Meditation, Discipline, and Generosity
“Make discipline your lifestyle. Discipline is not a one-time event. Self-discipline is like building muscle. It’s like going to the gym. You cannot go to the gym today and build your strength. You should get a program and go slowly by slowly. That’s the way to build your muscle, and that’s the way you can have discipline. Only the disciplined ones are free in life. If you aren’t disciplined, you are a slave to your moods. You are a slave to your passions. That’s a fact.
(Eliud Kipchoge – elite Kenyan marathon runner)
Eliud Kipchoge, an elite Kenyan marathon runner, has eloquently compared discipline to the process of building strength, emphasising its centrality to personal growth. His words reflect the determination required in sports and resonate with more profound philosophical practices, such as meditation and generosity. This blog explores the connection between these seemingly disparate concepts.
Kipchoge’s quote about discipline’s vital role in personal development can be seen as a metaphor for meditation. “You cannot go to the gym today and build your strength. You should get a program and go slowly by slowly.” Similarly, meditation is not a quick fix; it’s a gradual practice of refining one’s mindfulness and self-awareness. The disciplined approach to meditation, like training muscles, requires commitment and time, cultivating an inner strength that leads to personal freedom.
But where does generosity fit into this equation? Generosity is often considered noble, signifying a willingness to give and share unselfishly. But true generosity, like discipline, requires a cultivated, intentional approach. It is a conscious choice to be giving and understanding, often nurtured through practices like meditation.
Meditation, focusing on mindfulness and self-awareness, enables a deeper understanding of oneself and others. This self-awareness builds empathy, recognising others’ needs and responding with compassion and generosity. Meditation’s disciplined practice develops the mental strength to break free from self-centeredness and material attachments, cultivating a genuine willingness to give.
Connecting back to Kipchoge’s observation that only the disciplined ones are genuinely free, the same can be said about generosity. Without the discipline of self-awareness and empathy, one might become a slave to selfish desires and prejudices. But with the cultivation of mindfulness, we become free to act with true generosity, unencumbered by ego and self-interest.
The disciplines of meditation and generosity are intertwined, both requiring continuous effort and focus. Through meditation, one can learn to be present with oneself and others, fostering a genuine desire to give and share. The more we engage with this disciplined practice, the more we build the ‘muscle’ of generosity, making it a natural and integral part of our lives.
In conclusion, Eliud Kipchoge’s words are a poignant metaphor for the deep interconnection between discipline, meditation, and generosity. Just as the disciplined training of an athlete leads to physical strength and freedom, so does meditation build the mental strength necessary for genuine generosity. It’s a harmonious connection that leads to a richer, more compassionate, and free life, where discipline is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey towards self-awareness and selfless living. (Rory Singer)