The Importance of Patience – A Spiritual Perspective

Cultivating Patience in a Restless World*

In a world that pulsates with the frenetic rhythm of deadlines, instant gratification, and constant stimulation, patience often feels like a wilting flower in the parched landscape of our lives. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of our desires and anxieties, a profound truth blooms: patience is not a passive virtue, but a potent spiritual seed, capable of nourishing our inner journey and transforming our relationship with the world.

Rumi’s concept of “fana,” the annihilation of the ego, is deeply intertwined with the practice of patience. He teaches us that our impatience stems from the false belief in our own separateness. We crave control, desiring things to unfold according to our own plans and timelines. But fana requires the surrender of this egoic need, the acceptance that life unfolds not on our terms, but according to a Divine rhythm. This surrender is not weakness, but a release, a letting go that allows the seeds of our desires to be planted in the fertile soil of patience, where they can blossom in their own time.

Echoing Rumi’s wisdom, Eckhart Tolle emphasizes the power of being present. He reminds us that impatience arises from  our constant mental chatter about what has happened or what might happen. This mental noise drowns out the beauty and lessons of the present moment, where patience truly resides. By anchoring ourselves in the “now,” we become open to the unfolding of life, accepting whatever arises with a quiet trust and understanding. This is not resignation, but a conscious surrender to the present moment, where patience can take root and flourish.

Michael A. Singer, in his book “The Untethered Soul”  emphasizes that impatience is often fueled by our attachment to outcomes. We desire specific results, and when things don’t go our way, frustration and anger arise. Michael encourages us to cultivate “equanimity,” a state of inner peace that remains unshaken by external circumstances. By letting go of our attachments to outcomes, we allow ourselves to experience life with acceptance and patience, recognizing that each moment, even the seemingly “negative” ones, hold opportunities for growth and learning.

Rumi offers this reflection:

“Be patient with the unfoldings of life, as if you were opening a precious gift.”

If we listen closely, we can hear the whispers of stillness, the voice of patience urging us to surrender to the flow. This surrender is not about becoming inactive, but about aligning ourselves with the larger rhythm of life, trusting that  any challenging situation is for our spiritual growth.

Rumi also reminds us that “the rose blooms in patience,” its fragrance a testament to the transformative power of waiting. Patience allows us to be present in our relationships, offering genuine care and attention without expectation. It allows us to navigate challenges with perseverance, knowing that difficulties are not permanent obstacles, but stepping stones on our path. It allows us to embrace and be in awe the beauty of the natural world.

Patience is not a luxury, but a necessity on the spiritual path. It is a spiritual practice that requires us to face our fears, surrender our attachments, and trust in the unfolding of life. It is the seed that blossoms into inner peace, the gentle rain that nourishes compassion, and the bridge that connects us to the divine rhythm of life.

Choose LOve

Patsy/Purnima Griffiths

*Thanks to Bard (2023) and Jane Ewins for writing this blog.