Don’t Fall For The Trap - Alan Watts On Work And Pleasure

[@NERD-FROM-THE-SOUTH]

The moral of this is to lighten up and dance. This short time we have on earth isn't worth taking everything so seriously and being rigid about everything. But it's a shame how the world is in a constant state of anxiety. Everyone you come across at work or in the streets is always uptight. But starting with yourself is probably the best place to start. Watching this on break at work. And it inspired me to pay attention to myself more. If I become gloom I'll just laugh it off and let it go. Thank you for this channel.

[@tonywebb110]

True man we are not promised tomorrow LIVE IT AND LOVE IT!

[@bwnco]

Sadly its normal an the IN thing to be stressed an negative...so wierd.. Society so made this a norm. Im called crazy cause i damn sure not normal.. Everyone so damn up tight! F em. I go against dumb rules...well just because their there..lol ❤

[@robearle3976]

As one elderly chap joked with me many years ago…..”she’s stretched tighter than an Iraqi for skin on a pair of bongo drums”….🤣🤪🥴……yur taking yurself way too seriously…….yur not that important chico!

[@robearle3976]

Yur Not an awkward guy…..yur far wiser than you give yurself credit!……

[@abrahamalexander4084]

If i become gloom 😭😂

[@dmackenzie3528]

“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

[@XperimentalcutZ]

I need to tattoo this on my forehead. 😂

[@christinasmile5566]

😂😂🙌🙌🙏🙏💖💖💓❣️

[@burdman5620]

Amen to that

[@zed5129]

I'm just going to kill myself now ― Alan Watts

[@jasonschrader7454]

You copied Alan Watts. But it is okay. You understand

[@spiritualtaurus7942]

I was born in 1985, I still sing at work, I love music and try to just be myself all the time. Who cares what others think, life is too short. Enjoy it as much as possible and fuck the material shit.🙏🏻🇬🇧

[@Eyeontheogive]

I graduated in 85 and am glad your third eye is not calcified. Music and frequencies enhances consciousness 👊👊

[@rafaeldahldavid609]

Amen to that… my fellow Brit

[@zed5129]

Unless of course you're missing food or shelter. Then the material shit becomes kind of important.

[@finicum11]

Also born in '85, but I'm an American who never sings at work. I should though.

[@drewskinator0076]

I was born in 1984 and I do the same! God Bless

[@Steve197201]

Alan Watts said this more than 50 years ago. People are even less playful today. I remember when I was growing up in the 70s and 80s, people were a lot more open than they are today. So, the message of this talk is doubly applicable to modern society.

[@novelaego2404]

yeah people are fuckin boring now but you dont have to be like that

[@LagmasterB]

Because we practice the things that close us off everyday. Modern society has become very, very good at isolating. Room full of people and no one is connected or open to new, genuine experience.

[@user-xm8mq4iu1k]

yup...walls walls and more walls making us think we're separate and different from everyone. it's all about controll because when we wake up and see what we've been being fed (lie's are poison to our beautiful divinity) our pure love (that's what truth is and truth is love and truth never changes as they say God never changes truth never changes because it's true truth can't change. But...there's a.. force that will do ANYTHING from the truth knowing that when (not if but when) we do we'll NEVER be slaves again or think we're separate from each other "UNITED WE'LL STAND" love,always love my brothers my sisters

[@XperimentalcutZ]

You're so right. The 90's was the last era in which I felt like society still knew how to laugh and enjoy life. From the advent of 2000 forward, everyone got so serious, angry, walled-off, offended, and separated by labels and ideologies. What if we just realized that nothing is permanent. The traffic will let up. Your work day ends at some point and you get to have your life to yourself for a minute. At work, it's easy to fall into the trap of a 9-to-5. I know I sure did. I'm still there. But now, I'm seeking fulfillment there in any ways I can. Helping others with their tech problems. Listening to them when they're frustrated, without getting angry myself. Those sorts of moments mean more to those around me than to me, I imagine. But they do mean a great deal to me as well. Now, I'm also branching out to see if I can find even more fulfillment by volunteering somewhere and helping others even more than I already do. ☺️ Life lost meaning for me for a long time. But, I've found it again, and I see things in new ways all the time.

