If you are interested in this reframe, you should also check the manifesto I wrote about it. If it resonates with you I'd really appreciate help with spreading the word 😊.
Excellent insights here brother. For me, I'm at that stage in my life journey where if I 'forget who I am', I find I am still watching... and keenly observing myself with enough kindness (maitri) to move through the 'forgetting' unharmed. That, I feel, alongside discipline, or "being a disciple", is another vital key that stops the vicious cycle of self-judgment, where the ego re-asserts itself through the back door.
Beautifully said, Jaime! I appreciate how you explained that you're still watching, even while you forget who you are. May we take the time to recognize and honor the "inner watcher" in all of us. 🙏
I have some reflections on this post that I’d like to share. Instead of reading it all now, I chose to download it to my Kindle, as I’ve been immersing myself in content lately, almost like a snake spirit animal 🐍—devouring information without much discernment. I’ve noticed that this approach isn’t always leading to deeper understanding. I feel that being present as I read would honor both my thought process your original intentions. 🙏
Lately, I’ve been experiencing a bit of overwhelm from the sheer volume of content out there. This has prompted me to consider how I can incorporate mindfulness principles into my routine to help slow down. I like to refer to this as my ‘slow movement’ on Substack—essentially, an inner revolution that I believe requires a certain level of discipline.
Yet, I wonder about the relationship between discipline and mindfulness. For some people, the term “discipline” can have negative connotations. Personally, I resonate with the idea that mindfulness and discipline can complement each other, but I find it triggering to think of discipline as something “I must master!” I envision an instructor demanding compliance—“You will learn to meditate! You will practice mindfulness, or else!” That feels misaligned with how I want to engage with these practices.
I do best when I have the freedom to choose how to incorporate any practice into my life. My healthcare providers have learned that about me — especially my dentist! Meditation is another one of those things — having the flexibility to decide what to do, when to do it, and how. This sense of autonomy feels in contrast to traditional notions of discipline. I feel manner survivors have similar thoughts especially if they grew up in authoritarian households. I’m finding I can embrace flexibility without sacrificing progress. It might be slower — but, I'm okay with that. I believe that if I can find ways to weave mindfulness naturally into the flow of my day, I might better embody this concept.
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on various aspects of mindfulness. I wish you both all the best with your publications! ☀️
You’re completely right that for many, the word discipline carries a punitive, almost instructive tone. I was one of those people too.
But discipline is a human construct, and like any construct, it can be reframed. Historically it’s shifted from its root in discere (to learn), into a badge of honor for obsession and success through suffering.
What I try to share in my publication is that there can be another way. A way rooted in self-compassion, self-awareness, and learning, about ourselves and what surrounds us.
If you feel this resonates with your ideas, I’d love to invite you to check it out.
“Discipline isn’t willpower. It’s comeback speed — how fast you return to what you value most.”
Such a clear and liberating way to think about practice.
Hi Pedro, thank you for the kind words!
If you are interested in this reframe, you should also check the manifesto I wrote about it. If it resonates with you I'd really appreciate help with spreading the word 😊.
The link is below. Wish you the best!
🔗 https://www.self-disciplined.com/p/manifesto
Excellent insights here brother. For me, I'm at that stage in my life journey where if I 'forget who I am', I find I am still watching... and keenly observing myself with enough kindness (maitri) to move through the 'forgetting' unharmed. That, I feel, alongside discipline, or "being a disciple", is another vital key that stops the vicious cycle of self-judgment, where the ego re-asserts itself through the back door.
Beautifully said, Jaime! I appreciate how you explained that you're still watching, even while you forget who you are. May we take the time to recognize and honor the "inner watcher" in all of us. 🙏
I like this phrase very much: ‘one gentle return at a time’. Building a mindfulness muscle one steady rep at a time I have also heard.
I have some reflections on this post that I’d like to share. Instead of reading it all now, I chose to download it to my Kindle, as I’ve been immersing myself in content lately, almost like a snake spirit animal 🐍—devouring information without much discernment. I’ve noticed that this approach isn’t always leading to deeper understanding. I feel that being present as I read would honor both my thought process your original intentions. 🙏
Lately, I’ve been experiencing a bit of overwhelm from the sheer volume of content out there. This has prompted me to consider how I can incorporate mindfulness principles into my routine to help slow down. I like to refer to this as my ‘slow movement’ on Substack—essentially, an inner revolution that I believe requires a certain level of discipline.
Yet, I wonder about the relationship between discipline and mindfulness. For some people, the term “discipline” can have negative connotations. Personally, I resonate with the idea that mindfulness and discipline can complement each other, but I find it triggering to think of discipline as something “I must master!” I envision an instructor demanding compliance—“You will learn to meditate! You will practice mindfulness, or else!” That feels misaligned with how I want to engage with these practices.
I do best when I have the freedom to choose how to incorporate any practice into my life. My healthcare providers have learned that about me — especially my dentist! Meditation is another one of those things — having the flexibility to decide what to do, when to do it, and how. This sense of autonomy feels in contrast to traditional notions of discipline. I feel manner survivors have similar thoughts especially if they grew up in authoritarian households. I’m finding I can embrace flexibility without sacrificing progress. It might be slower — but, I'm okay with that. I believe that if I can find ways to weave mindfulness naturally into the flow of my day, I might better embody this concept.
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on various aspects of mindfulness. I wish you both all the best with your publications! ☀️
Hi Anna,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reflection.
You’re completely right that for many, the word discipline carries a punitive, almost instructive tone. I was one of those people too.
But discipline is a human construct, and like any construct, it can be reframed. Historically it’s shifted from its root in discere (to learn), into a badge of honor for obsession and success through suffering.
What I try to share in my publication is that there can be another way. A way rooted in self-compassion, self-awareness, and learning, about ourselves and what surrounds us.
If you feel this resonates with your ideas, I’d love to invite you to check it out.
Best,
Camilo