Let Prose Put Discipline Into Perspective For You

Discipline can rule your life or help let you have the life you've always wanted. It is positive if seen as control, willpower, composure and the like. For then your life can be collected and composed, one of relaxation and poise. But the other side of the coin is a life of restraint, denial or abstinence and this may prompt us to question and ponder, think and reassess - what we do, who we are, our convictions and principles, ourselves. At times like these words can be very powerful - healing, soothing, comforting, relaxing . . .

The power of words . . .

As we read we can let the words gently flow over us. We can let the words quietly be spoken to us in there own sweet way. We can let ourselves open to the thoughts and their meanings, the ideas and their origin, the phrases and the understandings that they have ready for us. Ready for us to assimilate and take on board. If we let them filter through and allow the words their power to move and rejuvenate. If we let ourselves be uplifted and filled with their sometimes hidden insights. Too gently and slowly to impact on our lives as we read - and in the future when we recall their meaning for us.

I hope this page will do this and more. I hope this example will help to express life in an insightful, penetrating but easy to read manner. And help us to question the lives we lead and the manner in which we live them.

We can either see discipline as a good and strong word
giving thoughts of control, willpower, composure and self-mastery
or like a penance reminding us of restraint and denial, which is absurd
that any one word we use can leave us so confused and feeling queasy

Which meaning should we choose or does it not matter which
I would prefer to use its strengths for us it can enrich
rather than beat ourselves up with thoughts all awry
its hardness and difficulty could feel like a punch in the eye

For sensibility and reasonableness we should not forget
that strengths such as control, willpower, composure are asset
to us if we choose to live life that way
otherwise our values and principles we might betray

In the pursuit of glories and riches and other enticing schemes,
all of which may leave us high and dry and without practical means
to enjoy a satisfying and productive life if we get lost in the pursuit
of bright lights and temporary pleasures - being probably of poor repute

For we need to use our brains as well as our brawn
lest we trip over ourselves in the mad dash and spawn
elements of life we would do well to leave behind
things that can ensare us and which are purely designed

To tempt and trap us in their welcoming soup
of gile and delight but leave us feeling the dupe
that fell for such charms that we thought we had outgrown
that appear so tempting but will leave us sad and feeling alone

Perhaps embarrassed, thoughtful but certainly in a fix of our own making,
inwardly battered and bruised, outwardly quiet and in a state waiting
for this episode to leave us and waiting for something good
to come along and find us and help us if only it could

But we have to make the first move if self discipline is to become rooted
drawn by willpower, relaxation, being composed, and calm and collected
if we use determination to make us feel more steadfast
resolving big time to make reprimands, castigation, penalties a thing of the past

And strive to make our life one of discipline and composure
fitting the good elements together as we barter
and negotiate with life to make the most of circumstance
putting conviction and principle with forebearance to enhance

Our experience and enjoyment of this most wonderful thing
that we call life, and let us come of age and continue our searching
for life's good graces and its love and blessings
in the simple things we do and to find life's real meanings

In all that we do at work or at play
from art to writing, from running to ballet
whatever we do and whatever we say
may it be for the greater good and help us display

The finer points of discipline if we treat our life right
by getting ourselves in tune with its majesty and the light
that we can find within us if we really give it a look
we can find contentment inside though there may not be a handbook

Of how to live this life from morning, noon and night
if we use our senses and let life give us real insight
into the nature of the world and ourselves within it
if we have inner discipline we can find our real spirit

And enjoy our life for ever more
whatever circumstance has in store
for us during our time here on planet Earth
to make the most of life and to feel its worth

Each and every moment of this and of every day
to help us be productive during our stay
wherever that might be and with whom we do spend
our life wisely and well, and we may ascend

To our rightful place in this life of good hope
to be happy and satisfied with a life of such scope
for enjoyment and satisfaction, we can experience joy and feeling blessed
and, by remaining in control, discipline can ensure a life for us most splendid.

All best,
Martin