3 Such Water Features

“Be like water, my friend,  ” Bruce Lee said in his famous reply,  “water can flow, or it can break down”.  In this commentary on self-realization, Lee summarizes one of the three Taoist properties of water derived from the Laotian poem. The wisdom in this text is truly inspiring even today.

The acclaimed philosopher Zygmunt Bauman introduced the concept of a liquid society more than 10 years ago. With it, he defined the stable values ​​of the reality of contemporary uncertainty, as well as the transition of social models and structures. When this picture varies and it’s hard to stick to anything, the only real permanent thing is, paradoxically, fear.

We live in a world where only a few things can be described as stable. That is why we need to act quickly and remain flexible. We can then adapt to the sudden changes between employment, politics, social demands and new, volatile relationships.

Because of all such dynamics, it is understandable to experience some restlessness or uncertainty. In these cases, great oriental intellectuals like Raymond Tang (professor and lecturer at Guangzhou University) encourage us to learn a little more about Tao philosophy.

Through these practices, we can remain calm in the midst of chaos. We can have restraint and security in this uncertain liquid world.

3 properties of water according to Taoism

1. Humility

The first characteristic of water according to Taoism is humility. At first glance, it is difficult to see the relationship of the psychological dimension to the aquatic environment. However, this relationship exists and is really inspiring. The water that flows calmly, calmly and harmoniously through the river takes care of the surrounding land.

When the water level is normal, it extends to the beach, nourishes the animals and helps the environment find the ideal balance for life to function. When a river is restless and greedy for its water, everything changes. The intensity of the flow can cause real damage. It infects the soil, destroys the habitat and affects all living things.

We need to internalize the quality of water that reflects peace and humility. He who understands this well does not try to show that he is more than he is. He is always more calm than violent. And even though he occasionally faces contradictions due to external factors, he always returns to his riverbank. Each of us as individuals can choose the serenity of our lives and promote a natural balance.

2. Water takes into account the possibilities

Even in difficult times, there is always a small corner where you can see a glimpse of the possibility.  It doesn’t matter what happens around us, what changes happen, what pressures we feel, or what has derailed us from our trajectory. We too can be like water. Look for a crack, an opponent’s weakness, or a problem that creates a new path — a new opportunity.

This is a Taoist property of water that reminds us of how adaptable this vital substance can be. When something is blocking us or blocking our path, you can count on two things: tireless strength and finding a weak point.

We must not forget that water is a great opportunist. It never hesitates to change shape, settle, or reorient to move forward. As long as there is the slightest chance of getting where it wants to go, water can do it.

3. Change without fear

Only a few elements are as inspiring or suitable for change as water. Think about it: at extreme temperatures, water can transform itself into ice or steam. The water does not hesitate to change shape depending on the environment. It becomes a vase when placed in one, and it remains small and insignificant in the cracking of the stone. It becomes huge if it returns to the ocean and becomes a vital nutrient when a living being is thirsty and needs it.

Water has power and character. It knows and understands that nothing is as important as going through the necessary changes. Nature is often hostile. He who does not adapt will not survive. These properties of water not only inspire us, but they also help us in different aspects of our lives.

Albert Ellis, a psychotherapist known as the developer of Rational-Emotional Behavioral Therapy (REBT), once said that there is a monster that chases us every day. A stream that tries to take our happiness away. The idea that the world should be happy comes from us. We know that is not true, but we still mourn all the obstacles, every stone in the way, all the unexpected and unpleasant changes.

Be like water. Bruce Lee has already given us the answer, and we must not confine ourselves to seeing the Taoist properties of water as a mere metaphor. After all, we are part of nature. And nature itself is an expression of Taoism.