Finding Peace in the Present Moment: Reflections on The Wisdom of Insecurity

By Dr. Lewis Canyon, a California-licensed Psychologist

Lately, I’ve been on a personal and professional journey to deepen my understanding as a psychologist—and, more importantly, as a human being. That’s what led me to The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts.

What Resonated from The Wisdom of Insecurity

This book spoke to me in a way that felt both ancient and relevant to today. It helped me see that so much of our anxiety comes from trying to feel “secure” in a world that is constantly changing. We chase certainty, but life—real, meaningful life—happens in the now, not in the “what ifs” or the “what should have been.”

“We live in a time of great insecurity.” — Alan Watts

That line struck me deeply—not just as a therapist, but as a human being living in April 2025. Many of the people I sit with each week are unsettled. I feel it, too. We’re surrounded by conversations about tariff wars, massive layoffs, the elimination of public programs, DOGE. volatility, stock market anxiety, ICE activity, and the looming threat of mass deportations. There’s a collective tension in the air. And all of it reinforces this deep urge to cling to something—anything—that feels stable.

But Watts gently reminds us that trying to force certainty in an uncertain world only makes our suffering worse.

“The desire for security and the feeling of insecurity are the same thing.” — Alan Watts

One metaphor in the book stood out to me and felt incredibly real:

“The more the fly struggles, the more deeply it sinks.” — Alan Watts

This image—a fly struggling in honey—captures the painful truth that the harder we try to resist or control uncertainty, the more we become trapped by it. The struggle itself deepens our insecurity.

If you’re someone who’s been feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed, this book might resonate with you, too. It’s not a quick fix. But it’s a gentle, honest reminder that the present moment is where our real strength lies—even when it feels uncomfortable.

What stood out most to me is how often we trade the richness of the present for the illusion of control. I see this in myself at times, and in many of the people I work with. The Wisdom of Insecurity doesn’t shame us for this—it simply invites us to notice, to breathe, and to come home to now.

If you’ve been looking for something that speaks to the anxious thoughts, the restlessness, or the sadness that’s been following you around, maybe this book is a place to start. Or, if you’d like to talk with someone—maybe I can be that person. Someone you can unburden with, process these thoughts with, and explore what healing might look like for you.

You’re welcome to book a free consultation with me. No pressure—just a conversation to see if we’d be a good fit.

Accepting Insurance via Headway

If you’re located in California and looking for therapy that fits your budget, I currently accept Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, United Healthcare, and Oxford through Headway here's the link to book.

And if you’d like to explore The Wisdom of Insecurity, you can find it in book, Kindle, or Audible format.

• Paperback or Hardback on Amazon = https://amzn.to/3Em2eqA

• Kindle eBook = https://amzn.to/3FYMU3E

• Audiobook on Audible = https://amzn.to/43NoNiw