Show 109 — Natural Balance and the Tao of Dr. Totton

Tod talks with Noah Rasheta, the host of the “Secular Buddhism Podcast,” about his path from Mormonism to Buddhism. He also shares some practices that can help quell your anger and anxiety and explains why you’re already enough. Noah’s website: Eightfold Path The Secular Buddhism podcast

In this episode, Tod and George unpack Derek Lin’s thoughts on natural balance, explore the concept of “pro-anoia” (the antidote to paranoia), and delve into the philosophical writings of Dr. Carl Totton that he claims could be a successor to the “Tao Te Ching.”

George shares how to relax your nervous system through breathing, including his “LSD through the nose” technique. They also review Derek Lin’s “Best Time to Learn” and the parable of the Mexican Fisherman.

Tod recently read “The Original Tao” (aka the Nei-Yeh), a Taoist work likely written before the Tao Te Ching, and he shares its central theme. Also, George shares the concept of response-ability, and the two review Chuang Tzu’s thoughts on the need to win. Episode Transcript Key ideas discussed: [01:02] Tod Perry: Hello, everybody. Welcome […]

Tod and George examine the works of Derek Lin and Chuang Tzu to discuss how to live with less contention and greater harmony. George also shares the power of the “sacred” pause, and Tod explains why balancing your internal checkbook can help you find peace.

Tod and George explore the concept of li, or the natural energy patterns inherent in all of us. They also help a listener with love problems and examine Chuang Tzu’s tragedy of Hundun, the faceless but benevolent emperor. Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman

Tod shares how Jason Gregory’s “The Tradition of Natural Taoism” aims to correct some Western interpretations of the Tao. Also, George explains the mysterious emptiness of wu-chi and the pair dive deep into one of Chuang Tzu’s strangest stories, “Metamorphosis.” Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman

Tod took a trip to Cuba and felt an incredible joy getting away from technology and consumer culture for a few days. George shares tips on being kind to yourself and building space around your personal challenges to put them in proper perspective. Also, Chuang Tzu’s thoughts on being competitive.

Tod interviewed Deepak Chopra for a work assignment and asked for his thoughts on Taoism. Later, Tod and George also explore Lu Dong Pin’s dream, which led him to reject worldly power for the Tao, and Chuang Tzu’s “Tower of Spirit,” a lesson in guarding sincerity. George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”

After nearly two years in hospice care, Dr. Totton has passed away, Tod discusses the aftermath. Later, George talks about how improv classes have helped his Tao cultivation and they dive deep into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on the “Active Life.” Also, a listener asks how they can be more disciplined in their practice. GoFundMe: Care […]