Scribbled Lives Week 41—Discipline vs Freedom

Calligraphy practice requires discipline and freedom. John “Jocko” Willink, author of Discipline Equals Freedom: Field Manual, writes about the connection between discipline and freedom, some of the mental and physical disciplines he practices, some strategies for conquering weaknesses, and how he transformed his life after creating a discipline.

Willink was a Navy SEAL for 20 years, rising through the ranks to become the commander of the most decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. After retiring, Willink co-founded a leadership and management consulting company, wrote several books, and created a top-ranking podcast.

“Discipline equals freedom applies to every aspect of life.” Jocko Willink.

While rising to some health challenges and having to make lifestyle changes recently, this quote resonated strongly with me. I’m no athlete, but I’ve been thinking that “Jocko” would be quite the nickname to live up to if he had no discipline!

Wrong letters using Automatic pen #4, pointed pen, and watercolour on Fabriano 90# CP. After fighting with the textured paper and chasing various ideas, including heart calligrams, I settled on a rosy spiral—that looks a bit like a chambered heart!