The Art of Self-Discipline and Why You Should Learn It

During a recent trip to Japan, I was lucky enough to meet a relative of my friend, my grandmother Satoko Miyashiro. She is simply a storehouse of Japanese wisdom and the guardian of the ancient traditions of her people. I've always been admired. Japanese way of life and thinkingHelping them stoically overcome difficulties without disturbing the harmony of the spirit.





In the Slavic culture we have since childhood It is believed that the person responsible Achieving the goal through self-sacrifice. Parents sacrifice a great deal for children, wives sacrifice their careers for marriage, husbands sacrifice their freedom to support the family.

But we are offended by the suppression of our desires. Involuntary sacrifices inevitably generate aggressive emotions in us. Imagine that what we used to call “victim” is seen in Japanese culture as a mutual exchange.

“When we do what you call self-sacrifice,” Satoko told me, “we do so out of a desire to give, or because giving is pleasurable.” We don't feel sorry for ourselves. Despite how much we actually sacrifice for others, we do not believe that this gift elevates us spiritually and does not expect a reward in return.”





If the terms of the contract are beneficial for both parties, no one feels burdened by the victim.

Many of us know each other. stressFeeling like losing control of your life. How do you deal with these problems in the East? Ms. Miyashiro spoke about the techniques of cultivating self-discipline through spiritual training.

“Self-discipline is a kind of patience. Imagine how you'll behave when you want to eat something. Do you eat as much as you can? You need to eat moderately (not too much) to keep your weight in a healthy range. I usually don’t eat as much as I can because I want to live longer.”



DepositPhotos

Skillful self-discipline in Japan has a logical reason: a person has better control over his life.

“A beginner can overcome any impotence he feels at first. The student fully masters his profession, the girl masters sports discipline, the young father adapts to the requirements of his child.”





A high level of self-discipline makes a person able to manage their life. We all know how hard it is to learn, how irritable and powerless we are when learning is not fun. At the end of the day, you think you're gonna give it all up?

To my question, Satoko Miyashiro wonders, “What do you want?” To know life, you must first learn. If you learn nothing, you will naturally be unhappy.”



DepositPhotos

But through self-discipline, many actions that seem unbearable become easily tolerated. The philosophical principle is that there is no barrier between will and action. Simply put, “If you want to do something, do it, not find an excuse!”



DepositPhotos

Being aware of our actions and evaluating them from the point of view of others prevents us from getting what we want. Japanese wisdom teaches us to eliminate guilt and our vulnerable “watching self.” When the burden of self-control is removed, we discover our true abilities.



DepositPhotos

What surprised me was the statement of Grandma Satoko that a Japanese man, in order to encourage a person before starting an important business, tells him: “Keep yourself as if you are no longer there.”

If a person is in a state of severe mental crisis and cannot determine his future path, he often finds strength in himself, having made a decision, “to live as if he had already flown to heaven.” The idea of this philosophical principle is based on getting rid of inner self-control and, as a result, fear and caution.

Man becomes like a disembodied spirit who does not care about his behavior. The dead are no longer afraid, they are free. To adhere to the rule of “living as if it has already disappeared” means to be completely free from internal conflicts.





The principles of life of the Japanese will help to save mental energy and focus on achieving the goal, removing the burden of fears. This ensures smooth execution of tasks without stiffness and depression. If you practice Satoko Miyashiro, you will realize that anything is possible for you.

If you like this material, you should send it to your friends. Japanese wisdom is what will help you live a full life without stress and fear!