Joseph Cardillo is a black belt arts expert and longtime practitioner of several martial arts, including Kenpo Karate, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Kali, and Dumog. At present, he is full professor of English and Creative Writing at Hudson Valley Community College of the State University of New York. Cardill is also the author of Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts where he examined 16 core principles that have been passed down through the centuries by teachers and practitioners. He sees this daybook not as a how-to guide for performing fighting techniques but as "an exploration of philosophies within the martial arts for the purpose of self-improvement and spiritual development." Each page presents a specific dojo secret or a martial concept, as well as suggestions on how you can apply it in daily life. For those who are unfamiliar with martial arts terminology, he includes a glossary.
According to Cardillo, Bow to Life is designed to illustrate the ancient wisdoms developed in the Shaolin Temple of China centuries ago and recognized by generations of martial artists all over the world "as the most illuminating principles of creative, transformative energy we have in life." Many passages discuss conserving and making the best use out of the energy (chi) within us. Others cover ways to restore energy when it is depleted or drained by others. It is a good idea to become an energy partner and to test your energy regularly.
Since Taoism feeds the martial arts tradition, there is material here on key concepts from this path including balance, harmony, going with the flow, bending with adversity, knowing your limits, eschewing the urge to dominate, practicing simplicity, using conscious nonaction, and much more. Cardillo suggests tapping into the dance of the five elements which are central to many Eastern traditions. Other practices encourage acting from the heart, following the intuition, keeping an open mind, and creating new choices. After exploring the value of keeping a joyful spirit, Cardillo suggests the following exercise:
"Practice Joy. The mind can work like a video camera. The next time you are in a circumstance that is depressing you energetically, pull back and focus on something pleasant in your environment. Zoom in close and let its positive energy enter you. Try pulling way back and then zooming in on something in the world that is spectacular, or perhaps a special moment in your life, and let its energy enter you. Absorb as much positive energy as you can. Note: Such joy is flowing through you always. It's your choice to put your awareness there and energetically use it in times of need. Choose well."
