Discipline Creates Freedom

If you've known me for any part of my life, you'll know that discipline wasn't exactly my middle name. I often found myself "committing" to something with great enthusiasm, only to slowly label it "boring"—which, in hindsight, just meant "really hard to follow." Whether it was food plans, exercise regimens, or even reading the Bible, I'd often find myself feeling caged by the routine, convinced it felt fundamentally wrong, and inevitably, I'd stop.

For years, I completely fell for the lie that routine and discipline were the enemy of freedom, a way to push down what I truly wanted in life.

Yet, one thing has remained unwavering: my relationship with God. While I've certainly had my moments of doubt, I've never fully walked away. I remember a time while living in India, wrestling with a question: Why did everyone else seem so passionately "sold out" for their religion, while I felt a bit lukewarm? This yearning for a deeper connection led me back to the core truth of Christianity – the incredible gift of free salvation offered through Jesus.

But even with this truth, living in the "valleys" of mundane routine could make that craving for God feel a bit bland.

It took a significant shift in perspective to realize that God actually created us for rhythm and intention. Far from being a trap, embracing routine is how we unlock a true sense of freedom and cultivate a closer walk with Him.

Today, I can honestly say I'm living the most disciplined life I ever have, and paradoxically, I've never felt more free or more connected to God. The results of these daily disciplines have been truly transformative:

• A stronger body and the ability to climb the literal mountains around me.

• A backyard garden, offering daily connection and "chores" with God in nature.

• Improved health, from a healthier gut and fewer headaches to clearer skin and a sharper mind.

• A deep desire to hear God through daily meditations, readings, and journaling.

• A peaceful end to my day, with a cup of tea and a daily examen to reflect and give praise.​

I've truly fallen in love with the monastic way of living life—guided by daily prayers, work, and community with God and others. It hasn't made my life restrictive; it's made it both incredibly simple and exciting at the same time. Learning to be still with God, to find His guidance and assurance in the small, mundane moments of my morning routine, has grounded my faith more than anything else.

I am also still in process around this discipline, it takes time for this to get in your bones and I still have lots of work to do in this area! But know that you are not alone if you feel you are at the beginning of the trailhead or planning out your trail. It takes making choice everyday to start to see some of that habitual change. I remember reading and listening to books/podcasts about this and it just seemed so far from what my reality could be but then, I just starting doing it. There are weeks and days that I might feel tired and frustrated with the routine but as of now it is still serving me more than hurting me these days.