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Step 1
Observe a river or stream near you. If you cannot go to a nearby river or stream, picture a river in your mind.
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Step 2
Notice how the water moves in the river. It is not simply placid or stationary, although it is in parts. Study the motion closely.
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Step 3
See how the river reacts when it comes up against an obstacle like a rock or tree. The water is adaptable and can flow over it or around it. When you are faced with opposition from others, use adaptability to go around their opposition.
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Step 4
Scoop up some water. It will fit any container that you pour it into, yet it will not lose its basic nature. Think of the ways that you too can be adaptable yet not lose your spiritual integrity.
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Step 5
Feel the softness in the water, as opposed to the hardness of a rock or stick. Although hardness is often equated with toughness, the truth is that softer things tend to be more resilient. For example, the dry stick will break and can't be put back together, while a living branch can regrow a part that has been cut off. This is why hapkido emphasizes softness more than other martial arts do.
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Step 6
Think about the many forms of water. It can evaporate away, like steam, or freeze hard as ice. Like water, you must be able to change to suit the situation you are facing. Keep this in mind when you try to live according to hapkido.
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Step 7
Drip some water on your hand. Although one drop is barely noticeable, several hundred drops on the same spot will start to cause pain. Thousands of drops can even wear away stone. Use this lesson to remember to focus your energies on one spot to maximize your force.
