We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world...

That quote in the subject line is from Helen Keller. Patience is a fascinating thing. I had a quasi-breakdown on Monday because I felt like no one really understood me or even cared. I felt that I was just spinning my wheels trying to make a difference and do things that mattered. Basically, in a nutshell, I was being whiny and impatient and VERY attached to results. Not very "present moment" at all.

Then, after calming down, centering myself, and having a nice talk with Jeremy (thanks Jeremy), many of the things that I had been so concerned about started to turn around immediately. It was very ironic timing to say the least. I had a faint glimmer, if ever so slight, that maybe I just needed to remain patient, and not get so caught up in the fruits of my labor. I need to remember not to depend on the future for fulfillment and satisfaction and just simply focus on the "Now".

Then there will be no need for patience, because I will be deeply rooted in "being" within the present moment. Here are some thoughts on Patience from world religions...

"Therefore, we must exercise extreme patience, sympathy and love toward all mankind, considering no soul as rejected. 287 If we look upon a soul as rejected, we have disobeyed the teachings of God. God is loving to all. Shall we be unjust or unkind to anyone? Is this allowable in the sight of God? God provides for all. Is it befitting for us to prevent the flow of His merciful provisions for mankind? God has created all in His image and likeness."

(Abdu'l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 286)

"Not to do wrong, to do good, and to purify one's mind,
that is the teaching of the awakened ones.
The awakened call patience the highest sacrifice;
the awakened declare nirvana the highest good."

(Buddhist, Dhammapada - Sayings of the Buddha 2 (tr. J. Richards))

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

(King James Bible, Romans)

"And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune"

(The Qur'an (Yusuf Ali tr), Surah 41)