Alan Watts, a British writer, and speaker known for interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for a Western audience, profoundly emphasized the significance of living in the present moment. Watts suggests that the preoccupation with the future, or even the mere idea of making plans for it, loses its essence unless one is fully attuned to the realities of the present. According to him, the present is the only tangible reality in which life unfolds, making it imperative to embrace and fully experience it.
“Tomorrow and plans for tomorrow can have no significance at all unless you are in full contact with the reality of the present, since it is in the present and only in the present that you live. There is no other reality than present reality, so that, even if one were to live for endless ages, to live for the future would be to miss the point everlastingly.” – Alan Watts
These powerful words echo the essence of mindfulness and emphasize the irrefutable significance of the present moment. The idea is not to entirely dismiss planning or thinking about the future but rather to ensure that it doesn’t alienate us from experiencing the present. It is about finding a balance where the anticipation of tomorrow doesn’t overshadow the existence of today.
Watts’ wisdom guides us through the understanding that overindulgence in the prospects of the future can lead to a continuous cycle of missing out on the actual experiences of living. If one is perpetually consumed with what is yet to come, it inadvertently leads to an everlasting miss on the point of life, making every lived moment merely a passage to something else. It takes away the essence of living, reducing it to a perpetual waiting room for future occurrences.
The present, as Watts outlines, is the undeniable reality where life truly happens. It is the realm where experiences are felt, emotions are lived, and the world is genuinely encountered. Acknowledging the present’s richness and profoundness nurtures the soul, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of existence. It facilitates a connection to life that is immediate, real, and profoundly enriching.
In this perspective, the future is an illusionary concept that remains perpetually out of reach. Living for a future that never actually arrives, as it is always one step ahead, becomes a misalignment from the reality of life. Thus, immersing oneself into the fullness of the present becomes a pathway to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
In conclusion, Alan Watts’ philosophy urges us to break free from the shackles of future uncertainties and immerse ourselves wholeheartedly in the present moment’s reality. By doing so, we unlock a treasure trove of experiences and awareness that lie in the here and now, enabling us to live life more meaningfully and authentically.
