Couple of weeks ago, I found myself rushing around my local supermarket. It was a murky day outside and quite cold. I was a bit tired and agitated. I wanted to get my shopping done as quickly as possible and get home. On top of that, so it seemed, everybody decided to be in my way. When I was at the fruit section, it was crowded with people. When I went to pick up my tea, there was a woman, who was indecisive about her tea choice, taking over the entire section. It annoyed me. By then, I began feeling frustrated, exhausted and somehow trapped. Why is everybody in my way today? …I asked myself. Then, I suddenly realised, what I was actually doing. I was attacking innocent people in my mind and making myself feel bad at the same time. I acknowledged my own impatience. I had to take a different approach. I’ve decided to step aside for a couple of minutes and take a few, deep breaths. Deep breathing always centres me back in the moment and makes me realise what really matters. After couple of minutes, everything rearranged and I felt so much better. I reminded myself a beautiful quote by Saint Francis de Sales: ‘Have patience with all things, but, first of all with yourself. I was able to finish my shopping, get home and finally relax on the sofa with a cup of nice tea. Listed bellow, are some ideas I would like to share with you about patience. May they inspire you.
Conscious breathing
When I was stressing out in the supermarket, the breath was my saviour. It centred me back in the moment and made me realise what I was actually doing to myself. Whenever you find yourself being impatient, take a few deep breaths. It will centre you back in the moment and will certainly make you feel better.
Daily moments of stillness
Meditation or moments of stillness on a daily basis, can help us become more calm and patient with ourselves and others. Of course, we are all humans and we all detour into the places we often don’t want to go. My suggestion? Find some quiet moments for yourself every day. When you do, you will create a healthy habit, which will serve you in a great way.
Great things take time
We can often become impatient with ourselves while learning new things. We compare ourselves to others and don’t really acknowledge that everyone is on a different path, has a different learning style and speed. It does not matter, if someone does something quicker than you do. Remember that everything takes time. Be patient with your beautiful self. You are doing the best you can. Honour yourself, praise yourself and be patient. Great things do take time.
Patience with other people = Compassion
As I have mentioned at the beginning, I found myself selfish and impatient with all those people, who were probably (without realising) doing the same to myself. We all wanted to get our shopping done and get home. In the moments like these, take a step back and realise, what you are actually doing. You don’t know the other people, their problems or daily challenges. Let’s be more compassionate towards each other, and this will bring more light into our lives and the lives of others.
Patience is a great teacher
Patience is teaching you calmness, letting go and living in the present moment. Every time you find yourself in a situation when you are feeling impatient, ask yourself: What is this situation trying to teach me? Really listen for an answer. It may come to you instantly or a bit later.
Going with the flow
One of the best advises I have ever been given is to go with the flow. Nothing is in a complete control and everything takes time. Life is full of distractions, inconveniences and disturbances. But it is also full of beauty, amazing people, exciting adventures, love and kindness. Choose to go with the flow, and whatever you are facing right now, deal with it as it comes, in the best and most loving way as you possibly can. By going with the flow, you will release the control and become the best version of yourself possible.