Practice and Discipline

Life is best lived from the inside out, not a requirement. Living outside inward helps see this more clearly.

That was my experience. 

We can’t help but bring forth what is within us.

Only when we actively seek to lighten the load do we clear the way and see more clearly.

There was a time when I decided to ride my bike to the top of a mountain each morning.

At first, it was hard to leave my warm bed, especially on cold mornings.

But something happened around the third week.

I began to crave the stillness riding in the dark early, when my thoughts were few and simple.

I began to love the way I felt after doing something positive for my well-being.

I began to notice how different my day felt when I started it by greeting the day instead of letting the day meet me.

Discipline didn’t feel like punishment—it felt like freedom.

Freedom from the tug-of-war between “should I?” and “shouldn’t I?” ultimately, from my mind.

Freedom from the chaos of starting every day in reaction mode.

The truth is, what we practice grows.

If you practice complaining, you’ll get better at complaining.

If you practice gratitude, you’ll find more to be grateful for.

My bike rides reminded me that discipline is simply choosing in advance who you want to be—and then showing up as that person, again and again.

Reflection:

•          What’s one small daily practice that would make the rest of your day better?

•          What’s stopping you from starting?

Try This:

Choose one habit you can do in 10 minutes or less. Do it every day for a week. Notice the ripple effect.