Discipline Week 1

“No miracles, only discipline”

— Danielle Steele

I was teaching a mindfulness meditation class and one of the participants said something that caused me to select Discipline as this month’s focus. We were discussing healthy rituals that can bring us into the present moment and aid in sleep and overall wellness. This person said, yes you make a change, feel good and then you just stop, even though you acknowledge that the reason you are in a better place is because of this change. Exactly!

I immediately thanked them for bringing this up and said that was why my business partner Jen and I wrote our book, The Elevation Principles, so that people could learn to stay the course and create sustainable change. Discipline is not a universal attribute, but it can be developed.

It reminded me of my days as a gymnastics coach and physical education teacher. Over my desk I had a sign that said: “There are no miracles, only discipline” which I found in a skin care ad in the 80’s. To me it made sense to achieve goals, and for students to read daily. If I can’t do this today, I can keep at it, it is called practice. How does this relate to mindfulness?  If you have been on autopilot for years, just getting through the day, and suddenly you decide I want to be more mindful, it does not occur overnight. But consistency can make it attainable. Practice to be more present.  

Start with sprinkling mindfulness throughout your day. Maybe it’s before a meal, or before you have a sip of water, or reach for your phone. Catch yourself, say let me check in right now and see how my body feels, and how my mind is. Then take an inhale and a slow exhale. Make a statement to yourself of what you are doing at that very moment. For example, I am writing my blog. Changing the way we think is possible with practice, and a little patience. Give yourself grace as you begin this discipline.