When I think of patience, I generally think of being stuck in line at the DMV or a traffic jam. How do I keep from becoming agitated in a situation where the rest of the world isn't moving as quickly as I'd like it to? While this type of patience is important, it is a small and short-term version of a far larger concept. Patience can extend over the course of years, even decades. We can practice (yes I said practice) patience with ourselves, with others and with situations and circumstances.
In the practice of yoga, patience compliments persistence. While we stay the course over time (persistence) we must also recognize the role and value of that time. We make better progress if we do not push ourselves too hard in the hopes of accomplishment. It is better to go gently and patiently, understanding the power of continuous, repeated effort over time. We must also practice patience with ourselves. We naturally set goals and strive toward them, and that means we naturally become frustrated along the way. We don't live up to our hopes or expectations; we struggle with focus or persistence or progress. It is during these periods that we must be patient. We must remember what the goal is and what the path is (each of us is different in this regard). Almost always, continued effort toward the goal is more important than our temporary setbacks.
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This journal honors my ongoing experience with the practice, study and teaching of yoga.
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