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Why is discipline a bad thing?
馃珷
Anama G贸mez
June 05, 2024
In our contemporary society, the concept of discipline is often associated with sacrifice, rigidity, and suffering. However, in its true essence, discipline is a powerful tool that allows us to build and maintain positive habits, those that nourish our body, mind, and spirit.First, it is crucial to understand the difference between discipline and punishment. While punishment implies imposed suffering, generally associated with feelings of guilt or regret, discipline is a conscious and loving practice. It is an act of self-care and respect towards ourselves.
I鈥檒l share a personal anecdote: when I decided to start running marathons about 16 years ago, it was very easy at the beginning. I would get up early, run in the rain, and face physical pain because it was something novel for me, and I was doing it with my boyfriend, the great love of my adolescence 馃槏馃敟馃珋
That was a cocktail of endorphins for the Ana of that time. However, I was punishing myself, over-demanding in my schedules, diet, and skipping plans I enjoyed because I thought they would affect my performance. Over time, I understood that I couldn't control everything, and that discipline, more than crossing finish lines, allowed me to achieve health and energy I never imagined possible.
Loving Discipline
The key lies in the intention behind our disciplined acts. It's not about imposing a routine harshly but integrating habits with awareness and affection.
How to Cultivate Loving Discipline?
Identify Your Values: What is important to you? What habits reflect those values?
Small Steps: Don鈥檛 try to change everything at once. Introduce small changes that you can maintain.
Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Celebrate your achievements and don鈥檛 punish yourself for setbacks.
Consistency: The conscious and loving repetition of small and sustainable habits leads to significant transformations.
TRY THID OUT + PLANS FOT THOSE WHO HAVE NO PLANS Questions for Reflection
馃惣 What habits do I want to cultivate that genuinely benefit me?
馃惣 Am I practicing discipline in a loving way or am I punishing myself?
馃惣 How can I transform my perception of discipline to make it a positive experience?
Discipline is not an enemy of pleasure or freedom. On the contrary, it is the foundation that allows us to build a freer and more satisfying life. By adopting a loving and conscious perspective on discipline, we not only improve our health and well-being but also cultivate a more positive relationship with ourselves.