I've been reading Mark Epstein's new book on the Buddhist perspective on psychotherapy, Going on Being after having read his last book a year ago, Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart. In Going on Being, Epstein delves more deeply into his personal experiences discovering the Buddha's way. There are countless wonderful annecdotes to be found in it. Here is a little tidbit that he writes on page 71 that spoke to me.

Using our capacity for consciousness, we can change perspective on ourselves, giving a sense of space where once there was only habit. Discipline means restrainging the habitual movement of the mind, so that instead of blind impulse there can be clear comprehension.