[@s4lino]

why do you think that people are more closed today? got smart phones? more people and hence more danger like imagine in the animal kingdom from a few crocs to bunch of crocs and they don't even look croc-like? people are 'worth less' due to more people as per before as in Earth population (assuming 1 cake eg. for Earth population in 80s and then now still 1'ish cake for the X times more people...from both a stats and also people infringing on Nature's zones then animal zones and then now other nation's zones then same nation's other type of people's zones?) or the smarter we get as people/civilization the more closed we need to be because anyone and everyone can be a 'spy' / bad / evil (and less green/safe zone to be oneself and relax...aka even one's home is not always a sanctuary or might be worse than an animal sanctuary and just read recently that animal in rehab coming into a zoo need to be sectioned off as I imagine it would be bullied or even attacked by others) and we don't know it till it's too late like a croc waiting to pounce underwater and the poor animal is simple drinking not even to save for later...

[@chrispacer4231]

Just RETIRED… That was me ALL THE WAY being Retired limits my exposure to People… IT FEELS GOOD TO BE ALONE… I feel less stressed out, and I can LET GO !!!!!!!! But, it’s nice when my WIFE comes home, she can share her thoughts and feelings of her day… I want her to come home and LET GO… THANKS 🙏

[@koenv.i.9188]

Enjoy your retirement, chris.

[@sameershivram4797]

We are just walking each other home buddy, life is a dance indeed ❤

[@christophermorales1509]

Limiting exposure to people is a huge relief. Congrats!

[@Tina_TheOne]

Enjoy your life your way 🥰

[@romeowandrainbow1040]

@@sameershivram4797this is such a beautiful way of putting it, life it made me tear up 🤍

[@themindsetmother]

My kids have revived this in me. I love using my imagination with them, playing chase, dolls, dancing with them, etc. A couple of days ago I danced in the pouring rain with them. I didn't want to get out! It felt so good. A few years ago you couldn't pay me to be outside in the rain! Enjoy life

[@TraderHelp101]

You have been Blessed

[@mindful_minipods]

Love kills the rigid

[@alexanderroc3359]

Alan Watts....who wrote The Way of Zen as a very young man....a leading light....still encouraging us to live with joy, laughter, and dance. The days of sixties hedonism are long gone....and people now yearn for meaning....yet there is meaning in living with light heartedness . Thank you Alan....we all need a reminder now and then!

[@bwnco]

Yep what a time grow up! My entire schooling 1st to 12gr..vietnam..woodstock...jesus rev...Haight Ashberry...LSD...Protests..commies...communes... .best music years ever!!.... Amen!!

[@onelove8062]

Have you been to a DSO show or music festival? Hedonism is aliiiive and well my friend.

[@bondgabebond4907]

Unfortunately hedonism is with us. Social Media pushes hedonism. Only Fa-ns destroy women, pron destroys the love of sex and monetizes it. Politicians push hedonism, calling it social justice but gives people permission to do terrible things. Breaking free from that brings great joy. We should not allow religion in any form, that includes politics, to determine our life. How often do we fight these terrible things that bring sadness, yet we hold back on enjoying life. Maybe we need to just open the front door of our home and walk out and smell the fresh air. I am with camera in tow.

[@Mr.Acoustic_66]

I’m 57 years old, but I still feel 17 … because I dance through life like a child in a rainstorm splashing in the puddles that lay ahead of me … I never avoid the puddles, and this is what we all must do to avoid becoming rigid … peace and love to all of you … especially the rigid ones who absolutely need this kind of advice.😊

[@recyclinggestapo6943]

Don't take life too seriously, its not a permanent position.

[@k0ng152]

wdym by this?

[@recyclinggestapo6943]

@@k0ng152 Just like Alan Watts says, life is a game. Have fun.

