In life, we are continually faced with choices about how to approach challenges and who we want to be amid them. We can either react to our circumstances or actively choose our role in each situation. Will you be the encourager or the discouraged, the corral or the horse, the thinker or the thought, the focusing lens or simply the glass? Exploring these metaphors offers a pathway toward becoming a person of resilience, purpose, and clarity.

As Alan Watts wisely noted, “You are the universe experiencing itself.” This reminder serves as a call to embrace our agency, understanding that we are not merely passive observers but active creators of our own experiences.

1. Be the Encourager, Not the Discouraged

Choosing to be the encourager is not about blind optimism; it’s a decision to nurture resilience and foster hope in yourself and others. When setbacks arise, it’s easy to feel weighed down by fears and doubts. But as the encourager, you choose to uplift, to face adversity with the belief that improvement is possible, and that your actions make a difference.

Encouraging others strengthens bonds and instills a shared sense of purpose. By encouraging, you create a ripple effect that helps others build their resilience. Your words and actions, no matter how small, can be a beacon of hope. You’re more than a source of motivation; you’re a wellspring of strength in times of difficulty, embodying a supportive force in the world.

2. Be the Corral, Not the Horse

The corral is a stable structure that guides and contains, while the horse follows instinct, sometimes driven by impulse. In this sense, being the corral means establishing boundaries and clarity for your thoughts and actions. Rather than being tossed around by whims and distractions, you create a space that allows you to focus on your purpose.

As Watts suggested, by seeing ourselves as part of the vast, interconnected experience of the universe, we can approach life with intention rather than reaction. Being the corral means creating boundaries that guide your actions toward what truly matters. In choosing to be the corral, you establish a foundation of stability, one that holds the freedom to dream and grow within a purposeful direction.

3. Be the Thinker, Not the Thought

Thoughts constantly arise and fade in our minds. Choosing to be the thinker rather than the thought involves a conscious choice to observe and reflect on these thoughts, instead of passively absorbing them. As the thinker, you separate yourself from fleeting ideas, examine your beliefs, and let go of notions that no longer serve you.

When you embrace the role of the thinker, you reclaim control over your mind. You are not simply a vessel for thoughts; you are an observer and a creator, able to cultivate beliefs that align with your deepest values. By recognizing that your thoughts are only a part of the broader experience, you gain the freedom to respond thoughtfully to life’s challenges rather than impulsively reacting.

4. Be the Focusing Lens, Not the Glass

A focusing lens brings clarity and direction, while glass merely allows light to pass through without defining it. Being the focusing lens means intentionally seeking understanding, filtering out distractions, and directing your attention to what matters.

With Watts’ reminder of our cosmic connection in mind, becoming the focusing lens is about recognizing that clarity and insight arise from within. By directing your energy toward your values, you sharpen your vision, allowing you to approach life’s complexity with a purposeful perspective.

Embracing a Life of Purpose

To embody the encourager, the corral, the thinker, and the focusing lens is to live a life filled with purpose and intention. Alan Watts encouraged us to remember that we are both participants in and shapers of our existence. We hold the power to decide how we respond, how we define boundaries, how we reflect on thoughts, and how we seek clarity amid life’s complexities.

In every moment, we can choose to encourage rather than succumb to discouragement, to establish direction rather than let impulses lead, to thoughtfully reflect rather than passively react, and to seek clarity rather than drift in confusion. These choices form the foundation of a life grounded in resilience and authenticity.

As you navigate life, remember: “You are the universe experiencing itself.” With this awareness, embrace the role of the encourager, the corral, the thinker, and the focusing lens, knowing that each choice brings you closer to a life of purpose, compassion, and passion.