This morning, I felt inspired to write about discipline. As I began, the article took on a life of its own, shaped by inner inspiration, and turned out quite different from what I originally imagined. The connection with Infinite Intelligence is the most precious thing we possess. Within this connection, all knowledge and informations are available to us. In this space reside peace, wisdom, respect, and happiness.

When we come to rest, we can find answers to all our questions, why certain things happen in our lives, and how best to manage daily affairs for the benefit of ourselves and others. There are no coincidences; a good life is not a matter of luck, but the product of harmonious, healthy thoughts.

If we wish to change old patterns and beliefs about life, discipline is essential. The past is often deeply rooted within us, reinforced by the constant repetition of our beliefs. The following lines are intended to support us in this process.
I wish you much success and joy as you consciously shape your life.

In truth, simplicity, and love,
Om Namah Shivaya
See you soon,
Yours,
Heike

Discipline and Mastery

For some, “discipline” is a difficult word, evoking memories of severity, pressure, or anxiety from times when discipline was imposed upon us. It is often linked with excessive demands, rebellion against control, the sacrifice of one’s own needs, and emotional injury. Harsh discipline can instill the belief that one’s feelings are unimportant or unheard. The result is the conviction: “I am not important.”

When our emotions are closely tied to memories of discipline, we may react with fight-or-flight at even the slightest expectation, either meeting demands head-on with aggression or withdrawing entirely. This can manifest as pushing through tasks with such force that we ignore our own feelings and needs, causing further harm to ourselves, just as we were hurt in the past. This is the root of workaholism.

If discipline is combined with memories of parental disapproval or harsh criticism from authority figures, it can erode confidence in our own abilities. This tendency is present to varying degrees in all of us and profoundly affects self-esteem and our trust in others. When faced with expectations of discipline, old anger or anxiety can resurface, sometimes directed toward those who set or remind us of these expectations.

Procrastination, delaying tasks that must be done, is a form of retreat, just as submissiveness is. Passivity or laziness often signals deep inner rebellion. This becomes especially harmful when we sabotage our own chosen goals or obligations, a challenge familiar to the self-employed. Without external oversight, we must find our own motivation, but this can result in last-minute action or neglected priorities. Building a client base, keeping appointments, and progressing spiritually all demand discipline.

According to Wikipedia, the word “discipline” comes from the Latin disciplina, meaning teaching, cultivation, or school, and refers to behavior such as self-discipline, self-regulation, obedience, and order.

To reach our personal goals, we need discipline. Consistently reminding ourselves of our aims and pursuing them brings success. Many of us know people who rarely follow through on their promises; and sometimes, we might be like that, too.
Affirming our desires, and not giving up, regardless of circumstances, is a discipline of thought. Repeating affirmations strengthens self-esteem, draws more love into our lives, and helps us fulfill worldly or spiritual aims. Repetition works for both positive and negative messages; telling ourselves “I can’t” also takes discipline and will manifest in our lives.

Positive thinking works, just as much as negative thinking. It is our choice; discipline and self-obedience shape our outcomes. By examining our thoughts, we can clear out mental clutter and replace it with loving new goals through autosuggestion, which leads to mastery. Our belief systems are shaped by our upbringing, country, and tradition, until we choose differently.

Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting a different result. When we are consistent in our positive thoughts and actions, we can expect positive outcomes.

I have generally been a disciplined person, accomplishing most spiritual tasks I set for myself. Sometimes, though, I struggled with laziness and procrastination. It is a constant dance until motivation comes from within, not from external circumstances. When connected to Infinite Intelligence, which knows only our highest good, healing can begin. Overcoming feelings of weakness is a challenge, and learning to do it not through force, but by following the inner voice. Sometimes, true discipline means doing nothing.

Regularity is built into nature. The seasons come and go; every plant and animal knows what to do. Only humans, the crown of creation, can remain fixed before computers and televisions, missing the sun and the fullness of life. Discipline helps us to do what we set out to do.

I write affirmations, do my daily yoga and breathing exercises, and follow other practices I have envisioned for myself. Earth, fire, air, water, and mind are powerful allies on the path to fulfilling our dreams and goals, healing old wounds, and fostering healthy discipline.

In a breathing session, we can explore and heal our relationship with discipline, and set loving new intentions for ourselves. Above all reign harmony, love, life, and abundance.

Om Namah Shivaya
Heike