Alan Watts - Overcoming Addiction 

Good for you. I hope you're happy and doing well right now.

Good shit man, rooting for ya 🎉

Thanks guys. 1 yr 4 months, still have some depression and anxiety but on the right track.

@@HomemakerDazegood for you mate! Well done!

​@@HomemakerDazerooting for you mate. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺

Yes. Like Trungpa, Watts was an alcoholic, who died of alcoholism. (And I don't buy any of that 'crazy wisdom' crap to excuse either man's behaviour. Trungpa was a lot worse than Watts in his addictions and behaviour, by all accounts.) This is a reminder of the classic Zen advice: do not confuse the finger pointing at the Moon with the Moon itself.

Thankyou. 🙏☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

WELL PUT. WELL SAID. WE ALL ALL GOT DEMONS. ?????? yes or no

I used to love listening to Watts but I realized that Watts speeches are to the intellect what meditation is to our own inner knowing that is latent in all of us. If people just meditated many of the profound thoughts that Watts expertly communicated would arise naturally within themselves.

@@Mcgif21 yes if we were taught this in school

Isn’t it a miraculous feeling to know that when your day comes you will enter with a more ‘together’ you. I think you understand because it’s not easy to articulate what we know!! God’s speed

It's because your decision and your will is what created the problem, of drinking to much... that's why I have a power greater than myself, which allows me to overcome drinking by surrendering to his will. God I offer myself to thee -- to build with me and to do with me as thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way of life. May I do Thy will always!

I hope you enjoy this day as much or more than all the rest you have ahead! ❤️

I'm almost 8 years without a drink. In a way, I feel as though I'm getting to a point like the Archer descibrd in the video. Quick and easily avoiding drinking without thinking much of it. Yet sometimes emotions almost overtake me. I also smoke cigarettes like an expert archer, hopefully I can master not smoking soon.

​@@itsirrelevant4565I recommend Allen Carr's book Easy way to stop smoking. By the time I finished that book I was free. It's been nine years and I've not missed cigarettes since, instead when I see someone smoking I think to myself how glad I am that I no longer have to do it. Best luck to ya.

I've been sober since December 1984. It's not impossible, and I don't attend any 12 step programs. What I do have is a deep abiding respect for myself and those I care about. No God is necessary for me to achieve this at least for me, but there are many that claim it can be no other way. It's a personal choice in the end. Good luck to you in all your endeavors 👍

Thank for not using God.

❤

🙌🏼🙏🏼

In esoteric teachings, the statement "In silence and self-confidence, you will find salvation" holds deep significance and can be explored from a spiritual perspective. Let's delve into an esoteric expansion of this statement: Silence as Inner Stillness: Silence is not merely the absence of external noise but also a state of inner stillness. It represents the quieting of the mind, the cessation of incessant mental chatter, and the cultivation of a serene and receptive inner space. Through silence, one can connect with the deeper aspects of oneself and attune to the subtle realms of consciousness. Self-Confidence as Spiritual Trust: Self-confidence in this context refers to a profound trust in one's own inherent divinity and spiritual nature. It is a recognition of the infinite potential and wisdom that resides within. This self-confidence arises from a deep knowing that one is connected to a greater spiritual reality and possesses the inner resources to navigate life's challenges and seek spiritual growth. Salvation as Liberation and Wholeness: In esoteric philosophy, salvation encompasses the liberation of the soul from the limitations of the egoic self and the realization of its true nature. It is the journey towards wholeness, inner harmony, and alignment with higher spiritual truths. Salvation is not external deliverance but an internal process of awakening and self-realization. The Power of Silence: Silence has the ability to quiet the noise of the external world and the distractions of the egoic mind. In the stillness of silence, one can access deeper levels of consciousness, intuition, and spiritual insight. It is within this sacred space that profound wisdom, guidance, and inner transformation can unfold. Self-Confidence as Inner Knowing: Self-confidence, rooted in spiritual trust, allows one to tap into their intuition and inner knowing. It enables the recognition of one's unique path and purpose, empowering them to make aligned choices and take courageous steps towards spiritual growth and self-realization. In summary, the esoteric expansion of the statement suggests that through the cultivation of inner silence and self-confidence, one can find salvation-a deep spiritual liberation and wholeness. By embracing silence, stillness, and self-trust, individuals can access their inner wisdom, connect with higher spiritual truths, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-realization and spiritual awakening.🤔🤔

well played. This is the way

Well written 💯🙏😎

I wish you every success, but don't be too hard on yourself, it's one day at a time, if you done better today than yesterday - congratulate yourself and set your own marker 💫

How r u doing

I am almost 32. I have been drinking since 11. Take it one day at a time. I’ve been struggling also to stay sober. It’s not easy but worth it

He died of alcoholism

I hope you are seven months abstinent now.

