Becoming more Patient with those around you.

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do you find yourself losing your patience? Do you lose patience with your family? Friends? Enemies? Do you ever show them patience? What about those around you? Are you snappish? How do you do in traffic?

Patience is my goal this week, and something I am working on. My Grandfather always said “patience is one of the most important qualities for a person with good character to develop.” I think he was right.

This life and this economy are stressful times. Anger can really contribute to stress. If that is so, then what is the anti-anger? Patience! “In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. “Mother Teresa

These are some easy ways to cultivate patience.

Think of the last time you got angry. Ask yourself is your anger helping? Making the situation any more bearable? Probably not. Sometimes it is our perception of a situation that makes us angry.

Try to look at the bigger picture, instead of only how you were wronged. Perhaps the person that offended you did so unintentionally. Perhaps they are coming from a tough upbringing, or did not benefit from the same opportunities you had. Instead of getting angry, try to react with patience. “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Mother Teresa. Buddha taught that your enemy could be your greatest teacher.

Looking at the situation logically will help you realize that no one is drawn to an angry person. I know for me, I want my positive attitude to attract others, not repel them.

Anger takes loads of work. I had a coworker that would routinely get angry and stay that way for days! That is so much work to carry around that anger, simmering…for days. Patience is really the easier option. All you have to do is not do something-allow yourself to be angry.
Think of how one angry outburst can stay with you for years. I am sure we all have a memory of someone angrily speaking to us, or of witnessing an angry scene. That one moment can leave it’s mark for years. Do we really want to become that person? I know I don’t! Patience takes work and it is not easily cultivated for some…but it is a virtue! (moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.)

What are some things that easily anger you?
What are some ways to work on not becoming angry?
What helps you relax?

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