For optimal health, one needs to:
- develop self-awareness,
- have clear health goals,
- have a willingness to make necessary changes and
- have an attitude of openness, acceptance and gratitude.
In the previous installment, the importance of mindfulness was highlighted as a healthy stress-management tool. Moment-by-moment non-judgmental acceptance is the core of a mindful way of being. In this installment, I will focus on another other essential mindful attitude: patience.
Many people want patience and want it right now!
Our modern society promotes multi-tasking, 140 word tweets, sound bites and many other forms of instant gratification. It is all too easy to get swept up into a frenzied vortex. We are trained to be impatient. If we are kept waiting more than a few milliseconds as our computers process, we consider upgrading! Impatience makes it difficult to be fully present for the richness of whatever our experience is at the moment. We wish we were somewhere else or things were happening in a different way.
We get attached to our notion of how a situation is supposed to unfold. When there is a mismatch between reality and our expectations, we get upset, which produces suffering. Suffering causes further frustration and the release of stress hormones which compound the problem. This reactive cascade harms our bodies and reduces our ability to make healthy decisions.
A patient, mindful attitude produces endorphins and other soothing body chemicals, producing a feeling of ease. This counteracts the harmful reactive cascade produced by suffering. A sense of control over our own reactions gives the strength and flexibility to deal with the unexpected in a productive way. When stuck in traffic, we can react with impatience and frustration or literally “stay in the driver’s seat” and calmly work out solutions.
Caterpillars need time to develop in their cocoon before they can emerge as fully developed butterflies. The same concept may apply to our own endeavors—the more patient we are, the more likely our plans may come to fruition. So called delays need to be embraced as opportunities. Being fully present and patient produces equanimity and clarity. This helps with formulating creative solutions, maintaining energy and well-being.
As an antidote to the self-harm caused by our impatience, mindfulness is an important component of total health. More mindful attitudes will be explored in the next installment.
MINDFUL EXERCISE:
Next time you feel rushed or impatient, take a breath, explore your reaction and make the decision to accept whatever is occurring. Slow down, keep aware of your breathing and let any negative feelings pass without pushing them away or holding on to them. Let your own inner wisdom, calmness and clarity produce the solutions needed at any given moment. Embrace delays as an opportunity to be creative and flexible. Perhaps devote a whole day to being intentionally more patient with every situation you encounter. This may turn into a healthy habit!