Introduction
In a world marked by rapid change and often overwhelming demands for immediacy, the virtue of patience emerges as a profound beacon of hope and resilience. Patience is not simply a passive waiting; it is an active engagement with the world’s complexities, a conscious choice to approach life with understanding and grace. Here, we will delve into the intricate relationship between patience and the powerful forces that shape our lives. This includes the winds of change, tides of emotion, and the enduring force of love.
Throughout human history, patience has been a cornerstone for mastery over these elemental forces. It guides individuals to navigate challenges with a sense of purpose and intention. As we embark on this journey, we will uncover how patience can serve as a catalyst for personal growth. This enables us to harness our inner strength and flexibility. The teachings of notable figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin will illuminate this path forward. They reveal the delicate balance of power and compassion necessary to thrive amidst life’s transitions.
Together, we will explore the interconnected themes of grounding and adaptability. We will examine how patience cultivates the awareness needed to respond mindfully to life’s unpredictable currents. As we nurture this essential quality, we will discover how it enriches our relationships and deepens our understanding of ourselves. This guides us toward a more harmonious existence. Through patience, we embark on a sacred journey where the potential for transformation and connection lies within our grasp.
Table of contents
Patience, that Inner Voice
Patience, a long road,
Wisdom sought in winter's light,
Lessons earned, not learned.
Words of Inner Wisdom
Someday, after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.
Patience and Mastering the Winds of Change
In the 1990’s the rock-band Scorpions released a song “Wind of Change.” It was a beautiful example of the joy that occurs when peace graces and ultimately relieves tension. These days, many tensions are felt the world over. However, in light of that reality, I cannot help but look forward to what is to come. This sense of excitement and gratitude is fostered by patience.
Yet, winds can easily shift direction. Recently, I found myself watching the California Fires unfold. The incompetence that preceded this tragedy reeks of poor leadership. I only hope that wisdom can flourish. We need patience, even in the face of the dangers that lurk behind shifting winds. This is especially true when it comes to shifting with the winds of time. This sometimes encourages keeping a status quo versus laying down grounded roots. Yet remember, when you go with the flow, sometimes you can inadvertently end up drowning in the Gulf of the Unknown.
Finding Strength in Grounding
This may sound like political. Yet, it is not meant to be. To master the winds of change, one needs both sides of a paradigm. Tension must move us from behind toward a direction that instills the intent of hope towards its aim. Strength needs to be present, but I do not believe in what is seen. Instead, that strength needs grounding, something that is sorely missing on the underside of most social arguments heard these days. As Teddy Roosevelt once said,
Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick
Theodore Roosevelt
While this may be a calling to arms, as Mr. Roosevelt showed in his diplomacy, it also finds its roots in wise basis. There is strength to be shown, but never used. You cannot negotiate with howling winds. You must simply know the art of setting clear boundaries so that you may shift in perspective with the winds that will change. Exercising patience is key in such situations.
Create Grounding through Flexibility
On the opposite end, we must find flexibility when we deal with the winds of change. If we do not, we are doomed to break under the rigidity that hulking strength can create. This creates an inflexible force. Either way, a poor outcome is imminent. An oak finds difficulty standing its ground in a hurricane. In the same way, a sapling, unless properly grounded, will never withstand even the blow of a birthday wish. Yet, as my last children’s story, The Willow and the Humble Reed, adopted from Aesop’s Fable suggests, sometimes it is in our flexibility that we learn to master the bellowing winds. Through patience, we learn flexibility.
Where’s your grounding? Is it strength based? Is it found in flexibility. Neither side is right. Neither side is wrong. What is important, is that you nurture both sides of paradox. Your primary, and yes that secondary personality function is where your inner gold lies.
Patience and Harnessing the Force
Whether conscious of its effects or not, we are surrounded by forces for which we adapt. Yet, in adaptation, we can learn to harness these forces for the betterment of our individual and collective existence. To exercise patience requires an effort of adaptation.
Winds, waves, tides, gravity, and fire are all forms of energy. All of them are potent and life-threatening if left unchecked. However, I cannot help but wonder what world we may have if we used 1/15 versus 1/10 of our brain power to solve problems rather than the ego’s ideal. This persuades other sides towards an immediate and simple aim. How would that world look?
To Harness the elements of patience
There is a philosophy behind the Japanese Martial Art Aikido. It encourages one to move with their opponent so that they may naturally conclude in their natural aim. It is that peaceful philosophy behind it that makes it an art so adept in dissolving conflict. However, even in that art, there is an apex moment where the tension of the boundary arises (the immovable force). Due to the inertia of the opponent’s energy, that force sweeps them under the weight of intent. This neutralizes their opposition. What a beautiful use of wind and gravity that Aikido represents.
This art also represents the fluid nature by which water will rush towards the zenith point of least resistance. We are all governed by gravity. It pulls, not pushes towards the lowest point. Water is also a powerful force, capable of moving mountains solely because of its unrelenting presence over time. It is beautifully fluid within nature.
Lastly, there is fire. What a powerful element this represents. They say we stole fire from the Gods. Prometheus was his name. You know, that was a true scandal. However, even in Prometheus’ blunder, we see the seeds sewn of passion. It is the element of spirit that lifts the soul from its lowly of places. I wonder if that is what Father de Chardin meant when he said, “we shall harness for God the energies of love, and then, for a second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
Concluding Thoughts on Patience and Mastery
In a world dominated by haste and instant gratification, the virtues of patience and mastery over the elements of change are all the more essential. As we navigate the winds of our lives, we are called to embrace our duality and mend its nature. The strength of steadfastness combined with the grace of flexibility creates the means to harness those forces that God gave at our disposal. Each moment presents an opportunity to gather wisdom from the challenges we face. This encourages growth through experience.
Throughout history, figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin have illuminated paths toward understanding the delicate balance of human existence. They blend power with compassion, intellect with emotion, and use natural forces to create movement towards an end. By harnessing the elemental forces of patience, love, and adaptability, we may cultivate a clearer vision for the future. This deepens our connections with one another and God himself.
Ultimately, patience is not merely the absence of action but a deliberative engagement with the world around us. It is a journey of self-discovery, where we learn to appreciate the complexities of life. There is beauty in the gradual unfolding of that inner being that God calls us to be. As we embrace both ground and sky, strength and fluidity, and the natural elements, let us strive to be the architects of a more thoughtful and compassionate existence. We should draw upon the timeless wisdom that lies within us all.
May the blessings of patience find you on your journey. Envision, chart a course, and advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.
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