Discipline and Happiness Are Intrinsically Linked.

As the weather gets cooler and the days shorter, there's a sense of contraction. We witness this in nature as energy draws inward to preserve for the winter ahead. Knowing this intuitively motivates us to increase our level of discipline to keep to the practices that keep us strong, flexible, calm, and centered.

Discipline and integrity are a few of the positive qualities of the autumn metal season, which corresponds to the energy of the lungs and large intestine. And it's one that I love, because when we're disciplined, we feel strong and confident, and increase our integrity.

Every autumn, I share how discipline actually makes us happier, because it does, and this is the easiest time of year to increase discipline.

Matthew Kelly discusses this concept in his book, "Perfectly Yourself."

“You cannot be happy without discipline.

If you want to measure the level of happiness in your life, measure your level of discipline. You will never have more happiness than you have discipline. The two are directly linked to each other. If you want to increase the level of fulfillment and happiness in a certain area of your life, increase your level of discipline.

On the other hand, if you find that you are too happy too much of the time, you may want to think about decreasing discipline in your life.

Discipline and happiness are directly linked.”

Self-discipline requires a sense of inner integrity, which enables us to trust ourselves to choose paths that lead to future rewards and forgo the temptation of immediate satisfaction. Choosing laziness, junk food, or numbing can be so seductive, but only leads to regret and shame, which then builds on itself to numb more.

When observing the qualities of the metal element, there are positive aspects when lung and large intestine chi are balanced, and negative qualities when their chi is maladapted.

When Lung chi is balanced and has a harmonious flow, we naturally resonate with self-discipline and integrity, and have the courage to choose the better (not necessarily easier) option.

When maladapted, we may suffer from a lack of discipline and weak integrity.

Discipline is like a muscle; the more we utilize it, the stronger it gets. And what we practice gets stronger. If we're starting something new, the first few weeks of sticking with it are the hardest, but they're also the most important for instilling the habit.

So let this Autumn challenge of 3 classes/week or 15 classes for the month of October be the start to a discipline that you will be so thankful you started!

And if you know someone who could benefit from this Autumn challenge, bring them with you, as it's always easier when you have a buddy to keep each other accountable.

This discipline will provide strength in both physical, emotional, and mental aspects. You'll reap the benefits of feeling calm, confident, strong, and flexible, so you can age gracefully and live with ease.

Hope to breathe with you soon.

From my heart to yours~

Namaste,

Maggie