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The Mystic's Life Lesson #12
1st Technique —
Self-Discipline
When you say you’ll be there at eight a.m., be there at eight a.m.
When you say, "No, thank you, I don’t wish dessert," mean it and keep your word.
When you tell someone, "You can count on me, I’ll be there," then be there.
When you say the job will be ready at two o’clock, be sure and have it ready at two o’clock.
When you say the project will cost fifty dollars, don’t expect to jack the price up to three hundred dollars while maintaining your sense of well being. Mean fifty dollars. If you don’t know how much a job is going to cost, or how much time it will take, say so. Don’t hurt other people through misinforming them. The world is suffering enough as it is from gross misinformation.
Until we can do what we decide to do, until we can be true to our own word, we’re a mess inside. We’re stress victims and stress is thought to be the principal contributor to heart disease, cancer, and self-destructive behavior. A good part of stress is due to lack of trust — living in fear of the harm that strangers and acquaintances alike may do to you. At the same time you may feel tremendous guilt feelings for behaving badly and taking advantage of acquaintances and strangers. It’s vitally important, not only for peace of mind but also for greater success in your life, to say what you mean and mean what you say.
Mean What You Say
"Meaning what you say" doesn’t mean you need to become a fanatic, nor that there won’t be exceptional times when extreme circumstances may prevent you from fulfilling your resolve. However, these occasional lapses must be very rare and few in your lifetime. Note also, it is possible to be constructive and avoid harming others unnecessarily, even in extraordinary circumstances.
Recently, a reservations clerk for a large airline received a phone call. The man said, "I’m very sorry. I won’t be able to keep my reservation and fly to New York this morning. You see, my house has just burned down and I have to look after a large number of details. But I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to come today. Please make my seat available to someone else." Something else of great significance interrupted this man but he kept in mind that he had made a commitment and he tried to deal with that commitment as fully and honorably as he could. He had learned the lesson of self-discipline.
Are you ready for the excitement of a challenge? You can meet this challenge at home and in your office. Further, you will gain immense satisfaction every time you successfully meet the challenge of self-discipline.
When you determine to go jogging or exercising, do it! When you make up your mind to improve your life in any area, get at it. Self-discipline will enable you to achieve benefit and fulfillment which you cannot realize by any other means.
When you start to practice self-discipline, you determine that you have yielded to willy-nilly circumstances long enough.
The Technique
Stand before a mirror. Look deeply into your own eyes and then read the thought-transforming passage found on the next page out loud to yourself. Look into your eyes with love, concentration, and good will for yourself. Do not strain or try to be fierce. Instead, focus on your own eyes with discipline and your very best wishes. Look into your eyes after you say each sentence and clearly consider the meaning of each of these intentions.
Feel free to pause as long as you like between each of these sentences. You may wish to repeat one of them several times before going on. You may also wish to read through the passage from your easy chair or during a break in your office activity. However, it is best to begin the day before your mirror and have a deeply meaningful focus on self-discipline.
Your Speech
"No more! will random events dominate or tyrannize my life! To my utmost I’m going to have the discipline to carry through with all my commitments. I will keep the appointments I make. The ideas which I have chosen to incorporate will actually be incorporated. When I say I’m going to rest, I will rest.
I’ve decided to be a more loving person so I’m going to give of myself. I’m going to pay more attention to my loved ones. When I commit myself financially, my word is good. When I make an error or fall short, I will face what I’ve done and do my level best to make amends.
Furthermore, I will do something extra just to underscore the intensity with which I seek to be in control of my life. As of this moment, in every circumstance, I will be a person who can be counted on. I will not let others down. I will not let myself down.
Similarly with this physical body. I’m going to train it to be helpful in my life. I’m not going to let its weakness or laziness dominate the important things in my life. My body is an important part of my overall being. I recognize its importance and will keep it well and fit. At the same time I require my body to be still when I want it to be still and vigorous when I choose to be active.
Furthermore, I’m going to practice these three techniques: a) self-discipline; b) introspection; and c) devotion. I’m going to read them, study them, and, when I choose, I’m going to practice them often, and well. I’m not going to allow outward circumstances, in any way, to tyrannize me or keep me from the goals I have chosen, the path I have selected. Enough is enough!
I am now and henceforth responsible and in charge of this life, and I appreciate the power within me to develop and richly enjoy self-discipline and its benefits."
You Can Count On Me
In your self-discipline you’ll be a most refreshing person to know. You will also find yourself becoming more conscious, with added vitality and magnetic personality. Also, please note, you can practice self-discipline any time — night or day.
Be good to yourself and don’t make unfair demands on yourself or your body. Have good will for yourself and all concerned. The clue is to be a constructive person and not a destructive one.
REFLECTION
