Patience In School

vs. restlessness

Taking the time necessary to work through a difficult situation

To practice Patience, I will:

• change the things I can change and accept the things I cannot
• keep trying until I succeed
• make the most of my wait time
• not interrupt
• not complain during delays

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Mindfulness as a Means to Patience

By Sandra Szczygiel, MS, LPCC-S

Mindfulness is a term frequently heard in today’s busy lifestyle but what does it actually mean and why are people talking about it?  Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations in the current moment without judgement. Key aspects of mindfulness include present moment awareness, non-judgmental observation of what is happening inside and outside of yourself, acceptance, and intentional focus.  One can do this in just a few minutes (or even seconds) via meditation, body scans, mindful breathing, guided imagery or really any way that works for an individual. Mindfulness can readily be integrated into a daily routine. 

But why is mindfulness getting so much attention?  Mindfulness actually improves focus/attention, emotional regulation, depression/anxiety, insomnia, pain, hypertension; increases self-awareness and enhances wellbeing. But what does this have to do with patience?  Mindfulness leads to patience by overcoming restlessness. After practicing Mindfulness, one is now ready to take the time necessary to work through a difficult situation. 

Reference: Mayo Clinic, Healthy Lifestyle, Consumer Health- Mindfulness Exercises