I’ve often said one of the gifts that meditation has given me is that I am more patient. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not always patient. I’m patient more often and I’m more aware of those times I’m not. Being impatient has little to offer. The line at the store is impervious to my thoughts and emotions.
It behooves us to be patient, because with it comes a host of benefits, both physical and emotional. Here are just a few:
It’s easier to be happy when you’re patient.
Impatient people are not happy people. It’s stressful to be impatient all the time! Challenging situations are more manageable when the situation can be approached with patience. Has it ever helped you to be impatient? How does being impatient make you feel?
Patient people are healthier.
The stress that impatient people feel is never good for the body or mind. Those that feel less stress suffer from fewer medical issues. Being patient lengthens and improves your life.
You can accomplish larger goals.
Big goals require time. Time requires patience. Big goals are impossible without some measure of patience. Consider how your impatience has short-circuited your success in the past.
Patience helps you release control.
Overcoming an illness or injury can’t be sped up by sheer will or impatience. A pregnancy requires a certain amount of time. Getting over a personal loss or tragedy takes time. Losing several pounds can’t happen overnight.
You’ll make better decisions.
Impatient people don’t take the necessary time to make wise decisions. Impatient people are stressed, and stressed people tend to be impulsive. Patience provides the time and space to contemplate the situation and make a wise decision.
So then how can you become a more patient person? It’s possible for anyone to develop patience. Here are some ideas:
Meditate!
Of course this goes without saying, and I’ll say it anyway. For me, meditation has been the most effective way I have found to become more patient. Taking regular time each day to sit in silence tends to do that.
Pause before everything you say and do.
Do you want to get off the couch and raid the refrigerator? Make yourself wait 15 minutes. Are you ready to interrupt a conversation to make yourself heard? Wait until the conversation has concluded before speaking. Slow down and practice patience at every opportunity. The average day will provide plenty of practice!
Determine when you’re least patient.
When do you find yourself unable to control yourself as well as you’d like? Focus your attention on these trouble spots. Aim for slow, steady progress. Avoid expecting perfection or making too many demands on yourself.
Notice your thoughts when you’re impatient.
What do you think about when you’re feeling impatient? Notice your thoughts and change them. You can choose to think about anything you’d like, so think about something that encourages you to be patient.
Patience is a character trait worthy of cultivation. Many confuse patience with weakness or passivity. But patience is an intelligent reaction to a situation that’s outside the realm of control. Impatience can be unhealthy, create additional challenges, and make you miserable in the process. Which do you choose?
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