The Water Way

I’ve been reading the book Be Water My Friend by Shannon Lee, which explores the philosophies of her father, Bruce Lee.

In this book, Lee discusses the philosophies that her father lived by and how we can apply them to our lives as well. In the opening chapters, the author focuses on being formless and shapeless, adopting water’s ability to adapt and take the form of its container while remaining both pliable and relentless. Anyone who has had a leak in their roof or in their pipes knows that water will find a way. The water will find a way forward, going around obstacles rather than going through them. Lee suggests we can apply this approach to life’s challenges.

In Jiu Jitsu, choosing  “the water way” can help us deal with, and overcome our obstacles. It may be an opponent who’s bigger and stronger, or someone who is younger and faster. In our life, it  could be a change in employment or an illness. As we accept these obstacles and flow forward, rather than rigidly resisting them, we can find peace in the journey.