventurous spaces as well as serene natural nooks bring me so much joy and vitality.

If my best friend were to grace me with their visit I would firstly take them to the Ocean! I would offer the choice of longboarding or bike riding along the boardwalk, followed by hair tossing, fun loving, giggle toning, under the sun swing session at the park so we can shamelessly tap into our inner child selves. We would then sit on the sand as we meditate with Hapé snuff.

As our appetite grows, I would invite them to a delicious and nutritious meal overseeing the ocean followed by a relaxing drive down PCH with lovely tunes into the Santa Monica Mountains to cliff jump.

After an eventful day, I’d offer them my cozy car throw as I drive us back home with sushi take out so we can chit chat, cozy up, paint, or watch a heart wrenching and/or comedy film.

This would set us up for a week of delicious food with views, museum visits, hikes, work outs at the park, motorcycle rides (if interested), karaoke, and tea houses.

Care to join?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am deeply thankful for my mentors Dr. Brian Burkhart and Dr. Scott Andrews for the guidance, support, nurturance and most importantly, the sense of family they have provided. The potent teachings about reciprocity, harmony, and community has deeply impacted my journey.

I am also thankful for Dave Moon’s mentorship in leadership, tenacity, and design.

As well as Mary Ley and Coach David Holland for imparting the value of discipline and diligence.

Lastly, for my Mother and Father for doing their very best and bringing me into existence in this lifetime.

Website: www.atenakeartbykarenjenifer.com

Instagram: @atenake_art

Other: Tik Tok @atenake_art