Many may wonder: How can a systems engineer talk about Forest Therapy? First, I must tell you that I have been a systems engineer for 32 years, during which I have been able to develop my great passion: accompanying my clients and friends to create, develop, and implement advanced digital systems for organizations.

Second, beyond being a professional, I am a mother and wife, and seven years ago my mother came back into my life, and I began the role of caregiver for her as she suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, which progressively deteriorates and increases her dependency each day.

Third, I saw this new role as a positive experience of reciprocity — now I was helping take care of my mother, and that made me happy. As a beginner caregiver unfamiliar with this role, I began reallocating my professional, family, spiritual, and social activities, defining actions to: understand the illness, determine how to treat it, and establish rules for managing it. I also found studies showing caregivers are at high risk of physical, psychological, and social problems such as exhaustion, ongoing fatigue, lack of energy, sleep issues, substance use, emotional problems, stress, anxiety, anger, mood changes, reduced social relationships, limited free time, and worsening caregiver well-being.

Fourth, I thought of planning a guide to prevent the overload I was exposing myself to. I began with self-care:

 1.  I created a daily exercise routine   
2. Continued healthy eating  
3 .Rested and took active breaks  
4. Prevented illness with regular doctor visits  
5. Trained in appropriate caregiving practices, developed a routine for my mother 
— I created care guides and records for adequate information, became certified as a life coach to gain tools to feel better, and even created  a book, a song for her via a script that I called music therapy.. .

Fifth, as someone experienced in building systems, I already had a program established to care for my mother and prevent overload. Then the pandemic arrived, and like everyone, I needed to reorganize and reinvent myself. That’s how I began creating and broadcasting virtual events. It was during an event held by Gema Latina celebrating Smokie the Bear’s birthday that I met Dr. Tamberly Crown. My life changed — she was talking about Forest Therapy, and I immediately felt connected; I knew I had found a path. I thought that God was showing me something beautiful. Surprised by the concept, I concluded: “This therapy sounds interesting, and maybe I can incorporate it into my life to improve my well-being.” . 

By December 2020, I was enrolled in the Condor Court of the ANFT to become a Forest Therapy guide. After completing the six-month training, I can say I am a certified Forest Therapy guide. My initial vision expanded because Forest Therapy not only helps improve physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being but also revealed an unexpected element — reciprocity with the environment, leading to genuine care for it.How did that happen? Facing the question “What is your relationship with nature?” moved me profoundly. I realized I had been disconnected from the environment and natural surroundings — they had merely been there. Today I can say my connection with nature has improved and will continue to improve every day, yielding growth in many areas and a 180-degree turn in who I am.

Finally, my feeling is one of gratitude — to God for a second chance to see His magnificent creation; to my husband, children, and siblings for their support; to my mother for teaching me to serve and for loving caregiving; to my mentors, the members of the Condor Court, the founders of ANFT for sharing their knowledge and experiences; and especially to Tamberly and Glenda Amaya, who showed me this path in which I want to grow and help others connect with nature and integrate with the environment. As Jack Gustop says, we take care of what we love!