“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” ~ Bruce Lee

Lee’s most famous quote. But do you know where Bruce Lee found this philosophy?  Its roots or true meaning? These are ancient Chinese thoughts, taken from the Dao de Ching and The Art of War. Let’s take a closer look:

Be Like Water

“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves…”

This is a Daoist principle. Water is one of the five elements, and can manifest as yin or yang: flowing water, ice, or steam. It flows and finds its way into all places. This is seen in the Dao de Ching, which says the highest good is like water. The best of man is like water, giving life to all things, it flows in places that men reject. So, it is like the dao.  All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are, humility gives it power. Think about that.

Lee’s quote also has its origin in Sun Tze’s Art of War. Military tactics are like water:

• Water in its natural course runs away from high places & moves downwards.
• In battle, the way is to avoid what is strong & to strike at what is weak. Like water, take the path of least resistance.
• Water shapes its course according to the kind of ground over which it flows: the warrior works out his victory in relation to the foe he is facing.
• Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in battle there are no constant conditions.

Empty Your Mind

“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.”

This philosophy is from the Dao de Ching: “We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want.”

A Daoist perspective seeks to move us beyond our ego. Learn to observe reality, without attachments to your emotions. They will not give you a clear perspective, or a course of action. Shifting away from self absorption sharpens your sensitivity to the opponent. The ego is a core part of our human illusion. As you peel away the false self, emptiness remains. Working on reducing it, and ultimately letting go of it, leaves you “empty”. Think of it this way:  move away from being” full of yourself”!  In conquering your ego,  you also conquer fear. There’s nothing to lose if you aren’t holding on to anything. It has a freedom inside of it.

It also goes back to the Art of War: just as water retains no constant shape, so in battle there are no constant conditions. In fact, if your strategy has no visible form, if it is subtle or secret, opponents can’t plan against it. Keep them guessing. Do the unexpected, be prepared for anything.

Toni Josephson

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The Vernal Equinox signals the start of a new season. It is spring here in the Northern Hemisphere and fall below the equator. It is also a new year in western astrology. The sun enters Aries, the first sign of the zodiac — representing vitality, passion, aggression and action. It is the fiery warrior.  And it is the spark to heat up your practice.

The equinox also has an equal amount of day and night. It is a time of balance. In bringing you tandao evolving martial arts, and wellness, there is more than the physical aspect of a discipline. We are interested in anthropology, sociology and psychology…and all the dynamics that drive our motivations, emotions and aggression. They help us understand why we do what we do. Do not underestimate the power and influence this holds.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War teaches artful strategies (bing fa) to resolve conflicts in life. Opponents are encountered within our environment, in our relationships, and even within ourselves. These obstacles block us from moving ahead. Should we compromise our values and live with these blocks? Or should we focus our energies and employ realistic strategies to remove conflicts? Analysis and planning are elements of the philosophy.

Here are four steps to fire up your practice:

• Challenge yourself. An opponent relies on entrenched habits, winning comes from the element of surprise. Get reacquainted with your routines. What can you learn from them? What habits do you need to break? What new routines will you create?

• Identify your fear. Don’t underestimate you inner opponent. Or an irrational fear of someone or something else. Become aware of you fear. Where does it come from?  Is it even a reality? Or a feeling or judgment?

• Make a commitment to your discipline. Skill comes through a long period of determination, then strategy becomes swift. Do you have a plan to meet your goals? Stay focused.

• Reconnect with nature. There is heaven, earth — and man in the middle. Move outdoors. If that isn’t possible, spend time in nature – then bring it into your practice. Check our Spring Training video

What plans are you making to meet your goals? Share your ideas and inspiration with us.

Toni Josephson