A perspective on discipline

Becoming a Disciple of Life in the Age of Information

Many of us know the feeling of being behind — overwhelmed, stressed, or caught in procrastination. It is a very human experience, and you’re not alone in it.

We live in uncertain times — with AI reshaping industries, job markets shifting, geopolitical tensions rising, and even weather patterns changing. At the same time, we live in the age of information, where knowledge is available at our fingertips. In seconds, we can open a device and immerse ourselves in a vast web of perspectives from across the globe.

Though we may be physically present in our own room, home, or city, our senses are constantly engaged in this endless stream of information. And here’s the catch: as we scroll through words and images, thoughts and emotions rise within us. Yet, the pace of scrolling rarely allows us to process them. What results is a pile of unprocessed feelings that take up space in our minds and bodies.

This can gently pull us away from our surroundings, responsibilities, and self-care. It’s not a failure — it’s simply a pattern many of us fall into.

Over time, repeated engagement with this outside world reshapes our physiology. The distance between our inner knowing and the cloud of unprocessed thoughts grows wider.

A Whisper Within

This may sound daunting, but there is always a whisper inside us calling for attention. We’ve all heard it. We struggle to listen, but it’s there. And this is where discipline comes in — not as mastery, but as discipleship.

When we absorb endless patterns from the web, they translate into “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts”:

• I am not enough.

• I am behind.

• My life isn’t interesting.

• My kitchen isn’t organized enough.

The math is simple: we see an image, it takes space in our mind, it locks with emotion, and if we don’t process it, the pile grows. The more we participate, the louder the noise becomes.

But here’s the good news: there is a way out.

Discipline as Discipleship

Release your mind as the master, and let your inner voice be the guide. The mind is a powerful tool, but when it’s overloaded with external visions of what life “should” look like, it becomes a laundry list of impossible tasks.

If the cost of staying the same has exceeded the cost of change, it’s time to pause.

You cannot tell the mind to not do something — that rarely works. But you can tell it to do one thing. For example, instead of saying “stop scrolling,” you can redirect: While you’re on your phone, why not do that activity physically alongside it? Or unsubscribe from feeds that don’t align with your real life, and subscribe to ones that nurture your inner voice.

Aligning Inspiration With Action

We often see images of tidy homes, disciplined routines, and endless “shoulds.” Comparing ourselves to these visions leaves us feeling inadequate. Instead, follow the lead of discomfort. Ask yourself: What am I not feeling good about?

Maybe it’s a messy room, missing a workout, or feeling behind at work. Whatever it is, it’s okay to notice it without judgment — it’s simply a signal of where your attention might want to go.

Sit with it. Acknowledge it. Then take one aligned step.

For instance, if your room is messy and scrolling makes you feel worse, prune your feed. Follow just one account that teaches simple daily habits for decluttering. Align external inspiration with your internal desire. Technology then becomes a tool in your toolbox, not your master.

You shift from judgment to empowerment. You become a disciple — curious, open, and willing to learn — rather than a critic of yourself. The joy is not in the result of I became — it is in the process of becoming. That process itself is where life unfolds, moment by moment.

Image courtesy: Generated with the help of AI (Microsoft Copilot / GPT).

The Joy of Simple Presence

This practice takes time, but it’s the least resistant way to shift patterns. There is no perfect destination. There is only the journey, and every small step counts. Even the simplest act, like doing the dishes, can be a joyful experience when approached with kindness toward yourself.

As you lift yourself up and engage with life, more organic opportunities will flow your way. You’ll find yourself in rhythm with life, not escaping into information overload.

So next time you reach for your device, pause. Ask: What is my inner voice calling me to do? If it’s cleaning your room, prune your feeds and follow one source that teaches daily habits to declutter. Approach it as a disciple, not a critic. Learn, act, and grow.

Over time, add one more habit, one more skill, always in alignment with your inner voice. The goal isn’t outcomes or results — it’s growth. Be a disciple of life, and everything will fall into place.

When it’s your turn to share and give back in some form, life will show you the way. And it won’t feel like a struggle.

Cheering you on. Best wishes.

Note: The content in this post reflects my original thoughts. AI was used to assist with image, grammar and structure — a simple example of leveraging technology as a tool to support my intention of expressing my perspective.