In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, host Furkhan explores the rich and complex intersections of psychology, philosophy, and Buddhism with retired psychologist and author Dan Chappell. Dan shares his journey of linking modern Western psychotherapy with the philosophies of Nietzsche, the Buddha, and ancient Chinese thought. They discuss the idea of thinking beyond the personal self, the nuances within the concept of mindfulness, the significance of awareness, and the broader implications for modern psychology. The conversation delves into how historical philosophies can inform current societal challenges, the role of meaningful practices, and how we might achieve deeper contentment and unity in today’s divided world.

Dr. Daniel Chapelle, a psychologist with over three decades of experience, is the author of seven books that combine psychology, philosophy, history, and religion, including Meditative Self-Care; The Necessity of Unhappiness-A Paradox; Karma for Westerners; Nietzsche and the Buddha: Different Lives, Same Ideas (How Nietzsche May Yet Become the West’s Own Buddha); Nietzsche and Psychoanalysis; and The Soul In Everyday Life.

These writings are not separate items with no connection between them. Together, they are a sustained attempt to respond to Nietzsche’s central challenge, his famous thought of the eternal return of all things. With it, Nietzsche asked his readers a personal question that would lay bare their innermost feelings and thoughts about their existence. He asked: How would you feel and what would you think if you had to live your life over and over, again and again, endlessly and without anything new or different in it? How could you become so well disposed to your life and yourself to welcome this idea?

Chapelle has a dual background in theoretical or philosophical psychology and clinical psychology. He received his doctorate from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas. He has over 30 years of experience in clinical consulting practice.

An American, he was born in Belgium. He resides in New Bedford, MA. For more information, please see: www.meditativeselfcare.com

00:00 Welcome to EZ Conversations Podcast

00:44 Dan Chappell’s Background and Work

01:34 Intersection of Psychology and Philosophy

02:27 Journey into Psychology and Philosophy

03:13 Nietzsche and the Buddha

04:50 Modern Psychology vs. Buddhism

08:20 Nietzsche’s Challenge and Meditative Self-Care

12:32 Philosophical and Psychological Implications

15:07 Transcendence and Everyday Life

25:11 Space, Time, and Awareness

26:47 Exploring the Nature of Awareness

28:07 Meditation and Transcending Time and Space

29:21 Awareness vs. Consciousness

31:18 The Concept of God and Atheism

36:48 Freud vs. Jung: Individual vs. Collective Unconscious

38:39 Mindfulness in Modern Psychology

42:32 The Golden Rule and Ethical Living

49:00 The Over Human and Evolution of Consciousness

52:53 Concluding Thoughts and Future Work

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Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠

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Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.