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Meditative music strikes different chords with everyone. For some, this genre is perfect for daily listening; for others, it’s a cringe-inducing reality of some yoga classes. I, admittedly, have fallen into both camps at different times. But there is one very specific ilk of would-be woo-woo music that I faithfully stand behind regardless of day, setting, or mood: the Alan Watts remix.
In case you need a primer, Watts was a British-born philosopher. He spent much of his life in my native Marin County and died there in 1973. Throughout his time on Earth, Watts dove deep, working as a priest, professor of Asian studies, author, speaker, and radio host of the 1950s show Way Beyond the West, which explored the “influx of Eastern philosophies on the American consciousness.” The 1960s saw him rise to prominence as an icon within the global community of seekers, where he remains to this day.
Through his lectures and seminal writings—including The Way of Zen and The Wisdom of Insecurity—Watts was always the fascinated observer, sharing ponderances on all things mystic, scientific, and more. Overlay those accented, meandering musings on an instrumental lo-fi beat or some random nature sounds, and the world instantly becomes an even more mystical, thought-provoking place. I consider it a means of meditating on life—and your place in it—sans traditional meditating.
One of the most impressive aspects of these songs is the weight that Watts’ out-of-context, exceedingly brief messages carry. A Watts remix transmutes a neighborhood walk into an examination of the human experience; long drives are imbued with deeper meaning; and Savasana becomes one part meditation, one part education (unless you prefer yours silent, in which case, one part irritation).
Though sitting through an entire Watts talk is entirely worth your time—there are multitudes available on Spotify, YouTube, and in the public doman—there’s just something about a few minutes of well-curated lines with a backbeat.
As a fan of podcasts, audiobooks, and music, I enjoy my tunes sprinkled with profound little lectures. “I’m not going to say what we should do,” says Watts toward the end of one of my favorite such songs. “But simply, that before we think of doing anything, in this critical situation, we realize the completely illusory nature of the beings that we think we are, and get back again to the beings that we really are, which includes all this; outside world, no longer left outside.”
Sometimes the most fundamental messages contain the most truth—and beauty. And this is truth that you can groove to.
Years ago, I shared a short clip on Instagram documenting a very good moment on a very good day. It was gorgeous out, and I was in the passenger seat of my friend’s car as we wound through the redwoods. I stuck my hand out of the sunroof and recorded it swimming through the wind, Watts’ voice audible in the background.
“Your whole life is art,” commented a stranger. And I guess that’s how a Watts-narrated soundtrack makes me feel—like my whole life is art.
5 Alan Watts Remixes For a Thought-Provoking Groove
Whether you’re new to the Watts genre or want to expand your personal playlist, these are some of my go-tos mind-opening jams.
1. “Japanese Ceremonial Tea” — The Electric Sons
2. “The Universe Has Suddenly Turned Into Water” — Nothing to See Here
3. “Time” — Akira the Don
4. “Therapist” — Michael Quinn