• Mikey Ryu
• May 1, 2024
• 0

Flow Like Water

Throughout our lives, I’m sure we have all heard at least once the phrase “Flow Like Water” and probably laughed at it because it sounds so weird I mean how can humans “Flow” like water when were humans? This phrase is often attributed to Bruce Lee a well-renowned martial artist, actor, and philosopher. Bruce Lee famously expressed the concept of being like water in his martial arts, he emphasised the idea of adaptability, flexibility and the ability to “flow” – or adapt – in response to external circumstances, much like how water flows effortlessly around obstacles.

What Does It Mean?

Why Use Water, There Are Other Liquids Too:

While there are other liquids water is the best one to use as not only is it in abundance and everyone will know what water is, but water is seen as the liquid of life. In biology, scientists discovered the necessities for life to exist.

Water is seen as the liquid of life, the one liquid that can host life. it’s where life started on Earth (approximately 3.5 – 4 billion years ago). That is probably why water is used, humans are approximately 60% water (I say approximately here as the percentage of water in someone’s body depends on factors such as age, sex, body composition, and overall health) so that also has some reason behind it.

Overall water is the liquid of life and as a liquid can take on any shape it’s compressed to, place water into a cup and it becomes the cup.

How Does This Link To Martial Arts

The metaphor of water is used in martial arts all the time and for good reason, when you are in sparing or in a fight you constantly have to react to what going on whether that’s the person who is attacking you or the environment around you (keeping one eye on the opponent and one on the surroundings). The ability to “flow” like water and adapt to anything that is thrown at you is an incredibly crucial aspect of martial arts, even more important when Bruce Lee was alive as times then were harder than they are now.

How Can You Use This In Modern Day:

In the Modern day, the world we know is full of distractions and companies constantly fighting for your attention, as well as challenges and difficulties that are different for everyone. With the ability to adapt and be flexible in our lives, everything becomes manageable no matter what trials you face in your life if you can learn to adapt you will survive. Life is only where it is now due to its ability to adapt and evolve in harmony with the environment, adapting is a natural process, in life and business those who adapt survive those who don’t perish.

Tips for Cultivating Adaptability and Flexibility in the Modern World:

Embrace Change:

• Recognise that change is inevitable and a natural part of life.
• Instead of resisting change, practice accepting it with an open mind and a positive attitude.
• View change as an opportunity for growth and personal development rather than a setback.

Develop a Growth Mindset:

• Adopt a mindset that thrives on challenges and sees failures as opportunities to learn and improve.
• Focus on continuous learning and self-improvement, seeking out new experiences and knowledge.
• Reframe setbacks as temporary obstacles on the path to success rather than insurmountable barriers.

Practice Mindfulness:

• Cultivate present-moment awareness through mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
• Learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing you to respond to situations with clarity and intention. – Read More
• By staying grounded in the present moment, you can better adapt to changing circumstances with calmness and composure.

Foster Resilience:

• Build resilience by developing coping strategies to effectively deal with stress and adversity.
• Focus on building a strong support network of friends, family, and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement during challenging times.
• Remember that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but rather bouncing back stronger after facing them.

Cultivate Flexibility:

• Practice being adaptable in your daily life by intentionally stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things.
• Embrace uncertainty and ambiguity, recognising that flexibility is essential for thriving in dynamic environments.
• Develop the ability to quickly adjust your plans and expectations in response to changing circumstances, remaining agile and adaptable.

Learn from Experience:

• Reflect on past experiences and identify lessons learned from both successes and failures. – Read our blog on Failure.
• Use these insights to inform your decision-making process and adapt your approach as needed in future situations.

Most importantly, know yourself, the reason why you strive, the reasons you keep pushing, and the things that will keep you going.

By continuously iterating and refining your strategies based on feedback and experience, you can become more adaptable and resilient over time.

In a world where change is constant and challenges are inevitable, the wisdom of “flowing like water” holds profound significance. Initially, the notion may seem abstract, but when we delve deeper, we uncover a powerful metaphor for adaptability and resilience. Just as water effortlessly conforms to its environment, we too can embrace change with open arms, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a hindrance. Bruce Lee’s timeless words resonate across time and space, urging us to be formless, shapeless, and adaptable, just like water.