In our increasingly noisy and outwardly focused world, the wisdom of philosopher Alan Watts offers a refreshing and vital counterpoint. Many of his lectures, delivered with his characteristic wit and profound insight, subtly guide us towards a powerful, yet often overlooked, path: focusing on ourselves and embracing silence.
It might seem counterintuitive in an age of constant connection and self-promotion, but Watts, in various talks, implicitly and explicitly encourages a turning inward. He understood that much of our anxiety and dissatisfaction stems from a relentless pursuit of external validation, an endless effort to impress or keep up with others.
Think about it: how much mental energy do we expend curating an image, analyzing how we're perceived, or striving to meet external expectations? This constant outward gaze drains us, preventing us from truly understanding our own desires, values, and inherent nature.
Watts, though never prescriptive in a rigid way, often hinted at the liberation that comes from letting go of this external pressure. When we choose to "stay silent" – not just literally in our speech, but also in the incessant chatter of our minds concerning others – we create a space for self-discovery.
This silence allows us to:
-
Hear Our Own Thoughts: Without the noise of external opinions, we can finally discern our authentic thoughts and feelings, uncolored by societal pressures.
-
Understand Our True Desires: When we stop trying to please others, we can identify what genuinely brings us joy and fulfillment.
-
Connect with Our Inner Self: This is where true wisdom and peace reside. By quieting the external world, we can access a deeper understanding of who we are, beyond roles and expectations.
-
Cultivate Presence: Silence naturally encourages us to be more present in the moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, both of which are often tied to external concerns.
Watts' philosophy often revolved around the idea of "being" rather than "becoming." When we focus on ourselves in a healthy, non-egoic way, and embrace periods of silence, we are simply being. We are allowing our true selves to emerge without the constant need for external performance or approval.
This isn't about isolation or selfishness. Instead, it's about building a strong inner foundation. From a place of self-understanding and inner peace, we are better equipped to engage with the world, our relationships becoming more genuine and less performative.
So, for your own well-being and a deeper connection with yourself, take a cue from Alan Watts.
Dedicate time each day, or even just a few moments, to:
-
Turn off the noise: Step away from social media, news, and even conversations.
-
Observe your thoughts: Without judgment, simply notice what arises in your mind.
-
Resist the urge to explain or justify: Just be.
In the quiet focus on yourself, you might just find the profound peace and clarity that Watts so eloquently pointed towards.
