The Infinite Within (18) | Returning to Nature: Alan Watts on Embracing the Flow of Life

Join us as we delve into Alan Watts’s timeless ideas on returning to the way of nature. In this episode, we explore his thought-provoking insights into the illusion of control, the intelligence of the "unborn mind," and the art of spontaneity. Discover how reconnecting with the flow of life can transform how we approach challenges, technology, and even everyday moments. From embracing joy in the present to cultivating trust in the natural order, Watts offers a fresh perspective on finding balance and harmony in a fast-paced world.

Don’t miss this transformative journey into the wisdom of Alan Watts. Subscribe to "The Infinite Within" for more thought-provoking discussions, and let us know how you’re embracing the flow of life.

Transcript

All right, let's dive in. Today, we're tackling something both profound and well, kind of simple at the same time. Returning to the way of nature. Ever heard of it?

Oh, yeah. That's a big one.

We're using Alan Watts as our guide. Specifically, his book Just So. Now, don't worry. I'm going to summarize the whole thing.

That'd be a feat.

Instead, we're zeroing in on how Watts unpacks this whole idea of getting back to a a natural way of being, you know, and let me tell you, this guy, he's a master at making the complex stuff both here and entertaining.

Absolutely. His writing, it's just full of wit and these unexpected examples. Makes you stop and think.

Exactly. Throws a wrench in our usual way of thinking. Like right away he compares getting nature's laws to get this knowing the name of God in magic.

Powerful image, right?

It is. But it also makes you wonder like are we messing with forces we don't really get.

Exactly. That's Watts using a simple analogy to point to something much deeper. Like a core theme for him is this how we in the west we try to control nature instead of being in harmony with it,

which he really critiques that whole way we see the world. It's like we see everything as separate like billiard balls bouncing around.

Exactly. He calls it the billiard ball model. And he argues it's at the root of a lot of our problems today.

Makes sense. Yeah. This fragmented view where we see ourselves as separate from nature, not a part of it.

Right. And that affects everything, doesn't it? How we deal with tech, with money, even how we try to find pleasure. It's always about forcing things to fit what we want, not going with the natural flow.

So true. Like he uses the example of a clock to show this. We impose all these measurements and rules on nature, but nature itself doesn't care about them.

Think about it. You measure a piece of wood with inches, but the wood doesn't think in inches. It just is.

Wo. Okay, I'm starting to see how this connects to returning to nature then. It's not just about being outside. It's about shifting our whole perspective. Right.

Absolutely. Recognizing that we're not separate. We're part of this interconnected web.

Watts uses a lot of Eastern philosophy like Taoism, they're all about going with the natural order, like a wave in the ocean,

which is where that camel comes in, right? The one that knows God's secret name.

That's the one. Watts says it's why camels always look so snoody.

Funny example, but it perfectly illustrates interconnectedness.

Even a silly idea can point to a deeper truth. Okay, so we're seeing how Watts challenges our usual thinking. But how does this apply to something like technology? Can we really civilize tech like he says.

Great question. He sees tech as an extension of us, but often it reflects our desire to control nature. To explain how tech evolves, he uses this idea of the law of pedunkles.

Law of pedunkles. Now, that's a new one on me.

Basically, tech sheds old forms like an amoeba splitting. Think of railroads. Cars came along. Railroads became obsolete. Tech isn't static. It's always changing. But we're not powerless.

So, it's about understanding tech is part of this natural flow and learning to guide it wisely.

Exactly. Not rejecting it, but understanding it, using it in a way that harmonizes with nature, not tries to dominate it.

That makes a lot of sense.

Yeah.

It's like Watts wants us to rethink our whole relationship with the world around us. And a big part of that seems to be about being present, right? Experiencing the now instead of getting caught up in abstractions.

Huge part of it. Watts argues we get so stuck in mental stuff, money, future goals, rigid identities, we miss what's actually happening right now.

Like his example about instant coffee and those delicious apples.

