Patience is often in short supply in this culture of instant this and hurry that. If something takes a minute longer than we want we get anxious and, often, angry. Waiting is an important part of life. Yet we try to rush through everything.Google defines patience like this: "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset." (Synonyms include tolerance, restraint, calmness, composure.)
Road rage comes to mind. Americans are not a patient people, by and large. Fast food is never fast enough. We seem to think multi-tasking is the norm in everything from doing paper work on the train to driving while texting. Having patience can make your life not only calmer, but also better.
When we rush we miss the middle, we are hyper-focused on the next task that we miss the little things on the way. We forget to smile or speak kindly. Or we fail to notice what others are feeling. We fail to acknowlege others' needs. This is especially harmful in relationhips with people we care about. "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, look what I made!" Mommy's busy, but she's not in the moment with her child.
So how does patience create a better world? Go back to the synonyms: tolerance, restraint, calmness, composure. All of these are necessary when dealing with issues between countries, corporations, and institutions. The lack of patience could put us into violence, war, and poor judgement.
How can we develop more patience? First, self-awareness. When you are becoming frustrated and impatient, ask yourself why. Is it based on some fear? Are you doing too many things at once? Are you feeling out of control? Or is it generalized anxiety? No matter what the reason, impatience may lead you the wrong way. Figuring out what makes you feel impatience will allow you to confront those thoughts and lower you impatience before it really begins. Recognize when you are being impatient and turn the situation around before it negatively affects you and those around you.
Second, recognize that time does not actually exist. It is a construct used to dictate our days. Remember this when stuck in traffic or running a few minutes behind in your daily routine. Ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" And figure how you could manage that. A phonecall to say you will be a bit late can help you relax and move calmly through the day dispite the constructs of time that you can do nothing about.Third, if we are wholy focused on the end result and ignore the journey to it, we miss the moments between goals. The most important lessons are the ones we learn along the way. Look for the joy in between. Consider what you can learn from the situation that can make your life better in the future.
Fourth, when you feel the world as you know it is ending because of your lack of patience, ask yourself it the situation will really matter to you in ten years. When you are feeling frustrated or impatient, take time to remember to count your blessings why you are at it. Most things will either wait or are just not that important if you miss them.
Fifth, you have plenty of opportunities on any day to practice patience. I remember once telling someone I was praying for patience. They said that was dangerous because God would just send more times when you need it. But, really, practice using your techniques to handle impatience when, for instance, you are ina grocery store line with a slow cashier or someone in the line has lots of questions. Or practice when you are stuck in traffic and can't even move forward. Or when you are with people that tend to push your buttons the most, your loved ones. Practicing patience will make it easier to incorporate patience in all areas of your life.(from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4373/5-Tips-for-Having-More-Patience.html by Maria Mooney)
More patience in the world could make immense difference.
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