Be Humble -- And Other Lessons From The Philosophy Of Water | Raymond Tang

Have you ever experienced the sensation of being constantly busy, yet feeling unfulfilled? Two years ago, I found myself in that exact situation. The world around me was moving at an unprecedented pace, and I felt overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. I was on a quest to find fulfillment in a world that seemed to be changing faster than I could keep up. I spoke to friends, family, and delved into self-help books, but nothing seemed to alleviate my growing unease. In fact, the more I sought answers, the more stressed and anxious I became, as if I were feeding my mind with junk food, becoming mentally obese. Just when I was about to give up, I stumbled upon an ancient Chinese philosophy classic that transformed my perspective.

The Wisdom of Water

"The Tao Te Ching: The Book of the Way and Its Virtue" is a timeless text that resonated with me on a profound level. It offered me a passage that spoke to the very core of my being, and I felt an instant sense of relief and clarity. The passage extolled the virtues of water, likening its supreme goodness to its ability to benefit all things without contention, stay grounded in dwelling, flow to depths in being, and remain honest in expression. It emphasized water's gentle nature in confrontation, its refusal to control in governance, and its alignment to timing in action. Water's contentment with its nature rendered it faultless. This poetic revelation was a turning point that inspired me to apply the wisdom of water to my life.

Lessons from Water

The philosophy of water imparted three invaluable lessons that have guided me towards greater fulfillment. The first lesson is humility. Water's ability to flow low, support life without drawing attention to itself, and remain humble in its contributions taught me the importance of embracing a humble mindset in my interactions with others. It encouraged me to seek knowledge, promote the success of others, and find fulfillment in helping them overcome challenges.

The second lesson is about harmony. Water's ability to flow around obstacles and find solutions without force or conflict led me to realize the futility of striving for success at the expense of harmony. By shifting my focus from achieving more success to achieving more harmony, I found a renewed sense of calm and focus in my endeavors.

The third lesson is openness. Water's remarkable adaptability and flexibility in the face of constant change mirrored the demands of our modern world. Embracing openness to learning, unlearning, and helping others navigate change has empowered me to stay relevant and thrive in an ever-evolving environment.

Embracing H2O

These profound lessons from the philosophy of water have become my guiding principles in life, abbreviated to H-H-O, or H2O. Whenever I find myself stressed, unfulfilled, or uncertain, I simply ask, "What would water do?" This simple yet powerful question, inspired by an ancient text, has transformed my life for the better. I encourage you to try it and share your experiences. Let's embark on this journey together and embrace the wisdom of water in our quest for fulfillment.

Conclusion

The quest for fulfillment in a rapidly changing world can be daunting, but the wisdom of water offers timeless insights that resonate with our modern lives. By embracing humility, harmony, and openness, we can navigate life's challenges and find greater fulfillment in our endeavors. Let's draw inspiration from the enduring nature of water and apply its wisdom to our daily lives. Together, let's ask ourselves, "What would water do?" and embark on a transformative journey towards fulfillment.