Patience
From 16Guidelines
What is Patience?
As with all of the guidelines, it is as important to apply them to ourselves as it is to demonstrate them outwardly. It can be very challenging to be patient with ourselves, as we are invaded by frustration, ambition and desire. Patience is the ability to control our reactions to life's challenges, from minor irritations to major confrontations. By cultivating patience we can develop and maintain peace of mind.
Patience with the outside world can also be challenging, as it requires us to be tolerant and demonstrate understanding and compassion. To practise patience is to taste the power of the mind. We have a choice as to how to respond to life's circumstances. Patience can give us the strength and flexibility to not become a victim of circumstance, but to choose to be positive instead of full of anger and frustration.
Patience values diversity in others and presents us with an opportunity to demonstrate kindness. It helps us to develop inner calm, which in turn gives us great strength. A patient mind can recognise that perhaps what the 'I' wants may not be best achieved right now immediately this instant! Perhaps there is some greater value in recognising that, like picking fruit before it is ripe, conditions may not yet be ready. There is benefit in patiently allowing a situation to develop and ripen.
Quotes
"Many people think that to be patient is a sign of weakness. I think that is a mistake. It is anger that is a sign of weakness."
- HH The Dalai Lama
"You can't shake hands with a clenched fist"
- Indira Gandhi
"If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?"
- Rumi
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."
- John Quincy Adams
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