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Anxiety. It’s something so many of us struggle with, yet it often feels like an unsolvable mystery. Why do we feel this constant sense of unease, even when everything in our lives seems to be going well? I’ve spent years trying to understand my own anxiety, and it wasn’t until I discovered the teachings of Alan Watts that I began to see the root cause of this pervasive feeling.
Alan Watts, a philosopher and interpreter of Eastern spirituality, had a unique way of explaining complex ideas in simple, relatable terms. His insights into human anxiety are both profound and liberating. In this article, we’ll explore what Watts believed to be the root cause of anxiety and how we can apply his wisdom to find peace in our daily lives.
The Illusion of Separation
At the heart of Alan Watts’ teachings is the idea that much of our anxiety stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of who we are. We see ourselves as separate individuals, isolated from the world and from each other. This sense of separation creates a deep-seated fear—a fear of being alone, of not being enough, of not belonging.
Watts explains that this illusion of separation is just that—an illusion. In reality, we are not separate from the universe; we are the universe. We are not isolated beings; we are interconnected with everything and everyone around us. When we forget this truth, we feel anxious, disconnected, and lost.
The Trap of the Ego
Another key insight from Watts is the role of the ego in creating anxiety. The ego, or the sense of “I,” is constantly trying to protect itself. It worries about the future, regrets the past, and compares itself to others. It’s always seeking validation, security, and control.
But here’s the problem: the ego can never be satisfied. No matter how much we achieve or how much we have, it always wants more. This endless striving creates a constant undercurrent of anxiety.
Watts suggests that the solution is not to feed the ego but to see through it. By recognizing that the ego is just a construct—a story we tell ourselves—we can begin to loosen its grip on our lives.
Living in the Present Moment
One of the most powerful antidotes to anxiety, according to Watts, is learning to live in the present moment. Anxiety often arises when we’re stuck in the past or worried about the future. But the present moment—the here and now—is the only place where life truly exists.
Watts encourages us to let go of our mental chatter and simply be present. When we do this, we realize that the present moment is always enough. It’s only when we try to escape it that we feel anxious.
The Paradox of Control
Another root cause of anxiety, as Watts explains, is our desire for control. We want to control our lives, our relationships, and even our emotions. But the harder we try to control things, the more anxious we become.
The truth is, life is inherently unpredictable. No matter how much we plan or prepare, we can’t control everything. Watts suggests that instead of trying to control life, we should learn to flow with it. When we stop resisting and start accepting, we find a deep sense of peace.
How to Overcome Anxiety: Practical Steps
So, how can we apply Alan Watts’ wisdom to overcome anxiety in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
- Recognize the Illusion of Separation
Remind yourself that you are not separate from the world. You are part of the universe, connected to everything and everyone around you. This sense of connection can help ease feelings of isolation and fear. - See Through the Ego
When you notice yourself worrying or comparing yourself to others, pause and ask, “Is this my ego talking?” By recognizing the ego’s voice, you can begin to detach from its demands. - Practice Mindfulness
Bring your attention to the present moment. Whether you’re eating, walking, or talking to a friend, try to be fully present. This simple practice can help quiet the mind and reduce anxiety. - Let Go of Control
Instead of trying to control everything, focus on what you can influence and let go of the rest. Trust that life will unfold as it should, even if it doesn’t go according to plan. - Embrace Impermanence
Remember that everything in life is temporary. Instead of clinging to what you have, appreciate it while it lasts. This mindset can help you find peace in the midst of change.
A Personal Story: Finding Peace in the Present
I’ll never forget the moment I first understood Alan Watts’ teachings about anxiety. I was sitting in my living room, feeling overwhelmed by worries about the future. I had just lost my job, and I was terrified about what would happen next.
But as I listened to Watts’ words, something shifted. I realized that my anxiety wasn’t about the future; it was about my inability to be present. I was so caught up in my fears that I was missing the beauty of the moment.
That realization didn’t solve all my problems, but it gave me a new perspective. I began to practice mindfulness, focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the future. Over time, I found that the more I stayed present, the less anxious I felt.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is a complex and deeply personal experience, but Alan Watts’ teachings offer a powerful framework for understanding and overcoming it. By recognizing the illusion of separation, seeing through the ego, and learning to live in the present moment, we can find a deep sense of peace and connection.
Remember, you are not alone. You are part of the universe, and the universe is part of you. When you embrace this truth, you’ll find that anxiety loses its grip, and peace becomes your natural state.
Here’s to living with presence, connection, and joy.
With love and light,
Alex James
