#86: The Science of Spontaneity - Edward Slingerland, PhD

#86: The Science of Spontaneity - Edward Slingerland, PhD

Author: FitMind: Neuroscience, Meditation & Mental Fitness Training January 18, 2022 Duration: 45:32

Edward Slingerland, PhD, is a Professor of Philosophy and Associate Member in the Asian Studies and Psychology Departments at the University of British Columbia. He's an expert on the cognitive science of ancient philosophies.

On this episode, we discuss the science of ancient concepts like Wu Wei ("effortless action"), hot vs cold cognition, ways to alter consciousness, the paradox of trying not to try, and much more.

FitMind Neuroscience-Based App: http://bit.ly/afitmind
Website: www.fitmind.com

SHOW NOTES

0:00 | Intro to Edward Slingerland, PhD

1:39 | Wu Wei & Flow State

9:34 | Hot vs. Cold Cognition

13:45 | How to Get into State of Wu Wei

17:35 | When to Not Use Wu Wei

19:30 | Paradox of Trying Not to Try

26:40 | Wu Wei in Daily Life

30:10 | Microdosing Psychedelics

32:28 | Alcohol and Ways to Alter Consciousness

38:06 | How Much Effort is Needed to Become Effortless?

40:00 | Rapid Fire Questions


What if the most impactful training you could do wasn't for your body, but for your mind? The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology explores that very idea, moving beyond simple self-help to examine the tangible science behind cognitive well-being. Host Liam McClintock, founder of FitMind, sits down with an eclectic mix of world-class experts-neuroscientists mapping the brain's pathways, psychologists unpacking behavioral patterns, Buddhist monks with millennia of contemplative wisdom, and elite athletes who apply mental discipline at the highest levels. Their conversations delve into practical applications of mindfulness meditation, the principles of Stoicism, emerging brain technologies, and the pursuit of sustainable productivity and happiness. This isn't just theoretical discussion; it's a deep dive into actionable strategies, grounded in research, aimed at strengthening your mental resilience. Each episode serves as a session for your cognitive toolkit, reflecting the core belief that understanding and training the mind is our most vital frontier. Tune in to this podcast for a thoughtful, evidence-based guide to building a healthier, more focused, and resilient inner life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Podcast Episodes
#105: Freediving & Mental Mastery - Will Trubridge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:21:55
World champion freediver Will Trubridge explores the depths of the mind and ocean, sharing mental techniques honed through decades of extreme performance. In this episode, he explains how breathwork, mindfulness, and wha…
#104: Intelligence Beyond the Brain - Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:14
Can cells outside the brain learn, remember, and make decisions? In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin shares groundbreaking research that shows even non-neuronal cells can recognize patterns, count, and…
#103: The Divided Brain, Attention & Meaning - Iain McGilchrist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:26
Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist, philosopher, and author, joins the FitMind Podcast to explain how the brain's two hemispheres shape our perception, attention, and consciousness. He explores how the left brain's dom…
#102: The Science of Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff, PhD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:13
Psychologist and leading self-compassion researcher Dr. Kristin Neff shares how treating yourself with kindness, especially in moments of failure, can boost motivation, resilience, and mental health. We explore the scien…
#101: Movement as Meditation - George Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:10
Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson shares how movement became a form of meditation and a path to healing. From training with a Taoist monk in the mountains to recovering from a knee injury using only internal a…
#99: Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower - Philippe Douyon, MD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:16
This episode features Dr. Philippe Douyon, a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroplasticity, brain health, and cognitive resilience. We discuss the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, challenging miscon…
#98: Connection & the Mind - Adam Dorsay, PsyD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:53
In this episode, psychologist Adam Dorsay, PsyD, explores the importance of human connection and its impact on well-being. He introduces the four types of connection and examines their role in resilience and life satisfa…