It is well documented how the constant demands of caregiving can take a toll on one's well-being, particularly the body — a foundation of our strength and resilience. Several years ago a friend introduced me to somatic practices as I was caring for my aging parents simultaneously. By slowly integrating somatics into my caregiving routines, I learned that I could enhance my body awareness, manage stress more effectively, and improve my overall health and well-being. Small changes in body awareness led me to significant improvements in my overall wellness, enabling me to improve all aspects of my life, not just caring for my aging parents. But what exactly is somatics?

Because of the lack of care I put into myself, along with the demands of the care I gave, my body became affected. As much as I allowed the wound to be where the light enters, I also had to acknowledge that my body has stored some of the trauma and stress, and I needed to learn how to clear it to regain my full vitality.

Embarking on my journey to becoming a permaculturist and transforming our yard into an urban forest garden has opened my eyes to the profound ways in which nature can enhance health and wellness. While exercise and nutrition are two important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, my experience has shown me that spending time outdoors and engaging in gardening activities can greatly amplify their effects. Along the way, I've picked up many fun and easy ways to infuse the outdoors into daily life. As April marks National Garden Month, there's no better time to step outside to start reaping Nature’s rewards.