Patience is a Virtue

I was thinking about the word 'patience' and the true meaning of it. Literally, by looking at the philosophical thinking. I can admit that I can be really patient but at the same time I can be someone who's so impatient. Maybe that's because the Gemini characteristics that I have. However, when talking about patience, we often hear the statement: "Patience is a Virtue". Have you ever wonder why it is a virtue? Some say that because patience makes us a better person. It makes us being able to stretch our level of tolerance towards others. What do you think about a person who always be patient towards others? Is it possible that at some point in time, the person will be running out of patience and just blow up? But as a human, we can always learn to control our mind, thoughts and feelings. Below is an article regarding how can one practice his/her patience level. From my point of view, breathe is the most effective way to calm yourself and therefore be patient. How about you? Which one of the methods below suits you?

• Recognize and surrender. So many of us are impatient because we're spoiled. We become rash and annoyed because we want things our way and right away; we often hurry in a bid to control our lives, or the outcomes of our actions. But by doing this we limit our identity to a small, insecure, anxious part of ourselves. Staying stuck in this small, limited part means that we have failed to expand our sense of self. We can tap into a larger wiser self that can plan, soothe, and choose what to do in any given situation.
• Listen. Before putting yourself forward, be sure you understand your circumstances. Listen to what others have to say. And listen to your higher self. Don't be so quick to react. Respond instead. Patience involves holding back a hasty reply to someone and accepting the differences in others. Use internal strength to calm yourself rather than let something or someone get the better of you. Really, what's the point? If you look at the bigger picture, the situation is probably not worth your salt.

• Breathe. Be aware of your emotions. When you find yourself becoming impatient, angry, or irritable, take a deep breath and let it out slowly. In. Out. Breathe deep into your belly. Nice and easy. If you've already flown off the handle, you'll probably need several deep breathes. Try breathing in for three seconds, holding it in for five and then letting it out for seven breaths. Tell yourself to relax. Scan your body for tension and invite it to release.
• Gentle simplicity. Keep life simple. Don't over-schedule. Give yourself room. Give people the benefit of the doubt and you can avoid complications in relationships. Tell the truth and you won't have so much to remember. Be kind to yourself and cut yourself some slack. Do the same for others.
• Negative vs. positive. Waiting is probably the biggest act that tests our patience. Waiting to heal, waiting for a phone call, waiting to mail a package at the post office. Some think patience is about grinning and bearing it. Wrong. It's about chewing and smelling it. In other words, turning a negative into a positive.

(source from californiapsychics.com - images via justbesplendid.tumblr)