I can honestly tell you that I am not the most patient person around. I can be very impatient and short with my temper, and I been that way as long as I can remember. In fact, it sort of runs in the family.
However, over the years and working with people, I cannot explain how or why my impatience does not seem to rise, in a teaching situation. Perhaps I have learnt to be open and be patient. I listen and strive to hear what they have to say, and to understand. I very much drop into what is happening in front of me during a class, or during a workshop, and if I don’t have the answer, I look to work with the person involved to find a solution.
Yet, when I am at home and with loved ones, the story is most likely the opposite!
Don’t we tend to take our loved ones for granted? Well, this is something I must bear in the forefront of my mind all the time. I get so caught up in what I am doing at any given time. I then get wound up by the slightest thing. Perhaps it is because I am tired. Perhaps it is because I put aside my “teaching” hat and just want to chill and not teach.
Perhaps I am just an impatient person.
And, those close to me are a mirror of myself.
So, when I read this quote, it brought a smile to my face. I may start using this whenever I find myself getting impatient or frustrated.
Now, I am not saying that it is a way of passing on the blame to other person, but it does lighten the feeling in myself. I guess it is a little like imagining your audience is naked if you are nervous delivering a presentation?!
This is certain work-in-progress for me. To be patient, to be kind. I can be in a teaching environment, but not so at home or even with myself, on and off the mat. So, the more I practice patience and kindness toward myself, I should see an improvement in my patience and kindness towards those I love.
What do you think?
