Discipline

I had an boyfriend once who hated when I mentioned the word discipline. Immediately he associated it with external authority, teachers, parents, priests! I had to explain to him I was talking about self discipline - acting according to an intention set by yourself. Staying committed to a course usually for improvement as my dictionary gives the example; acquiring the habit of promptness requires self discipline.

Practicing Science of Mind requires self discipline as we practice dominion over our thoughts so we might improve our circumstances. Releasing old ideas takes discipline as we replace our automatic reaction with creative acts.

I have been having a problem lately with self discipline in one area of self improvement, my diet. There is a rebellious child in me that stamps her foot and says no when I try to direct her to better food choices! Ive had to sit down with her and find out why she's so acting so stubborn. I realized  there were feelings I was keeping at bay when I did this, feelings I was trying to ignore. Just as with a child, we cannot use force, criticism or punishment with ourselves to keep ourselves in line. Fear or force of will will like a hastily constructed dam, only last so long.

Love on the other hand is the most powerful force in the universe, and when our motivation is love we can make monumental shifts. Talking to by unhappy and rebellious inner-child with gentleness and understanding has produced more alignment within me with love. Now I am also aligned with the flow of good and as I keep regular corrections to the tiller of self discipline I move more swiftly in the direction I wish to be going. Give it a try!