‘If you can fast and you can wait, everything will come to you.’
– Herman Hesse (in his book Siddharta)
LIFE has finally begun to teach me patience. I learned this by living in the present moment, without anxiously focusing on future tasks or hurriedly trying to make up for lost time. I realised that if I concentrate on today and make it meaningful, treating each day as the best day of my life as if no other day matters, then my tomorrows improve and my yesterdays become sweeter.
Perhaps this is one of the best aspects of growing older. In a world defined by its fast pace and instant gratification, we didn’t appreciate the age-old saying “patience is a virtue” when we were younger. It’s like solving a mystery as we face numerous challenges in life and understand why, as Herman Hesse said in his famous book Siddharta, “If you can fast and you can wait, everything will come to you.”
Patience, often associated with the wisdom of the East, holds a special place in Asian philosophy and tradition. Many Asian cultures have revered patience as a fundamental virtue, recognizing that it nurtures personal growth and fosters harmony in human relationships. Whether it’s the Chinese concept of “辛勤” (xīnqín) representing hard work and endurance or the Japanese practice of “忍耐” (ninnai), the concept of patience is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the region.
The vastness and complexity of the universe teach us that the grandest and most profound aspects of existence often require time to unfold. From the birth of stars and galaxies to the evolution of life on our planet, the universe embodies patience. It serves as a reminder that, in a world yearning for instant results, patience can bring us closer to the true beauty of existence.
The first reason why patience is a virtue is that it allows us to appreciate the intricate beauty that surrounds us. When we rush through life, we often overlook the subtle details and gradual transformations that make our world so captivating. Asian philosophy emphasises mindfulness and being fully present in each moment, cherishing the simplicity of life. By slowing down and embracing patience, we can witness the exquisite beauty in everyday moments, such as the gentle unfurling of a flower’s petals or the calming rhythm of ocean waves.
Furthermore, patience is crucial for personal growth. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” In our journey through life, we encounter challenges and setbacks that test our determination. Without patience, we may stumble in the face of adversity, missing out on valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Similar to the lotus flower that blooms in muddy waters, we can discover our inner beauty and resilience when we patiently weather life’s storms.
Cultivating patience in our daily lives also fosters harmonious relationships. In a world characterised by haste and impatience, conflicts can arise from misunderstandings and a lack of empathy. When we practise patience, we become better listeners and communicators, enabling us to connect with others on a deeper level. Asian cultures emphasise the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in social interactions, with patience playing a crucial role in achieving this.
The Asian concept of “和” (hé), which means harmony, reminds us that patience is the bridge to understanding and unity. In our fast-paced world, taking the time to understand the perspectives and needs of others can prevent conflicts and promote cooperation, ultimately enhancing the beauty of our shared human experience.
To turn patience into a habit, we must recognise its significance and consciously integrate it into our daily lives. One effective way to achieve this is through meditation. Mindfulness meditation, deeply rooted in Asian traditions, encourages us to center ourselves in the present moment, fostering patience and awareness. It is a practice that invites us to embrace the natural rhythm of life and appreciate its beauty.
Meditation used to seem boring and intimidating to me. I wondered how anyone could sit quietly and do nothing. When I finally tried it, it was out of desperation. My mind was spinning out of control due to anxiety and depression, and I couldn’t sleep for nights. My therapist recommended meditation to calm my mind.
It required patience to sit still for 20 minutes and delve deep within myself. And that’s what saved me. The ability to be still and become one with the universe. Learning to find patience led to the skill of meditation, which in turn led to a discovery of my true self. It saved me and set me on a transformative journey to become the best version of myself.
As the saying goes, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” I couldn’t agree more.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
