Jul 27 2008
Video: Alan Watts on the Importance of Realizing the Present Moment
Google image of Watts
As of the past two months, I’ve come across the work and lectures of philosopher, theologian and overall all-star trippy dude Alan Watts. Watts’ work incorporates philosophies eastern and western, Socratic and zen-like into poignant lectures about what life might really mean.
In this piece entitled “Music and Life,” Watts acknowledges how many of us are trained to be so goal fixated, so focused on the end result of our journeys that we miss all the little moments and “musical notes” along the way. Whether our goal is med school or Heaven, Watts believes we too often forget to dance to the music along our journeys while we naively obsess over the final note. Is he correct? In my opinion, he is. Please watch the video and wax thoroughly with your comments!
“Music and Life” (Animated by Matt Stone and Trey Parker of South Park)
Alan Wilson Watts (1915-1973) was a naturalized American author and lecturer who interpreted Zen to the West. His writings were particularly popular among the so-called “beat generation” of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
- From the Encyclopedia of World Biography
Stumble It!
Thanks so much for sharing this. I think it’s sadly true. Too often we get so fixated on a goal that we forget to enjoy the journey. I also think a lot of people can identify with that let down feeling when they reach their goal - this is it? Because the truth is, getting the degree, the job, the spouse, the kids…whatever it is you set your sights on…doesn’t really change who you are. This served as a good reminder to stop and smell the roses. Thanks!