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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Become What You Are summary
Alan Watts
Discover Your True Self Through the Wisdom of World Religions
19 mins
Brief summary
Become What You Are offers an exploration of self-discovery through philosophical insights. Alan Watts encourages embracing life’s natural flow and challenges traditional notions of identity, urging us to awaken to our true potential.
Table of Contents
Become What You Are
Summary of 5 key ideas
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The illusion of separateness
Imagine yourself standing on a beach, wiggling your toes in the warm sand. Ask yourself where you end and the beach begins. The answer is not as clear-cut as you might think. This fuzzy boundary between you and the world is what Alan Watts loved to explore when he talked about the illusion of separateness.
You’ve probably spent your whole life thinking you’re a separate self, distinct from everything around you. Parents, teachers, friends, all reinforce the idea that you’re a person, unique and apart. It’s a bit like thinking you’re a lone island in a vast ocean. But Watts would point out that islands are really just the peaks of underwater mountains. They’re all a part of the same earth, and not separated at all if you look underneath.
Now, take a breath. That air you just inhaled? It’s been part of countless other beings before you. The carbon in your body once made up stars. You’re not just connected to the universe – you are the universe, atom for atom, molecules forged in distant suns. The universe, in fact, is playing at being you.
Think of it like this: you’re not a noun, you’re a verb. You’re not a static, separate thing, but a flowing process. You’re “selfing,” just as the universe is “universing.” It’s all one big cosmic dance, and you’re not just a dancer – you’re the dance itself.
This idea might seem a bit dizzying at first. After all, we’re used to seeing ourselves as separate individuals, distinct from the world around us. But Watts would argue that this view is like looking at the ocean and seeing only the waves, missing the vast, interconnected body of water beneath.
Consider your thoughts. Where do they come from? Can you pinpoint the exact moment a thought begins? Or does it arise from a complex web of experiences, memories, and influences that extend far beyond what you consider “you”?
Embracing this perspective doesn’t mean losing your uniqueness. Just as each wave on the ocean is distinct yet inseparable from the whole, you, too, are a unique expression of the universe. You’re not less than your individual self – you’re infinitely more.
So next time you feel small or isolated, remember: you’re not just a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop. Isn’t that a marvelous thought to splash around in?
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What is Become What You Are about?
Becoming What You Are (1995) is a collection of essays that explore the intersection of Eastern philosophy and Western thought. The book offers a refreshing perspective on life, encouraging readers to embrace their true nature and live in harmony with the universe by letting go of societal constructs and finding peace in the present moment.
Who should read Become What You Are ?
- Spiritual seekers and those interested in personal growth
- People exploring alternative perspectives on self-identity and consciousness
- Anyone questioning their place in the world
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