Patience. Get it. Keep it.

 

Patience is in short supply, and chances are that it has always been so. There have always been things, events, and people who have tried our patience. Modern life has complicated this, and created situations where we have to wait more: a simple call to the cable company to discuss a bill or service can easily drag into thirty minutes; applying for a mortgage is becoming an  endurance test requiring endless paperwork; searching for a job and going through the interview process- often with five or more interviews- requires a zen like composure few possess.

In this environment, focusing on how to get and keep patience is so important.

Here are some tips on how to get patience:

1. Slow down. We have been conditioned to accomplish so much in one day that we are moving at warp speed. In this mindset, any delay is seen as an unfair obstruction, even if the delay is justified because some things just take time.     Understand that the world will not fall apart if you don’t accomplish everything on your list.

2. Enjoy the extra time. Instead of complaining about how long something is taking, use the extra time wisely. Listen to your favorite music, call a friend, read a book or newspaper, or just relax.

3. Think less about your needs. As important as your goal is in any given situation, it’s not
the only dynamic present. Other people have goals too that are just as important to them.
In fact, your goals may interfere with others and cause unforeseen resistance.

4. Show compassion.  Realize that you are dealing with another human being.  If someone is not
giving you what you want as fast as you want it, take a moment and pull back. Don’t immediately
get angry or blame someone. You may regret that outburst when you find out the situation is more
complex; or the other person was constrained by inflexible or illogical rules.

5. Develop a community consciousness. We live in a society where contentious  and selfish
behavior is already too common. Don’t add to this daily incivility.

Here are some tips on how to keep patience:

1. Begin a daily meditation practice.  There is almost nothing as beneficial as meditation.
A recent study showed that the feeling derived from consistent meditation was as pleasurable as
orgasms!  Many health clubs or spiritual groups offer meditation classes.

2. Eat mindfully. Don’t eliminate the things you really love, but reduce caffeine, sodium, sugar,
and fried foods in your diet in times of stress. Try and have fresh squeezed juices(carrot-ginger etc)
3-4 times per week. Add a shot of wheatgrass to really boost your immunity.

3. Exercise regularly. There are few things more important than daily physical exercise to
maintain a healthy mind-body. Choose something you like.  Some form of daily spiritual practice is
also ideal for optimal health and happiness. I have found that kundalini yoga combines a powerful
physical and spiritual workout- try it.

4. Practice detachment.  Being a so-called “responsible” citizen and keeping up with the news can 
derail anyone and get you depressed.  Reduce your exposure to headline news; start to see these events 
as adjustable background noise and  not as blocking an enjoyable life. Focus more on what’s right before
your eyes-that’s your true reality. Read up on the Eastern notion of detachment, where you learn to pull
back and create a calm mental space in any life situation.

5. Keep things in perspective. These are trying times we are living in, but life has always been messy,
and having a sense of humor really helps. As difficult as you think things are, would you prefer to be
alive in the middle of World War II or the bubonic plague?  I didn’t think so, so you see it’s better to
focus on all the great things available right now.