The Taoist Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing: The Barefoot Doctor at TEDxHackney

The Barefoot Doctor, Stephen Russell is an acclaimed and controversial interpreter of the philosophy and the methods of the ancient Taoist warrior-sages. Working across all platforms he teaches how these may be best deployed to ameliorate the human condition from the inside out. He's dedicated nearly 50 years to his specialty, has authored 17 books, including HANDBOOK FOR THE URBAN WARRIOR, produces 'psychoactive' electronic dance music, and founded the 'conscious clubbing' movement. He is an avid bridge-builder between the worlds of esoteric study and contemporary culture and has a following of millions around the world.

@BarefootDoctor

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[MarkThisSomaticCoach]

I met the Doc back in the 90's. He is consistent and always honest... good to see him here, first time I had realised he had done a Ted talk... must have some taoist synchronistic relevance right now. Handbook for the Urban Warrior is good but my fave is Handbook for Heroes... and personal plug... I get a shout in the Handbook for Lovers. Cheers Doc.
Mark This.

[barbarachristensen]

What a "gift" to the Universe the Doc is....how fortunate I am to finally learn from him despite his not being on
Mother Earth is a true blessing to society worldwide.

[maryannwuebker]

How interesting. I just listened to this, having never seen him before, went to Twitter to connect with him, found he just passed and the Celebration of his Life is today in London.🙏🏻

[ozilan]

Beautiful paradox: Yin Yang tells us we cannot be fully enlightened!
By accepting and loving that, we become enlightened ❤️

[loudboomboom]

This was the medicine I woke up in the middle of the night knowing I needed.

[dannysze]

I used to be a pious Christian. Now I am an agnostic Christians. there are a lot of good teachings from Buddism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity. I believe in the universe which manifest itself in all different religions and beliefs.

[lanced]

Thank you so much for existing Stephen. I just finished one of your books. I love you too man. More than you'll ever know

[jalica]

the part where he says lean back on your shoulder blades and have your mind going back on your head is how i feel when i go deeper within myself. im amazed to hear it from somebody. i thought i was just imagining it.

[maria-delosangeles]

Wow, that smile at the end really warmed my heart. I’ve always like the teachings of the late Wayne Dyer but never really thought of actually practicing Taoism until very recently and I must say, I am in love. Thank you for such a great talk!

[xstrawbrysx]

I’m very much open & willing to learn, since my brain tumour (2007) I don’t find it as straight forward to obtain information. Listening to your talk has done me the world of good & given my thirst of knowledge a much easier to understand perspective, thank you 🙏💐👏 x

[HMALDANA]

I love to hear people think aloud! Thank you, Stephen!

[wangwenshan]

I was doing mundane chores while listening to this random talk, but when I heard the part about the speaker putting his hands on the person's back (kidneys) and the ensuing heat that flowed out, I perked up. That is when I realized the speaker is legit. I practice qi gong with a healer in Asia and this is a key part of the process, which is incredibly methodical and "scientific". Unfortunately, we have not well bridged the knowledge gap between western and eastern medicine and hence practitioners of western medicine still often discredit eastern methods and categorize them as "alternative". Rather than treat symptoms after the fact, these Taoist-rooted practices help ensure balance within the body. By preventing stagnant qi or qi blockage, they can thwart disease and prevent illness from taking root in the first place.

[lessonstolivefor]

6 years ago and look at that he was right about the economy

[CottonBoxer]

A friend wanted to know if I believe in a higher power after me telling her I do not believe in god as a personal entity…

I explained in a different way what I hear you sharing with us.

I feel she will gain a better understanding if I share your video with her.

I’m Yang style Taijiquan player and teacher but in conversation with others I often speak in terms that I view as distilling all the excess into simplicity.

I have done this naturally the vast majority of my life.
I don’t pre think of how to do this. Yet, this is how I’m hard wired naturally.

xie xie 🤗☯️

[rickdiamond]

Very good talk. I feel there is a lot of truth here. We are not what we think. We are that which does the thinking.

[SecretEyeSpot]

Im glad he talked about the powers and problems of Psychedelics..
Sometimes in an induced state of mind.. depending on the dose and the nature of the medication.. the body effects hinder the intellectual enhancements. One wants to think and experience from the deepest level of cognition in ones present awareness of Mind, but the feelings one feels have their own electrical charge that are somewhat inhibitory if one does not know already how to move that energy back to the executive center.. I believe the implications one can gather from this insight is that: one MUST engage in some kinesthesiological exercise that is holistic in practice, whether aerobic or anaerobic.. that commands control over the peripheral and primary pathway of nerves that flow from the brain.. so as to achieve "balance" between the poles of ones being..

[pianoman]

Well done! You made so many outstanding points!

[voice]

loved this wish they gave him more time

[richmeister]

I have a very similar story studied Aikido, meditation and healing from 14. I am aware of other students who the Japanese Sensei's (treacher and master) have chosen to extend their teaching. My training stated in 1974 in Plymouth then move to London where I continued my practice and for work at the BBC. I am still follow the Tao in Zen and practice the meditations and healing I was taught and went on to learn other technique from India and the far east.

[TonyPrower]

This guy helped me change my life 10 years ago with his manifesto book . recommended.