One of the many philosophies the great Bruce Lee preached was to “be like water.”
He further explained that water can take to any form, be soft enough to fall through any crack and strong enough to crash through any barrier. This philosophy made him one of the best martial artist of all time. I’d like to think that Mr. Lee practiced his philosophy beyond the dojo and into his life. To “be like water” in your everyday life is an excellent way to progress along your personal journey.
Picture your life as a river bed, yourself as the water that flows through it and the current as time. Your river flows toward the ocean of your goals and dreams. On this journey you will encounter rocks and boulders. These obstacles are anything from a jealous colleague to a skeptical friend or the passing of a loved one.
It is important to recognize these obstacles as what they are, either a rock or a boulder. Do this by always keeping ocean in mind. You will then recognize what is worth confronting. As water, you can easily avoid the rocks in your life, where as you will need the current to carry you past the boulders – have trust in the power of time. Avoid turning rocks into boulders and boulders into dams.
“Be like water, my friend” It is the source of life. Be gentle, kind and giving. Take form of those who confide in you by practicing empathy. Accept the natural laws of the earth and flow with them down your path as it is impossible to go back in time, or as water, flow upstream. Understand that just like water, with persistence you can break through any barrier. But take care in what you pursue, for breaking through the barrier of your own river bed will create a flood and a new path you may not want. Stay true to your dreams, “be like water” and you will find your ocean.
Yours in practice, Jason.
Pingback: “Be Like Water” | own now()