and this kind of thing i’d guess would come up in response to like, laying in bed all day eating ice cream as “self-care” which anyone would agree is not the best, but i wouldn’t say that “discipline” is the thing that’s needed in that situation. instead, actually taking stock of what it is you want and need. i know that when i end up spending all day in bed, it’s usually because there’s something i need to deal with that i am not confronting or whatever. and for that what i need is to pay attention to myself and my needs, not “discipline”.

We are not talking about giving up the past in order to obtain a goal in the future. We are talking about clarifying our intentions in this moment so that our small wants/preferences don’t disrupt the merging of clarity and passion.

Example: Daily meditation. It takes discipline to meditate daily. Yet meditation is not about focusing on the future, nor does it alienate you from yourself. 

External goals molded by capitalist, productivist, or any “ist” notions is called conditioning. In spirituality, it is recommended that we become aware of our conditioning and burn it in a bonfire of laughter. 

Actually stopping, taking stock of what it is you want and need, is exactly what we are talking about here. For some people, even doing that makes them feel squeamish. Even taking a good long look at themselves and their life is difficult. It takes discipline to be willing to do that regularly. And once you’ve done that as clearly, honestly, and sincerely as possible, how do you make it happen? More discipline. 

In a sense, this post is about destigmatizing the very notion of discipline. For me, it always felt harsh and totalitarian. Now I feel it differently. It serves me; I don’t serve it. 

Lastly, many people might benefit from discipline. My guru says his own mantra is “dedication, devotion, and discipline.” However, there are as many paths as there are people, and probably even more. You bring up reasonable points and your own style may preclude the need for discipline entirely. There is certainly something to be said for the hedonistic taoist approach as well.