Balance is found when we harmonize in our life. As we go through life, I often have parents and students come to me with something they need help with. They are out of shape, lack confidence, or need some help “getting some energy out”. All of which happens when we find our life out of balance and not in harmony. The truth is, discipline is a key to achieving balance, and peace of mind. Without just doing, we will not get there.
I often hear people say, I want to be more fit, so I’ll join your martial arts class once I lose a few pounds. I rarely see those people join me. They also say, “I have a bad back” or “my knees can’t do martial arts”. The truth is, unless you have serious physical problems, those are just excusing to keep you from doing what you want with your life. I also have parents tell me “Johnny just doesn’t feel like doing martial arts and I don’t want to make him do something he doesn’t want to do.” The truth is, why did you bring him here? If you brought him for discipline and focus, and the first time he doesn’t feel like it, you let him quit. Therein lies the problem. IF you really want something, you typically find a way. And discipline keeps you doing it, even when you don’t feel like it.
To control yourself or your child, and what you (or they) are doing, you must first control your mind. You must tell your mind you are in charge, and it’s not ok to do what you “feel” like. When you set boundaries and make yourself have the discipline to make it happen, THAT’S when real change occurs. Change is growth, and growth is where we become what we were meant to be. We begin to live life on our terms and the in the best way we see fit. Without discipline, you cannot have balance. Without balance, you cannot have Harmony and peace.