Brainwave #4
Patience is a virtue often associated with waiting, but it’s much more profound than mere inaction. It’s about being resilient in the face of life’s jumble, much like a candle flame returning to its stillness after a frenzied dance in the wind . In this blog post, we’ll explore the Standing Candle Method as a metaphor for understanding patience and discuss various forms of patience we encounter in life.
Patience of the Breath:
- The breath, often taken for granted, holds immense power in cultivating patience. By attaining a controlled state of inhaling and exhaling, we ground ourselves to the pulse of our breath and connect with the rhythm of nature. Being mindful of our breath not only influences our internal state but also affects those around us. A simple, effective breath control method includes acknowledging the qualities of each inhalation and exhalation – such as speed, duration, texture, softness, fluidity, etc – thus deepening our connection to our inner life force.
Patience of Movement:
- Every action we take is a reflection of our thoughts. Patience of movement involves aligning our actions with our intentions. By critically assessing our actions in relation to our thoughts, we can avoid impulsive reactions and act with grace and purpose. Moving in rhythm with gratitude and kindness directs our mindset to involve with such experiences in return.
Patience of Thought:
- Our minds are often consumed by the need to analyze, solve, or ruminate. Patience of thought entails resting the mind from this incessant chatter and embracing the idea of unanswered questions as opportunities for redirection toward more enriching contemplations. By allowing our minds to disengage from the cyclic nature of thought, we invite a state of emptiness – a mental clarity akin to the Stoic concept of apatheia—and create space for the wisdom conveyed by the universal vibration to permeate our consciousness.
Patience of Emotion:
- Emotions, though powerful, can often cloud our judgment and lead to impulsive decisions. Patience of emotion involves stepping back from the constant engagement with our feelings and recognizing them for what they are—transient experiences influenced by our perceptions. By harnessing awareness of our emotions and learning to balance them, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with equanimity. An effective practice involves reflecting at the end of each day, listing the emotions experienced and identifying the triggers (in one word) behind them. Then, mark those you wish to cultivate with a tick and those you seek to minimize with a cross.
Patience of the Outer:
- Emotions, though powerful, can often cloud our judgment and lead to impulsive decisions. Patience of emotion involves stepping back from the constant engagement with our feelings and recognizing them for what they are—transient experiences influenced by our perceptions. By harnessing awareness of our emotions and learning to balance them, we can navigate life’s ups and downs with equanimity. An effective practice involves reflecting at the end of each day, listing the emotions experienced and identifying the triggers (in one word) behind them. Then, mark those you wish to cultivate with a tick and those you seek to minimize with a cross.
The Standing Candle Method offers a profound perspective on patience, reminding us of the importance of remaining steadfast amidst life’s turbulence. By embracing patience in its various forms—of breath, movement, thought, emotion, and the outer world—we can cultivate resilience, clarity, and harmony in our lives. Like the flame that dances in the wind yet remains unwavering, may we too embody the essence of patience and radiate tranquility in every aspect of our being.
