1) The Water Way Flashcards
Why is frustration a key part of growth?
If I never attempt something hard, when something hard happens to me, I will be knocked on my ass.
Frustration is part of skill development through myelin production.
Why must I try to look upon frustration as my teacher, or dare it be said, my friend?
Let it guide me to a full understanding of myself. Listen to what it has to say about me, about my current capacity and beliefs, where I need to stretch myself, what I really want and love.
What realisation occurred when Bruce Lee was frustrated and went out to sea, then pounding the sea?
He struck it with all his might, and every time, the water just absorbed it and felt no pain. Water, seemingly weak, can penetrate the hardest substance in the world.
What was the 2nd realisation when Bruce Lee observed the bird fly over the sea?
Just how the reflection of the bird passes smoothly over water, within no stickiness or blockage, that is how my thoughts and emotions should be in front of an opponent.
Why does every martial arts lesson start with a bow?
It’s an intention thing. I’m here. I’ve shown up. I’m partying attention and I’m ready to participate.
Bruce Lee’s core principle to represent his art and life, and even water, was this:
Use no way as way, have no limitation as limitation.
What for this mean?
Water is not to be deterred. It’s going to find paths to proceed. When hit with an obstacle, it changes course and keeps flowing. It uses every possible way, running along with no limitation.
This is the basic way of water: it is unstoppable.
Why is being present a key component of being like water?
If not active in participation with its environment at every moment, it cannot find it’s way through or around to get to its destination.
What’s the difference b/w us and water when it comes to encountering obstacles?
We get to choose whether to stop at the obstacle or keep going, unlike water which ALWAYS chooses to keep going.
What happens to water that keeps flowing vs water that stays still?
Still = Evaporate Flowing = Fed by rain and streams and springs along the way. Constantly replenished.
Why is Awareness crucial to create my life?
If I’m not aware of my thoughts and feelings, then how am I able to change my habits to better ones? I can only respond after seeing the choices to be made.
How can I participate and co create, without forcing (which creates stress & anxiety)?
Be present. Stop resisting. Give the project to the Universe, asking to “Show me the way”, then, like water, follow the course of the new unfolding.
Throw a rock in a stream, the stream adapts to make space for the right. What does this mean?
To be like water is to adapt in response to my environment and opponent.
It is to be pliable, not rigid. Pliability is life, rigidity is death.
How was Bruce Lee‘a on guard position primed ?
Active yet stable, relaxed but ready.
In what way is water always relaxed but ready?
When water I bring Heng back by an obstruction, it calmly waits. As soon as the obstruction is removed, the water goes rushing through without hesitation.
🎁 Self actualisation
WHAT you do and WHO you are is not as important as HOW you express your “what” and your “who” in everything you do.
