NTI Conversations series

Nourishing the Mind: Insights into Food, Mood and Well-being

Lara Ryan

In this interactive session, discover how the latest research on nutrition and mental health reveals connections between our diet, mood, resilience, and overall well-being. We’ll delve into the science of the gut-brain connection, examining how digestive health can influence neurotransmitters and, in turn, shape our emotions and mental states.

Whether you’re a professional in the mental health field or someone with a personal interest in improving your well-being and that of those you care for, you’ll find valuable insights in this discussion. As an introduction to Nan Tien’s Master of Mental Health program, it also offers a glimpse into coursework on Nutrition and Mental Health, covering therapeutic approaches to supporting individuals with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.

We’ll highlight key nutrients—such as omega-3s, magnesium, and B vitamins—that play a vital role in mental balance, along with practical tips for incorporating them into daily life. Additionally, we’ll explore how mindful eating can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being through intentional, balanced food choices.

This event is led by Lara Ryan, an accredited Nutritionist and Naturopath with extensive experience in integrative mental health and wellness. Lara’s background includes senior lecturing roles, clinical supervision, and a private practice supporting clients facing chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, and complex emotional needs. Known for her compassionate approach, Lara also writes about resilience, trauma, and self-compassion, offering insights into navigating life’s challenges with strength and hope.

The Self-Care Journey

Anita Milicevic

There is increasing contemporary dialogue on “self-care”, yet we often misunderstand its importance for ourselves and others.

Why is it so crucial to care for ourselves in order to help others, particular for those in caring professions? How does self-care become a practice?

Dr. Anita Milicevic, a contemplative psychologist and trauma specialist, will address self-care as an ethical imperative and practice for personal accountability. She will examine our struggles with self-care, the challenges of surrendering and trusting, and how to cultivate the ability to seek and accept help. She will explore how consistent self-care practices foster psychological flexibility, a healthy sense of confidence and nurture meaningful relationships, while enabling us to avoid burnout.

As the year begins to wind down, join us for this uplifting and nurturing session on self-care with Dr Anita Milicevic, the Research & Education Director at the Center for Contemplative Research.

Transforming Lives: The Role of Mindfulness in regulating emotions for people with ADHD

Jen Lewis, ADHD Specialist and Coach

Mindfulness is being increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for improving emotional regulation in individuals diagnosed with ADHD. By cultivating present-moment awareness and reducing impulsivity, mindfulness practices can help individuals manage their emotions more effectively. Regular mindfulness exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing, promote self-awareness and increase attention control, which can often be challenging for those with ADHD. Research has shown that mindfulness can lead to reduced stress, improved mood, and increased emotional resilience. In this Conversation, Jen talks about her experience in guiding individuals with ADHD and their uplifting stories in which regular mindfulness practice resulted in greater cognitive comprehension, emotional stability and improved relationships, enhancing the quality of their lives.

This discussion takes participants through the neuroscience of how our brains work concerning thoughts and emotions with fascinating insights as how our unique perspectives get created. The more we know about the processes happening in our minds and bodies, we can create space to pause and expand choice in responding skilfully and liberate ourselves from rigid thinking. Increasing emotional & physiological regulation is so key in this “always-on” world, not least for our ADHD community. Learn the science of how deeply the skill of mindfulness affects this whole process between the brain functions that regulate emotion – not as a “thing you do” but a tremendously upgraded way of showing up to yourself and others.

Jen is a founder of JLewHQ, ADHD & Business Coach (PCC), Wellbeing Educator & Facilitator, Burnout Proofing Organisations and Individuals. Jen’s background spans over 25 years in business, coaching, people development and soft skills facilitation. Jen is an ADDCA-qualified ADHD coach, a member of ICF and AADPA, an IECL-qualified executive coach, holds multiple neuroscience and children’s emotions coaching credentials, a master’s in commerce (strategy innovation) and is a fully qualified Mindfulness teacher (MTIA) in the Gold Standard of Mindfulness – Jon Kabat Zinn’s clinical program, the MBSR.

Bridging Ancient Meditations and Modern Brain-Based Sciences

Dr Maria Kozhevnikov (NUS; Harvard Medical School) 

Can contemporary neuroscience glimpse the wonders of ancient meditative traditions? Can it offer insights into the extraordinary mind-body capacities of their advanced practitioners?  How can modern seekers and professionals tap into these insights to experience similar heightened states of consciousness and creativity? 

Neuroscientist Maria Kozhevnikov has undertaken a pioneering exploration of ancient meditation practices. Travelling to remote monasteries and yogic hermitages across Asia, she gained unprecedented access to study some of these sacred techniques, including deeper jhanas of Theravada Buddhism and advanced Tibetan tantric meditations such as tummo (inner heat). Through the interaction of her own meditative experiences and rigorous scientific research, Maria has uncovered the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of these ancient meditations, offering a novel framework for unifying ancient traditions with modern science.

Balancing Everyday life with spiritual practice

Carlo and Karen Cernicchi

As individuals managing life and careers, we often find ourselves consumed by the essential task of earning a living. However, an even greater challenge lies before us: living a life of dignity, fulfilment, happiness, and health. We strive to transcend suffering, realise our full potential, and make a positive impact during our time on Earth. In pursuit of these goals, we seek guidance from Dharma teachings and establish our own spiritual practices. Yet, the demands of everyday life frequently present obstacles that hinder our spiritual growth. This discussion will explore these challenges and offer strategies to help us optimise and maintain our spiritual practice while navigating the complexities of a everyday life.

Carlo and Karen Cernicchi run Ocean Beach Therapies, a wellness clinic situated on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Beyond their professional endeavours, Carlo and Karen have nurtured a profound spiritual practice rooted in the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff and Buddhist traditions, integrating these philosophies into their personal and professional lives.

Joy, Love, Compassion and Equanimity: The Evidence-Based Heart of Secular Buddhism

Associate Professor Pema Duddul

Discover how these core principles of Buddhism are supported by modern scientific research and can be applied to enhance your everyday life. This talk delves into the practical benefits of these timeless values, offering insights into how they promote mental well-being, resilience, and harmonious relationships. Whether you are new to Buddhism or seeking a deeper understanding, this lecture will provide valuable knowledge and tools to cultivate a balanced and fulfilling life.

Associate Professor Pema Duddul is an adjunct in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of New England. He is also the Engagement Project Manager for the Humanistic Buddhism Centre at Nan Tien Institute and a Dharma teacher for Pristine Awareness: Foundation for Buddhist Practice. Pema was the Buddhist chaplain for the University of Southern Queensland from 2019 to 2023, as part of the university’s multi-faith service. Pema is also the author of dozens of scholarly and creative works, including his most recent book: Luminous Awareness: A Guidebook to Natural Awakening in Life and in Death (2022), which includes a foreword by the Dalai Lama. Pema has been teaching Dharma since 2006, with a focus on The Four Immeasurables (joy, love, compassion and equanimity).

Chinese Medicine and Emotions

Professor Chris Zaslawski

Chinese medicine has a unique perspective on the role of emotions in health and well-being. Understand how Chinese medicine views emotions through concepts such as the five elements, zangfu (organs of the body). Learn how acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to treat psychological and emotional conditions. Hear how Buddhism has influenced the development of Chinese medicine.

This seminar presents theories and practices of emotional regulation informed by a Chinese medicine perspective, and suggests ways it may be helpful in your everyday life.

Visiting Professor Chris Zaslawski was Chinese medicine discipline leader within the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology, Sydney until he retired in December 2020. A clinician, educator and researcher, Chris has been involved in research into the role of acupuncture and taijiquan on stress and anxiety.