Sattva: The Interplay of Freedom and Discipline in Our Daily Lives

Sattva, in Ayurvedic and Vedic philosophy, represents the balance of harmony, clarity, and peace. It’s the state where we align with our highest selves, experiencing life with ease and flow. But what does it really mean to live in Sattva? To truly embody this state, we must understand the delicate dance between freedom and discipline, two energies that, though seemingly contradictory, work together in profound ways.

In this blog, we explore what these two forces mean, how they show up in our lives, and how to navigate them. As we dive into freedom and discipline, we'll look at their interplay through the lens of Vedic philosophy, the resistance and stories we encounter, and how our daily choices contribute to or hinder the life we truly want.

Freedom and Discipline: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Freedom often feels like the ultimate goal: the ability to do what we want, when we want, with no restrictions. On the other hand, discipline can feel like a rigid structure that limits our options, an imposition on our autonomy. But what if we could see freedom and discipline not as opposing forces, but as complementary energies that work together?

In my work and personal practice, I’ve come to realize that discipline is not a restriction, but a container for freedom. When we embrace discipline, we create the structure needed to achieve our goals, goals like a strong fit body, less mental chaos, and deep, restful sleep. Without discipline, our freedom often feels aimless or fleeting, and we can’t create the outcomes we desire.

So, can we have freedom from freedom and freedom from discipline? Yes, when we understand that true freedom comes through the intentional practice of discipline. Discipline is the container that makes freedom possible. It is not a limitation, but the necessary foundation for realizing our true potential. By choosing discipline, whether through daily routines, healthy boundaries, or focused action, we set ourselves free from the chaos and distractions that keep us stuck in unfulfilling patterns.

Shiva and Shakti: The Divine Dance of Discipline and Freedom

In Vedic philosophy, we can look at the energies of Shiva and Shakti to better understand the relationship between freedom and discipline. Shiva, the aspect of consciousness, represents stillness, structure, and discipline. He is the energy that creates the form, the container that holds everything together. Shakti, the divine feminine energy, represents movement, creation, and freedom. She is the flow, the energy that animates and brings life to the form.

Together, Shiva and Shakti create the perfect balance between structure and freedom. Shiva offers the discipline to build, shape, and organize, while Shakti provides the power to innovate, create, and expand. In our lives, these energies work together to bring harmony, Shiva (discipline) creating the container, and Shakti (freedom) filling it with vitality and purpose.

The Resistance and Stories We Tell Ourselves

When we talk about freedom and discipline, we also need to acknowledge the resistance and stories we carry. How often do we say we want something, like a strong body, more mental clarity, or restful sleep, but then make choices that contradict those desires? We want to feel energized and healthy, but we stay up late, eat foods that drain us, and avoid the exercise that would make us feel better.

This tension between what we want and what we’re willing to do is where the real work lies. True freedom comes not from avoiding discipline, but from stepping into it with intention. The choices we make daily, the small, consistent actions, shape the life we are creating. To break free from the cycle of wanting without doing, we need to make decisions that align with our goals, even when it feels difficult. That is where the true freedom lies.

Discipline as the Key to Unlocking Freedom

The more I reflect on this interplay, the clearer it becomes that discipline is the gateway to freedom. When we apply discipline, we create the space to experience freedom in a more meaningful and sustainable way. For instance, committing to a workout routine might feel like a chore in the beginning, but over time, that discipline creates the freedom to feel strong, energized, and confident in our bodies.

Likewise, creating boundaries in our personal and professional life can initially feel restrictive, but these boundaries give us the freedom to focus on what matters most, to show up fully in our relationships, and to honor our time and energy. Discipline allows us to say “no” to distractions, so we can say “yes” to the things that bring us joy, peace, and fulfillment.

What Are We Willing to Do to Create the Life We Want?

If we want to create the life we desire, whether that’s feeling at peace, physically strong, emotionally balanced, or spiritually connected, we have to ask ourselves: What are we willing to do to make it happen? Freedom comes when we stop waiting for things to magically fall into place and instead take responsibility for the actions we need to take. We may have to shift our mindset, set healthier boundaries, or commit to small daily practices that lead us toward our goals.

In coaching, this is where the magic happens. Helping clients recognize the importance of discipline, not as a limitation, but as a key to unlocking their true freedom, is a powerful part of the transformation process. It’s about supporting them to make intentional choices, to create the container for their growth, and to move toward a life that feels truly aligned with who they are.

Conclusion: Freedom Through Discipline

In essence, discipline creates the foundation for freedom. It’s through the practice of discipline that we can experience the freedom to be our truest selves. Whether we’re working on our health, relationships, or personal development, discipline is the key to unlocking deeper levels of freedom, peace, and alignment. As we continue to integrate both freedom and discipline into our lives, we step into a space of true empowerment, ready to embrace the journey, even when it’s uncomfortable, knowing that it’s leading us to greater freedom.