Practicing Patience

Patience is simply our openness to being one with what is.

In this hectic world, it is easy to get carried away in the busyness of everyday life. We become forgetful that it is not the destination, but every golden moment along the way that counts. But when we forget that the destination is the journey, we lose our connectiveness with the moment, our oneness with what is, and our sense of joy.

Every moment is precious. Slow down and savor each moment. You may think you are maximizing your time by rushing around doing things. However, nothing could be further from the truth. You have to slow down to really enjoy life.

Disharmony is a reminder that we need to slow down and lighten up.

We are here to learn the lessons of love. However, it is nearly impossible to maintain our love-awareness when we are impatient.

Fortunately for us, life is full of opportunities to practicing the art of patience.

Slowing Down allows us to notice the littles things in life; such as, a ray of sunshine, the smell a flower, or the song of the blue jay. These seemingly insignificant occasions are the moments that make life worth living.

Below are ways that you can practice patience in your everyday life:

• Use stop lights as opportunities to take a pause and re-center yourself in the here and now.
• Practice driving meditation. We can remain in a state of meditation, even if we are doing an activity like driving, if we are focusing our entire mind on what we are doing. Move into the slower lane and go with the flow. You will arrive at your destination much more relaxed.
• Stand in the longer line at the grocery store. Use the time to relax and be aware of your surroundings.
• Waiting for appointments are excellent opportunities to practice the art of doing nothing. just relax back into your natural state of being and breathe. Most people have to habitually keep themselves busy by fidgeting with the phones or reading. 
• Be thankful for the frustrations and difficult people in your life because they allow us to practice patience.
• And finally, Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622) tells us to have patience with all things, but, first of all with ourselves. This is especially true regarding where we think we should be in our current stage of spiritual growth.

The following inspirations will help you maintain your practice of patience:

“Patience is the key to contentment.”
The Prophet Muhammad (571 – 632)

“One moment of patience may ward off great disaster.
One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.”
Chinese proverb

“A man who is a master of patience
is master of everything else.”
George Savile (1633 – 1695)

“Patience is the best remedy
for every trouble.”
Plautus (254 – 184 BC)

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever,
even if your whole world seems upset.”
Saint Francis de Sales (1567 – 1622)

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect
before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”
John Quincy Adams (1767 – 1848)

Out of every apparent failure comes something good.
You may not recognize it now. however, in time it will be revealed to you.
Just be patient.

Slow Down, Relax, and Enjoy!

Slow down
and enjoy more “Ah…” moments

Slow down enough
for love to overtake you.

Copyright © 2019. Mark Ellison. All Rights Reserved.