DW's Blog

Waiting Equation

by DW Green — March 1, 2017

So much of life is about awareness

Yep waiting is annoying. I know I can get upset and annoyed when I feel I’ve had to wait too long. Waiting is a commonplace occurrence. Having to wait “for something” happens practically everyday. And for sure businesses should do their best to minimize waiting…being respectful for customers’ time.

The other side of the waiting equation, the personal side, and maybe the more important side, is our personal reaction to the WAIT. For me, it’s about being present and aware of my initial and unconditioned response to the situation at hand. Rather than getting mad or upset over something that I have little control, I need to relax, take a deep breath or two, and respond accordingly. If I choose not to wait, I can leave. If I can’t choose to leave, like being in a traffic jam, I can choose to accept the situation for what is and stay calm. Resisting the natural flow of things (of life) is not healthy. I need to remember that my time isn’t more valuable or precious than yours, or anyone else’s. Easier said than done!

Gaining patience can be transformative to your overall life experience. So much of life is about awareness, growth, and learning—these are the things that are always going on behind the scenes.

When you want things to happen in your life, you can prolong the process by giving your attention and energy to the frustration you feel about waiting. The waiting is not the problem. It’s how you deal with it, how you see it.

Practicing patience shifts your attention away from the stress and frustration. Acting with patience is a way of telling life that you are in charge. You are in no hurry, there is no distress—only peace and confidence in your truth.

“A man who is master of patience is master of everything else.”—George Savile