Milena A. Guziak is the driving force behind spaces designed for healing and growth, such as the The Mindful Tourist:森の心・人の心, Forest Healing Sphere and the International Shinrin Yoku Association. Through her work, Milena seeks to deepen the connection between individuals and nature, extending her passion for Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, from personal practice to a global scale.

Originally from Poland, Milena has spent nearly two decades living overseas, with a significant portion of that time in Japan. Her journey into Japanese culture began with a transformative internship through the Vulcanus in Japan Program in 2009/2010, during her studies in England. This experience fundamentally changed her trajectory, leading her to pursue a PhD in engineering and applied physics in Japan, supported by a MEXT excellence scholarship.

While in Japan, Milena balanced her time between academic pursuits and deep explorations into the forests and cultural landscapes that surrounded her. It was amidst these serene environments that she discovered her true calling.

She has developed detailed Shinrin Yoku Guide training programs, informed by both her research, personal insights. and idea of new humanism. In 2022, she completed a master’s degree in psychology, focusing her thesis on the impact of nature on emotional regulation. 

Her current collaborations include work with Professor David Sheffield from the Nature Connectedness Group at Derby University, exploring how psychedelics affect our connection to nature. 

To date, Milena has trained over 100 Shinrin Yoku Guides. Her program was recently recognized with the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certificate, a testament to the quality and impact of her training services.

Milena’s work exemplifies her belief in the restorative power of nature and her commitment to promoting health and environmental awareness. She continues to forge new paths in her life.

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