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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Be Water, My Friend summary
Shannon Lee
The True Teachings of Bruce Lee
18 mins
Brief summary
Be Water, my Friend by Shannon Lee is a unique and insightful book that draws wisdom from Bruce Lee's philosophy. It encourages adaptability, fluidity, and mindfulness, offering practical lessons for facing challenges and living a purposeful life.
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Be Water, My Friend
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The wisdom of water
Reflecting on his love for martial arts, Lee once mused that “everything” he knew he learned from them. For Lee, these practices were more than just physical. They mirrored and reflected life – they formed a remarkable microcosm. But it wasn’t always that way.…
Lee was 13 when he started learning wing chun under the skilled sifu (teacher) Yip Man. Yip Man wrapped his training in Taoist philosophy, the concepts of yin and yang, and imagery from the natural world. However, these threads didn’t come as naturally as the physical components to the hotheaded young Lee. He was far less interested in heeding the flow of nature than he was in asserting himself over it.
So how did this fiery teenager come to adopt “Be water” as his guiding philosophy?
The revelation came after he was sent home for a week to meditate on his sifu’s instructions. Frustrated and resentful, he rowed a small boat out into Hong Kong harbor and infamously punched at the South China Sea. In doing so, the water became his teacher, conveying the message his human sifu had tried to convey for so long: there is strength in softness, power in pliability.
You may not be a martial artist, but remember – Lee’s philosophy was primarily concerned with self-actualization and enlightened living, two aspirations we can all relate to. So how can we apply the way of water to these endeavors?
First, consider water’s unparalleled ability to respond deftly to its environment. Sometimes water flows; sometimes it crashes. Sometimes water runs around obstacles; sometimes it runs obstacles into the ground. The same applies to us amid the flux of life. Sometimes the wisest response is to yield; other times, to assert. We can follow water’s example and recognize that each response has its time and place.
In this way, water can also be described as “being whole,” as it embodies yin and yang. Yin and yang are often depicted as black and white, negative and positive, cold and hot – and therefore opposites. Yet this isn’t exactly right – “complementary” is a more accurate description.
And isn’t it true that we possess both yin and yang, and that life itself does, too? We each have strengths and weaknesses; life has joy and sorrow. Water can remind us that the healthiest way to move through life is to acknowledge both. That's what makes us, and life, ultimately complete and indivisible.
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What is Be Water, My Friend about?
Be Water, My Friend (2020) is part inspirational guide, part intimate memoir, centered on Bruce Lee’s “Be water” philosophy. Drawing on Lee’s deep relationship with the element and his lifelong martial arts practice, it offers simple yet profound teachings on self-actualization.
Be Water, My Friend Review
Be Water, My Friend by Shannon Lee (2020) is a thought-provoking exploration of Bruce Lee's iconic philosophy and how it can be applied to our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with insights and wisdom, it offers practical lessons on adapting, flowing, and embracing change, helping us navigate life's challenges.
- Combining personal anecdotes, philosophical teachings, and practical exercises, it offers a comprehensive understanding of Bruce Lee's philosophy and its relevance today.
- The book's engaging storytelling and relatable examples make it an enjoyable and enriching read, keeping us captivated from start to finish.
Who should read Be Water, My Friend?
- Die-hard Bruce Lee fans
- Those pursuing personal growth and self-actualization
- Anyone interested in Eastern philosophies
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Be Water, My Friend FAQs
What is the main message of Be Water, My Friend?
The main message of Be Water, My Friend is to embrace fluidity and adaptability in life, just like water.
How long does it take to read Be Water, My Friend?
The reading time for Be Water, My Friend varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Be Water, My Friend a good book? Is it worth reading?
Be Water, My Friend is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on how to navigate through life with grace and resilience.
Who is the author of Be Water, My Friend?
The author of Be Water, My Friend is Shannon Lee.
What to read after Be Water, My Friend?
If you're wondering what to read next after Be Water, My Friend, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zahariades
- The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
- Mindset Matters by Gemma Leigh Roberts
- The Analects by Confucius
- Hagakure by Yamamoto Tsunetomo & Alexander Bennett
- Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
- The Art of War (new version) by Sun Tzu
- The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox
- How to Tell a Story by The Moth
- Speed Reading by Kam Knight