[@beeu9841]

Time and Tide waits for no Man

[@PeepShowPete]

Don't take life too seriously, you won't survival it anyway

[@angiekitson-harris4257]

No one gets out of this alive.....

[@Athelstan_lothbrok]

Listening to him for about 10 years and still learn something new. It's a perspective you can't just learn in a day, but in a thousands of tries and failures.

[@thebritishbushman8389]

As with AW, the most inspiring parts of his speeches, only happens and hits home just when you are in the most liberated moments mentally. Which often {for me anyway} has required multiple listens of what this great man is actually saying. PL&H

[@TWresterify]

Required multiple listens. So true. I have a playlist I put on when I drive to work and listen to the same over and over.. and suddenly.. bang.. hits home. I wish you long day and pleasents nights and thank you for your comment ❤️

[@bwnco]

Video gives US sanity! If were the ones dancing..breaking dumb rules...told to grow up..like acting as well as rock climbing...as well as being a cowboy ..ETC your labeled as not grounded, no focus!! GROW UP! When in reality... we are the ones everybody secretly wishes they could be! ...This 9 mins brought tears to me an affirmation...we are sane fun ones!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@witchypoo3535]

Made me cry too and I'm not one of those serious types 😆😭

[@bwnco]

@@witchypoo3535 ahh but knowing an admiting ..now you can fix..if you wish....

[@witchypoo3535]

@@bwnco Ahhh don't worry I already live by my own rules 😆

[@bwnco]

@@witchypoo3535 ohh miss read first message... your NOT one of tbose serious types... gotcha! 🤣

[@witchypoo3535]

@@bwnco Ohhh yes my first comment was a little confusing... Gotcha! 😎😂😆

[@stevepayne5965]

I know that a lot of people on KZbin don't like Alan's talks with background music; my opinion is that I can never hear him enough and I love music, so I'm happy with or without the music 🙂

[@bobjohnson7294]

I can appreciate this, I can also appreciate someone who takes their job seriously and serves people without attitude or resentment.

[@djtranceporter855]

Taking the job serious is always Important. Taking one‘s self serious, not :)

[@Hillbilly_Bob_Rides]

True story: when I'm in my groove at work, and I do physical work and mental work being a hvac guy, I put in my headphones and sing along and bang on things like drums. Well when I worked for others instead of myself, it caused me problems. I was called in on for singing on the job more than once and was never told this was the case but had my supervisor call me or show up anytime I was having fun at work. It got to where they wanted to make as miserable as possible and I felt like it was partly because I have the mental fortitude to be able to sing while suffering some kind of pain or struggle. And thats on them. Sooooo I work for myself. And when I start hiring ppl I will make them sing in their interview!! For real!

[@kittin9018]

How wonderful !❤ 😊 🎉..I for one would love an interview and a job that includes singing 😅🙏🥳...I wish you all the best as a wonderful employer!...keep on singing Bob!..don't let anyone squash that light inside you!..🙏😍🌈💚🥳🥳🥳

[@michaelhoodleeder]

This is one of the most important videos I've watched in a long time. It's hard to stay supple in mind, especially as we get older.

[@HumanityJourney]

I remember when men used to whistle a tune whilst at work and walking about the streets. Then it mysteriously stopped. 😢

[@johnk.471]

God, this video reminds me that I’ve become a stiff, boring, anxious „responsible“ adult in my early thirties. Chasing money like a robot. I need to listen to Watts more often.

[@thementalhealthcoachltd]

What a powerful statement you’ve just made. Listening is certainly helpful endeavour doing is transformational. Now you’ve noticed how serious you’ve become what are you going to do to change this? Actions speak louder than words! Enjoy the ride 🎉

[@id10t98]

Cutting oneself to the core from time to time to open up to life is greatly overlooked. His lecture captured it perfectly.

