The Discriminated Lost Soul Of A Warrior

Feb 264 min read

Your mind is like water, my friend. When it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see, But if you allow it to settle the answer becomes clear - Master Oogway.

A motivational quote that I have always upheld throughout my childhood, though its meaning has varied over time as I have uncovered the chapters of how the world works. Let’s start with the basics: when I first heard this quote, it reminded me of how freely and fluidly the surface of the water swayed. However, when something enters the stream of water, it begins to agitate drastically. For instance, even a small rock can be enough to cause the movement to sway intensely.

Reflecting on this in the present, it’s much the same because we all go through multiple phases in our daily lives, constantly trying to make decisions that are beneficial for ourselves and others. As the chapters of life turn, I now see that the basic mindset I once had was correct, but an additional perspective should be added. When we look at the surface of the water, the reflection asks us: when things are progressing smoothly, should we pause for a moment and ask ourselves, "Who am I?" or "What is the purpose of what I’m doing?" Many people don’t take this step, perhaps because it’s confusing or because it seems like an unnecessary step that doesn’t directly benefit them.

Now, let’s revisit some of the classic motivational quotes from Kung Fu Panda—the ones we may have overlooked but which have left us with lasting memories.

I stayed, because every time you threw a brick at my head, or said i smelled, it hurt; but it could never hurt more than every day of my life just being me! I stayed because I thought, if anyone can change me, can make me… not me, it was you!” - Po

Now, let’s shift our focus to what Po is trying to convey—a message that initially seems puzzling. But after reviewing the movie and observing Po’s emotions, I realized he was expressing self-doubt and insecurity. He wasn’t sure if he deserved to be called the warrior of the city. He doubted his ability to trust his passion, and no matter how much support he received from Mr. Ping (the goose who adopted Po), it didn’t change his perception of himself. This sense of inadequacy had been with him for so long because he saw himself as a clumsy panda who couldn't fix things. He wanted others to see his potential, but he didn’t believe it himself.

We often underestimate the value of inner patience when discovering ourselves. We expect immediate results and validation, forgetting that growth requires love and time. It’s easy to fall into the dark space of self-criticism where we constantly feel like we’re not good enough. While we keep raising the bar for ourselves, how often do we stop to celebrate the small victories? Living in that cycle of negativity only fuels our self-doubt.

The pressure to grow up quickly, often shaped by our environment, can make us neglect our feelings of worthlessness rather than face them. But it’s vital to confront these emotions with an open mind. The journey may be challenging, and people will always have opinions, but we must keep moving forward. Take advice that actually benefits us, and don't let it to rot in the corner. Perseverance through hard times is our responsibility, and embracing our growth is how we thrive.

There is no secret ingredient. It's just you - Po

This motivational quote boosted my confidence and inspired me to work more systematically. In the movie, the dragon scroll is a treasure many martial artists would go to great lengths to obtain, believing it holds the ultimate secret to greatness. When Po first discovers that the scroll appears empty, he doesn’t give up. Instead, life offers him valuable lessons and experiences, each shaping his journey and helping him grow.

Po realized that there is no magical ingredient to become a hero. What matters is the energy of believing in yourself. The dragon scroll, with its mirror-like quality, reflects this truth: your capabilities are determined by how you see yourself. For Po, after countless struggles searching for answers, he discovers that the answer was always within him.

In simpler terms, when we reflect on this scene in the context of real life, we often fail to confront our deepest sorrows—unspoken agreements we’ve made with ourselves, sometimes without fully understanding them. This unresolved inner conflict leads to a destructive and stagnant phase, making it hard to appreciate the process of growth we need for our future.

It's not easy to confront these issues, but do we have the courage to truly ask ourselves why? Or do we choose to ignore them, hoping that avoidance will somehow lead to a more comforting resolution? To everyone, including myself, I encourage you to take a moment and pause on these questions. You may discover a hidden world within your mind once you’ve found your answer.

In conclusion, the warrior that repeatedly stood in front of all of us had never once failed us. Only his inner worries that drained his motivation. If you’re tempted to throw in the towel and abandon your values or dreams, you risk losing the essence of a warrior’s spirit. Letting go of your aspirations isn’t strength—it’s surrender. Holding on to a stubborn, narrow mindset won’t get you far. Reflect on how you want others to see you and focus on improving your inner self. Why put so much effort into looking good on the outside while ignoring the weaknesses buried deep within? Make thoughtful decisions and stay persistent on the things you opt to achieve, the world is a giant sphere so don’t just hide everything and bleed internally.