Self-Discipline is the Path of the Warrior
Self-discipline is the path of the warrior because we will always be at war with our own minds until we develop the power to control them. Only when we hold this power do we hold the keys to the universe. Discipline is a component inherent to the father archetype along with law, order, rationality, and understanding. Self-discipline can be difficult for most people, including me. It can be especially difficult if we developed unhealthy parental archetypes from dysfunctional families or upbringings. If we had a parent who over-disciplined or punished us, or was too laissez-faire, for example.
The warrior has awareness... we are aware that we are at war, and the war in our minds requires discipline. Not the discipline of a soldier but the discipline of a warrior. Not the discipline from the outside to tell us what to do and not to do, but the discipline to be ourselves, no matter what. — Miguel Ruiz
I believe a common attitude in today's culture is to do as we please. This is fine, I’m certainly not here to control anyone. I will challenge the paradigm, however, and suggest that maybe what we want all the time isn’t the best thing for us. Maybe what we want “now” takes us off our path. Perhaps what we want is more for the short term rather than the long term. I’ve been reflecting on what I really want, what I desire, the big one, for my life. What I’ve found is something that requires mindful attention, effort, and a systematic approach.
Discipline isn’t comfortable. It is suffering. It is inducing your own suffering in the short term. It is saying “no” to the things that you want now, to the things that feel good immediately. But when you know that you’re saying “no” to the things that you want now because you really love yourself, you know yourself, and you know what it is you really desire, then the suffering is also purposeful. Then you’re really taking on the role of parenting yourself like a father would because you’re actually acting in your best interest, for your long-term happiness.
We all suffer one of two pains. Either the pain of developing self-discipline or the pain associated with not having it. — Clyde Lee Dennis
This piece was originally featured in a June 16, 2019 post on Instagram.
