Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841-1935) Jurist
In order to be Quick what does one need? Preparedness, observation, foresight, imagination, agility … And remember there are at least four levels on which to practice any quality: the physical, mental, spiritual, and personal.
Patience is one of the most important qualities (thus a lot of information). Almost all other qualities work well with it. Read a bit and let it soak in. Come back to another section the next day, and the next.
Peace,
Jim
QUICK
PATIENT
Synonyms: composed, constant, equanimity, fortitude, imperturbable, long-suffering, persistent, poise, self-possessed, stoic
Balancing Qualities: adaptable, foresight, humor, initiative, prepared
Compatible Qualities: accommodating, assertive, open, persistent, perspicacious
Note: Having the focus to pay attention to something, and being persistent enough to continue to pay attention to it, will develop patience while you are getting it done.
Parental Qualities: faith, hope
Familial Qualities: kindness, serenity, tolerance
Consequential Qualities: confidence, creativity, decisive, freedom, insight, peace, progress, self-discipline, self-esteem, stress hardy, wisdom
Quotes:
— Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American Poet
Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits. — Mark Twain [born Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835-1910) American Humorist
Patience ceases to be a virtue when it permits others to waste our time. — Pauline M. Schmidt
Part of the impatience is your tense emotional condition. Anything not aligned with your narrow need for instant gratification is going to build the pressure. The trick is to not let the steam get compressed in the first place.
Affirmation: I choose to be patient. The more patient I am, the sooner I will know what my next course of action will be.
Consideration: Don’t expect your inner self to change instantly. There are instances of that, usually in extreme crisis, but you can’t go around having a life of total crisis all the time. Expect success. Work with patience and continual focus. Give yourself plenty of time. Enlightenment will come gradually or suddenly as you learn and grow and commit to it.
Visualization: Sit quietly. Put on some soft instrumental music. Relax. Open your heart. Close your eyes.
You are walking in the woods. To get to the clean running stream you need to go through the brier patch. You move into its jumbled branches but it doesn’t take long to get entangled. You know you cannot stay where you are. You know clear ground is ahead. At first you move too quickly and are pricked and torn by the merciless thorns. The pain quickly teaches you to move with caution. Yet you realize you also need resolve and deliberation. You settle into the most appropriate pace. You pick the ripe berries and enjoy their sweet reward. You are thankful. You stop to remove a thorn stuck in your leg. You notice you are not annoyed by the inconvenience. You bend down to smell the rose that gave you its thorn. As you go on, you move with more confidence and realize you are being pricked less and less. You understand that movements are graceful. You catch the flight of the butterfly just as you are feeling the joy of the dance. You make your last move into the clearing. You feel relieved and yet, now that you’ve got the hang of it, you’re almost looking forward to the next encounter. Take off your shoes and cool your feet in the water.
Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Observation: It is easier to be patient with those we judge to be ignorant than with those who we think should know better.
Tips:
• A key to patience is to be diligently present.
• To acquire patience teach someone something.
• An aspects of patience is realizing how long it takes something to manifest. Allow that time to be.
Comments:
• Patience is often misunderstood as a quality of inaction. Think instead of the inactive time as active anticipation. The hungry hunter who is quiet and attentive knows the moment to move will soon be at hand, and he must be ready.
• The true nature of the quality of patience has more to do with movement. Patience will deliver the intended goal. If one also has a steadfast intention with hard-working development, there will be consistent progress toward the goal.
Admonition: Use the memory of your experiences as fuel to illuminate the present and the future. Hold with a sensitive, confident faith that the meanings and values of the past will remain in your life. Project your mind and heart into some possible futures and your choices will be clearer.
How to Live This Quality Today: You might be standing in line to talk to the teller at the bank. While you’re there, you can be organizing your banking needs. Occupy your mind with something you enjoy. No time to waist on boredom. Read a book. Talk to the people in line with you. Think about what you need to do when you leave the bank. Plan your vacation.
Symbol: the tortoise
Legendary Figure: The Lady Enid, in Arthurian legend was a model of constancy, loyalty, and patience
Bibliography: Read about the patience of Job in the Bible. Although Job has been much credited with patience, his story is primarily one of faith. Nevertheless, patience is one of the roots of faith.
Consider the Source
