Virtue of the Week – Patience

We live in a society where everyone seems in a hurry, on the roads, in the stores, or to get things done. For me, practicing patience means that I take the time to do things correctly and well. I plan and set goals, and I work consistently towards my goals. I do a little bit each day. I don’t let others hurry me. I work at my own pace.

It is important to have patience with oneself as well as with others. Trust and faith in ourselves is an important part of patience. On the other hand, patience is not procrastination or letting oneself be bossed around by others. Patience is keeping going, even if the going gets tough.

After a busy social week, I now have a week that can be used to get projects around the house done. I need to spread the projects over several days, getting a balance between different types of projects, especially the difference between sitting activities and activities that mean that I can move around a lot.

Patience is quiet hope and faith that things will turn out right. We trust the process of life. We are not hasty. We do not rush or allow ourselves to be overcome by pressure. Patience helps us to endure things we cannot control with a peaceful heart. We respond to mistakes or delays, not with judgement but gentleness. We recognize the lessons that come through waiting, and receive them as gifts unfolding with Divine timing. Patience brings acceptance. It calls us to be still in the moment, to be restful, and to listen deeply. Patience soothes our souls.

The practice of Patience:
* I am hopeful and expectant.
* I am gentle with myself and others when we make mistakes.
* I accept things I cannot control with humor and grace.
* I am confident that my life is unfolding as it should.
* I live fully in the present moment.

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