Oh yeah. No real taste because we prioritize speed and looks over natural quality. It's

like we sacrifice the genuine experience for, I don't know, efficiency. So how do we break free? Watts mentions the unborn mind, but honestly, it sounds kind of mystical to me.

It's a concept that needs some unpacking, and that's exactly what we'll do in the next part of our deep dive. Welcome back. As promised, we're going deeper into this unborn mind idea from what It's just so kind of challenges how we usually think about intelligence, decision-m, all that.

Yeah. I'm still wrapping my head around it. It sounds like are we supposed to ditch all planning and just go on instinct? Is that what he's saying?

Not exactly. It's it's more nuanced. Watts isn't saying be mindless. More like he's pointing to a different kind of intelligence. The kind that works well below our usual conscious thought. Think about it. Our bodies are incredibly smart. Our heart beats, digestion works, all without us having to think, okay, now digest that pizza.

Right. Right. So, are we supposed to trust that same intelligence to guide us in other parts of life, too?

That's the core of it. Yeah. Watt says, "In the West, we're so fixated on control, forcing outcomes, we actually cut ourselves off from this deeper wisdom."

Okay, I get that. But how do you actually tap into this unborn mind? It's all a bit abstract.

He uses this great analogy, following your feet. In Japan, there's this tradition of wandering without a set goal, trusting you'll find something worthwhile.

Kind of like when you travel, you ditch the map and just explore a city. You often stumble on those hidden gems you'd never find otherwise.

Exactly. It's about being spontaneous, open instead of clinging to rigid plans.

But isn't there a risk there? Like what if you get lost or wander somewhere dangerous?

There's always a balance for sure. Watts isn't saying be reckless, but he is asking how much do we really control? What if letting go a little bit actually leads to a more fulfilling experience?

He also talks about how this unborn mind shows up in those moments of crisis, right? When you have to act instantly,

right? Like a comedian riffing a joke, they can't rely on pre-written stuff. Got to tap into something deeper, more spontaneous

or, you know, swerving to avoid an accident while driving pure instinct and often the right move.

Perfect example. Watts says, "We all have access to this, but we kill it with worry and overthinking."

Okay, I see how this ties back to returning to nature then.

Mhm.

It's not just being in nature, but aligning with this intelligence we already have inside us.

Exactly. It's about trusting life's flow, being present, recognizing we're not separate, we're part of the whole fabric of things.

But what about the bad stuff in the world? Watts seems to say suffering, even evil, is just part of the natural order. Doesn't that sound kind of well callous?

That's a common misunderstanding. He's not saying we shouldn't care. He's asking us to widen our view. Life is this interplay of opposites, light and shadow, joy, a sorrow. He even says trying to wipe out all evil, we'd end up with a really boring existence. Contrast is what makes life interesting.

Think of music and needs high A and D low notes tension and resolution to be captivating. Life's similar.

So, it's not ignoring suffering, but understanding it's part of the bigger picture. But how does that actually change how we live?

Watts focuses on letting go of control, trusting the natural flow, and finding joy in the now even when things are tough. He tells the story about his Zen master.

Oh yeah, the one with the student complaining about the heat.

That's it. The master says, "Just remember you sweat in summer, shiver in winter. It's about accepting life's rhythms,

surrendering to the waves instead of fighting them. Still riding the wave, but with more grace."

Exactly. Watts even suggests our rituals, religions, when approached with the right mindset, they become expressions of this natural way. Not systems of control, but playful ways to connect with the mystery of existence.

He seems to really appreciate ritual. Like there's an art to it.

Totally. He uses the Japanese tea ceremony as an example. When it's done with intention, it's a meditation, a celebration of the moment. He even suggests for someone who truly knows how to enjoy life, everything can become a ritual.

So, finding awe in the everyday instead of chasing some future happiness.

You got it. And that brings us to the heart of what Watts is saying about returning to nature. It's not about ditching civilization. It's about changing our perspective, interconnectedness, being present, trusting the flow of life,

realizing we're already part of nature and that intelligence, it's always there if we know how to listen.

