Disciplining Self

SAT., JUNE 14, 1986, 6:15 AM
FARM, STUDY

Despite your commitment to the Ruminations for this weekend you knew that I had a new Teaching for you. You know, from the title, that it shall have some harshness, but you are “up to” being chastened. You also know that My major emphasis is on balance, so… write what you hear, o son.

One of the hallmarks of a mature person, of any age beyond early childhood, is the capacity to discipline self. This means that you know what you should do or not do, and then you actually do what you know to be right or desirable. The most basic discipline, of course, is spiritual, and this that I call you to do is a critical part of spiritual discipline for you. You can let days go by without coming for this instruction or without reading some from past Teachings. So, though you eventually come to be taught, your discipline is not really what it should be. I’ll also note that your reading of the Scriptures on a regular, disciplined basis is not adequate, and I wish that you were more willing in this regard.

Your capacity for discipline in relation to your physical body is above average, but far from superior. You splurge with severe discipline, and then allow yourself the luxury of excess. You vow in the morning, and then lose your self discipline as the evening comes. Even for your age your body could be in better condition, and that comes with regular disciplined behavior rather than the more sporadic.

Emotionally… you realize that you must be more controlled, more careful in your expression of feeling. Intellectually, you know you should read more… should be a more informed senior member of your profession. Environmentally you should be more diligent and systematic in your planting and caring for your garden. Yes, I can be critical, and you are far from the paragon of discipline that seems ideal.

On the other hand I have called you, knowing that this call would not transform you into “super person.” Discipline is important, but it is not the only criterion of quality for a life. The question, of course, is Why? Why be disciplined? It should make for more physical health and more total happiness… but what do you lose in the gaining of these advantages?

I am not One to encourage sustained feelings of guilt because of excesses or failures in discipline. I want you functioning as fully and as happily as possible, and feelings of regret and remorse about past behaviors do not help you function better. Be disciplined in your forgiveness of self and in your calls for My forgiveness.

Whatever happens… learn as much as you can from it. A fundamental purpose of life is learning, which would be silly if conscious life did not continue after death. I tell you that it does, so learn and grow from that learning each day of your earth life… even the last one.