Be Water

I often find myself resisting, grinding and struggling. I’m a hard charger, set lofty goals and aim to achieve them. But often, I find the harder I try, the more I dig myself into a hole. Like trying to squeeze a liquid, the goal slips through my hand.

Water is literally the source of life on earth. Philosophically, a lot can be learned from it. Water nourishes, supports, hydrates and sustains, yet it is unyielding, relentless and unwavering. It will not stop you from entering, but it will not be stopped by you either.

The tide shapes the coastline. Rivers carve out canyons. The best man made structures waste away due to weather, rot and rust. Water continues on its path. It always finds the quickest way back to the ocean. It doesn’t resist the things in its way. It simply moves around them.

Bruce Lee had a revelation in his own martial arts when he considers the properties of water. He aimed to mold his practice into a fluid art that took what he was given and used it toward his purposes. His philosophy of jeet kune do was simple: Be water.

I needed this reminder as I go through my daily life. I do not need to act forcefully, like a ram butting heads with an opponent. I need be water. Constantly moving toward my goals. Unyielding, but never resisting. Freely flowing through time to carve the path I’m seeking. Not using force, but finding the path of least resistance.

Embrace the journey. Enjoy the cycle of life.

Be water.