In the Book of Water – perception and awareness are emphasized
The brain takes in information from the senses, sound, light, taste, touch, and smell, and arranges it into something we can use. A red bouncy ball in our front yard means the kids were playing with the ball in the front yard. The same ball rolling into the street means there may be a child right behind the ball chasing it.
Awareness is a more expansive idea. Awareness means you are conscious of something. The assembly awareness does not require direct sensory input. As an example, you may be aware that the local city council is meeting tonight because it is the first Tuesday of the month. You don’t need to go to city hall to see for yourself, you are aware.
Perception is about processing information from the senses. Awareness is about a broader understanding. Awareness is a compound structure made up of experience and reasonable assumptions. An example would be that after being invited to sit down at your friend’s home. You sit in a leather chair at home, but you know the yellow chair they offered you will work.
Musashi wants you to use both perception and awareness
Self-defense courses often use the phrase, “Be aware!” It is impossible to be aware 24/7/365. The human body is not built to be aware at this level all the time. Stop trying to be a Chihuahua dog barking at every rock while on their morning walk.
However, when it is time to focus, this is when we need to break out of our pattern of behavior.
Here are a few drills you can use. One takes a different route to any destination that is commonly traveled. When you do this, note how your brain is functioning. You are more alert, observing, and processing information. It is difficult to observe the reverse, driving the same route you always choose. This takes you into an observing state; you are not in the state of the program.
Classic Tricks
There is the classic, use your other hand to brush your teeth, or move your mouse to the other side of your desk. These two simple changes are a great way to experience awareness over patterns.
Although it is impossible to say with any fact, it is unlikely that Musashi was hyperaware of what was transpiring over the evening campfire, resting with his compatriots. This attitude changed when the swords were drawn the next morning.
As the morning fog clears from the soon-to-be battlefield field perception takes over: “Where are the horses? “Where are the men mustering?” Then the awareness takes over, “This is where they will most likely initiate their attack.”
Awareness serves as a feedback loop for perception and vice versa. These two elements support each other, bringing clarity to the moment. At the end of the day, Musashi wants you to use both perception and awareness to aid you in navigating the battle or just your day.
You may enjoy this past posting: https://www.martialjournal.com/the-ground-seeing/
You can reach Kris Wilder here: https://linktr.ee/KrisWilder
He has authored several books on martial arts and self-defense, such as "The Way of Kata" and "The Little Black Book of Violence". Kris also runs the Wilder Karate Academy, where he teaches classes and conducts seminars.
- The Book of Water – Perception and Awareness - August 5, 2025
- The Book of Water – Timing and Rhythm - July 18, 2025
- The Book of Water and Spirit - July 5, 2025
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