A path to freedom is through self-discipline.
Quite often discipline is viewed in a negative light, as something which limits you, is too severe, too controlling or mundane. But this view shadows the importance and true beauty that such an art form has to offer. Through certain discipline we can actually free ourselves and draw a forcefield around us protecting our healthy selves.
Freedom is something that we are all searching for, whether it is on the forefront of our consciousness or a little deeper within. We love what freedom makes possible – the ability to do, act and say what we like, live the life we so desire, express our authentic selves with ease and spread our wings wide! Yet, so many of us are creating distance between ourselves and freedom by not paying enough attention to our everyday choices. By acting on impulsive decisions and for short-term pleasure we make freedom harder to reach. In reality we are yearning for a guiding light to show us the way home to our healthy nature – and we can shine the torch today by choosing discipline.
The wonderful thing is, any day you so choose, you can learn discipline and make your way to freedom! You can help prevent feelings of tiredness, heaviness, unworthiness or even illness. You can attract positivity and create new life-changing habits and rediscover what it feels like to be free! You can relearn the beauty of life! – All it takes is a little discipline and an open heart.
For me, discipline is my ally, accompanying me through life, helping me to remain happy and healthy. I non-restrictively follow certain patterns of behaviour that help me to live and develop myself in the best way I know how. And I can honestly say I love it! Thanks to my self-imposed discipline I feel light, full of energy and peaceful. I am more active, alert, clear-headed and full of life! I have a good vision of where I am headed. I truly enjoy having discipline in my life and all the benefits it provides me with.
My Daily Discipline:
I get up at 6am and practice half an hour of Sun Salutations followed by some gentle stretches and breathing techniques. Providing me with a fit, light, supple, healthy body; a calm and focused mind and bounds of energy for the day!
At 6.30am I brush my teeth and shower, finishing off with cold water to feel fully awake and refreshed! I then make myself comfortable, prop myself upright on my yoga block with a soft blanket around me for a 20 minute meditation. Bringing me more peace and quiet for my day.
Between 7.20am and 8am I enjoy the morning time – being my favourite time of day! I nourish myself with a healthy breakfast of cold cereal and fruit (now that it’s warmer weather) and I relax listening to the sounds of nature in my garden.
I leave for school at 8am. I work full-time as a Teaching Assistant in a Primary School.
Lunch is at noon and is a salad sandwich with an apple, banana or yogurt and water. I like to eat light and healthily so not to feel sluggish in my afternoon activities.
I get home at 3.45pm and unwind usually sitting on my bed with a glass of water or milk. I take 15 minutes of ‘free time’, checking emails, chatting to friends and family, checking post or just relaxing. This time allows me to check in with myself and how I’m feeling.
My yoga self practice is at 4pm. I practice my own routines for an hour, often finishing with a meditation. Leaving me feeling re-energised, awake, peaceful and ready for the early evening!
I eat dinner at 6pm, or as near to, depending on the layout of my day. I like to have an early dinner to nourish myself well after yoga and leave room for digestion before bed. I usually have a grain with vegetables, and perhaps a little dairy or fish.
Around 7 or 8pm I walk my dog or cycle outdoors enjoying the fresh air and sounds around me. This also helps my dinner to digest well.
The evening is my preferred time to read inspiring books, listen to music, create cards and presents, lie on my bed and chill out.
Between 9pm and 9.30pm I wash and prepare myself for bed. I think through my day, sometimes writing things down in my diary. I assess what things worked well and what changes I can create. I set goals and intentions for the next day, week, and months to come.
Lights out and sleeping time is 10pm. I like to get my full 8 hours sleep to feel well rested the next day, on top form and to make it as productive as I can!
My routine is simplistic but very effective for me. I make sure that I am not too rigid or serious with it, and allow for additions or alterations and the needs of my friends and family. Sunday is my day away from a schedule, although I naturally want to do a lot of these things! I also make holiday time with friends and family. For me, the key things are being happy and healthy. I eat well, exercise, live positively and most importantly remember to smell the roses.
You can establish discipline any time you like. Start slowly, little by little by daily integrating more behaviour into your days. Try things out, drop things that don’t work for you and let freedom shine brightly.
