PATIENCE AND LOVE

"Love is patience. This is the normal attitude of Love; Love passive. Love waiting to begin; not in a hurry; calm ready to do it's work when the summons comes, but meantime wearing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" -Henry Drummond

Patience is an ingredient of love. When we are calm, not rushed, hurried we become balanced, walking the middle path with peace and equanimity. We have the capacity to manage ourselves during times of sadness, joy, hard times and good times. Being patient we effortlessly flow with the rhythm of life knowing that we are always moving forward. We accept change and the seasons of life trusting divine timing. We respond consciously with wisdom, clarity and insight.

Inner peace is the cornerstone and foundation of patience. In a world fraught with chaos, disturbance and distraction we also experience and witness the generosity and kindness of others. We encounter those who are pleasant and those who take their negative feelings out on us without any reason. Most importantly, the most profound disruptor of inner peace is negative self-talk, harsh self-judgment and self-criticism. When we seek external validation of our value and worth, this disrupts inner peace. Patience allows us to work on our inner being for stability, harmony and security. How we feel about ourselves, treat and relate to ourselves reflect and radiate to others. If we are not patient with ourselves, we cannot be patient with others.

All that we encounter are tests. Learn, grow and discover more about yourself. Do not grudge the hand that shapes you nor spend time immersed in guilt and shame. Be patient and free yourself with compassion and forgiveness. When we are patient, we make careful and thoughtful choices. Patience keeps us present focused and not focused on past regrets or worries about about future. When we master patience we are maintain self control and become less stressed. Patience brings inner stability, builds inner security and confidence. Patience refines our character and transforms our lives. When we practice patience we develop a healthy and loving relationship with ourselves.

Dr. Jean Marie shares Self-Reflection exercises and Journal Prompts on Patience from her book, Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Weekly Journal Prompts and Affirmations.

Feel free to share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com

Dr. Jean Marie closes with her excerpts on Self-Composure, Patience and Self-Refinement.