But that raises a big question. How do we square all this with the harsh realities of the world? Finding joy and trust when there's so much injustice, so much suffering. That's something Watts doesn't shy away from, and it's what we'll tackle in our final segment.

All right, we're back for the last part of our dive into Alan Watts and this whole returning to nature thing.

And got to be honest, this is where it gets kind of tough for me. It's easy to talk, go with the flow when things are good. But what about when life throws you a curveball, like real hardship? Does Watts have anything to say to those who are, you know, struggling?

It's a vital question and one he tackles head on. He doesn't try to like sugarcoat the reality of pain and loss and all that. In fact, he emphasizes that contrast, experiencing both the positive and the negative. It's like essential to being truly aware.

So, like we were saying, music needs both the high notes and the low notes to make a melody, right? Life's similar.

Right on. Watt says, "If we tried to get rid of all all suffering, it'd actually make life less rich, less meaningful. Imagine only having sunny days forever. Eventually, you'd stop appreciating the sunshine."

But that doesn't mean just passively accepting injustice or or suffering, right?

Of course not. He's not advocating for apathy. But he is pushing us to shift our focus. Instead of fighting against the negative, try to understand his place in the bigger picture. He talks about how the devil is always is losing the battle, but the battle itself never really ends. Like some kind of cosmic dance.

Exactly. And that ties into his point about not needing to save the world. It's not that we shouldn't care about the planet or want a better future, but our actions are more effective when they come from a place of acceptance, not fear or anxiety.

So, it's like that judo move. You use your opponent's force against them. Instead of resisting suffering, you learn to like move with it.

Yeah.

Maybe even transform it.

Great analogy. Bots uses the example of a forest fire. Sometimes they're actually necessary to clear out the old dead stuff so new life can grow. In the same way, those difficult experiences can lead to real personal growth.

Makes sense in my head, but emotionally it's still tough. How do you actually cultivate that acceptance when you're in the middle of pain?

That's where practices like meditation, something Watts talks about a lot, can be really powerful. It's not about running away from reality. It's about learning to relate to your thoughts and emotions differently.

So, finding some space between you and your suffering so it doesn't completely overwhelm you.

You got it. And that space, it allows for a more compassionate, wiser response. Watt says, "If you understand what you're facing and you don't fight what's happening, you're no longer afraid of it. And if you're no longer afraid, you can handle it."

Seems like a lot rides on trust, then trusting the natural order, trusting your own inner wisdom, even trusting when you don't have all the answers.

Trust is definitely key. And Watts brings it up again and again in Just So, not blind faith, but understanding that we're part of something much bigger than ourselves, a universe that ultimately unfolds with intelligence and purpose, even if we don't always get the why.

So, returning to nature isn't about like ditching civilization or living as a hermit in the woods. It's about aligning yourself with this deeper wisdom, that flow of life that's always there.

It's finding that balance, acceptance, and action, knowing that even when there's suffering, there's still beauty, wonder, and the chance to grow. and change.

And Watts reminds us this isn't some super serious pursuit. He wants us to approach it playfully, finding joy in the simple things, the everyday stuff.

Absolutely. He suggests that for someone who truly knows how to enjoy life, everything becomes a kind of ritual, a celebration of the moment.

That's a beautiful way to think about it. So for those listening who are just starting to explore these ideas, what's one thing they can do to get closer to this returning to nature?

Watts talks about blowing your feet, wandering without a set plan, embracing the unexpected. What if you tried that in your own life? Experiment with it.

Maybe take a new route to work or try a food you've never had or even just strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn't normally talk to.

Exactly. Cultivate that sense of spontaneity, that openness. Trust the journey. You never know what you might discover.

That's a great place to wrap up. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into Alan Watts and returning to the way of nature. Remember, it's not about reaching some state. It's about exploring, questioning, and growing our understanding of ourselves and the world. And maybe, just maybe, having some fun along the way.