Discipline

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Celebration of Discipline, disciple, discipline, enthusiasm, gifts from God, Hebrews, meditation, Peace, Richard Foster, spiritual practices, St. Paul, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

In the Letter to the Hebrews today (12:4-7, 11-15) we read a reflection on discipline. Paul is suggesting that discipline should be a cause for joy, not pain, and can be seen in the long run to bring “the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.” Paul speaks of discipline as an important part of parental training as well as a way to view the trials that come from God.

A long time ago I read a book entitled Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster that changed my view of the purpose and practice of the word. I certainly had learned the connection between “discipline” and “disciple” and understood that self-discipline is the way to discipleship but this book – just by its title and then by its content – moved spiritual practices from the realm of work to a place of enthusiasm and joy for me. To celebrate what it takes of day-to-day sitting in meditation or speaking kindness to others no matter our mood does not come naturally for most of us. If, however, we begin to think of these practices as gifts to us from God, the entire enterprise changes to one of celebration. And it doesn’t matter if every day is a new beginning of the process. I believe God offers us a clean slate with each sunrise.

So let us take St. Paul’s advice to “strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees” and “make straight the paths of your feet” in order to “strive for peace with everyone and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord..” And. remember that “with God everything is possible!”

Disciples on the path

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arduous, commitment, disciple, discipline, effort, Finding the On-Ramp to Your Spiritual Path, hard work, Jan Phillips, love, spiritual path, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Quotes from Pendle Hill: Today’s quote comes from Jan Phillips in her book, Finding the On-Ramp to Your Spiritual Path:

“Many people think that the spiritual path is an arduous one that requires a lot of effort and hard work. Actually, the opposite is true. A certain discipline is required, but think of that discipline as coming from the word disciple. It has to do with love and commitment, not punishment.”

Back to Basics

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balance, bliss, centering prayer, compassion, daily practice, disciple, discipline, Jan Phillips, mindfulness, No Ordinary Time, spiritual and social awareness, spiritual wisdom, tranquility

I’ve been getting a little “antsy” over the past few days. In an attempt to shake off the last vestiges of the virus that has held me hostage for over two weeks, I have been sleeping more and doing less, determining every night that “tomorrow will be better.” Yesterday I decided to “act myself into a new way of being” (an adage I heard long ago that makes a lot of sense to me!) so last night I set my alarm and rolled out of bed even before it rang this morning! My enthusiasm was short-lived – perhaps because it is another cold, rainy morning – so I turned to my friend, Jan Phillips for encouragement and this is what I read from her Tuesday morning thoughts in No Ordinary Time:

There are different ways of looking at the word “discipline.” One brings to mind spankings, standing in the corner, boot camp. Another, more tender reading brings to mind the word “disciple,” one who passes along spiritual wisdom…Our spiritual practice tones our mindfulness muscles, just as physical discipline might tone your abs. The results of mindfulness are tranquility, compassion, spiritual and social awareness, balance, bliss. I could go on. All this is guaranteed, but there is a minimal requirement. Daily practice. Hence, the word discipline.

Well, that was enough for me. Knowing the truth of what Jan expresses in these few sentences, I am at least motivated enough to finish my coffee, put a period on this reflection and move to my mat for centering prayer. That trio complete, I should have mined enough “spiritual capital” to get to the shower, to my car and to the office where the blessing of routine awaits! Happy Tuesday to all!

Lazy Days Redux

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activity, balance, disciple, discipline, disciplined life, generous heart, laziness, Luke, motivation, shakespeare, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, to thine own self be true

After yesterday’s post there were comments and conversations that attested to the truth of what had been said about the inner enemy of laziness. Much of what was shared centered around the importance of balance. It would be easy for those of us who are students of a disciplined life to cross the line into rigidity in our actions (like forcing myself to get out of bed – no matter my body’s warnings – because it is the rule). What we need to remember is that discipline has the same root as disciple and that the purpose lies in the heart, not the head. I was reminded of this as I read the gospel acclamation for this morning: Blessed are those who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. (LK 8:15) Knowing ourselves and our patterns of inner and outer activity and motivation will keep us on the path in a relaxed and ordered way which cannot help but ripple out to good effect on the community. Shakespeare offers what I think is a helpful summary of our musings as Polonius bids farewell to his son Laertes (Hamlet Act 1, Scene 3).

This above all: to thine own self be true. and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!