Alan Watts was a British philosopher and writer who was known for his popular interpretations of Eastern philosophy. His quote “Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun” is a reminder that we often create our own suffering by taking things too seriously.
When we get caught up in our thoughts and worries, we can lose sight of the fact that life is a journey to be enjoyed, not a problem to be solved. We may take ourselves too seriously, or we may take our problems too seriously. Either way, we are setting ourselves up for suffering.
Man suffers only because he takes seriously what the gods made for fun.
Alan Watts
Practical Perfectionism
Perfectionism is the belief that everything must be perfect in order to be acceptable. It can be a positive trait, driving us to achieve our goals and produce high-quality work. However, perfectionism can also be negative, leading to stress, anxiety, and procrastination.
Challenge your perfectionistic thoughts: ask yourself if it is realistic or helpful? Perfectionists often set unrealistic goals for themselves. This is because they believe that they need to be perfect in order to be successful. However, setting unrealistic goals will only lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, set goals that are challenging but achievable.
Perfectionists often focus on their shortcomings, but it is important to also focus on your progress. When you achieve a goal, take the time to celebrate your accomplishment. This will help you to appreciate your strengths and accomplishments.
Letting go of perfectionism is a process that takes time and effort. However, it is worth it in the end. When you let go of perfectionism, you reduce your stress and anxiety, improve your self-esteem, and live a happier and more fulfilling life.
The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.
Alan Watts
Sense Of Humor Failure
Learning to laugh at yourself is one of the best ways to not take yourself too seriously. Everyone makes mistakes and does silly things from time to time, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, learn to laugh at yourself and move on. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a normal part of life, and it’s how we learn and grow. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. Comparing yourself to others will only make you feel bad about yourself. Focus on the positive. Even when things are tough, there is always something to be grateful for. Make a conscious effort to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
Spend time with people who make you laugh. Surrounding yourself with positive people who can help you see the lighter side of life can be a great way to lighten up and take yourself less seriously. In short, don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh at yourself, learn from your mistakes, focus on the positive, and spend time with positive people. You’ll be happier and healthier for it.
Just as true humor is laughter at oneself, true humanity is knowledge of oneself.
Alan Watts
You Are Not In Control (And You Can’t Be)
The need for control is a natural human instinct. It’s how we feel safe and secure in an unpredictable world. When our need for control becomes excessive, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and unhealthy relationships.
If you find yourself constantly trying to control everything and everyone around you, it’s important to challenge your need for control. Ask yourself why you feel the need to control everything. Is it because you’re afraid of failure? Is it because you have a hard time trusting others? Once you understand the root of your need for control, you can start to address it.
If you’re afraid of failure, it’s important to remember that everyone fails at some point in their lives. Failure is a normal part of the learning process. It’s how we grow and become better at what we do. Instead of trying to avoid failure, try to embrace it as an opportunity
One of the most important things you can do to let go of control is to practice acceptance. Accept that you cannot control everything in life. Bad things will happen, and there is nothing you can do to prevent them. Instead of trying to control the uncontrollable, focus on controlling what you can control, such as your own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
I am what happens between the maternity ward and the Crematorium
Alan Watts
We are not powerless victims of our circumstances. We have the power to choose how we react to the world around us. This is also a key tenet of Stoicism (see Chpt 6: What Are The Civilian Applications). We can choose to be free and to live our lives on our own terms.
By letting go of our need to control everything and taking ourselves less seriously, we can create a happier and more fulfilling life for ourselves.