Bruce Lee has been one of my biggest inspirations ever since I was a kid.
It wasn't till recently, however, that I started closely examining his words of wisdom in light of the pandemic.
It's safe to say that we are all affected in some way or another by the pandemic, some probably more so than others. That is to say, even if we can keep it cool, we may come across some people that really can't keep it cool.
What do we do when we come across somebody like that? What do we do when we feel like we can't keep it cool? What do we do when we feel like the world is basically going to implode? What do we do when we feel isolated?
Perhaps Bruce can help us with some good words.
1. "Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow, or it can crash. Be water, my friend."
Application: The times are changing rapidly. It calls for us to have a great deal of flexibility, otherwise we will find ourselves out of our element faster than an avocado half gets squishy in the sun. This is not to say that we should bend to the will of others; Bruce says "water can flow, or it can crash.". Whatever the situation calls for. Sometimes we flow, sometimes we 'crash', or 'make some waves'; Especially if we see something that simply isn't right.
2. “It is not daily increase but daily decrease, hack away the unessential."
Application: In light of recent events, we've had changes in lifestyle. To cope with it, some buy many things in excess. Some drink alcohol, some go on a frantic hobby search in order to keep themselves occupied, and some look for that expensive 'thing' in their life that will make everything better. Bruce realized that it's better to put the emphasis on getting rid of what we really don't need rather than continuing accumulation. Most people know that 'more possessions = more worries' yet don't lift a finger in trying to apply it in their life.
3. “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” - "I cannot blindly follow the crowd and accept their approach. I will not allow myself to indulge in the usual manipulating game of role creation."
Application: A lot of people are showing their true colors these days, which in itself can be tough to deal with. To add to it, people seem to get very angry when you don't go along with those colors. Bruce was treated unfairly as a result of his race, and was determined to live a fulfilling and happy life despite how people viewed and treated him. People can show respect to one another and their views while still disagreeing. Beyond that, it may be best to simply shake the dust from your feet and depart from them rather than get into a spitting contest.
4. “Choose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success.”
Application: Quite self-explanatory, though definitely something that a lot of people fail to apply! You must literally -choose- to be positive and make your attitude. You -must- get a mastery over your own mind, because it dominates EVERYTHING about your life. It'll take time and effort and work, but there are very few things more worthwhile than being at peace in your head and the ability to think clearly. And when in isolation and in spending more time with yourself, what better time to do so?
5. “Know the difference between a catastrophe and an inconvenience. To realize that it’s just an inconvenience, that it is not a catastrophe, but just an unpleasantness, is part of coming into your own, part of waking up.”
Application: As a human who engages in conversation at times, there is no shortage of complaints about this thing or that thing. Going along with the prior quote, it's important to have a positive outlook even in our trials. Often times, 'unpleasantness' can actually help us grow. Doing absolutely nothing for an hour, taking a hot shower for 20 minutes while staring at the wall, then ignoring the phone call you have to make because you don't feel like talking to people is a scenario. What if you worked out for 20 minutes, then took a cold shower for 5 minutes, and made the call even though you really didn't want to? 'Unpleasant', sure. But productive, and leaves you feeling better than the latter scenario. Speaking about your inconveniences as catastrophes are -not- part of a positive mindset.
In a time of worldly uncertainty, one thing you can be certain of is yourself. As Bruce points out in his works, you must work at it constantly, and it is an endeavor very worthwhile.
As you go forward, try to maintain that positive attitude. Flow freely, and crash when necessary; Like water.
