With the coming New Year being the one of the Water Dragon, I would like to quote from the Book of Five Rings this one comes from the book of water. I hope you can find something in it.
The Gaze in Strategy
You eye things in a sweeping, broad fashion. As for the two manners of seeing things, kan [observing] and ken [seeing], the eye for kan is strong, the eye for ken weak; seeing distant things as if they are close at hand and seeing close things as if they are distant is special to the art of fighting. Knowing your opponent’s sword and yet not in the least seeing it [not being distracted by insignificant movements] is important in the art of fighting. You must study this. The gaze is the same for single combat and for large-scale strategy.
It is necessary in strategy to be able to look to both sides without moving the eyeballs. You cannot master this ability quickly. Learn what is written here; use this gaze in everyday life and do not vary it whatever happens.
Remember, this can be taken literally but mostly there is a hidden meaning within these writings. For me to explain to you my understanding of it, it would be gone before I told you. Our minds and bodies are constantly changing, just like the shape of water. It is up to us to find our own level. A lake may always appear to be there, but it is constantly changing being added to and being taken away.
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