Force of Will

One cannot simply become disciplined, or calm, or happy.

All of these things, if as true states of mind, are not forced, but encouraged, and reflected upon at a later time. Such forms of mind are brought about by precise and tiny augmentations of our own natures and character, through habit and training.

One does not wake up in the morning to state “Today I will be calm.” It is like forcing the surface of water to be smooth. The more one meddles, the more it is disturbed. With the right conditions, it will find its own equilibrium.

If the desired end result is a word or a label that defines us, then the result is forced and will never be a true state of mind.

One does not have the liberty to state that one is disciplined, or calm, or happy, because when it is achieved, it is unnecessary to state it as such.