Hé

It is a Chinese word that means ENERGY. The wok in which the vegetables are cooked give away a whiff of energy that whiff is the “Hé”, its “Wok Hé”! As a child growing up I took ketsugo classes, a form of martial arts that combines Judo, Karate and Ikido. The loud grunt the sensei taught us to release with each kata and each strike to me was just cry to scare the opponent. I did not realize it was the release of Hé, the energy with every strike to the opponent in addition to the power of the arms and limbs.

I am always excited to find word etymologies and Hé seemed to lead me to Hail. I have always noticed how the pitch of voice increases the energy level and the excitement. I guess the only reason non-violence works is because of the Hé of the collected group bargaining for rights acts as fuel and energy to the movement. What surprises me is why don’t we try the same at work? Offices are the most quite and sullen places.

Are we loosing out on the pent up energy the Hé from delivering breakthroughs?