Using fear, punishments or harshness are unhealthy ways of inculcating discipline into oneself or others. We can create crystal-clear activity logs or emotionally-charged posters to push us into a desirable course of action. While we can use these instruments to establish and strengthen practices, intellectual knowledge or emotional responses are inadequate to cultivate discipline.
There is a part deep within each of us that is beyond the mind, body and emotions. This can harmonise the other parts of ourselves and holds our deepest aspirations. Connect to it to invoke a gentle, strong and pure energy to transform yourself, achieve your goals and be the best version of yourself. When you act from this space consciously and allow the will and knowledge to unravel from here, discipline becomes a joyful experience that allows the inmost part of you to express itself. So, your story from week 1 will end differently, with you waking up early and joyfully living your truth.
Before trying to discipline your whole life, try to discipline one activity, and persist until you succeed. Progress may be slow, relapses may be frequent, but if a courageous will is maintained, one is sure to triumph one day.
The Practice of the Week:
Look for inspiration from the world to fuel your rigour in the discipline.
For example, when a person who wishes to go vegan understands the impact of the meat industry on the environment and empathises with the pain that animals go through, they may feel inspired to be more disciplined about their food habits and lifestyle.
Do some research, talk to people and understand your impact on the world and your socio-economic ecosystem.
Discipline and Our Inner Rhythm, A 4 Minute Video by Arul Dev
Learn how to practice discipline and adapt it to suit our inner rhythm.