While I have noticed more and more mindful coaches, lifestyle experts, AI-powered apps like Woebot and the exploding popularity of meditation used to calm down the mind, busy is still the commander’s intent. We are all still so busy, while using meditation as medication to calm ourselves down. We are using meditation the way we use camomile, lemon balm and kava and marijuana, wine and Ambien to cure us of the business of being busy.
Caught in a chaotic, frenzied pace, we are all on the chase. Chasing money, influence, success at the cost of our own peace of mind.
A herd of speed demons.
What are the costs of being a speed demon? We live under a weight of demands, real and imagined, that is debilitating. We see an alarming increase in stress-related disorders of all kinds for all ages, beginning with elementary school-age children who are struggling with obesity, depression, anxiety, attention disorders and all kinds of learning disabilities, a list of problems for all ages. Read more about our destructive speed demoning here.
The antidote is patience.
Impatience
the tendency to be impatient; irritable or restless. To be agitated, edgy, nervous.
Impatience feeds feelings of anxiety, anger, and fear. It can crush relationships and careers. Being impatient isn’t a great trait to have and results in feelings of guilt for your out-of-control behavior. Being impatient can get you into some bit trouble. It can also make you physically ill.
When you’re impatient, you view life as a something to get through; the task in front of you is something to just get done. When you’re impatient you’re trying to rush into the future.
When you are working on something – anything – a business, a writing assignment, losing weight, or writing a book – whatever it is – it is easy to get frustrated and wish you were further down the road – closer to your goal. . . but you may find it easier to do something different next time.
Go easier on yourself. Give yourself sometime. Screw the frenzied pace of the outside world.
Be grateful for each small step closer to your goal –
- If it’s your business – then appreciate that your sales are up today.
- If it’s a writing assignment – than give yourself more time than you think you need.
- If you are dieting – set a goal date that is realistic and journal your intake.
Patience
the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
When we are patient, we are willing to stay in the moment, letting go of the tight grip, releasing control.
Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a thoughtful outlook on life. Patience leads to wisdom and peace. How does this happen? When we are patient we slow down, and in taking our time we’re able to see the complexity in life. We are able to hear all that is being communicated to us. When we are patient, we become conscious of the natural rhythms of life.
In the words of Rob Bell . . .
Every moment spent working towards your purpose, calling and joy should be celebrated.
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