Be Water, My Friend
The quote belongs to an interview with Bruce Lee conducted by Pierre Berton in 1971, where Bruce summarized much of his outlook on life.
One must be flexible, adaptable, take the form of the container, he said.
In less fine words: When life throws s*it at you, go with the flow.
The least resilient people I’ve had the pleasure to meet share the trait of rigidity. Their minds can’t bend and if something were to hit the fan… I bet they’ll break down.
I believe the human species is adaptable by nature. Those who aren’t, just hold the privilege of not needing to be.
Adversity gets the best out of us.
We may not see it in the moment, but flowers grow where you plant seeds.
As I get older, I embrace more the fact that our views and attitudes hold enormous power over the outcome of things.
Or at least can make the ride a lot more bearable.
As counterintuitive as it may sound, adopting this mindset of fluidity is the strongest shield you can use.
When problems are seen as a mere invitation to reconsider, reconduct, or, perhaps, even quit our current efforts, we’re doing a big favor to our mental health.
It doesn’t mean we will be unbothered by them, but will choose to accept them.
Flow with them.
Besides, water can be a powerful force.
Think of a storm beating the seas.
A tsunami.
When water uses all its rage, it devours everything. Nothing can stop it.
Secret to a productive life:
Remain unshaken most of the time. Follow the course of things.
And when real adversity comes, use the force you’ve been building to fight back.
Thank you for supporting this newsletter.
Until soon,
Do you think this content might be interesting to someone you know? Send it directly to them through this link.
Beautiful advice 💚