Authored by actress, martial artist, and businessperson, Shannon Lee, daughter of the late great martial art icon, Bruce Lee, Be Water My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee is an illumination of ideas written down by Bruce Lee himself surrounding the concepts of progression, mindfulness, self-actualization, and most important of all, fluidity.
The author not only explains her father’s philosophies, but also gives a more simplified explanation of the text in order to help the reader better understand the concepts being discussed. Shannon also does a great job of relating her father’s philosophies to her own personal life. From dealing with the death of her father and brother, to struggling with bouts of depression caused by resistance to change, Shannon used her father’s teachings to forge a new path toward enlightenment, and therefore a progression towards happiness.
My favorite part of the book and the part which left a lasting impression was the part in which Shannon discussed the idea of the “sticky mind” referring to the negative mentality of not being able to move forward. In simpler terms, limiting the mind by regretting the past instead of looking for solutions to make a better future. I don’t know about you guys, but constantly thinking about the past is probably the worst thing I hate about my personality. But, I can say what I’ve learned from this book has brought me a step closer to achieving the mindset of a “forward thinker”.
Overall, I would give this book a 10/10, not only because it is authored by my #1 favorite idol’s daughter, not only because it is based on the ideas and concepts of one of the greatest martial artists/thinkers to ever live, but because I truthfully and most honestly NEEDED a serious positive shift in my way of thinking and living, as well as my overall perspective on life. As a self-described introvert and sometimes pessimist, Be Water My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee allowed me to look at life through a more positive, productive perspective. In any case, “Life is about perspective”, right? Be water my friend.