Discipline

We are reaching the end of the year and are planning for the next.

The experience of an unprecedented year, a year coloured by the effects of the pandemic, which has effected many, if not all the aspects of daily life as we knew it.

Looking back, most of us have most likely forgotten about ‘the News Year’s resolutions’ we made, the pandemic drowned the hopes and dreams we had for 2020.

We all hope for an uneventful 2021. Getting back on track with our resolutions of a healthier version of ourselves, or with an idea of goals to achieve, and plans to make.

Discipline is a word most of us struggle with. Whether from a work perspective where ‘disciplinary meetings’ are a reality, or disciplining our children as well as self-discipline are not words we tend to use in daily conversation.

‘Spiritual disciplines’ in more recent years, have now become ‘spiritual practices’, and I suspect there are similar changes in our vocabulary concerning our health habits. Life-coaches like to talk about goals, motivation and focus points, which we attempt to achieve with discipline and hard work.

Self-discipline was never my forte. However, I like the idea of a ‘sporty’ version of myself, vibrant, peaceful and serene. This, however, requires a lot of discipline. Practising self-discipline, in what I eat and drink, the amount of exercise and meditation I engage in. Discipline and motivation are the motor behind my achievement. Whatever we desire or want to accomplish, requires commitment and input.

Richard Foster, in his book ‘Celebration of Discipline’, identifies inward and outward spiritual disciplines. Meditation, study and prayer are aspects of the inward disciplines, whereas simplicity, solitude and service are identified as outward disciplines. Both inward and outward disciplines require commitment and time from those on the journey.

Recently I was reminded of the Old Testament story where Naaman went to Elisha in the hope to be healed from leprosy. The remedy was almost too simple, Naaman had to bathe himself seven times in the river Jordan. He grumbled and said the rivers closer to home were cleaner, and why would he bother. He was disappointed that Elisha didn’t perform any miracles. After some encouragement of those with him, Naaman did as he was instructed, and was healed.

This reminds us that sometimes solutions are simple but effective and that Naaman himself needed to want the change and do it. No one could do it for him. Often that is the case for us as well. If we wish to change and work towards a healthier body, learn a new skill, or gain a deeper spiritual practice, we need to put the time and effort in to achieve our goals. No one can do it for us.

With Christmas and the festive season looming, it requires self-discipline to keep our practices up. Praying, meditation, healthy eating and whatever you do to stay on top of your desired outcome as well as enjoying the company of family and friends.

For me, that means setting time apart to be on my own, to keep some routine of exercise and meditation as well as putting in the effort for healthy meals. At this time of the year when consumerism is working overtime and ‘desires’ are created and fed, I need to remain focused on personal aims. To strive for simplicity and service, rather than following the “more, more and more”, of the marketing industry which is highly seductive and irresistible.

 

Seek Peace. Find it within.