[@Sankara-Setu-Mutanda-75]

Alan Watts, a pleasure to learn from you and those you learned from. God Bless You🌼🙏🏾

[@goncalocorreia1448]

People live as if they were never going to die and they die as if they never lived. Live today, go for a walk, take some sun on the skin, be with people that you love and be grateful for the gift that is your life 🙏

[@MereAYT]

Alan Watts is good for mental health.

[@ThatGuy-ds9zi]

There is an art to balancing the context of the video with the cacophony of background noise (music) that I wish more YT creators understood.

[@MyNameIsTrollzor]

I wish I can remember this video everytime im anxious about something. Life is not meant to be taken so seriously. Yes, we have to work jobs we might never be excited for, but at the end of the day you have to find small things that make your life meaningful. I always want to set small goals in my life so I can move forward. Small steps of happiness without chasing it like something that is achievable after you reach somewhere or something. Hapiness comes from withing and our perspective of things. Cheers to everyone

[@beadias9483]

Remember the old song ...whistle while you work?? It is good to be reminded

[@tonylegrange456]

Listening to Alan is for a part of me, like coming home in the truest sense, I can understand the Marketing of a certain cruise liner company using a talk Alan gave to promote there cruises, Like this video it is Ambrosia to my ears,life truly should be more a dance rather then a wrestle (Marcus Aurelius). The buck stops with us all, day in day out it's up to us to try to both dance and be the best versions of ourselves.

[@andyfleege8504]

I agree good person! Life is challenging for all of us. I am so fortunate to have so many people to learn from and to help! We are all of blessed, Most of the time blessings are very hard to see. Thanks.

[@Diana-we4fp]

This is beautiful and honestly brought tears. Thank you for creating this amazing channel! ❤

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Always a pleasure to connect with Alan Watts. There is too much here for just one listen. So much goes by too quickly. Too many enlightenments to grab hold of in an instant.

[@anobodyreally]

You know what, I'm gonna soon go buy that bike I want... This is my confirmation.

[@timbouma1125]

Do it!! Don’t wait

[@burdman5620]

Do it! But when you do don't be a fool, aint no seat belts on a bike

[@rezanasiri6941]

😊❤

[@well.thy.one.]

@@burdman5620i feel way safer on my bike than in a car

[@burdman5620]

@@well.thy.one. Much more maneuverable

[@lee-vegan-boxerconnelly3555]

Love listening to Alan Watts, lately I’ve noticed his voice being used by AI on instagram videos etc which is a shame

[@TheMentalMKE]

Always moving it forward!

[@ADPax10]

Always dancing* forward!

[@How_to_Peaceoffical]

Keep calm and push forward!

[@stveloop9452]

"a non-wiggly person is unadapted to a wiggly world" Perfect sense.

[@ExitiumFelicitas]

I need to hear this everyday at morning

[@88Umy]

It’s how we live in Balkan countries. Everything is a joke and there is no occasion where you need to be 100% serious. Not even a memorial or some tragedy. It has its negative sides but much more of the positive ones.

[@MadelnMachines]

Where are you from? I need some of that

[@88Umy]

Bosnia ❤️

[@AliASN111]

Fantastic video ❤ you have put so much efforts to compile the clips and present it so so amazing! 🎉

[@socks2441]

people do still sing at work, just not constantly. except for one person i worked with once. drove me up the flipping wall. sang along to everything, even the ads on the radio.

[@kingkabakamozey6963]

Loved this we most time think through a rough sail in this life and die a miserable death being so serious n not loving ourselves

[@tim_decrae]

magnificent , thanks for this recording !

[@GaryLockhart-ic3mw]

A rainy day on the beach is better than a sunny day in the office.

[@Juan_Hernandez_Jr.]

“A bad day of fishing 🎣 Is better than a good day at work” 😉

[@StormBRNGER]

Lovely piece from Watts. I had never listened to this particular one before. Thank you, to the channel. And thank you, Alan :)

[@billstarr8407]

✊😞♥️if you enjoy your work it's not work at all, it's freedom, it's hobbie, it's fulfillment, ones own universe, be alive stay alive✌️😎

[@alanuptonjnr329]

the man is a genius thanks allot much appreciate xxx

[@MegaSnail1]

Such wisdom and yet so difficult to achieve in a world that is seriously struggling. In my life I have dedicated myself to striving for balance in myself, my relationships and my community. This truly is a wiggly world so we might as well go with the flow and see the lessons in every challenge.

