3 qualities of water according to the Tao that we should all know

“Be like water. My friend, be like water that runs and never stagnates, it keeps flowing.” This well-known commentary by Bruce Lee on the process of his self-realization actually summarizes one of the three qualities of water according to the Tao, extracted from the poetry of Lao-Tzu. The wisdom contained in this text is an inspiration in these current times.

More than 10 years ago the famous philosopher Zygmunt Bauman brought us the concept of liquid society. With this, he defined a modernity of fickle values, changing social models and structures, and realities marked by uncertainty. Faced with this fluctuating panorama, where it is very difficult to stick to something, the only truly solid thing is our fears, which constitutes a paradox.

We live in a world where few things are characterized by stability. We are required to be quick and flexible to adapt to each change, to work shifts, to political changes, to new social demands, to variations in our ways of relating. In the midst of these dynamics it is understandable to experience some concern and insecurity. Therefore, intellectual references from the Eastern world such as Raymond Tang, lecturer and professor at Guangzhou University, encourages us to learn a little more about the philosophy of Tao.

Within this framework, We are taught to remain calm in the midst of chaos. To obtain temperance and security in the midst of this liquid uncertainty.

1. Qualities of water according to the Tao: humility

The first of the qualities of water according to the Tao is humility. It is possible that at first it will be a little difficult for us to establish any relationship between this psychological dimension and any aquatic scenario. However, he has it and it is truly inspiring. The water that flows through a river in calm, placidity and harmony nourishes nature.

When its level is normal, it reaches the shores, feeds the animals and promotes the ideal balance for everything to work. However, When the river becomes arrogant and brings greater flow, everything changes. The force of its torrent causes havoc. It drags the earth, destroys environments and affects all living beings.

We must integrate that quality of water characterized by tranquility and humility. Because he who knows well what he is and does not wish to pretend to be something he is not, He will always prefer calm to violence. And although it sometimes leads to it due to external causes, in the end it returns to its normal course.. Likewise, you will choose at every moment for that serenity where you promote natural balance.

2. Water is attentive to opportunity

Among any difficulty, there is always a little corner where the light of opportunity opens. No matter how hectic our environment is, no matter the changes, the pressures or that wall that suddenly rises before us to block our way. Let’s be like water. Let’s find that crack, that weakness before our opponent or that difficulty where a new path opens up, a new opportunity.

Among the qualities of water according to the Tao is that where we are reminded of how skillful this vital substance can be. When something is restricted or an obstacle appears before her that prevents her passage, she will not hesitate in two things: apply relentless force to regain your freedom and find the weakest point of that wall to overcome it.

Let’s not forget that in a way, water is a great opportunist. She never hesitates to change form, setting or position to keep moving forward.and whenever he sees the slightest option of making his way where he wants, he will do it.

3. Change, an option to make without fear

Few elements are as inspiring and prone to change as water.. Let’s think about it: when the temperature is extreme it can turn into ice or steam. It will also not hesitate to change its shape depending on where it is. It will be a glass if it is inside it, it will be insignificant if it is contained in the crack of a rock, it will regain its immensity if it returns to the ocean and it will become food if a living being is thirsty and needs it.

Water has power and it has character. He knows and understands that nothing is as important as proceeding with change if necessary. Because the environment and nature are often hostile and those who do not adapt do not survive. Assuming these principles that transmit to us the qualities of water according to the Tao can not only inspire us, but will also help us in many ways.

Albert Ellis, a psychotherapist known for developing rational emotive behavioral therapy, once said that there is a monster that haunts us every day.. A recurring one, which completely vetoes our happiness. It is our eternal idea that the world should be easy. We know that it is not but even so, we continue to suffer for every difficulty, for every stone in the road, for every unforeseen or unimagined change.

Let’s be like water. Bruce Lee already told us, but let’s not limit ourselves to seeing these qualities of water according to the Tao as a mere and beautiful metaphor. After all, we are also nature. And nature is the very expression of Tao.

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