Our deep ability to form relationships is crucial for our mental well-being. This includes the relationship to our ‘self’, others or perhaps the higher source. Micon Garvilles, Lincoln DPhil in Molecular and Cellular Medicine, organised and led a talk on mindfulness with a focus on forming deep connections, including romantic, friendship and workplace colleagues. With a neuroscience approach, the conversation with Tara Swart, MD, PhD, a leading neuroscientist and Lincoln Alumna, discussed how mindfulness and ancient wisdom can guide us toward more authentic connections. Tara discussed practical tools that help reconnect with our senses, including our intuition, through journaling, connecting in nature through walks, and volunteering. Below is the list of topics that were discussed during the talk and can be viewed in separate topics in each video. The talk was held at Lincoln College and was attended by students, staff and fellows.

Dr Tara Swart is a leading neuroscientist with a PhD from King’s College London, an Oxford-trained medical doctor and a psychiatrist. She studied medicine at Lincoln College. She is a best-selling author of the book, The Source and the Signs. Tara is incredible at blending together personal transformation and evidence-based science that inspires growth and deeper understanding. Her latest book, The Signs, explores the theme of love, born from the deep grief she experienced after the loss of her beloved husband, Robin. In sharing this newly released best-seller, Tara reflected on the immense risk involved in writing it. Surrounded by a supportive community, she found the courage to bravely release the book into the world.

Micon is an experienced and certified yoga and meditation teacher and the founder and president of Lincoln Yoga and Meditation Community.

The talk is recorded and divided into short videos combined in a playlist, focusing on each topic:

1. Tara’s career journey and the way her research and writing have changed the way she connects with people
2. Belongingness and loneliness in shaping our mental health, sense of self and connection to others: How do we find a real sense of belonging in a world that’s constantly shifting, all while being thoughtful about who we let into our lives?
3. How does trauma affect our intuition and our ability to connect with others?
4. Neuroscience of forming connections: What’s happening in the brain when we form a bond with someone new?
5. Working towards establishing a healthy romantic relationship with a partner: How can hormones, stress, or physical health affect this connection?
6. Managing stress in a workplace setting
7. How to manage conflict or loss of connection (i.e., friendship, romantic partner, workplace)
8. The use of AI is part of our daily connection
9. Can ancient wisdom be explained by neuroscience, and is there a particular group of people we are meant to apply this to?
10. Myths about the brain and relationships
11. Forming communities through arts, sports or volunteering

Access the playlist