Pathways to Nature Connectedness Wellness Journey with Milena

Milena left her home-country, Poland, in her early 20s to study and work abroad. She first encountered Japanese culture when she went on a one-year internship in Japan during her studies in England. That year changed her life. After graduating with a Master’s degree in chemistry, she relocated to Japan with the purpose of embarking on doctoral training, which allowed her to work as a lecturer in numerous Japanese universities. During her 10-year stay there, she explored the cultural and natural corners of Japan. Spending hours in the forests of Kyoto has prompted the healing journey she is still on.

Through research, she discovered that there appears to be a growing disconnection between humans and their natural environments. Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing, forest therapy), as part of Nature Connectedness Pathways, has proven to be a tool to distress the body and mind and is associated with a broad range of measures linked to psychological and physiological well-being.

She is one of the co-founders of The Mindful Tourist, in addition to being a creative director. She developed Shinrin-Yoku Guide and Instructor training programs, has trained 60 Shinrin Yoku Guides worldwide, and facilitated a gross of Shinrin Yoku and Nature Connectedness sessions.

Milena recently obtained her MSc in Psychology and is a freshly certified Yoga instructor. She collaborates with Derby University on research relating to the role nature plays in emotional regulation and well-being.