The Most Powerful 15 Words Alan Watts Ever Spoke

I use this like a reality reset button

Photo by Helicopter Nguyen on Unsplash

I came across one of philosopher and teacher Alan Watts’ most powerful words. He notes, “You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.” I love that. It’s permission to reinvent yourself on demand. You don’t owe anyone your old self. Not the one who said yes too much. Not the one who kept quiet to “not rock the boat.” Not even the one who believed success had to look a specific way. We all drag around our past opinions, habits, and other people’s expectations for too long.

Right now, you can choose to stop identifying with whatever is not serving you. You can say, “That was me, until now.” People will say, “You’ve changed.” Exactly. You were under no obligation to stay the same. You’re a process. Watts understood that. Identity is just a collection of habits, thoughts, and reactions you’ve accumulated for decades.

The universe is in a consistent state of flow, and you are not an exception. The you from five minutes ago is already gone. To hold onto that self is to fight a law of nature. Five minutes ago, you may have overreacted to an external frustration. It doesn’t mean you identified with it. You are under no obligation to stay upset. Yesterday, you may have snapped at someone you love. Are you now and forever a…