Alan Watts and the Art of Living Your Weird

I was in my mid-thirties and quite depressed when I first stumbled on a recording of Alan Watts’ unique style of spiritual entertainment. Within a few minutes, I was chuckling out loud and had forgotten I was depressed.

These days, I no longer suffer from depression, and Watts’ recordings still crack me up and fill my spirit.

“Live your weird,” he implored.

Yessir!

The late great Alan Watts, a self-proclaimed spiritual entertainer, died on this day in 1973. So grateful for his many recordings available on Youtube and elsewhere. Few people make me chuckle as much or remind me that I am not the sum total of my thoughts and feelings. He, more than most, it seemed, GOT the cosmic joke of existence. And he admitted to many of his flaws, it seems. Also admirable. Wherever you are, Alan, thank you for what you left behind. I’m sure you are laughing your crusty, smoker’s laugh at It All.

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Brad Wetzler

Brad Wetzler is an author, journalist, editor, book writing instructor, memoir coach and mentor, and yoga instructor. His articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, GQ, National Geographic, Newsweek, Wired, Men's Journal, Travel + Leisure, George, Best American Travel Writing, and Outside, where he was a senior editor and contributing editor. His book, Real Mosquitoes Don't Eat Meat, was a collection of columns he wrote for Outside.Brad writes, teaches, coaches, and mentors from his home in Austin, Texas. His memoir, Into the Soul of the World, will be published in spring 2023.