Patience is an
attitude that can be brought to any situation. It's not what is done, but how
it is done. Typically it is associated with waiting, but really applies to
decisions, actions, and words. Patience essentially is timing and behavior. Patience
allows us to give others the benefit of the doubt. It allows situations to develop.
It allows us to observe. Essentially it makes room for us to avoid rushing into
traps, literally and figuratively. When we are patient, we can see more than
actions and events, but the reasons behind them. We can actually think about
possibilities and outcomes. It can even protect us from things we are not aware
of. If we are patient and being observed by someone who is judging our
character (who is in a position that will affect us) they will think highly of
us and offer us opportunities or assistance that might otherwise be
unavailable.
Patience can be thought of as an investment- good faith- when applied to others. Most people appreciate others who are patient with them- and more would if we all developed a spirit of patience over recklessness and rushing. When we give others time to fix their mistakes, to learn, and to improve, they hold us in higher esteem, and they are likely to return the favor. Furthermore, as they develop, we may benefit from the fruits of their labor. Reciprocation ties in here- patience is a kindness, and people tend to return kindness with kindness (and should be encouraged to do so)
However, we need to recognize when patience is causing more harm than good. If we are patient in situations that require action, opportunities may pass us by, or we might find ourselves in danger or conflict. Others may lose patience with us, because they see things we do not, or because they miss things that we observe. We must carefully assess the situation. Furthermore, we must be able to determine if it is a matter of patience limiting us, or some other factor (fear, pride, anger, sorrow).
To that end, we need to learn what to look for in our decision making processes. We must also recognize when we are about to make an emotional response and instead, pause to ask (and answer honestly) key questions- What's at stake? How severe are the ramifications? What is felt, and where is the source? If there is not enough information and the threat is not great, if we cannot determine what about our situations causes us distress, we must carefully wait and determine what we can before making decisive, irreversible decisions.
Patience can be thought of as an investment- good faith- when applied to others. Most people appreciate others who are patient with them- and more would if we all developed a spirit of patience over recklessness and rushing. When we give others time to fix their mistakes, to learn, and to improve, they hold us in higher esteem, and they are likely to return the favor. Furthermore, as they develop, we may benefit from the fruits of their labor. Reciprocation ties in here- patience is a kindness, and people tend to return kindness with kindness (and should be encouraged to do so)
However, we need to recognize when patience is causing more harm than good. If we are patient in situations that require action, opportunities may pass us by, or we might find ourselves in danger or conflict. Others may lose patience with us, because they see things we do not, or because they miss things that we observe. We must carefully assess the situation. Furthermore, we must be able to determine if it is a matter of patience limiting us, or some other factor (fear, pride, anger, sorrow).
To that end, we need to learn what to look for in our decision making processes. We must also recognize when we are about to make an emotional response and instead, pause to ask (and answer honestly) key questions- What's at stake? How severe are the ramifications? What is felt, and where is the source? If there is not enough information and the threat is not great, if we cannot determine what about our situations causes us distress, we must carefully wait and determine what we can before making decisive, irreversible decisions.
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