Clearing Misunderstandings About Self Discipline
Posted by Remez Sasson in Personal DevelopmentFollowing the previous post, “Why You Need Self Discipline”, I would like to clarify several points, since it seems that are some misunderstandings of what self discipline is.
Some people believe that self discipline means being austere, severe and harsh on yourself and toward others. This is completely untrue! You can possess self discipline, and yet be loving, kind, considerate, open-minded and full of joy.
Self discipline is not some sort of senseless limitation that you put on yourself.
It is not an act of limiting your freedom of choice. On the contrary, doing whatever you feel like doing is not freedom at all. Acting on a whim, doing whatever you feel like doing at the moment is lack of freedom of choice, because this means acting in response to subconscious programming, and in reaction to external situations. It means that other people’s thoughts, words and actions move you to action, and not your judgment and common sense. This behavior doesn’t lead to inner and spiritual freedom.
The self discipline I am talking about is not a state of being cold, harsh, limited and conservative, as has been construed in various societies. It has nothing to do with self undoing, senseless suppression, bottling up feelings, being narrow-minded or lacking of freedom. It is a process in which your higher nature decides what to do and how to act. It is a power which everyone can develop to a greater or lesser degree.
Whom do you discipline?
This depends on who you think you are. If you consider your thoughts, feelings and desires, which constitute the ego, to be the real you, then you would most probably dislike the idea of discipline. You will feel as if you are putting brakes on yourself. If you recognize or accept that you are something more, something higher, then your whole attitude would change.
Meditation leads to freedom from restless and endless thinking, and to inner peace, and this awakens the awareness of something higher than your mind, thoughts, feelings and desires, which constitute the ego. You open up to a higher reality – consciousness, which you feel and experience to be the real you. Then you see that the ego is not you, but only an instrument, through which you interact with the world around you. You no longer feel that you are disciplining or limiting yourself. What you are doing is actually freeing yourself from the instinctive dictates of the ego.
You require some degree of this ability if you desire success in any area of life. It helps you get focused on what you are doing and grants you persistence, stickiness and the ability to go on with what you are doing, whether you are learning a foreign language, studying for a degree, working on achieving a goal, learning to swim, ride a bicycle or meditate, engaging in bodybuilding or doing anything else that requires dedication, action and time.
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I understand what you are saying here and in the article before. There are several points where my understandings differs slightly…
The EGO is also me and it is simply a practical tool for a physical reality. The ego is IMO traditonnally limited – so far. However if one reaches a certain state of awareness this famous ego can seemlessly be integrated. There are no separations…
You say that “the higher nature decides what to do and how to act” I would reply that there is no “higher” nature than me but rather more awareness about myself. And with this awareness which goes hand in hand with more abilities I do not need “control”. I can simply choose.
Control is a lack of trust so to speak and the self-discipline that you are talking about maybe helpful (with a lot of struggle) for people who limit themselves to mainstream thinking. But it has nothing to do with a self-aware being.
Free choice* combined with enthusiasm – passion – is required to do effortlessly what one wants do!
*Of course free choice is only possible if one knows the own conditionings – beliefs, convictions, etc.
BTW: I appreciate very much your writings!
Developing self disciple makes one stronger, more courageous and more assertive in handling the daily affairs of life. In my opinion, which you may accept or reject, enthusiasm and passion are not enough. One may start doing something with enthusiasm and passion, but stop after a while, due to lack of perseverance and inner strength. Without self discipline it will not be easy to go on, when facing difficulties or obstacles, or when achievement takes too long.
Both, success in the material world, and making progress on the spiritual path, require at least some degree of self discipline.
Self discipline helps one focus on one thing, so as not to be distracted by other desires or thoughts, as while studying, reading, working, pursuing a goal or while meditating.
thanks to your readings, i don’t only keep it for me but have it injected in my values education classes..i appreciate it much and students learn much from it too. thank you and more power to you.