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.
www.barefootdoctorglobal.com
@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)

[@maryannwuebker1084]

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.🙏🏻

[@phoenixdavida8987]

REALLY? Like just recently as in a day or two ago or something?

[@maryannwuebker1084]

Vanessa Benefico yes! Google him. The day I wrote that they were having the gathering foe him!

[@jasminealixandranorth]

Me too :(

[@markant9534]

Yes Spehen gave me accupressure during the 90`s and I went to that memorial on Friday, so sad, lovely guy.

[@janeyd5280]

@@maryannwuebker1084 so sorry to hear that.x

[@ozilan7284]

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

[@bizzareadventure8576]

Theres a dogen zen master quote " dont think you'll necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment " that always stood out to me

[@tomw4821]

“It would be wise indeed to relinquish the idea of personal enlightenment altogether. It is a misnomer. The person you are seeking to enlighten is the obstacle that stands in your way. Who you are is not the person you seek to enlighten.” - from Secrets of Heaven, Marshall Vian Summers

[@alisonchavarria9189]

@@tomw4821 Thank you

[@phoenixdavida8987]

@@tomw4821 great quote .

[@phoenixdavida8987]

@Barry Woods thanks for sharing that! It made me feel very connected to read that.

[@barbarachristensen9034]

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 anylonger.....He is a true blessing to society worldwide.

[@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.

[@loudboomboom]

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

[@dannysze8183]

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.

[@JaysonT1]

Jesus was a yogi

[@THE-WAY_THE-TRUTH_THE-LIFE.]

An Agnostic Christian sounds like a contradiction though. Christianity is suppose to be about believing in Jesus and his teachings, but being Agnostic just means that you are skeptical about the existence of such things. Technically you can not be both Agnostic and Christian. If you believe in the universe then, in this way you would believe in every religion. Even the ones that go against Jesus. What you are is skeptical, but that's okay too.

[@dannysze8183]

@@THE-WAY_THE-TRUTH_THE-LIFE. I believe jesus is a son of god. I also fascinated by zen buddhism.

[@samreh6156]

I believ nothing. I don't follow any dogma. I do practice tai chi. In my opinion, there is no beginning and no end, but there is change. And I try to adjust to these changes to live an interesting life.

[@Liesl_Cigarboxguitar]

What a blessing to us all 🙏

[@lanced6467]

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

[@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

[@lessonstolivefor]

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

[@Expose_bankers_and_auctioneers]

I just saw that

[@raczyk]

you can make money in any economy, as long as you know how.

[@7655kitten]

Just a bit late lol

[@HMALDANA]

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

[@pianoman2276]

Well done! You made so many outstanding points!

[@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!

[@jalica1983]

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.

[@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.

[@voice8730]

loved this wish they gave him more time

[@theblacksworde]

This guy is amazing. Ive seen him talk in London before!

[@chandracarol232]

I love the barefoot doctors guide 2 the TAO . Many year's ago a copy of that book slip it self into my hands. Thank you for your perspective of the WAY...

[@user-dr6rt1ji3l]

chandra carol Same here! Thanks to your comment I’ve remembered why ‘The barefoot doctor’ was so familiar. Spooky ☺️

[@markant9534]

RIP Stephen Russell.

[@SaurierDNA]

I really really liked this talk, his courage to come forward like this with his life lessons, etc.. Wow!! Visionary !

[@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 🤗☯️

[@TonyPrower]

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

[@paul8972]

Tell us more

[@adamtelford9764]

Thanks for this video, a great introduction to Taoism 👍🏻

[@abdeldayemmedani2153]

One of the greatest speech

[@AShorewalker]

What a great talk. I enjoyed his story.

[@AShorewalker]

Become aware of both sides of life. So very true, and practiced for years. Thank you.

[@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..

[@lucid5385]

Interesting thought. Might try exercising next trip

[@kathrynphillips3710]

Loved this💗 Bought his book years ago Brilliant!.. so great to hear him talk 🙏 Thankyou for sharing 💗

[@minichanz]

That was bloody awesome!!!

[@rickdiamond9288]

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.

[@denicase9444]

Gone too soon and very much missed. 🙏

[@mattparker9630]

It's great to hear you talk again

[@grahamellis8107]

Thank you Doc.

[@kathrynphillips3710]

wonderful 🙏 would have loved to hear more hes amazing such a gift..love him!.

[@mariancounsellor]

I wish this could have been longer. Very interesting ❤️

[@boblove6574]

not enough time for the subject thanks for sharing never STOP loving xx

[@margrietkuhn6682]

Endless time but not now.... ? Could not hear anything cause of more reasons.... O, maybe there are subtitles....? !

[@soulmechanics7946]

A true spotter. Brilliant. Your upbringing mirrors my own Sir. Well done.

