Discipline as Devotion
when structure becomes freedom
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a piece about the joy of living lighter and the yogic teachings of Aparigraha and I received so many replies. It seems many of you resonated and felt encouraged to let go and declutter.
Today I’m going a little deeper to introduce the concept of Tapas, which translates to discipline in Sanskrit.
When we hear the word discipline, I am pretty certain most of us think of rigidity, harshness, or maybe even suffering. The idea of suffering in order to achieve whatever goal we aim to achieve.
I’ve been thinking a lot about “discipline” recently and how this restrictive word actually brings goodness into our lives. I have felt a sense of freedom from being disciplined. Discipline as a structure or a container that helps us be fluid and free. I have committed to writing this newsletter regularly and it has given me the opportunity to develop my writing and express ideas freely that I don’t often have the time for in an hour’s class to talk about. It gives me a sense of freedom in the way I communicate.
Discipline originates from the Latin word discere, which means to learn. The word disciple also has the same origins.
Discipline originally meant instruction or training — its core meaning was the desire to learn and to receive knowledge. It wasn’t until much later when the meaning shifted towards the religious connotations of punishment, self-flagellation, strict training and punishment. What a huge shift in meaning.
I am not surprised by how we might feel when we hear the word discipline— our body may constrict out of fear.
What if we re-framed Discipline back to its original meaning as the desire to learn instead of focusing on it being hard? It’s not all easy and soft, even learning requires dedication, willpower and focus. It requires repeated action but maybe it becomes easier when it comes from the desire to learn, to change and to grow rather than a strict set of rules we must adhere to. And with repeated practice, it no longer becomes hard but rather a habit and eventually a part of you. You stop trying to be disciplined. You simply become someone who practices. You become the embodiment of the life you create.
By being disciplined with what we buy and having less stuff, we are free of its burden and we learn what we truly value. By being disciplined with our alcohol consumption, we gain energy and mental capacity to enjoy the next day. We also learn more about how we feel without the effects of a suppressant. By committing to a daily movement practice, we strengthen the body, supporting us in the activities we love well into our old age. And that to me is true freedom. Freedom in the body.
Starting isn’t easy, but with practice it becomes part of you. The desire to learn turns into discipline. It becomes devotional.
If this reflection resonates, this is exactly what we practice inside Daily Gentle Yoga.
A group of women committed not to intensity or perfection, but to showing up — daily, gently, devotionally. We gather each morning to move the body, to breathe, to create a steady rhythm to our days.
It is less about discipline as force, and more about discipline as devotion.
If you feel the call to practice in community, I would love to welcome you.
Hannah x