Nonviolence begins with learning how to be less violent and more compassionate towards ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with respect, honor and reverence for our own being.
Day 32: PATIENCE
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew." ~ St. Francis de Sales
We live in an impatient world with fast food, instant messaging, expressways and speed dating. Our technology has created an expectation of instant gratification, communication and success, yet this is not the way of nature. Patience requires that we accept what is in the moment, even as we hold our intention and desire for some change to take place. Just as we must be patient with the time it takes to create a tomato from its seed, so must we be patient with ourselves as we move toward becoming the people we want to be. We must provide ourselves with the tools and environment necessary to grow into the fruit of our efforts.
Be mindful today of being patient with family, co-workers and your own perceived shortcomings. Be aware of your inner dialogue as you work, sit in traffic or deal with old patterns of behavior you want to see changed. Contemplate or journal about ways to practice patience in your life, starting with yourself.
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