On cultivating patience.

"Adopt the pace of Nature; Her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I wait for warm weather to arrive, this time of year is always such a great reminder of the importance of practicing patience. The definition of patience is "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, difficulty or annoyance without getting angry or upset." Delay, difficulty and annoyance are typically things we encounter on a daily basis, from waiting in line, traffic jams, the arrival of spring weather, etc. By practicing patience we invite ourselves to be present rather than living in the future.

Cultivating patience is no easy task. Here are some practices that I have found helpful.

1. Recognize when you become impatient and what causes you to become impatient. Notice what triggers you as it's typically a response to not getting something that you want.

2. Investigate how impatience makes you feel in your mind and body. Is this a feeling you want?

3. Take a few deep breathes. With each exhale let go of any resistance or tension your impatience is creating in your mind and body.

4. Transform your impatience into patience by finding something in the present moment that is pleasant or interesting and focus on that (i.e. when stuck in a traffic jam, put on your favorite song and sing your heart out or call a loved one to catch up).

Cultivating patience is an act a self-compassion as it alleviates stress and suffering. It also creates a sense of equaminity, a sense of calm and ease as you navigate the constant shifts life has to offer. It's a matter of surrendering to the present moment.

Please share any other practices or experiences that you have found useful. Here's to finding a little bit more ease in our lives by practicing patience.

In love, light and with gratitude,
Nicole