[@siebedom]

Fantastic talk!

[@danarowe3969]

Great Wisdom

[@richmeister1960]

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.

[@Colstonewall]

Great talk. Loved it.

[@required.]

thank you so much.

[@look007456]

This is my first encounter with this guy and I really like his thoughts.

[@simonlevy2154]

Read the Tao te Ching. And change your thoughts change your life.

[@dr.davidmiller6682]

Oh my. About 20 years ago I ran into a DVD set of his then lost it when I started moving to different countries for work. Just found this on KZbin now I hear he’s passed. Sad to find that out!!

[@nazariobazan1462]

So basically, don't be the swimmer separately swimming in the river, be the water flowing in the river

[@caro395]

Alan Watts put it beautifully: Wu Wei is the sail boat tacking easily with the wind, not the row boat.

[@dalcloud8873]

Okay

[@lsporter88]

He's right. I like him. Brilliant commentary.

[@Spirit19675]

Interesting talk loved it thank you🙏

[@phyllisverzella5825]

thank you .

[@lanawebster2078]

The theater of life....I like this phrase...love your accent...easy to listen to....

[@ferox35]

Good talk. Very interesting.

[@inimacam3945]

He is good. thank you

[@Way827]

Brilliant!

[@Queenie-the-genie]

Wow - I never caught his name. What a great talk. Thankyou! :)

[@angierubyprice999]

Thank you Barefoot Dr...I still remember your brilliant metaphor from your book. ' Dance with the dinner lady' I do that when I caught up in the struggle of my life Thank you❤

[@skippy7208]

Angie, could you provide more information about this please? 🙏

[@danielmoore4024]

I do Tai Chi and it does take practice to produce the Chi, meridians. Chi is a form of energy we create in our core and it expands out, then spiritually connects the universe together. I get a tickling feeling in my spine behind my core.

[@lanawebster2078]

Really enjoyed

[@LivingTreeHouse]

Excellent

[@goatuscrow4135]

the acid trip story was on point

[@lightconnection1]

hi Stephen thanks for this :-)

[@davebeecher6579]

Thank you for your time,6 year's ago, glad I found your talk, today

[@sheilastutz8257]

Very good!

[@VladaPechenaya]

What a brilliant guy! He explained Taoism way better than Alan Watts! Also, I wish he had time to talk more about those principles, by which the humanity can reduce the levels of suffering. I wonder where I can learn more about his teachings? I wish he had a bigger time and audience...

[@teresaiche4722]

Brilliant delivery. The path of least resistance :-)

[@DorothyGTyas]

*'Dipping and rising' references a 2 dimensional image of wave action---which in 3 dimensions manifests as a spiral (a slinky = sine wave!).*

[@osbakk18]

amazing. will definitely do some research on daoism.

[@simsammalinao1823]

Master Russel's version of the Tao is intuitive because of actual practice of the Taoist process.

[@Danster547]

Aww he’s 43 and 3/4. Love him

[@soukainaelmountassir7882]

I read different books on wu wu wei and Taoism and his explanation is very clear and exhaustive. Great talk!

[@MrAntonNelson]

Really liked what he said -

[@4everu984]

He is a tribe leader. I felt understood. Great talk!

[@carpenterfamily6198]

16:43 The message in a thimble. But do listen to the whole thing. 😊

[@mellow5123]

Dang. I want to hear more.

[@kasumifu1541]

Dao De Jing is a great book for everyone. ^^

[@rebootukology1014]

Wow!

[@JoePiervincentiWorld]

it is true that pain brings suffering and that suffering comes from not being able to get what we want. All through life we follow the things that other people say we want and what we should do. That is the source of a great deal of conflict. The messages that tell us what we should do and what we should want is the problem. In other words these are the social norms and social roles that have been prescribed for us. Therefore the more we want the more we suffer. The Tao but more so the ideas and principles of Buddhism such as non-attachment, not wanting etc, go far toward illuminating the way. Does that solve the problem of chemical imbalances in our organism? No. Does it offset imperfections in someone's DNA? No. So within the framework of a healthy individual smelling flowers, singing songs and having a good time is probably one of the best remedies for mental health. After all didn't Krishna play a flute in the meadow? 😎

[@tomthumb9839]

He said his speech is not practiced....I believe him.

[@moondancer.n.8334]

Tom Thumb, UR WONDERFUL;love all u do, @ohmoondance

[@GreenMorningDragonProductions]

4:08 You can see evidence of this yin-yang economic theory, in the Tao-Jones index. May your spirit be in peace, Doc.

[@christopherdiedrich40]

I read in the description that the barefoot doctor has millions of followers

[@seinundzeiten]

wonderful talk- thanks

[@practicalphilosophy9031]

Tao is one of the best books ever read and having compared Chinese translations finding the best by hua ching ni .

