When I think about the opportunities that being patient offers, this is what comes to mind:
A chance to slow down, pause and reconnect with my intention to be peaceful, present and kind to myself and others.
Letting go of the belief that I have control over how others operate, and how things unfold.
Being willing to step back and make space for the mystery of being. Being rewarded by what is then made visible or more accessible.
Putting aside the “to do list” in favor of simply being present with the moment and with myself.
Facing irritability and other emotions that are typically kept at bay by being busy, efficient and focused on goals.
Decreasing the sense of pressure and urgency to “figure it out” now; permission to proceed at a slower pace, to take the time that things need, to challenge the internalized sense that it has to happen NOW.
How practicing patience supports the previous 5 Paramis:
Patience itself is a form of generosity, it is a relinquishing of my agenda in favor of negotiating how things proceed with the world, and with others.
Patience supports development of ethical conduct. By slowing down and paying attention, I have more tools for examining what I am doing or saying. I can take responsibility for my thoughts, words and actions more carefully than when I’m moving quickly and prone to say or do something I will regret.
Being patient is a form of renunciation, consciously choosing to do less, to move slower, to live with less pressure and need to accomplish and acquire. Self-worth can be affirmed by simply being connected with others and the environment I live in.
Patience invites wisdom, by slowing down, experiencing emotions, thoughts and body sensations as they happen rather than being on autopilot, we are better able to see things clearly and respond appropriately and self correct our course as needed.
Bringing patience into practice requires energy and effort. When we’ve organized our lives based on rushing, acting on impulse (buying, making snap decisions, saying whatever comes to mind), it requires patience to reset our internal, and external pacing and expectation regulators .