ON PURPOSE — Discipline
🕐 20 minute read
Welcome to the ON PURPOSE series, where I choose a specific topic to dive deep into, unraveling its layers and discovering ways to embody it as a monthly intention with heightened purpose.
If you've been keeping up with my weekly newsletters, you're familiar with how I kick off each month-long series. I introduce the monthly topic, share my vision board to spark ideas for yours, and provide a set of thought-provoking questions to prompt reflection and encourage embodiment.
Live each month on purpose.
I decided to kick off the year with Discipline, breaking it down to build it up better + stronger. Uncovering how it can serve as a guiding force for purposeful living throughout not only the month of January, but also to lay the foundation for the rest of the year.
And with that, let’s dive into our monthly exploration of living on purpose — January 2024.
*A sankalpa is an intention or resolution formed by the heart-mind, and in this case, a monthly focus. It’s a statement that reflects your true self and helps guide your actions and thoughts towards personal + spiritual growth.
SANKALPA
I EMBRACE DISCIPLINE AS MY GUIDING LIGHT. THROUGH DEDICATED FOCUS AND CONSISTENT ACTION, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT A DISCIPLINED PATH LEADS TO PERSONAL GROWTH AND SELF LOVE.
If you’re reading this looking to actively participate with the teachings shared in this series, choose to tune into the force of discipline. Through dedicated attention and consistent action, recognize that all your desires unfold on the path of discipline.
Most won’t do this. It requires short-term sacrifice for long-term gain.
Choosing discipline over instant gratification is pivotal. It's not just forgoing instant indulgence; it's investing in a future of accomplishment + growth.
Embracing the disciplined path is a transformative journey, an ongoing evolution where the principles of discipline shapes not only your actions, but also your character. Each intentional step contributes to personal development, weaving a narrative of resilience, achievement, and the fulfillment of your deepest dreams. Tune in.
VISION
REFLECT
By exploring these questions, deepen your understanding of your intention and embody it into your daily life.
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What specific desires lie on the other side of discipline for me?
Identify the aspirations that you believe can be achieved through embracing discipline.
How am I currently balancing short-term comfort with long-term success?
When was the last time you sacrificed short term comfort for the promise of future gains?
What motivates me to choose discipline over instant gratification?
Understand WHY you choose to focus on being disciplined in what you do.
In what areas of my life do I find it challenging to maintain discipline?
Identify specific aspects where maintaining discipline poses difficulties and explore potential solutions.
How can I remind myself of the importance of discipline throughout the month??
Consider creating daily reminders or rituals to reinforce your commitment to a disciplined lifestyle. Bit by bit, weave it in.
Ask yourself, “Does this support the life I am trying to create?”
GUIDANCE
Embarking on something new often comes with growing pains. Perhaps the initial week of integrating the essence of discipline into your life will feel challenging and awkward. Consider the beginning as a warm-up phase, acknowledging that forming new habits and adjusting to different patterns takes time. For me, the simple act of practicing discipline as my guiding light has helped most. When Monday arrives but motivation is nowhere to be found, anchor yourself in discipline.
Discipline and Yoga
In the realm of yoga, regardless of the specific form one practices, there is one key thing – self-discipline. Without it, the transformative outcomes of yoga (or any deep practice) remain elusive. This echoes the essence of tapas in the Patanjali Yogasutra – a sanskrit word relating to the burning effort within. It signifies not just the commitment to the practice but also the eagerness to delve into the journey of self-development. Much like the disciplined path I’vd adopted as my (re)focus for this month when motivation falters, tapas becomes the force in both my movement practice and the pursuit of personal growth + self love.
Resistance to Discipline and a Reframe
One of the reasons I decided on discipline to kick off the year is because I had my own resistances to the topic. The common perception of discipline is one of masculine energy, marked by pushing through and aggression, which compelled me to reframe its meaning.
For me, envisioning a disciplined path initially brought images of forcefulness, aggression, and rigid gym routines to mind — ick. However, as I dedicated this month to exploring discipline more deeply, I had a realization that led me to see it in a new light.. by introducing a balance of both femininity and masculinity into the process of shaping a more disciplined version of myself.
Feminine energy is deeply intertwined with the essence of discipline. To truly embody your feminine energy, it necessitates a foundation of discipline. While we often associate feminine energy with qualities such as nurturing, playfulness, creativity, flow, and intuition, tapping into this energy requires the intentional creation of discipline and structure in our lives. <3
The aspects of feminine energy are able to flourish when we establish a framework of discipline. By introducing structure into our daily routines and commitments, we create a supportive environment that allows our feminine energy to arise. Discipline becomes the scaffolding that empowers us to fully embrace and express these qualities.
Starting small, like making my bed in the morning, became a powerful practice. The simple act of tending to my soft + cozy sanctuary sets a tone of care and order for the day. From this balanced space, I approach tasks I might initially resist with a grace that stems from honoring the promises I've made to myself, and in a way, spoiling my future self.
Consider transforming the act of making your bed into a ritual—a moment where you invoke the energy of discipline and set intentions for the day. Establishing the habit of making your bed can serve as a forward momentum for embracing other positive changes that align with your envisioned self. As they say, “Make your bed, change your life.”
Let us recognize that the embodiment of feminine energy is not only an exploration of its inherent qualities but also a journey of disciplined self-discovery, where structure becomes the ally that nurtures self-growth and self-love.
Discipline, when approached from a balance of feminine and masculine energy, becomes a more intentional approach to actively creating flow through the ups + downs of our days.
I’m so excited about this reframe as it’s opened up so much for me and hopefully you as well.
Falling Off - Resiliency is the Bridge Back
Something to note along the disciplined path is the possibility of veering off track. Anticipating these moments and planning for them is something I am realizing for myself after a weekend of falling out of routine. Posing questions to myself such as — Think about how you'll assist yourself during setbacks. What strategies will you develop to recover and remain dedicated to your vision.
Discipline Anchored in Purpose
To dig deeper into the essence of discipline, I reached out to others for their insights. One recurring theme emerged – discipline gains meaning solely through its connection to a purpose. Sticking to routines without a clear goal or vision can lead to stagnation. It's not just about discipline for the sake of it; it's about channeling your willpower into a purposeful process — finding your why.
Willpower, when tethered to a greater vision, is a force to be reckoned with. Take a moment to reflect on your greater vision. What are you working towards? How does your discipline contribute to that vision? Referencing the discussion on the harmony of feminine + masculine energies in discipline — Connecting your daily actions to a greater purpose transforms discipline from a rigid routine into a dynamic force driving you towards your aspirations.
As you move forward, remember that setbacks are not signs of failure but opportunities for growth. Plan for them, draw strength from your purpose, and be guided by the light of your burning effort.