[@Anonymous-zy3lh]

6:13 what a beautiful quote ❤

[@blakelandis2434]

Agreed but also within boundaries. Each limits their own happiness by being too strict and rigid, but if you go in the extreme the other way and 100% carefree you are setting yourself up for insecurity and failure at some point. You must find that balance of rigid and soft. Plan accordingly and prepare but dont stress over it too much.

[@FranclinM]

I once lived like a bird, free, and dancy 😂. I can't believe I've been this rigid and stiff without even knowing when or how it got me. 😂 Thanks for the enlightenment

[@Watusifarm]

Men on sailing ships used to sing a whole bunch of different songs as they worked together. I read the books about it and I wish I could have been there with them.

[@samogen300]

Took my 83 year old mother to the bank today, a 40 year joint account; the future is always coming.

[@well.thy.one.]

How much in there?

[@DivingDuckDon]

Oh man……I really needed to listen and to see this one today. Remember not to forget‼️🍀✨🔥🦋😄

[@uranblut]

Make this your alarm sound, so you will listen to it every morning.

[@MH-xo2ux]

A calm person is considered a threat these days...

[@niceice33]

I'd like to be calmer...

[@ETIA0]

The attribute of being calm and composed, which certainly signifies stability and security due to its relaxed nature, is generally regarded as favorable behavior in most situations. However, it is important to note that this attribute can also be interpreted as coldness, rigidity, or restraint-or as withdrawn, socially stiff, or innate-which is not necessarily true or accurate. Most likely, it is simply viewed as a characteristic of one’s personality traits or a transient emotional state. Your statement is quite insightful and I must say on point.

[@themindsetmother]

i've noticed people get stressed out by my calmness and lack of anxiety in situations. i used to be a very anxious person so i get it. just an observation i've had.

[@altron1009]

No matter how much you hate your job or dislike it, doing it while you’re having fun, laughing and joking with your work mates will take that worry away very quickly. What you do does not matter, who you get to do it with does.

[@keithparker1346]

Yes good team mates can make a crap job bearable and crap team mates can make a great job unbearable

[@JoseHenrique-mj6km]

Friend, that was so true for me. Got emotional here thanks for that, was great to hear

[@robertsontirado4478]

This is very beautiful.

[@miggroup5557]

Exactly right. I abide by these principles and it makes my entourage mad. So screw the entourage.

[@gregoryhuggins79]

There are always lessons to be learnt, thank you.

[@nathanbennett1711]

Saw a facebook reel recently of someone at a bus stop wearing headphones dancing and the amount of comments calling him an idiot etc is very sad, but only for those who think you’re an idiot if you’re having a great time!

[@alexmike22ify]

"Be joyful always"

[@Uncommony]

Dare to be Exceptional. Dare to be Uncommon!

[@jenniferconsiglio7143]

Words of truth. 🙏🏻

[@heloisepoye8891]

I loved this..Thank you...

[@philwyatt2176]

Thanks 🙏

[@TheSamwhyte]

This ideological sentiment is lovely. But the reality is different not because of management but because of lawyers and insurers seeking to keep people focused and compliant, to avoid mistakes/negligence and avoid incurring needless costs that could arise from “dancing and singing through your work”

[@bradnotbread]

Terpsichorean. Fantastic.

[@tamaragorman7421]

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) just "Whistle While You Work." The song represents having a positive attitude towards work (even if it's something you don't want to do), teamwork, overcoming challenges and adversity, and working hard.

