Attribute Boost

When I was younger one of my favorite things to do was play video games. I could sit in front of the television for hours at a time playing “Madden,” an American football video game that had all the professional players and teams to pick and choose from. As a child and teenager, I had dreams and aspirations of playing professional sports.

A feature in this game that brought me so much joy was being able to create your own player. I, a child, could build and create a virtual version of myself as a professional football player, playing alongside my favorite athletes on my favorite team. What a dream come true! The coolest thing about this “create a player” option (besides being able to make my muscles as big as possible) was that I could manually control and adjust every single skill and attribute of this virtual me. From 1-100, 100 being the highest or the best, I could choose my level of speed, agility, evasiveness, catching ability, strength, and much more.

I couldn’t tell you the last time that I played video games, but I can tell you that I have spent time thinking about how nice it would be to be able to boost all my benevolent attributes by the simple click of a button. Maybe one of these days (A.I. wink). If it were that easy, would we take it for granted? In the same way that we take most things in life for granted. Like hot water, clean water, access to food that we don’t have to grow and can just pay for? I don’t think that it would be as rewarding and fulfilling, and honestly probably not as fun.

Developing, growing, and evolving takes time. It takes dedication, consistency, discipline, and much more. I very much appreciate this truth, and although at time I find myself wishing that I could expedite the transformation at times, mostly I believe in merit and karma, and fully trust that my time, energy, and loving intentions will continue bearing fruit along the way. Preferably papayas, mangos, and sweet watermelons.

So, I’ve been thinking about one quality that I can consciously cultivate daily stepping into the new year. An attribute that, through practice, repetition, and daily integration I can slowly and steadily boost. One day, one moment, and one breath at a time. For myself, that attribute is discipline.

My love might tell you that I am one of the most disciplined people that she knows, and I wouldn’t bother to argue. I am very disciplined in many areas of my life, much more than I used to be when I was younger. Yet, there is room for improvement. There is room for refinement. I’m not thinking in terms of, “how can I get better,” but rather, “how can I continue growing?”

Thinking and speaking in terms of ‘better,’ would indicate and acknowledge that where I’m at currently is ‘worse,’ which is not true to how I feel. I don’t feel worse, I feel and acknowledge that there is room for growth and improvement. To support myself in this evolution I will do my best to consciously remind myself of this inner promise of self-discipline. I will also write the word ‘DISCIPLINE,’ on a piece of paper and hang it up somewhere so that I can see it daily. Finally, I will repeat the mantra, “I am disciplined,” repeatedly in my waking state and during my meditations.

I hope that this inspires you to do the same, or something similar in your own unique way. Choosing an attribute of yours and consciously cultivating it daily, through practice, repetition, and self-compassion. Together, in this way, I believe that we can make the world a loving place and inspire others on their journeys as well. Be the change that you wish to see in the world and have fun while you’re doing it. Namaste, and blessings on your path.

Looking for a yoga practice to help boost positive attributes in the new year? Then check out “Transform,” a 28-day power and yin yoga challenge featuring Mychal and designed to strength discipline, focus and empowerment. Streaming exclusively on Inner Dimension today!

https://www.innerdimensionyoga.com/programs/transform/

By Mychal