Be like water, my friend

Change stands as the only true universal constant. Across all aspects of existence, from the microscopic to the cosmic, everything is in a constant state of flux. Atoms decay, energy is transferred. Life ends making way for new life, stars fade and new planets are formed. Navigating this continuous state of transformation is an inescapable part of life. It is a challenge we all inherit the moment we take our first breath. As inevitable as the march of time, every human life is marked by change.

Despite the inevitability of change, many of us find it difficult to accept. We seek comfort in the familiar and thrive with structure and consistency. Our minds seek patterns and predictability, and grappling with unexpected deviations pushes many people well beyond the bounds of comfort.?

Although many, myself included, believe that growth often requires discomfort as you stretch beyond the confines of your current reality, I also believe that there is no sense in suffering unnecessarily. In the face of change we have a choice - cling to the comfort of the familiar, or embrace it to realize new potential. Often, it's by welcoming these unexpected developments that we find our deepest desires fulfilled.

At least in my experience, so much of the discomfort stems from the sudden, forced abandonment of expectations when they no longer align with reality. If, however, you expect change and unpredictability to happen, you will seldom be caught off guard, your expectations will almost always align with your lived experiences, and you may even find yourself achieving things you previously did not think were possible.

This is by no means a new idea. There are many cliches, aphorisms, and adages that speak to this universal truth - looking at you ‘expect the unexpected’ - but there is one quote in particular that replays in my mind. The famous philosopher, Bruce Lee, said:

“Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. You put water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

It's easier said than done. But if you challenge yourself to remain adaptable, to take the shape of whatever environment you are in, you can not only avoid the discomfort caused by sudden shifts to your expectations but also position yourself to realize growth far beyond the confines of what you thought possible.

As a result, my mantra has become 'Be like water, my friend' (gotta include 'my friend' because self-talk matters). Each day, I seek ways around or through obstacles or surprises. I anticipate that new opportunities may arise from unforeseen circumstances. I remind myself that life is change, and while it can hurt like hell, it is a beautiful thing.

(This article is part of Write of Passage's Shiny Dime Challenge)