From Discipline to Devotion Redefining the Path to Self-Loyalty
Discipline is one of my favorite things to talk about.
Because it changed my life.
And it’s so misunderstood.
In some cases it’s labeled as punishment.
In other cases as rigid.
But that’s not what discipline means at all.
Nor is it the truth of the practice.
The meaning is much more pragmatic at its roots.
The word discipline comes from the Latin disciplina, meaning “instruction given, teaching, learning, knowledge.”
It was once understood as “the order necessary for instruction.”
Over time, it was distorted to mean “punishment for the sake of correction.”
And that distortion is evident in modern society's relationship to discipline.
The word Disciple shares the same root.
A disciple is a devoted student.
Someone committed to learning, practicing, and embodying what they study.
So when we say, “I’m not disciplined,” what we’re really saying is, “I haven’t yet devoted myself to the study of myself.”
Phew….let that sit for a moment.
How does that shift your energy about the word?
That’s the invitation.
To become a Disciple of your Self.
To study yourself with openness.
To learn your patterns.
To communicate to yourself with respect and reverence.
To appreciate what is required to fulfill your potential.
To demonstrate commitment to Self.
To bring order and intention to your desires.
Discipline really isn’t what we’ve been taught it is.
It’s not about doing everything perfectly.
It’s not about being the smartest, meanest, or the most firm.
Discipline is the practice of remembering what you desire the most
…and showing up for it.
It is about protecting your vision.
The future doesn’t belong to those with the most potential.
It belongs to those who practice discipline.
To those who are consistent.
Everyone’s searching for a hack, a shortcut or a secret.
And the simple truth is…
Consistency, not intensity, moves the needle.
The desire for intensity often comes from shame.
It’s the crash diet, the extreme workout, the punishment for not being “enough.”
The more shame we feel, the more self-penalizing we want to be.
Discipline is transformational when it’s fueled by love.
Because when we add love to discipline, we create devotion.
Devotion feels different.
Devotion is slow.
Steady.
Loving.
Consistent.
It’s choosing small, sacred actions day after day because you care about your Self.
Because you’re committed.
Because you love your Self enough to stay.
To show up for your Self.
Can you better see the distortion now?
Discipline isn’t a grind.
It’s a sacred relationship with our Self.
It’s waking up and saying “I love you” to our body through breath, food, rest, movement and mindset.
If you’ve ever considered yourself loyal (to a cause, community or loved one) you already know what discipline is.
Now it’s time to apply that loyalty inward.
To stand up for your Self.
To stay true to your Self.
To have your own back.
A disciplined woman who loves herself is a devoted woman.
And a devoted woman is unstoppable.
Welcome to June.
Let’s make it a month of devotion.
With love,
Cassandra
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Welcome to the 3rd Pillar of Self-Care: Discipline, in the Mindset Realm.