[@micheleking2140]

Bless You , Thank You . Bare Foot Doctor . l Love

[@cindyweir9645]

To me it means balance such as the World struggling to balance the warrior with the merciful.

[@thevagabondsageinthewoods]

Universe finally (all must be in good timing for Spirit) put a medical doctor before me who listens more than talks. When he does talk, he talks with me and not at me. He is fully aware that I learned to make medicine from the native plants around me and he is fascinated by the results. I told him it is not ALL the medicine. It is a way of life (wu wei) and that I also keep my life energy well balanced (qi). He still doesn’t recognize any of it as Taoist nor does he need to. He and I both know it works for me and that’s enough. Walk in light and health but do not fear darkness and pain. Namaste.❤

[@JeromeArmstrong]

Sweet. Wait for it. He absolutely nails it in the last twenty seconds.

[@martinmcewen2214]

i onlypractise taichi for 9yr..but thisguy give ad equate intellectual word

[@nancywysemen7196]

provacative. i have experienced the heat from a chiropractor. seems useful.

[@olstone878]

I have for years called this the duality of life, as for every action there is an equal reaction. Heat-cold, right-left. Etc.

[@davidlyall325]

Thank you

[@ToneB]

Let me try to explain. See my being is being contained. So what you seeing isn’t me, it's just something my being is in. See I’m really the soul that my body keeps in. The energy that you only feel when I’m speakin.’ My physical features are just features. My mouth is no different than speakers. My eyes are like cameras. Ears are like microphones, and it gets deeper. See what if when you die you really waking up? And what you thought was your life is a dream And you made it up? I think about the power of the human brain. Mother Nature made birds and we made planes. Fish have gills, we made scuba gear. The future’s near, just think about what we doing here. What’s the definition of a god? Creator, omnipotent power that sees all? We capable of all three, I mean really though. With one click of a button I could see any one. With one click of a button I could learn anything. If knowledge is power than why ain’t I already king? I dedicate this to the smart folks. And loved ones that aren’t with us. Light food

[@garytorres7131]

very good

[@musclewarlord]

Bars

[@aphysique]

PROFOUND MR SIGIL! GRATITUDE MY GOID SIR

[@arulaful]

love&light my friend

[@eduardoreyes9106]

What books do you recommend?

[@byrong1561]

Thought provoking and entertaining. The Barefoot Doctor is clearly and intelligent and enlightened man. Just a shame his main points were crammed into the last minute of his talk.

[@ladymuck2]

He has books and tapes you could get.

[@magotchii5225]

It's astonishing that the word tao means person or people in our country and also heard that tao in another country meant I or me. Then to realize the fact that tao is in every each of us.

[@PHanomaly]

It's the 'way', the process of life synchronizing.

[@4theloveofbraap]

16:50

[@anniemedicalmassage]

Sigh.... I’m grateful I came across this. Beautiful explanation of the Tao.... And exert from the Tao Te Ching : When the world lacks the Way, horses are bread for war. When the world has the Way, warhorses are freed to roam the land.

[@user-mp3gf7vy1z]

Love u Family

[@chuckinchina6926]

*WARNING, essay* *below* One question I've had since childhood was what actually started the big bang, and what preceeded it. The concept of absolute nothingness has always confounded me. I remember being drunk with my college roommate one time, and we started talking about it, we talked for hours, but we did arrive at a conclusion: there was some sort of law or mechanism of design that set things in motion, that predates the universe, and likely transcends time. At the time I was still thinking in the context of a God, so I called it "the architect" owing to the fact that nature has function but is also beautiful. A year or so later I started reading some of Laozi and Zhuangzi's work in my classical Chinese class. I was blown away. How could these people from a completely different time and culture have a somewhat similar take to mine? Simple, we are part of a greater whole, there are some things that transcend our differences. I finally read the Dao Dejing last year, and what I felt was a sense of relief, something is out there, we just don't know how to describe it. I was filled with questions, but at the same time I knew they didn't really need to be asked, in a way I already knew the answer. That's the point, we are meant to ask questions, but listening is far more important. If you calm your mind, maybe you'll hear the universe whisper the answer back to you.

[@XwyxX]

i think Yin and Yang can be refer to matter and anti-matter, and each matter or anti-matter also contain matter and anti-matter.

[@consciouslifeidentified1844]

SEE: Jason Gregory

[@Jacadz]

Fantastic.

[@willzer808]

decent pitch Doc

[@barbarahemming3841]

Bless 🙏💙💎 What Stephen is pointing to is also dovetailed by Douglas Harding's Headless Way....what is my true nature?.... do the pointing experiment and find out for yourself 💚