Faith Quote by Alan W. Watts
““The senses, feelings, and thoughts must be allowed to be spontaneous in the faith that they will then order themselves harmoniously. To try to control the mind forcefully is like trying to flatten out waves with a board, and can only result in more and more disturbance.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wisdom of Insecurity, 1959
Advocates allowing thoughts and feelings to arise naturally, trusting they will self‑organize, rather than forcefully controlling them.
In simple terms: Let your mind flow; trying to control it creates turmoil.
Key Takeaway
Trust the mind’s natural order.
Themes
mindfulness
acceptance
inner peace
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative work
- stress management
- decision making
Key Concepts
psychology
spirituality
non‑attachment
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it feel like when you stop trying to control thoughts?
- When is intentional focus beneficial?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on spontaneity may lead to neglecting necessary discipline.
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“[T]he world as described is included in but is not the same as the world as it is. As a way of contemplation, it is being aware of life without thinking about it, and then carrying this on even while one is thinking, so that thoughts are not confused with nature.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ff/alan-w-watts-9497_contemplation_t-he-world-as-described-is-included-in-b_254933.jpg)
![“[S]een as a whole the universe is a harmony or symbiosis of patterns which cannot exist without each other.” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/782/alan-w-watts-9497_harmony_s-een-as-a-whole-the-universe-is-a-harmo_262535.jpg)
