The 3 Taoist Properties Of Water That Everyone Should Learn

“Be water, my friend,” Bruce Lee said in a famous quote. “Well, water can flow or it can crash.” In this commentary on the process of self-realization, he summarizes one of the 3 Taoist properties of water, which is taken from Laozi’s poetry . The wisdom of this text is truly inspiring for the time we are in.

It is more than 10 years ago that the famous philosopher Zygmunt Bauman brought us the concept of a floating society. With this he defined a modernity of obscure values, of changing social models and structures, of a reality marked with uncertainty. When we face this fluctuating image and the difficulty of holding on to anything, the only true solid we have is fear, paradoxically.

We live in a world where few things can be described as stable. Because of this, we must act quickly and remain flexible. Then we can adapt to any sudden change in employment, politics, social demands, and new, varied types of relationships.

In the context of all these dynamics, it is understandable that we experience a certain amount of discomfort or uncertainty. In such cases, great Eastern intellectuals like Raymond Tang (Lecturer and Professor at the University of Guangzhou) encourage us to learn a little more about Tao philosophy.

Through these practices we can learn to remain calm in all the chaos. We can achieve self-control and security in this uncertain, fluid world.

1. The properties of water according to Taoism: Humility

The first of the characteristics of water according to Taoism is humility. At first glance, it is difficult to see a relationship between the psychological dimensions and the aquatic world. However, this relationship exists and it is truly inspiring. Water that flows calmly, evenly, and harmoniously through a river nourishes the earth around it. 

When the water level is normal, it flows along the shore, nourishes the animals, and helps the environment to create an ideal balance for all life to function. Now, when the river becomes agitated and greedy with its water, everything changes. The strength of the flowing water can do real damage. It seizes the shores, destroys habitats and affects all living things.

• We must integrate the properties of water that reflect calm and humility. He who understands this well and not trying to emerge as something more than he is,  h an will always prefer peace over violence. And even though at times he will face conflict due to external factors, he will always return to his riverbed. Each of us can individually choose peace of mind in our lives and promote the natural balance.

2. Water is aware of possibilities

In times of difficulty there is always a small corner where you can find a glimpse of opportunity. It does not matter what is going on around us, what changes are happening, what pressure we feel, or what wall has stopped us in our tracks. We can also be like water. Find the crack, a weakness in the opponent, or the problem that gives way to a new path – a new opportunity.

This is one of the Taoist properties of water that reminds us how adaptable this vital substance can be. When something holds us back, or blocks our path, you can rely on two things: unsustainable force, and finding the weak point.

We can not forget that water is an opportunist. It never hesitates to change form, setting, or position in order to continue its journey forward. As long as there is even the slightest possibility of getting where it wants, water can do it.

Change without fear

Few elements are as inspired by or well suited to change as water is. Think about it: in extreme temperatures, water can be turned into ice or steam. Water does not hesitate to change shape depending on its surroundings. Water becomes a vase when placed in one, and it will remain small and unimportant in a crack in a rock. It will be gigantic if it returns to the ocean, and will become vital food when a living being is thirsty and needs it.

Water has power and character. Water knows and understands that nothing is as important as undergoing the necessary changes. Nature is so often hostile, and what does not adapt does not survive. Acquiring these properties of water will not only inspire us, but also help us in various aspects of our lives.

Albert Ellis, a psychotherapist known for developing Rational Emotional Behavior Therapy (REBT), once said that it is a monster that hunts us all every day. A current that tries to sweep away our happiness. The idea that the world should be happy came from us. We know this is not true, but we still complain about all obstacles, every stone in the way, every unexpected and unwanted change.

Be like water. Bruce Lee already had the answer clear to us, but we should not limit ourselves to looking only at the Taoist properties of water as a nice metaphor. After all, we are also nature. And nature in itself is an expression of the Tao.