#116: Taoism & the Neuroscience of the Self - Dr. Aldrich Chan#116: Taoism & the Neuroscience of the Self - Dr. Aldrich Chan
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology
Josh and Dr Aldrich Chan connect Taoist philosophy with neuroscience to question how our sense of self, stress and modern life affect wellbeing. The conversation touches on meditation, flow, play and uncertainty as possible ways to move towards a more natural, less conflicted way of being.
1:16:09•18 Aug 2026
Taoism, Brain Science and Your Original Nature with Dr Aldrich Chan
Episode Overview
- Mental health struggles are framed as misalignment with natural principles rather than personal defects or moral failings.
- Meditation and embodied practices can reduce default mode network activity, easing anxiety, depression and rigid self-focus.
- Experiences of original nature are linked to timelessness, selflessness and a clearer distinction between self and consciousness.
- A moderate level of stress (eustress) can be helpful for growth, while overwhelm signals a need to shift perspective or support.
- Play, curiosity and spontaneity are presented as essential emotional systems that support resilience and genuine connection.
“The experience of original nature is experiences of timelessness, of selflessness… when the self dissolves, what remains is consciousness.”
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? This conversation between Josh and clinical neuropsychologist Dr Aldrich Chan might catch the attention of anyone who's curious about how the mind, ancient philosophy and daily practice can all support a more balanced, less compulsive life. Dr Chan draws on Taoist and Zen meditation, neuroscience and evolutionary psychology to ask why humans feel so cut off from nature and from themselves.
He outlines his "SAD theory"—separation, alienation, discord—to explain how our abstract thinking, modern lifestyle and meaning systems can leave us anxious, isolated and stuck. As he puts it, "The experience of original nature is experiences of timelessness, of selflessness," and these states may soften the rigid sense of "me" that often fuels craving and shame.
You’ll hear them talk about the default mode network and how daydreaming, worry and self-critique arise in the brain, alongside how meditation can quiet these loops and reveal a calmer, more connected awareness. Dr Chan links this to Taoist ideas like nothingness as a "fertile expanse of potential" and the "uncarved wood"—suggesting that our true nature doesn’t need endless optimisation, just less interference.
For anyone recovering from addiction, his reframing of mental health struggles is striking: instead of a defect, they’re presented as a misalignment with natural principles like creativity, equilibrium and spontaneity. The discussion touches on eustress versus burnout, flow states, embodied practices such as Tai Chi and qigong, and the role of play and curiosity in healing.
The tone stays relaxed and practical, with plenty of personal anecdotes—from retreat nerves to missed musical notes—that make complex brain science feel human and relatable. If you’re looking for fresh ways to relate to your mind, your body and the urge to escape, this episode offers a different lens: what would change if you treated your recovery as a return to your "original nature" rather than a battle against yourself?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.