Patience is a virtue. It’s also an attitude of mindfulness.
Are you impatient waiting to get to the next important thing? Do you miss the present moment because of this next thing?
We can cultivate patience with the recognition that things will unfold in their own way and that, in a profound way, know deep down that things cannot be hurried. So, when we are rushing around to be somewhere else, we never are actually where we are. This brings about sadness and loss. Sometimes we are impatient with other people and ourselves, sometimes we are impatient at work and sometimes we are impatient to get things done.
Were you the child that found the caterpillar and were wishing before it was ready for it to turn into a butterfly? Certain things cannot be hurried, and things will unfold in their own time. As my dad repeatedly said to me “All in good time, Ellen. All in good time”. This was his way of teaching me the virtue of patience.
When we learn to be patient, we inhabit the moment in a way that brings great comfort and wisdom. As I have shown by teaching yoga practices around patience, a bodily practice is our vessel to understanding. If we ask the physical body to grow, heal or change faster than it can, either the body will suffer, we will suffer, or both.
When we build our focus, it will be easier to pierce through the veil of impatience. Here are just a couple of tools for you to do just that…
Hand Yoga
Shuni Mudra (also known as the seal of patience) is one of five sacred hand gestures used by Buddhist and Hindu cultures. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word Saturn; a planet associated with self-discipline. When we use this hand gesture, we take accountability for our actions while remaining patient and understanding. To perform Shuni Mudra, simply press your thumb and middle finger together.
Essential Oil
Chamomile flowers are universally recognized as symbols of peace, rest, and patience. Therefore my essential oil of choice for patience is chamomile.
Patience Poem
It takes a while for flowers to bloom
After we plant the seeds,
We have to give them loving care,
Like every flower needs . . .
They don't just push up through the earth
And blossom over night,
But when they do burst through in bloom,
And make a lovely sight!
Sometimes it's that way with us, too,
Some things take time, we find
So just be gracious and keep faith,
to leave impatience behind.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0gXCZEj8ao
https://pranashanti.com/cultivating-patience-yoga/
https://www.outofstress.com/symbols-of-patience/