Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan joins the FitMind Podcast to explore the intersection of Taoist philosophy, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology, and what these fields can teach us about our growing sense of disconnection from nature.
Drawing from his book 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed and How We Return, Aldrich explains his theory of separation, alienation, and discord, and how capacities that helped humans survive—such as abstract thinking, mental time travel, and a strong sense of self—may also contribute to some of the challenges of modern life.
The conversation explores the default mode network and our perception of time, the neuroscience of meditation and self-transcendence, and the Taoist idea of our "original nature." Aldrich also discusses nothingness as a space of possibility rather than a void, the relationship between wu wei and flow states, how to work more skillfully with stress and uncertainty, and why play and spontaneity remain important throughout adulthood.
Topics include:
- The intersection of Taoism, neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology
- Separation, alienation, and modern evolutionary mismatch
- The default mode network, thinking, and our perception of time
- Meditation, self-transcendence, and "original nature"
- Taoist nothingness and creating space for difficult experiences
- Wu wei, Tai Chi, and the neuroscience of flow
- Eustress and the difference between productive and overwhelming stress
- Working with uncertainty through curiosity rather than threat
- Why play, spontaneity, and intuition matter for well-being
A wide-ranging conversation for anyone interested in meditation, consciousness, neuroscience, Taoist philosophy, or how we might live in greater alignment with our minds, bodies, and the natural world.
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Website: www.fitmind.org
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Timestamps
0:00 | Original Nature, Selflessness & Consciousness
0:51 | Introduction to Dr. Aldrich Chan
1:56 | From Neuroscience to Taoism
8:18 | The SAD Theory: Separation, Alienation & Discord
15:38 | Evolutionary Mismatch & Modern Isolation
19:46 | The Default Mode Network, Time & Meditation
24:23 | The Neuroscience of "Original Nature"
32:13 | Self-Transcendence Without Losing Function
34:33 | Meditation vs. Psychedelic States
37:04 | Taoist Nothingness & the Uncarved Wood
42:08 | Creating Space for Difficult Emotions
44:14 | Tai Chi, Wu Wei & Flow States
49:54 | Eustress & Dynamic Equilibrium
57:52 | Dr. Chan's Stillness Meditation Practice
1:00:30 | How to Work With Uncertainty
1:06:25 | Reframing Mental Health & Evolutionary Mismatch
1:10:07 | Why Play Matters
1:12:48 | The Seven Principles as Invitations
1:14:24 | Dr. Chan's Book & Where to Find His Work
