The discipline of time

I admire people who have their own internal alarm clock and have the discipline to stick to a routine. I simply cannot stick to a strict routine unless I have somebody at my back reminding me or goading me on. I realise this now as I stay home a lot and have to work on  my own routine. It is because of this lack of discipline that I sometimes wonder if it would have been much better if I just took up a job outside. When I used to work, there was pressure from outside for me to complete certain tasks at a certain time. But when you stay home and dream about some artistic idealistic life, reality hits you hard in the form of laziness and lack of discipline. Atleast it did for me. I now admire the need for the routine and the simplicity it brings to life.

At some points in your life it actually helps that you don't spend that extra energy thinking about mundane stuff like, do I have my breakfast after or before my bath etc. A routine helps you go on auto mode atleast for these day to day chores. Yeah, it contradicts the basic principle that we should be in the 'now' and must enjoy every moment of the day. But as you  get on with life and your 'to do' list increases in length, it sure helps if you have a routine that you can automatically follow.

The tough part is also not to get too upset when the routine breaks. This I think is tough for people like me who stay at home. All and sundry come to the conclusion that people at home needn't be bothered about time or schedules or deadlines. While there aren't any deadlines, I surely have to be aware of time slipping away right under my eyes in phone calls or internet or gazing at the newspaper or TV..

It is easy to be cynical and say that discipline brings in boredom in our lives. But what I have realised is that even the most creative artists have their own rigid ways of working which could be called a discipline. It is said that Khushwant Singh, the famous Indian journalist woke up early every morning and started writing. He did this every day of his life and this is indeed his most productive time. Well, that to me is some kind of discipline.

 After becoming a mother I have started understanding the importance of routines and simple disciple in everyday life. While I can see comfort it gives to children during their growing years, it is tough to balance the need for discipline with strictness and rigidity. Also, it is important not to get over dependent on the structure and learn to let go when it is simply beyond our control. This happens to me every weekend when the rest of the family unwind and I have to try and finish my own tasks and chores.