Discipline: The Backbone of Spiritual Practice
There is no spirituality without discipline. In a society that thrives on convenience and comfort, discipline is a radical act of rebellion against the numbing forces that prevent us from knowing ourselves. Comfort, while seductive, is often the enemy of growth. It lulls us into complacency and shields us from the deeper truths of our own power—our divinity. To walk the spiritual path is to commit to a disciplined practice, and without that commitment, mastery is impossible.
So, what’s stopping you?
The ego whispers, “I already know this. I’ve done enough work on myself. I’ve been practicing for years.” These thoughts are traps, roadblocks on the path to genuine growth. The ego resists change because change threatens its constructed identity. When learning something new—or even revisiting practices you’ve done for decades—notice the voice that says, “I already know.” This is where the work begins. True spirituality requires what Zen teachings call beginner’s mind: the humility and openness to approach every moment as if for the first time.
Spiritual practice is not a hobby or a weekend activity. It’s a lifestyle. And here’s the hard truth: many people are unwilling to make the lifestyle changes that deep spiritual work demands. Sometimes these changes are small, like carving out time each day to meditate or practice Qigong. Other times, they are drastic, requiring us to uproot our habits, relationships, and even our careers. The unwillingness to embrace these shifts is not just resistance—it is the ego clinging to its comfort zone.
Discipline doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When we are truly committed, our spiritual practices can become an obsession—not in the negative sense, but as a consuming passion. Obsession is the teacher, guiding us deeper into the practice. The yogis, the healers, the martial artists, the internal alchemists—they all share this trait. They don’t dabble in their practice; they live it. They let it consume them, shape them, refine them.
Ask yourself: Are you willing to let your spiritual practice take over? Are you willing to let it disrupt your routines and challenge your ego? If you find yourself saying no, explore that resistance. What are you afraid of losing? What comfort are you unwilling to surrender?
The path of discipline requires a daily renewal of commitment. It asks us to show up with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to fail and begin again. When the ego resists, remind yourself: mastery isn’t about arriving; it’s about always being willing to take the next step.
Ultimately, spiritual discipline isn’t about deprivation or punishment. It’s about uncovering your true self—the part of you that is powerful, limitless, and divine. Discipline is the bridge between who you are now and who you are becoming. So, what’s stopping you from taking the first step?
