Patience

We all have moments of impatience. In today’s reality of rapid communication and media, we can grow accustomed to getting information almost instantly. We can over-crave without stepping back and practicing consideration for ourselves and others. The tools we have at our disposal are wonderful, but let us not neglect quality for quantity. What provides you more value — 20 minutes on social media, or a short walk reflecting in nature?

Regardless of our day to day activities, we should all be on a path of becoming a better person, but don’t expect others to recognize it immediately. Think about how a tree spends decades in solitude before anyone may recognize its beauty and power. Also consider that a tree isn’t seeking any validation — it is there to provide a healthy environment for us all. How can we provide a healthier environment for one another?

This reflection will be focused on patience.

Today’s Warrior Passage:

“When you work with others, you realize the need to be patient, to give space and time to others to develop their own understanding of goodness and of warriorship. If you are frantic and try to push basic goodness onto others, then nothing happens except further chaos. Knowing that, you become extremely humble and patient in working with others.”

Excerpt From: Trungpa, Chögyam. “Shambhala.”

The quote above references “basic goodness” (a core principle in Shambhala Warriorship) as a belief we may want others to understand. This quote symbolizes anything we may want to communicate to others: The way we feel, how we are suffering in a situation, an academic statistic supporting a debate, a cultural preference, a spiritual belief, or even our true emotions about someone.

It is time for us to observe how our passion for something is portrayed onto others. Instead of being frantic and forceful, be patient. Instead of feeling misunderstood or attacked, desire a healthy discussion with others around you. Even if someone is approaching you with chaos and anger, tell them you want to understand — you are thankful for their attendance in this conversation and appreciate their perspective.

3P’s: Practice Patient Passion.

“Why is patience so important?”
“Because it makes us pay attention.”
― Paulo Coelho

I have let my passion get out of control many times. I have interrupted people in the middle of their point because I really want them to understand my perspective. I have let the other person speak their mind while not really listening to them — my mind was already made up and I was anticipating my moment to respond. I have raised my voice and become tense defending someone’s honest critique. All of these faults were missing my ability to stay calm and nurture my passion.

The next time you interact with someone, keep the idea of patience at the forefront of your interaction. Seek to deeply understand their perspective to a point of feeling it as if you were them. Practicing this type of empathy will influence trust and allow others to see deeper into you. Your passions will no longer compete but coexist in appreciation.

When others are patient with you, it brings great comfort and trust. It is wonderful to give others that same gift.