Discipline as Steadiness

In a recent post we explored the shift from seeing discipline as restrictive and rigid to seeing it as a habit. The concept was such that if we viewed discipline as a habit, perhaps it would feel more possible for folks to apply it to their daily lives.

But here’s another thought, one that I had been reflecting on for months as I observed how discipline supports me in my own life. The thought takes the mindset shift a step further to see discipline as steadiness. From my own general feeling about discipline and why I truly welcome it as a life practice, is that by applying it where I can, it creates an increadible amount of steadiness.

This is important and not to be confused with control. As a parent, wife and working professional, there are so many things out of my control and there are so many things I am responsible for and need to manage. Yet, in the places where I can apply discipline (steadiness) it creates a foundation from which I can navigate and manage those ever fluctuating life variables that are known for throwing people off center.

So how do I apply discipline in my own life?

For me, it starts with planning and self awareness. I know I need to sleep until 7am, wake up and drink an interrupted cup of coffee before I allow myself time for contemplative writing, prayer and meditation. Then, the rest of day can move forward as it needs to. If I don’t have that morning ritual, I can still manage the day but too many days without it leave me frazzled, impatient and grumpy. I need the discipline of a steady morning to set me right mentally and emotionally more of than not.

Now, if I cannot do all those thing in my morning sequence, the most basic I require is time to myself for at least 30 minutes each morning while I drink a cup of coffee. That is not too much to ask of anyone and absolutely applicable each day without question. So you can see that I allow some margin for variation, but I still keep to the root of my discipline practice in some form, daily. Because as I mentioned earlier, discipline is not rigidnesses but steadiness.

This is just one of many discipline practices I have set up for myself and the one that creates the most steadiness on any given day.

While I don’t think everyone should start their day the same, perhaps a morning ritual may be the first place to test a discipline practice for yourself.