It’s not Obsession – It’s Discipline

Posted in: Blog, Events, Healthy Lifestyle, Programs, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, Wellness News by Pamela on February 11, 2012

Most of us have some form of structure in our life.  Defined by obligations, responsibilities, occupation and daily habits. So what does it mean to be disciplined in these roles?  And what is discipline?  It’s broadly defined as “controlled behavior,”  which we know can be a tightly wound regimen, which risks becoming obsession, and can potentially lead to feeling out of control and non-functional.

What it’s not . . .

I’m not talking about a Herculean, foot pounding, triathlon approach. Or having a relationship with food that rivals the wrath of Demeter, obsessing over every morsel that passes her lips.  You don’t need to be that extreme. Nor should it carry the connotation of “to discipline,’’ which implies enforcing order and compliance, often regulated through punishment.

    “It’s not the work that’s hard – but the discipline.”

~  Anonymous

What it is . . .

When you have discipline, you can create a long-term vision, with an end goal.  Traveling toward your goal does not necessarily have to be down a direct path. Going slightly off coarse is fine, as long as there is steady progress towards what you want to accomplish. When there’s balanced discipline, there remains an inner tension creating a charged energy that helps motivate success, and is available for both productive work and joyful play.

For example, if you want to have a strong, flexible, young-feeling body, the discipline of consistent exercise throughout your life will propel you towards that goal.  If you want to move, you’ve got to move!  When you stretch every day, your body tells you what it needs, how to keep it open and relaxed, how to release tension and decrease pain. Think of growing old; how do you want your body to be?  Is it discipline to age with strength and beauty, or just good habits you’ve acquired from being disciplined?

The concept of eating healthy is often met with the expression “I don’t have any discipline.”  Allow yourself a big picture view, think about what you consume; is it toxic or healing?  When you think about those two simple categories, it’s much easier to develop the discipline to eat well.  Consume whole foods, and apply what is known about eliminating artificial foods, animal products, and HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) to your food choices. At the same time, forego yo-yo diets or extreme indulgences, and you’ll give your self a chance to be healthy.  One can’t alter genetics or some environmental influences, but with discipline, you can create inner health through what you put in your body.

“Discipline is remembering what you want.”’   

             ~ David Campbell              

There’s something in human nature that wants to slack off just as we’re starting to move successfully towards a goal.  Sometimes there’s no motivation to be disciplined because of old struggles with childhood demons that are screaming, “don’t tell me what to do!”  The resistance of fighting your inner, controlling authorities, causes you to become your own enemy. It calls for a great deal of self-discipline to be humble in the face of your history, and to not lose your sense of balance and commitment. This is when you have to stop thinking so much, and adapt Nike’s slogan: ‘JUST DO IT!’  Let the accomplishment be its own reward.

The most important discipline lies in taming your thoughts. 

Controlling the negative, self-deprecating or wild worrying thoughts that fuel anxiety and feed depression – is personal power. This entails learning the art of inner quiet and creating a space where you can find your “reset” button.  You can achieve this through the discipline of daily meditation practice, which acts as a detox for your energy system (mental and physical).  Ironically the “discipline” is really in doing nothing, learning to still the mind and find the comfortable inner quiet in your body. When you’ve got this one down, all the rest falls into place.

You can find that it is both relaxing and energizing to have healthy disciplines.  Being responsible for what you say and do is sexy, attractive, and draws people to you. You are accountable, have your life together, feel self-motivated and are in control.  You embody a positive energy.

Who wouldn’t want that?

For more information and techniques on healthy living, refer to my book Healthy Lifestyle Path of Wellness: http://www.pamelaholtzman.com/pamelas-book/

 

 

 

 

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