Transformative Wisdom: Alan Watts' Life-Changing Insights
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Chapter 1: The Awakening
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I found myself in a particularly challenging phase. I was unfulfilled in my job, which led to immense stress, resulting in physical ailments like an irritable colon. My relationships felt empty; I used partners or was used by them, and the loneliness that followed only intensified my anxiety.
In my home, I dealt with a psychological abuser who constantly wore me down. I lent money to relatives who struggled to repay me, which turned my frustration into cruelty. This cycle of negativity brought on diarrhea, malaise, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. I felt like a wreck, blaming my circumstances for my suffering—until one day, while listening to Alan Watts, a light bulb went off in my mind.
The quote that changed everything "What can you do when there is nothing to do? Observe. Everything happens by itself: you breathe, the wind blows, the trees sway, your blood circulates, your nerves respond. Everything happens by itself." — Alan Watts
This profound insight sparked a realization in me: "Let go, and things will eventually align." And they did. I released my anger and stopped pursuing my relatives for repayment. In time, they returned what they owed me. I no longer tolerated the abuser, reported him, and he left my life for good. I deleted my Tinder profile, recognizing that seeking validation from others only compounded my unhappiness. I began to embrace self-love.
Taking the leap, I quit my job to pursue my passion for writing, a decision that felt crazy at the time. Years later, I continue to thrive as a writer. Best of all, I no longer suffer from anxiety, insomnia, or discomfort. While I’m not wealthy, I’ve realized that health is my true wealth, and I’m grateful I came to understand this in time.
Chapter 2: The Power of Letting Go
Letting go of what harms us is crucial for our wellbeing. A while back, I watched an interview with a respected doctor who highlighted that many modern ailments are stress-related. Living in constant stress places our bodies on high alert, flooding them with cortisol, which can lead to severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Therefore, it’s essential to recognize, as Watts suggests, that most things unfold naturally and take care of themselves.
Alan Watts For When You're Ready To Blow Your Mind - YouTube This video explores profound thoughts by Alan Watts that can shift your perspective on life and stress.
Section 2.1: Two Approaches to Life
Does this mean I should abandon my goals? Not at all. There are two distinct approaches to achieving what we want:
- The Struggle: Getting stressed, bitter, overly emotional, and fixated on results.
- The Middle Way: Embracing harmony and detaching from outcomes. This path allows us to act without being overwhelmed.
Thanks to Watts’ wisdom, I chose the latter, transforming my life in the process.
What If Money Was No Object? - Alan Watts - YouTube In this insightful video, Alan Watts challenges our perceptions of wealth and success, urging viewers to consider what truly matters in life.
Subsection 2.1.1: Strategies for Stress Reduction
To navigate chaos, consider these tips:
- Prepare for Disruption: Instead of waiting for a major crisis, expose yourself to manageable chaos in controlled settings. Engage in tough conversations to prevent significant conflicts.
- Prioritize Your Health: Saying no to stressful activities is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining your wellbeing. Just as we avoid unhealthy foods, we must also say no to stress-inducing situations.
- Focus on the Journey: Life is like a cruise. If you dislike the itinerary, change your destination to enjoy the journey. By choosing meaningful goals, you can detach from the outcome and appreciate the process.
Takeaway Most things unfold naturally, as Watts noted. The earth rotates without our intervention. Food arrives at the store without our involvement. Misfortunes occur over time, often without warning.
The wisest choice is to avoid living in bitterness and stress. This advice is not merely a trend; it’s vital for your health. Remember, without health, you have nothing.