[@jasonschrader7454]

Chug chug chug. You do not swing in the wind. Perfect T-shirt

[@onecoolcat2478]

It's rare nowadays - but sometimes you see a guitarist playing in a subway and everyone starts singing

[@bwnco]

Yes..or street performers. I truly think 1 person can change a whole world. He plays..you sing..you have joy..you smile..they smile.. they go to work w smile.. all from 1 person playing ❤❤❤

[@karlbuttler]

It's amazing what you can learn from magic mushrooms, they force you stop fighting and go with the flow, it's so scary and magical at the same time......k

[@mrgerrytube]

Word! 🥸

[@robertgold2643]

Lovely music on this onev

[@mohamedabdelmonem6468]

Awesome . even the way of telling this is awesome.

[@mut8inG]

Thank you.

[@Traeumer13]

Very interesting.

[@Saturnia420]

Thank You

[@mci6830]

We are all being played.

[@theMemphisSnuggler]

A lot of people aren't chasing money these days, they're just trying to keep their house.

[@thenoodlebuddy]

Or keep paying the landlords mortgage so the landlord can enjoy their life living in a constant state of holiday

[@renisz99]

The land belongs to no one. The earth belongs to no one. Only greedy humans put the price on the land or earth.

[@Juan_Hernandez_Jr.]

Get rid of the house. I did. Best move I ever made 💯

[@EMail-mt1kr]

​@@Juan_Hernandez_Jr.So what do you live in?

[@deano-deany]

Thank you :)

[@Inkulabi]

0:56 couldn't help but remember the blazing saddles singing scene 😂😊

[@vikaskashikar7986]

We have converted advantageous and disadvantageous into good and evil. Most of us are politicians. We live with low trust of others.

[@riclou1910]

Seek nothing outside yourself. (Miyamoto Musashi)

[@MDWavemaster]

This is so funny because I sing ALL the time. Grown man. More than Tom Bombadill lol.. And I'll be damned if I'm not going to enjoy myself at work.

[@internetmaryann]

I think I’ve reached my personal melting point - no matter the job, pay, situation, it’s always worse and worse around me. You get 10% of salary increase, electricity bill gets 75% increase. How the hell I have 10min daily for myself and the rest 23,9h is occupied. It’s not sustainable anymore, inside my own head. If there would be a one way spaceship to Saturn I would buy a ticket instantly. It’s not about having more money or better life anymore, but having an actual enjoyment from hobbies I used to have - and time for them.

[@blaxk_light3148]

I liked this one.

[@jmc6687]

But most of us have to work so much just to survive, we dont have time to enjoy life and never will

[@jdt2003]

You've got about 2000 weeks left - Use them wisely

[@MauricioRafaelGonzalez]

2:32 west side market, Cleveland!

[@leighcecil3322]

When i was young... the carpenters would sing... working...& Whisle at a lady's as they passed by...! What's happened ?😳

[@LG-ro5le]

The internet happened & overly sensitive people started thinking they can talk for everyone else because of social media 🤦‍♂️ just ignore them & do what you want

[@novelaego2404]

@ LG-ro5le exactly

[@stephenbrewer2541]

@@LG-ro5lethe internet also provided this inspirational message

[@jacquelinesmith2994]

The soccer part is sooo good. Which EDM song will use this excerpt like, right now?

[@clairelachaud2850]

Merci ❤

[@alisonadenis-sickofibs]

Excellent!

[@leighcecil3322]

Hard & stiff Falls.... soft & supple rises...!😁

[@prrplex5594]

I rather be super efficient at work and only have to work 3 days a week or something. The problem isn't how we are doing the work, we are doing too much work. Few people get to live their lives more than a weekend.

[@juliekadams]

They still sing while they work in Jamaica.

[@soulcontrolwo6088]

I love it❤

[@xrpwealthticket5211]

And I will be so frustrated at my fellow South Africans who never take anything seriously and they just keep dancing. Dancing Nation.🇿🇦

[@fabianflores2339]

Philosophical entertainment

[@beeu9841]

Change is the inevitable

[@iansteward4708]

Are we failing to enjoy the ride or has the ride gotten too bumpy?