Discipline

I rise each morning before dawn, prepare a cup of tea, and sit on my meditation cushion. Whatever happens after that is inconsequential. I've made the most important decision of the day. Or should I say, I avoided giving myself the choice of not showing up.

Discipline- an activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill...this is almost a foreign concept in our world today, yet we have these expectations of ourselves that we will regularly __, ___, and ___ (you fill in the blanks). But disciplining ourselves to exercise regularly, or eat properly, or take time for ourselves, etc, refers to imposing our will, and if you're commitment is weak, you can expect yourself to fall below your expectations.

For years, I have been trying to change habituated patterns that don't serve me well. For awhile, it seemed like every time I opened a book, a magazine, put in a CD, or heard a wise speaker, the subject of will came up. It was spooky!! Finally I realized that this was a lesson I needed to learn...DUH. And even though my training as a dancer has served me very well in committing to daily rituals and routines, making the best choice in every situation remains a challenge.

The will is like any muscle apparently, and needs to be exercised on a regular basis. This is how it becomes strong and serves you. Ironically, discipline seems to require eliminating the choice and just doing.