Certified forest bathing guide, certified ecotherapist, translator, linguist, ecolinguist, and storyteller.

As our Expert describes herself:

“I am a certified guide for forest bathing and forest therapy. I believe that the forest not only heals difficult emotions but also allows the body to self-heal. I fell in love with this therapy for many reasons: it helped me overcome burnout and understand the importance of the forest for the emotional and physical health of a city dweller. This journey began when many trees were cut down one morning outside my house. The empty and lifeless windows of the house started to overwhelm me. Searching for ways to lift my spirits, I intuitively began to spend more time in nature, and when I discovered the Japanese technique of shinrin-yoku – forest bathing – and tried it in practice, I quickly felt relief. Calmness and joy of life returned. Trying to find out if nature (or its absence) really affects human well-being, I came across a series of studies confirming this, including those conducted by the author of the famous book, Japanese scientist Dr. Qing Li. ‘The roots of modern human problems lie in alienation from nature, the environment in which humanity evolved for millions of years, which is ingrained in our genetics. Closed in offices and homes, moving most of our lives, even communication, to virtual space, we not only fall more often into physical and mental illnesses but also become increasingly overworked and no longer notice the natural environment essential for our survival.’ – says the author. In the fall of 2019, I completed training at the Forest Therapy Institute and became the first certified forest bathing and therapy guide in Lithuania. I conduct forest bathing practices in Vilnius and other Lithuanian forests. Forest therapy – a peaceful, mindful stay in the forest, experiencing it with all five senses – prevents many diseases, calms, and provides a sense of joy and happiness. It is a scientifically based methodology of prevention and, at the same time, the art of ‘letting the forest in’ to your body, feeling fully alive, establishing a connection with the environment, others, and oneself. A healthy, rested person usually does not want to destroy something with which they have a positive connection. The forest heals and creates a bond with everything that lives around us. For three years, I have been conducting forest therapy sessions, and interest in this therapy is growing. This interest has been further fueled worldwide by the pandemic of recent years, during which the only escape was to nature. Incidentally, more and more studies are emerging examining the impact of forests and green areas on the incidence of COVID-19. Research results boldly state that a person who sees greenery every day is more resistant not only physically but also emotionally. People yearning for nature seek ways to be there continually, and forest therapy is a way to be aware and mindful in nature. When we consciously spend time in the forest, we become more attentive, observant, and establish a connection with the surroundings. A healthy and rested person usually does not want to destroy something with which they have a positive connection. Therefore, forest therapy acts not only as a preventive measure for diseases, promoting well-being and creativity but also develops compassion and responsibility, a desire to care for the environment and its protection. My goal is to inspire people to spend more time in nature, feeling that they are not its owners but a part of it, drawing health, well-being, and inspiration from it.

Source and more information: https://shinrinyoku.lt/

In 2023, Mila completed training in ecotherapy at the Pacifica Graduate Institute under the guidance of Linda Buzzell (author of “Ecotherapy”) and Mary-Jayne Rust (author of “Ecopsychotherapy”).

She also has a scientific interest in the narrative concerning nature, its resources, and conservation, known as ecolinguistics.

Mila has translated not only Dr. Qing Li’s book “Shinrin-yoku” but also many stories, histories, and poetry, including Ukrainian, which, due to her background and roots, is her second language. Currently, Mila is working on translating Amos Clifford’s book “Forest Bathing” from English to Lithuanian.

At the Forest Therapy Center, she co-facilitates workshops for women, gives lectures during workshops and scientific meetings, and conducts forest baths for the youngest.