To try is to lie…

That's what worked for you.

I'm really sorry to hear that... I wish you know you are more than the habit..

I’m battling as well 😢

@@hbrotha1866 Good luck to both of you. I'm sorry you're going through alcohol problems. I have a family member with a very serious alcohol problem who I have been trying to help. I wish you guys the best, and I know you can definitely stop drinking and I hope you do. Good luck to you and all the others battling alcohol or any other addictions, you guys got this.

You wrote that here, so it's not over yet. That was true for me the MANY times I wrote the same thing. It's no longer true today.

The very first step to recovery is being truthful about your dependency. Once you end the denial then excuses lying and manipulation will begin to diminish and you’ll be ready to change. However, if you continue to use past issues, whatever they may be to justify continuing on with using, then you will be controlled by the maelstroms of your own making. Don’t let your wake drive the boat. Being in the present by doing the contrary actions will help end the cycle. One moment, hour,day at a time will make the difference. Be sure and seek out others who also are willing to change because this gives you hope. I would be lying if I said it was easy, but it is very much possible. I have over 5 years of sobriety and I can say without hesitation I have never been more contented connected and happy. I never thought in my wildest dreams this would come to pass. I am grateful every day that I’m not a slave to my addiction anymore.

To truly understand addiction you must have at least once been addicted. I think he understood his devil particularly well.

Andrew. You listen to him perhaps because you know something intuitively that you are yet to know consciously. And that is, booze or a drug is not the addiction. Those are the symptoms of the addiction. The real addiction is to avoidance - the avoidance of pain. So we can never judge because we have no idea of another's pain. And that becomes even more truthful when we recognize that most often we ourselves do not recognize the existence and origin of our own pain.

@@Storm_. It killed him, so he may have just found the world boring.

We all know the "answers" and "solutions" intellectually, but to put the theory into practice..that's the hard part.That's when you really meet yourself and find that you're not as wise and clever as you've deluded yourself to believe.

Addict knows how to overcome the addiction but they couldn't, I don't care about him addicted to something but he knew the way to get rid of addiction..May be it wouldn't help him but for some like the starters, sure it will work.

Agreed.

Jordan Peterson included

You are the devil hes talking about. Get lost.

@@design4leathercom739 how so?

Was scrolling for this comment. All I can think of is that he didn’t want to quit..

@max bryan There are some unanswerable questions which lead us to some unanswerable behaviors. Those who stop can really never know why just as those who don't will never really know why. I know that because I really don't know me. I'm an unanswerable question.

you only need the first step of the 12 step program TRUTH, be honest about everything

I sent this video to him and pray that he will listen and understand because he loves listening to Alan Watts❤❤❤

@@DaleTDJJohnson That's all you can really do. Nobody could really stop me.

This is so powerful

I believe in you

How are you doing brother? Did you do it? If not don't be ashamed theres always today. I'm asking how you are doing because I care about you, you are me and I am you, started same age but still going at almost 30. Hope to hear from you

@@Dude-hm4eu I care about you too brother. I am doing much better, i feel at peace with my mind. I walk 12,500 steps per day and I'm playing football (soccer) 3 times a week, so that keeps my busy and gives me a goal How are you doing I hope that you can overcome your demons, in fact I don't hope i know that you will.

@@Hineson97 hey man glad to hear it, happy for you and proud. Thanks for the kind words. Wish you nothing but the best

Hey man, how is it going now?

Congratulations! 🎉❤ Could you elaborate a little more on what happened exactly, internally and/or externally? How did you manage to stay in the state after the first day, two, three etc.?

I don't agree. Addictions are so powerful. He never says, 'Here is how I stopped my addiction,' he simply talks about the difficulty in stopping and how it can happen. I mean I can tell you how a famous artist got his inspiration to paint a masterpiece, even what material he used and what technique he used, where he practiced, etc. And you could find that information helpful, even though I don't have any works hanging in a large museum.

The thing is no one ever overcomes addiction in the same sense the no one ever becomes enlightened. "Who" is it that is overcoming anything, who is it that is becoming enlightened. That is the understanding that can free "you" from the illusion of control.

