The Paradox of Patience

Hi, and welcome to your Daily Mindfulness. Today I'm going to talk about the paradox of patience. So I'm going to read a short poem to you by American songwriter, Portia Nelson, and as I speak, just see what it evokes in you. The poem's called Autobiography in Five Short Chapters. Chapter One.

I walked down the street and there's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I'm lost. I'm helpless and it isn't my fault. It takes me forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two. I walked down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don't see it. I fall in again.

I can't believe I'm in the same place, but it isn't my fault. It still takes a really long time to get out. Chapter Thre. I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it's there. I still fall in. It's a habit, but my eyes are open. I know where I am. It's my fault.

I get out immediately. Chapter Four, I walk down the same street. There's a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. Chapter Five.

I walk down another street. So just noticing if anything about this poem resonates with you. For me, it speaks to a truth about how change unfolds in our lives. We can't force habits to change. We can't control when our wounds will heal, when our big insights or breakthroughs will come.

All we can really do is keep creating the conditions for these things to unfold. And then allowing the passing of time to grow the seeds of change in our lives. You know, the problem here, the challenge is, is that a lot of us tend to live our lives, pushing for a certain outcome, trying to get results quickly. But when it comes to training our mind, that kind of clinging for a certain outcome can actually be very counterproductive. In fact, the more we try to force change or cling to the idea of change, often the less present and calm we are in each moment.

It's a bit of a paradox. But the more we are with ourselves, the more we set up the right conditions for positive change to unfold. So the next time you sit to meditate, instead of trying to force change, or really strive or push for a future result, see if you can bring the qualities of acceptance, patience, and trust into your practice, knowing that every time we practice mindfulness, we're setting up the right conditions for positive change to happen. And then just letting go of any expectations of how long that should take, or even if it will happen. Instead, just abiding patiently, openheartedly and compassionately with yourself, just as you are right here and now.

So as always, thank you for your practice and your presence here with us. And now let's settle in for today's meditation.