About me
I was born in the Venezuelan Andes and am the third of nine siblings. From a young age, I faced health issues that brought stress and uncertainty to my family. At 6, my father suffered a heart attack requiring open-heart surgery. He recovered but had to adopt a healthier lifestyle afterward. When I was 16, I lost my mother nine days after she gave birth to my sisters; she died in her sleep from a brain stroke. This immense family tragedy deeply affected us all. Since then, I've developed a keen interest in understanding why some people are healthier than others and what it takes to live a healthy, joyful, and purposeful life.
Throughout my life, I have relied on prevention as a key tool to maintain my health. Nevertheless, life can present unforeseen challenges, and the best approach is to seek new ways to support ourselves along the journey continually.
Many healing and wellness practices around the world can support our pursuit of well-being. Being receptive to discovering new methods that assist us in this journey helps us better understand ourselves, including our needs and desires.
I’ve always considered myself healthy with no significant health problems. However, shortly after turning 40—probably in the second week after my birthday—I experienced a migraine for the first time. I took a prescribed migraine medication, which relieved the headache, but then I started experiencing migraines every two weeks. I continued taking the drug, believing I needed to do so regularly. Later, I noticed a rash on my right foot, diagnosed as eczema, which rapidly spread up to my knee. I also began feeling pain and stiffness throughout my body. I couldn’t understand what was happening. I wanted to stay active—gardening, caring for my young child, working—but my body wasn’t cooperating. I wondered if this was a sign of aging, weak genetics, or that I wouldn’t live to old age. I didn’t know what was happening or how to help myself. I soon realized that, despite some knowledge of self-care, I had entered a new phase that needed more support. I began exploring new methods and practices to cope with these challenges.
I have a passion for plants and always seek a connection with nature. My mother loved flowers and maintained an incredible garden, from which I learned a great deal about them. Holding a degree in Agriculture marked a significant achievement for me. Yet, my understanding wasn't complete until I discovered a Bio-dynamic community farm near my previous residence, where I volunteer every Friday. This experience helped me integrate prior knowledge with ongoing studies, connecting the dots in my mind. At the farm, I realized that nutritious, healthy food depends on good soil and that chemicals and fertilizers aren't necessary for producing healthy food. This motivated me to explore how Bio-dynamic farming methods, traditionally used for plants, could also be applied to nurture my body and soul.
While I was in the process of self-healing, my dear friend—who had recently moved nearby and was studying the Alexander Technique—suggested that I serve as a guinea pig, a practice body, marking the start of my journey with the Alexander Technique. It was a pivotal moment in my life. I vividly remember my teacher holding my hand during a lesson. I was seated, focusing on finding coordination when getting in and out of a chair. She held my hand and told me to let it go, which left me puzzled. I asked, “What do you mean?” She explained, “Just let me move your hand and arm, and you allow me to do it.” That was an aha moment, revealing how much uneasiness and unnecessary effort we store in our nervous system, affecting all parts of our body and life. I then pursued The Alexander Technique, studying for three years to become an instructor, and I continue to teach it throughout my life.
Sometimes life throws unpredictable challenges and events our way; however, a health and wellness compass can help us navigate through the chaos and daily demands, making it a beneficial resource.
You might have wondered how I am doing. I'm 57 and have managed my hormonal changes, undergone detox, and seen improvements like no more eczema and mobility comparable to a 27-year-old. Caring for our bodies and well-being benefits us and has a positive impact on the world around us.
My journey is outgoing! Always being curious and aware