Did Alan Watts ever have any practical advice on how to actually relax?
Alan Watts offered several pieces of practical advice on how to relax:
1. **Effortless Relaxation**: Watts explained that relaxation cannot be achieved by effort. Trying hard to relax only leads to tension. Instead, acceptance and allowing things to happen without interference are key 15.
2. **Letting Go**: He emphasized the importance of letting go without going limp. Relaxation should be a balance between softness and firmness, like the mix of flesh and bones 2.
3. **Engage in Activities Naturally**: He advised engaging naturally in whatever you are doing—whether sitting, smoking, or thinking—to avoid the compulsion of unnecessary thoughts, which he called having a "leaky mind" 3.
4. **Periodic Escape**: Watts suggested that occasional "letting loose," as in celebrations or carnivals, is essential to prevent insanity. The goal isn't to make relaxation another project but to enjoy life's activities without rigid expectations 4.
5. **Contemplative Practice**: When it comes to meditation or contemplation, Watts recommended sitting naturally, with the breath flowing freely, rather than forcing any practice upon oneself 6.
Overall, his insights highlight a paradox: relaxation is about surrender and natural engagement, not effort or control.
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