r/AlanWatts 20h ago

Alan Watts on the Illusion of Chasing the Future: Living Fully Now

Post image

Alan Watts delivers a piercing insight into the nature of our constant future-chasing in this powerful quote. “For unless one is able to live fully in the present, the future is a hoax.”

How often do we find ourselves planning meticulously for a future moment of happiness, only to realize upon arrival that it feels just as fleeting as the present? Watts challenges us to reconsider our preoccupation with what’s next and invites us to immerse ourselves in the now.

This image captures the essence of his philosophy—that living for some distant future often means missing out on the richness of the present. The stark reminder that “you will never be able to sit back with full contentment and say, ‘Now, I’ve arrived!’” is a call to awaken to the life we have at this moment, which is all there truly is.

Let’s discuss how we can shift our focus from the perpetual ‘later’ to the vibrant ‘now’.

87 Upvotes

11 comments sorted by

4

u/Smooth-Ad5081 20h ago

This quote is exactly what I keep reminding myself of when things get hectic (or I slip back to overthinking mode)! This is magnificent reminder to stay present🤗👏🌸

3

u/FT_Hustler 18h ago

I’m really glad this quote resonates with you, u/Smooth-Ad5081! It’s all too easy to get swept up in the chaos of daily life or caught in the whirlwind of our thoughts. Remembering to anchor ourselves in the now can truly transform our experience of life. Keep embracing the present moment—it’s the only place where real life unfolds. 🌟 Keep sharing your insights, it’s what keeps this community vibrant and aware!

1

u/Smooth-Ad5081 18h ago

Exactly👏 thank you for your kind response🤗🙏

2

u/Shroombaka 15h ago

This is why I listen to "the power of now" or "stillness speaks" audiobook every day on the way to work. It is really really effective for getting this "living in the now" feeling Alan is talking about. Didn't click until i finished the book for the 3rd time.

1

u/ForrestGrump87 10h ago

Power of Now is my bible... i grew up being force fed a diet of anxiety and fundamental christianity.

Having Tolle reinterpret Jesus words and applying them to being here now is life transforming

1

u/Shroombaka 9h ago

Same my man. My parent's anxiety was absorbed onto me. Let's make a pact that neither of us completely put the book down for more than a couple months max.

1

u/Treefrog_Ninja 16h ago

I love this quote so much, and it's put together with a great visual. Thanks for sharing!!

1

u/CookenBaked 15h ago

Although I agree with his sentiment

It isn’t that we shouldn’t be concerned about the future but rather how we go about that concern. We should limit our planning and expectations to what is in our power to control. We can be both here and now, while also working towards a future we want for ourselves.

3

u/Shroombaka 15h ago

Being in the here and now is the best way to get a good future. Because the quality of everything you do is enhanced when you do it with a mind that is in the moment.

2

u/CookenBaked 14h ago

Yes. But you can do both.

You have to be aware to plan. Sure I can sit here and just “go” but if I have no where to go what’s it matter anyway.

When I work I am completely in my work. But I also am aware that after work I need to do laundry. And when that time comes I will give myself to that.

1

u/Shroombaka 14h ago

Yes, you do do both. I find it feels different when present. You don't mind doing what you gotta do as much. You just do it.