Patience originated from the Latin word “pati” or “patientia”, which meant “to suffer”
What do you feel when you are searching for patience in the world around you, others, the Creator, and especially yourself? Are you willing to “suffer” in order to allow everything to fall into place? Or is your focus on “order and control”, are you too dialed in for patience to have a place in your life?
As a mother, I find patience is vital for me and my whole family. The more patient I am with myself, the more patience I can offer to my son and partner. The “suffering” is endured when I deny my desire to be self-centered and have all my thoughts heard.
Why do I make this choice? Only through our “suffering” may we truly find peace and balance, for through it comes understanding. As we accept the role of being “patient” peace washes over our entire being. We can access this beautiful balance with practice and faith by inviting a new reaction to our thoughts and feelings.
Simple ways we can remind ourselves to offer patience:
- Take on the role of the listener by refraining from acting first. Listen to your thoughts, offer them time to be heard and allow them to be an observation.
- If it is not important, it can wait. Refraining from indulging our immediate desires can lead to opportunities that may have been otherwise missed.
- Breathe. When you are frustrated, or becoming upset, take a moment to step back and breathe. Giving yourself some time can change your reaction.
- Ask yourself “What am I learning?” Take a look at the bigger picture and search for an opportunity to learn something new or see a greater purpose.
- See the reaction. Look at yourself. See the reflection. How is impatience helping you? How does it feel, and what is your reaction to this feeling?
Making simple adjustments to offering more patience is a beautiful journey to understanding a more inviting and peaceful version of our heart.
This is more than an opening for you, it is a gateway for those around you. By embracing patience you will encourage others, and especially children to do the same. Be the reflection and others will follow. Watch how the world around you becomes more patient, how the rush around you dissipates, and how suddenly you have a place for everything, because everything can be loved and is perfect.
Be Blessed
Be Loved
Be Patient
Meagan Buchanan, Eternity in a Box
