Discipline

Note from Suzanne:  I recently received an email from a gentleman who expressed excitement at his new interest in meditation.  I introduced him to the e-guide to meditation on my website.  He wrote back that he had purchased "Meditation for Dummies," and that he found the opening paragraph quite encouraging:  "Don't make the mistake of turning your meditation practice into another urgent item on your list of things to do. Use it instead, as a welcome oasis from doing, an opportunity to be without strategy or agenda."   He wrote, "Whew, I like that approach." 

 

That got me to thinking about the session on meditation I had just taught this past weekend.  My S.O.A.R! workshop is all about transforming your life to allow your spirit to truly soar.  I personally feel that meditation is the key to self-realization and self-transformation.  When I read the above quote, I agreed that meditation is a welcome oasis.  I then wondered if I was being too rigid in encouraging workshop participants to make meditation a priority and to find the discipline to sit in the silence daily. 

 

This morning during my own meditation, I found myself contemplating this issue.  Without even asking the question deliberately to Sanaya, I heard, "Discipline is a distraction …"  Then the words began to flow, and I realized with a smile that once again, Spirit was sending me a poem.  Enjoy the message, and have a love-filled day …

 

Some humans are very rigid in their ways;

Others quite relaxed.

As if by every effort

Their entire being it is taxed.

 

Which requires greater effort:

Moving round or sitting still?

That depends if it is difficult

To give silence to your will.

 

Some think they must keep moving

To have a great effect.

And so they fail to take the time

Upon the silence to reflect.

 

It's a different sort of discipline

To sit and watch paint dry,

To contemplate the stillness,

To sit and wonder, "Why?"

 

Yes, of course, you are quite busy.

Yes, you have so much to do.

And one more thing tacked on your list

Will tax you through and through.

 

Make the time to still your mind

Even if you feel quite stressed.

This addition to your busy life

You will be glad that you addressed.

 

For with this small investment

You will reap such great rewards.

By sitting in the silence

Your every goal you'll move towards.