Patience
Patience:
Through patience we learn to wait with confidence through the ups and downs of our lives, trusting in God’s enduring love present in all we experience.
–from Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit, Thomas Keating
Also, here are some ideas from contemplative teacher and writer, James Finley, on the subject of patience:
- Patience as a Spiritual Practice:
Finley views patience as more than just a passive acceptance of delay. It’s an active practice of trusting in the process and the unfolding of divine grace, even when it feels slow or uncertain.
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Patience and Healing:
He highlights the role of patience in the healing process, both physical and emotional. He suggests that learning to be patient with oneself and the process of healing allows individuals to trust in God’s sustaining love and find resources of courage, patience, and tenderness to heal.
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Patience in Contemplation:
Finley connects patience with the practice of contemplation, emphasizing the need to be present and mindful in the midst of everyday life, even when it feels overwhelming. He suggests that by cultivating a contemplative stance, we can start to see our day-by-day life from a deeper perspective, recognizing the presence of God’s love and grace.
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Patience and waiting:
Finley uses the metaphor of “active waiting” to describe the spiritual practice of patiently observing and responding to the unfolding of divine grace. He suggests that learning not to interfere with the fragility of waiting can allow individuals to experience the depth of God’s love and acceptance.
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Patience and Self-Compassion:
Finley encourages individuals to be patient with themselves, especially during times of struggle or suffering. He emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness, recognizing that the path to healing often involves acknowledging and accepting one’s own imperfections and vulnerabilities.
**My personal note: I appreciate the emphasis on active trust and self-compassion, and his teaching that cultivating patience can deeper our connection with God and bring more healing into our lives.
A Simple Breath-Prayer of Patience
The breath is a spiritual transmitter that allows this exchange to happen. Below is a breath prayer I practice for deep nourishment. It lets us inhale the life essence of a Fruit, and then exhale it into the atmosphere around us.
- Take a few gentle breaths and relax your thoughts, your emotions, and any tension in your body.
- Breathe in patience. Allow its energy and presence to fill you. Let this spiritual nutrient into your physical being, as well as your spirit and soul.
- As you breathe in patience, feel it nourishing you and feeding you.
- Then breathe out patience, letting it fill the atmosphere around you. Feel yourself sharing that patience with all that is around you.
- Repeat this for several breaths, letting yourself be nourished by patience while simultaneously nourishing the world. When you’re ready, rest in stillness for a few moments before returning to your day.
- When we breathe in patience, we remember we’re held by Divine Patience; when we breathe it out, we become a conduit of that same grace.