He should have tried AA He didnt understand the nature of his addjction

In esoteric teachings, the statement "In silence and self-confidence, you will find salvation" holds deep significance and can be explored from a spiritual perspective. Let's delve into an esoteric expansion of this statement: Silence as Inner Stillness: Silence is not merely the absence of external noise but also a state of inner stillness. It represents the quieting of the mind, the cessation of incessant mental chatter, and the cultivation of a serene and receptive inner space. Through silence, one can connect with the deeper aspects of oneself and attune to the subtle realms of consciousness. Self-Confidence as Spiritual Trust: Self-confidence in this context refers to a profound trust in one's own inherent divinity and spiritual nature. It is a recognition of the infinite potential and wisdom that resides within. This self-confidence arises from a deep knowing that one is connected to a greater spiritual reality and possesses the inner resources to navigate life's challenges and seek spiritual growth. Salvation as Liberation and Wholeness: In esoteric philosophy, salvation encompasses the liberation of the soul from the limitations of the egoic self and the realization of its true nature. It is the journey towards wholeness, inner harmony, and alignment with higher spiritual truths. Salvation is not external deliverance but an internal process of awakening and self-realization. The Power of Silence: Silence has the ability to quiet the noise of the external world and the distractions of the egoic mind. In the stillness of silence, one can access deeper levels of consciousness, intuition, and spiritual insight. It is within this sacred space that profound wisdom, guidance, and inner transformation can unfold. Self-Confidence as Inner Knowing: Self-confidence, rooted in spiritual trust, allows one to tap into their intuition and inner knowing. It enables the recognition of one's unique path and purpose, empowering them to make aligned choices and take courageous steps towards spiritual growth and self-realization. In summary, the esoteric expansion of the statement suggests that through the cultivation of inner silence and self-confidence, one can find salvation-a deep spiritual liberation and wholeness. By embracing silence, stillness, and self-trust, individuals can access their inner wisdom, connect with higher spiritual truths, and embark on a transformative journey towards self-realization and spiritual awakening.🤔🤔

This guy gets it

One thing worth remembering - there was probably some point in one's life, however long ago, that one was not addicted to whatever it is.

He didn't twist anything. He directly & exactly quoted a book. Pay attention.

This is an arbitrary line to draw. The feeling of making a choice is a perceptual illusion.

Greatly appreciated!

So do you keep smoking and then just one day stop? How does this work?

Did you have thoughts of doing it throughout the day? If so how did you cope with it?

@@jsure8786 Got sick of seeing myself all bloated and unhealthy. High blood pressure, prediabetes. Put my foot down and decided enough of letting substances control me. Gave up sugar and 90% of carbs too. RU-vid Dr Berg and learn about nutrition. Beer leached lots of nutrients out. One minute at a time, got easier week by week. Some heavy alcoholics can go into shock, so see a Dr.

​@chrishynes6091 wow, this is exactly what I am doing.

Glad you liked it bro!

​@seektoavoidfinding brother, when I was in my 20s I was listening to Alan watts and guided meditations from eckhart tolle and searching for answers. In my 30s I lost that interest. I drank alcohol in excess and it has done serious spiritual damage. Let go, no think is coming back.

The good news is you can't do spiritual damage because the spiritual can't be damaged!

Just had to put in the annoying cringey music huh ?

@@madcowkiller10 You just don't have an antenna for it. No hard feelings.

I would greatly appreciate videos without background music (of any volume).

I like the music

music was epic , i got shivers down my spine

Not impossible at all for someone who is willing to let go of being a separate someone...

His actual cause of death was cardiac vascular disease. Research this. Perhaps from drinking, yet not so severe it killed him. Besides something gonna get ya!!!

He was an alcoholic who never gave up drinking, so his advice is a theory not somethingnhe personally has any experience of.

@@satsumamoon So you think alcohol was his only problem in life and he had to deal with no other issues? Without a little bit of rascality, a human is not human.

There is no wrong or right way to deal with or to understand addiction in a human being. I believe it is an approach as diverse and multifaceted as there are humans on this planet.❤

Entirely up to you! However I would recommend Alan Carr's book about smoking!!! 🚭

If only the words were on the screen!!

​@seektoavoidfinding Yeah you are completely right. I forgot I wasn't allowed to listen to this video while going for a walk..

Still, here you are, commenting on his words, almost blaming him for other peoples addiction. You know there is a difference in telling people what to do, and just having an adult conversation about hard topics?! Alan never claimed to be perfect, but he had some damn good points we all could learn from.

​@@MusicFromTheOm If I murder someone and then say to the judge that "I never claimed to be perfect" , do I walk free?

both

Pisstical.

I believe it’s, “The Reason We Suffer.”

No but I've heard him say this slightly differently in several different lectures