Pathwalking 25
Thought + Feeling + Action = Pathwalking. But another important element in this equation – quite possibly the glue that binds it, in fact – is discipline.
Last post, I explained my issues with feeling. Thought I have little problem with, but feeling is a whole other issue. It is time to discipline myself to work on feeling out my thoughts.
Discipline, unfortunately, has never been my strong suit.
Without discipline, accomplishing the act of walking one’s path, let alone reaching one’s goal, is tricky at best. Arguably, it may be next to impossible to walk the path without discipline.
What does discipline mean? Well, let’s pay a quick visit to our old friend, Dictionary.com:
dis·ci·pline
noun
1. training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline.
2. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.
3. punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.
4. the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc.: the harsh discipline of poverty.
5. behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control: good discipline in an army.
verb (used with object)
10. to train by instruction and exercise; drill.
11. to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.
12. to punish or penalize in order to train and control; correct; chastise.
In this particular instance, it is definition 2 and definition 11 that are most apropos. Pathwalking is an activity, exercise, or regimen to develop or improve a skill; and it can be said that Pathwalking is an attempt to bring about a state of order and obedience by training and control.
Since it is both a tangible thing and an action, it is very easy to see where discipline is the glue that binds together the thought+feeling+action one must combine to successfully walk the path.
It is arguably the lack of discipline that defines how most people live their lives. Sure, we are conditioned to get out of bed, go to work or school, do what is expected of us, and repeat…but the conscious decision of choosing our actions, choosing our own path(s) – that requires discipline.
And it is not a one-time thing. No, discipline must be enforced throughout, in order to stay the course, and stay on the path. Without discipline, it is only a matter of time before some outside influence misdirects us, or our own doubts pull us away, or we give up and return to the conditioned routine, and let life live us, rather than the other way around.
I have long said the main reason I have not, nor could I ever have been a part of the military, is my lack of discipline. I notoriously get sidetracked, distracted, distressed, and find myself off the path, and while I don’t give up easily, my lack of discipline makes this whole process take twice or thrice as long as it should.
How does one keep disciplined? There are a few ways, but I find for me it’s a matter of holding onto my thought, applying feeling to my thought, and then taking necessary actions in order to manifest what I am after.
No, this process is not easy. I do not always get it right – in fact, to be perfectly honest, it is usually a work in progress for me. The idea is there, the knowledge that I need to feel the feeling is there – that actual act is the next challenge.
I have to not just think anymore. I have to feel. And when my thoughts and feelings are derailed, I have to use discipline to reclaim them. I have to discipline myself to stay focused on the journey, and through the journey reach the intended goals. If I can maintain my discipline, if I can well and truly bind the thought with the feeling and the action, I do not doubt, as I have done before, I can succeed.
And that is why this is all about discipline. Just the act of these weekly posts is a discipline, reminding myself of my intent, causing myself to feel out where I am working to go, and helping me to focus. Hopefully, since I know I am not alone on this journey, sharing my process is a help to others.
Discipline is the key I need to turn at this juncture, as I continue to walk my path. And I hope you will continue to join me on this thoroughly exciting adventure.
This is the twenty-fifth entry in my series. These weekly posts are specifically about walking along the path of life, and my desire to make a difference in this world along the way. Thank you for joining me.
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