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

The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology

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