Alan Watts: 'We identify in our experience a differentiation between what we do and what happens to us.'

We identify in our experience a differentiation between what we do and what happens to us.

In Alan Watts' profound quote, "We identify in our experience a differentiation between what we do and what happens to us," there lies a simple yet thought-provoking insight into the way we perceive and interact with the world around us. This quote suggests that we often separate our actions from the events that occur to us, creating a distinction between the outcome of our own choices and the external forces that shape our lives. We tend to see ourselves as separate entities, acting upon the world while simultaneously being acted upon.This differentiation between our actions and what happens to us is deeply ingrained in our consciousness. It forms the basis for our sense of control and responsibility, allowing us to attribute outcomes to either our own agency or external factors. We take credit for the achievements resulting from our actions, while attributing failures or misfortunes to external circumstances beyond our control. Thus, this quote highlights our tendency to perceive ourselves as separate from the flow of life, shaping our experiences through actions while simultaneously being subject to the whims of fate.However, this quote also opens the door to a more unexpected and profound philosophical concept: the illusion of separateness. While it is natural for us to perceive ourselves as distinct individuals navigating a complex world, there may be a deeper truth that transcends this perception. According to various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Eastern philosophies and mystic teachings, the distinction between what we do and what happens to us might be illusory.These traditions propose a more interconnected worldview, where the boundaries between ourselves and the external world blur. Instead of perceiving ourselves as isolated individuals, they suggest that we are inseparable from the fabric of existence. Our actions and the events that unfold around us are not discrete phenomena but rather intertwined aspects of a unified whole. In this paradigm, the idea of control and ownership becomes less meaningful, as there is no clear distinction between the initiator and the recipient.Embracing this perspective challenges our preconceived notions about agency and causality. It invites us to question whether true autonomy and control are attainable or merely figments of our imagination. If we are deeply interconnected with the world and not separate agents acting upon it, then the boundaries between what we do and what happens to us become porous. We become participants in a dance of existence, surrendering the illusion of control and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.This unexpected philosophical concept emphasizes the importance of transcending our limited perspective and expanding our consciousness. When we free ourselves from the confines of rigid separateness, we open our minds to the vast possibilities and interconnectedness that lie beneath the surface. Moreover, it invites us to approach life with a sense of awe and wonder, recognizing the intricate web of relationships that shape our experiences.In conclusion, Alan Watts' quote serves as a powerful reminder of the distinction we tend to make between what we do and what happens to us. It sheds light on our innate tendency to see ourselves as separate individuals acting upon the world. However, it also invites us to challenge this notion and explore the profound interconnectedness that underlies our existence. By reimagining our perception of agency and control, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the dynamic unfolding of life. Let us embrace this expanded perspective and venture into the realm of interconnectedness, where true understanding and personal growth await.