We all tend to fall somewhere on the spectrum of preferring regularity and routine and going with the flow. Between structure and spontaneity. We all do have individual ways of moving through life and there is no one perfect way. And they are not mutually exclusive. But ‘going with the flow’ and being spontaneous may become chaotic. It can make us feel our life is out of control because we are reacting all over the place, following addictions or unhealthy coping patterns. Not calm and at peace. Then, bringing in more structure can be very helpful.

Healthy self-discipline has become somewhat out of fashion as a concept. But it is difficult to live an intentional, conscious life without some self-discipline. It is difficult to have good health without good habits. But there are many ways of framing this. I just like this concept of gentle self-discipline. For others, it might feel better to frame it as unlearning bad habits and learning some better ones.