Many
students say that sometimes they have problems getting themselves to
practice
at home. Often I hear the statement, "I just don't have any discipline."
I would like to redefine the concept of "discipline" by contrasting it
with the concept of "commitment".
There
is a big difference between discipline and commitment. "Discipline" is
something
that is externally generated, it is a "should". We have often
internalized
this "should" as the concept of discipline into our own inner
voices;
this is the voice we hear inside berating us when we don't practice.
Commitment,
on the other hand, is a choice we make of our own volition. The
difference
between "discipline" and "commitment" is conflict. When we are
imposing
discipline upon ourselves we are in conflict with ourselves, arguing
inside
"yes, no, yes, no". But when we are committed there is no conflict, no
argument,
no problem.
Think
about something in your life that you are committed to, for example,
brushing
your teeth. I doubt that you argue with yourself every morning about
brushing
your teeth. You just do it, whether it is interesting or boring, it doesn't
matter.
When
we are committed to practicing yoga, we just get on the mat every day,
regardless
of our mood, our state of mind, our internal dialogue.
If
you have problems sometimes getting your self to practice, spend a little
time
figuring out what is standing in the way of your commitment to practice.
I
am guessing that what you learn in the process will not only free you up
to
practice
more often but will enrich your life as well.
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