BE WATER, MY FRIEND

A daughter honors the life and teachings of her father, martial arts legend Bruce Lee (1940-1973).

In this reflective tribute, Lee, who was 4 when her father died, explores many of the philosophical concepts that defined his life. As a child, she was regularly instructed by her mother not to disclose who her father was. Though she obliged, she gradually began to appreciate her father’s legacy and to protect and promote her own heritage with immense pride. The author considers her father one of the most noble, notable philosophers of his century, with an “essential nature” comprised of intelligence, athletic skill, and a drive to cultivate many unique aspects of himself. She hopes by sharing her father’s healing practices and self-actualization philosophies, readers can enjoy the kind of dramatic personal growth and fulfillment she has experienced throughout her own life. These lessons have been essential during times of immense emotional struggle—e.g., coping with the crushing grief following her brother’s untimely death. Those first moments after she saw his body, she writes, were “chaos….Mapless terrain with no understanding of the landscape.” The narrative is more of an appreciative introduction to her father’s teachings than an intensive meditation, as the author lovingly and respectfully condenses Bruce’s “Be Water” philosophy of flexibility, fluidity, awareness, and mindfulness. During his lifetime, he carefully integrated his exercise fanaticism with the internal discipline he learned as a martial artist and action movie star. Thematically arranged by life lessons, the text is filled with sage instruction on a variety of themes: emptying the mind of judgments, expectations, and rationalizations; life direction and self-empowerment; relationship coaching; and harnessing willpower. Armchair philosophers and readers attuned to their inner selves will best appreciate Lee’s practical tools, mirroring metaphors, and life-affirming meditations on realizing one’s true potential.

An inspirational commemorative for Lee aficionados and those sharpening their personal-growth skills.