Serendipity is the Result of Discipline

Photo Credit: The lovely Ashley Paquin of White Bird Wellness

We all want magic in our lives.

You too….

You want to feel that your work and life has purpose and meaning. You want to be visited by inspiration, by miracles, by your muse. Yes, you don’t want to pass the days in drudgery and the endless mundane passing of days.

You want serendipity.

Of course you do. We all do…. but if you’re like most of us, your life doesn’t seem all that special and serendipitous. If you’re honest. Don’t worry though…. I have a secret for you: Magic can’t be found. It can’t be harnessed or chased…. except in the most mundane and disciplined places. Magic needs discipline and structure to emerge.

What?

I hear you. You don’t believe it, but I promise:

Serendipity is the result of discipline.

Serendipity:

1. an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.

2. good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the first job she applied for.

Discipline:

1. training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline.

2. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.

3. punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.

4. the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc.: the harsh discipline of poverty

5. behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control: good discipline in an army.

It is common to think that serendipity (in other words: freedom, magic, meaning, muse) are the result of being free, or creating magic, or finding your true calling, or being visited by the muse, when really serendipity only emerges in the most mundane of places, the most profane and disciplined of lives.

It is a paradox really and one thing I have learned about reality is that truth (with a capital T) is paradoxical. It is beyond linear thinking and human comprehension. Of course, this kind of discipline isn’t a Type A striving with how-tos and to-do lists. No, it’s quieter than that, and understated.

So this whole front porch thing isn’t all about letting go of discipline.

Really it’s about being disciplined about a few key things so that there is still space for magic and serendipity.

Here is what you need to be disciplined about:

Limiting work (I suggest 4 hours/day or the equivalent – stay tuned for my 4 hour work challenge)
Working during work hours (Make your 4 hours/day count)
Working at what you love (but don’t let it be too precious)
Cleaning and clearing space (make everything matter and contribute)
Manifesting dreams (more on this next week with Stephanie St. Claire)
Limiting negativity and criticism in exchange for solutions and creativity (this takes discipline)
Sticking with enough (shopping is a form of resistance)
Being clear on your needs and the needs of those around you (and getting them met)
This is not exhaustive… have ideas? Let me know.

Listen to the introduction to Stephen Pressfield’s book, The War of Art:

Your Assignment for Week 2, Lesson 2:

What do you really need?
Where are you using stuff for things it can’t fix?
How much is enough?
How many hours a day/week do you want to work?
What is your daily discipline?
Identify your Resistance and explain your resolve to face it.

Don’t for get to share your thoughts in our Facebook Group and/or Pinterest Board!

Are you enjoying the Revolution so far?

Please share it with your friends! It is super simple to sign-up. Just give people this link: https://tierrasoul.com/front-porch-revolution-sign-up/