Lessons in Patience

The past week has been an exercise in patience, well... multiple exercises to be more precise. My part-time childcare has been gone for several weeks, my “littles” are working through their developmental challenges (terrible two’s anyone?), my husband has been away at work, and my mind is swimming with ideas for the Haiti project but I am without time to put anything to paper. (My blog is only being written this morning because hubby is home and playing with the kids).

A quote came across Twitter that resonated: “How do I live from my soul? Turn pitfalls into opportunities.” This week I was challenged to change my perspective of scarcity into lessons of patience. I am excited about jumping into the projects, creating the events, helping others to see abundance in their lives, and creating some abundance for those in need. HOWEVER, what the universe asked of me this week was to practice patience. Patience is the opportunity hidden inside the pitfall of time scarcity. Patience is the quality I need to continue to nurture in order to meet my goals for Haiti, to parent well, and to embrace a fruitful life. Patience does not come easy for me, I usually “turn on the afterburners” and attempt to push my way through life. This week I did not. My practice of patience translated into two daily “exercises.”

15 Minutes of Yoga Practice: A couple week’s ago I began getting up at 6:30am and starting my day on my mat. How is this an example of patience you ask? I WANT more time to practice, 1-2 hours a day would be lovely. With the competing forces in my life, this is a rare occurrence. I was impatient about my “lack” of mat time. Through practice of patience, I see “some” yoga time as a gift. Each morning I set a timer for 15 minutes. If life doesn’t compete for my attention I may practice longer. Patience is teaching me that 15 minutes is a beautiful way to start the day, that 15 minutes matters.  15 minutes changes my attitude for the day, roots me in my breath, and keeps me feeling the “four corners of my feet” as I stand throughout the day. I am now true practitioner of 15 minutes of yoga each morning, and I am a more patient and grateful person.

Going to bed EARLY: A 12-14 hour day of parenting to small children and managing the details of life takes energy. The lesson of patience asked that I charge my reserves with sleep. Although this sounds like common sense, I actually had to bring intention and practice to get myself to bed. I was itching to sit at my computer, work on my Haiti project, do some research… but I brought patience to the forefront and slipped between the sheets instead. Practicing patience bears the fruit of more patience. Because I was well rested, it was easier to rise for morning yoga, and I was more patient with my children and the challenges of the day.

Patience is teaching me that not all the “work” I am going to do for the Seva Project is going to come in the form of completed document, phone calls, meetings, or teaching. The gifts of this project are coming in growing qualities and attributes, such as patience, that will inspire the Seva project and my life. These two daily practices alone are life changing.