BEING PATIENT IS NOT BEING PASSIVE

Being Patient Is Not Being Passive: The Power in Being Patient

Many times, we struggle with being patient, particularly when we are waiting for something we want or desire to happen.  In that struggle, we often perceive ourselves to be powerless and dependent on the external entity to grant that thing, we are awaiting.  This sometimes generates anxiety and other forms of emotional distress (i.e. frustration, irritation, doubt, insecurity, etc.) that can lead to impatience.  In our impatience, we may act impulsively. Such behaviors typically do not result in our getting what we desire. Acting, primarily from a place of impatience, may result in even more undesired and disastrous effects.

I propose that we find some healthy guidelines for managing our minds and emotions around being patient. Let's consider healthy attitudes around being patient, so that it can work for us and enhance our well-being.

Take the expression, “exercising patience” seriously.  In other words, being patient does not require you to become passive or sit and do nothing. It is a matter of how you view and treat the period of time, during which you are awaiting the desired event or thing.  Remember, when we “exercise”, we are practicing, working out, reinforcing and strengthening some skill or a muscle.  The healthy outcome is that it makes us healthier, stronger and better able to withstand and triumph over challenges.

How to Determine When Being Patient and Waiting Make Sense 

First, it is important to determine the true urgency of the situation and whether being patient is the most appropriate or the healthiest stance to take, given the situation and desired outcome.  If the cost of being patient and waiting is too high and painful (with deleterious results), it makes sense to take reasonable action.

For instance, it is unhealthy to put off getting medical attention if you are experiencing intense or severe emotional or physical distress.  Immediate action is necessary in this case. Instead, once you begin a reasonable medical course of treatment, it makes sense to be patient and give it time to work or give yourself time to heal.

Questions to Ask Oneself / Perspectives to Consider / Attitudes to Adopt  

To Make Exercising Patience Empowering

Have I done everything reasonably possible to put into place what I desire?  

Then recognize and embrace your actions. Trust that you have done what you can.  Exercise faith by being patient for the result.

                         

Is it reasonable to expect that what I want to happen is going to occur right away?

If something takes time to occur, develop or materialize, then be patient and allow time for such things to take place.

          

How can I view this period of patience in a positive way?

Consider the possibility that being patient can result in the time and space to sit still, get quiet and embrace being calm.  This may also present an opportunity for self-reflection that can promote increased personal empowerment.

How can I best utilize the time and space that being patient and waiting might provide in a productive and empowering way?

This may allow the opportunity to creatively engage in free time; to try something new; to learn a new skill; to reach out, connect and reinforce relationships, etc.

What might be a spiritual message or lesson to learn about this period of waiting?

Spiritually, this may be a time to exercise faith and put it into practice.