D ... is for Discipline/Self-Discipline
One of the most important things self discipline does for us is to teach us to look toward the future without sacrificing the past and to enjoy the present without sacrificing the future.
A good example is the ability to postpone immediate gratification. Immediate gratification has been the bane of our current society. We have become a society that lives on credit. If we don't have discipline in this area and if we indulge all our whims through credit then we are sacrificing our future for the present. It's easy to put out of your mind that what is purchased today needs to be paid for in the future with interest and we can quickly get in over our heads, compromising our futures in a very negative way. However, we do live in the present and we cannot sacrifice everything in our present for the future because our future depends on what we do with our present. What is needed is balance.
We have to take responsibility for deciding what we want out of life in every area, this means relationships, children, career, education, where we live and how we live. We have to decide what we want and how much we are willing to sacrifice for what we want. For example, if we desire to be parents then we must realize that usually this will mean a great decrease in personal freedom and financial freedom. Another example is a person that chooses not to further their education because of the time and money it would take away from their families. Everything we do is a choice and we must have the self discipline to make the best choices we can for ourselves at the time we make them.
Discipline was and is a very strong part of the American culture. All peoples who immigrated to this country in the past worked hard and partook of the American dream. This hard work gave people confidence in their abilities and showed them they could achieve their dreams. The discipline required for this largely promoted self esteem which is not promoted when you are living off the energy and resources of others.
We have to have the self discipline to make our own way, to take responsibility for ourselves and to encourage and teach each other to do the same. It is through this discipline that you will be able to ensure a balanced and worthwhile life.
Suggested Meditation Technique
Here is a simple technique that can show you the nature of impulsiveness, and the impulses to which you are suceptible. Do not use a timer for this exercise:
Sit comfortably in a chair or in lotus position, whichever you prefer. Use your usual technique to enter a meditative state. Meditate until you feel the urge to stop meditating. The urge might come as boredom, hunger, physical discomfort, something else you want to do, or even to go to the bathroom. Observe, feel and name the impulse, such as, "wanting a glass of water, wanting a glass of water...". Observe how you feel, wanting that glass of water. The impulse to get up will pass in a minute or two. After it passes, notice the difference in how you feel. Continue to meditate until the next impulse to get up arises, and process it in the same manner as before. When you've experienced the same impulse three times, allow yourself to get up.
Using this technique, you'll further your ability to maintain a meditative state, and to focus your activities in general. You learn to better recognize and name compulsions whenever they come up in your daily activities, giving you the opportunity to stop and think more before you make decisions.
And couldn't we all develop a bit more self-discipline!
