In this episode, I sit down with Venerable Vanderpoel, a Buddhist nun whose work in mindfulness, stress, and emotional resilience challenged my own relationship with presence and calm. We cut through the noise and ask: why is stress so rampant, and how do we reclaim peace—without retreating from life?

I learned that stress isn’t just a modern inconvenience—it starts in the mind, in the stories we tell ourselves, and in the ways we disconnect from others. Yet there’s real, accessible relief here. Couple ancient mindfulness and meditation practices with a selfless lens, community, gratitude, and generosity—and your nervous system begins to reset.

We also dig into practical tools I can use daily:

• Recognising the parasympathetic nervous system as my ally—not an abstract concept.
  
  
• Shifting from self-centred mindset to one rooted in empathy and service.
  
  
• Turning mindfulness into a lifestyle, not a bucket-list task.
  
  
• Practicing gratitude and generosity as a way of life—not another thing to tick off.

What we cover:

• Stress in our lives: How it shows up—physically and mentally—and how a selfless shift helps regulate it.
  
  
• Neuroscience made practical: Understanding and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system to feel calmer, faster.
  
  
• Mindfulness beyond meditation: Bringing awareness into daily tasks, relationships & routine.
  
  
• Meditation as mindset development: It’s not about blanking out—it’s the opposite. It’s building a calm, grounded inner world.
  
  
• Community, gratitude & generosity: These aren’t just "nice to have" extras—they’re vital to a healthy life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Monthly meditation gatherings with Venerable Vanderpoel at Kathleen Smith Library in Carlton—completely free and open to all.
  
  
• International Center for Inner Peace and Happiness—creating more community spaces for mindfulness and learning.
  
  Interested? You can contact the centre on 03 9794 0759 to get involved or donate.

If you’re ready to slow down, reconnect, and build practical tools for true presence and calm—this episode is for you. Tune in now and discover how mindful practices + real human connection can reset your wellbeing, today.

About Rohan

Rohan Parrant is a counsellor, coach, speaker and wellbeing strategist dedicated to helping individuals and leaders live, perform and lead without burning out. With over two decades of experience across construction, trades, corporate, education and youth services, he brings a grounded, no-BS approach to personal development, mental health and leadership.

On The Rohan Parrant Method podcast, Rohan dives into honest, practical conversations with everyday people, thought leaders and high performers to explore what it really means to grow, heal and lead well—especially under pressure. From burnout and mindset to trauma, resilience and self-awareness, this is the show for people who want to go deeper, feel stronger, and show up better in all areas of life.

With a background that bridges real-world grit and emotional depth, Rohan knows what it takes to rise after setbacks, push past mental barriers, and keep showing up with integrity. His episodes are packed with raw insights, grounded tools and powerful stories that challenge the status quo and call you to step into something greater.

Whether you're rebuilding, evolving or just curious, Rohan’s method is real, relatable and always rooted in lived experience.

Connect with Rohan:
Website: rohanparrant.com