Discipline and Disciples

Discipline and Disciples

by Linda Heron Wind, Ph.D.

The word discipline has many mixed definitions for us. We have all been disciplined for not behaving as others would like us to. We have been told that we need to be more disciplined, meaning that we need to do what we should do, not what we want to do. Discipline has also been used to designate a particular area of study. Spiritually it might be the daily practice that we engage in to stay connected with spirit. Many of these definitions are ones that bring up a sense of resistance from some part of us that rebels when we believe that we cannot have what we want.

Another word that comes from discipline is disciple. A disciple is one who follows another or a set of teachings, best known of course from the disciples of Jesus. What it meant for those disciples was that they must give up who they through they were, or their earthly identities, for who they really are within the Christ Light. For each of us discipleship begins when we surrender the identity of our small self for the larger Self who we really are. In order to do this we must discipline the small self, bringing it into alignment with the true self.

Now my small self does not like to be disciplined. It would much rather do whatever feels good in that moment, like sleep in when I am sleepy rather than getting up to greet the day with exercise routines and meditation. This small self was created out of a culture of instant gratification. It drags its feet as I get out of bed and tries to convince me that sleep is more beneficial than exercise or meditation. "We have already had 8 hours of sleep and you know how good you feel when you exercise and meditate," the higher Self answers. "But …..(fill in any whiney excuse)," the small self protests, because truly it cannot remember in that moment that it does feel better after exercise and meditation. It only knows it is sleepy.

Many people believe that the voice of the small self goes away when it becomes a disciple to the higher Self, so as long as they hear that voice they respond to its hedonistic logic. I can tell you that it does not go away. It may be quiet at times but it is just waiting for the right moment - like when you are stressed or tired - then it quietly sneaks in and weaves its web of entrapment. "But look how hard you have worked and how 'good' you have been, you deserve to (a) sleep in (b) have a hot fudge sunday (c) skip your meditation or exercise today (d) spend more money on yourself (e) all of the above."

When discipleship begins it simply means that the voice of the higher Self is the one you trust. And when you are caught in the web of the small self's desire, it is the higher Self that will guide you out when you are ready. Gradually it becomes easier, most of the time, to follow the higher Self's wisdom, because you know that the things the small self wants bring only momentary pleasure and what the higher self calls you to do brings a long lasting sense of well-being.

Mastery is just that - being a disciple to the higher Self. Through discipline - doing in the moment what needs to be done to support your highest Self - we become the masters of our self - small and large. In this time of intense energy my guides remind me daily of the importance of discipline. It is so easy to get lost in the mind of the small self these days rather than living in the heart of the true Self.

The three essentials:
Exercising, eating right
And inspiration

Caring for body
Is a spiritual action
Rooted in self love

Discipline is not
Deprivation but the full
Nourishment of Self

If you have comments on these articles or ideas for future topics, call Linda Heron Wind at (585) 924-5620 or send e-mail to LHWind@aol.com.

Page last modified May 21, 2005 by RMC